HOLY, er, um, CRAP

This is just too funny.

"If an alien came from space and studied the bacterial counts," the professor says, "he probably would conclude he should wash his hands in your toilet and crap in your sink."

It seems that a professor has studied the germs that swirl around in the air after you flush the toilet, along with all of the germs in your house. Especially public toilets. I'd like to have taken a class from the guy. Right up there with Prof Frank G.

H/T The Corner and The Straight Dope

Of Cow Farts and Vegetarians

Vegetarians. Sounds weird, but this is America, and to each his own.

But I'm getting tired of the commercials on TV saying that we will stop global warming if we all stop eating meat. Because then we'll stop raising cows for meat, who will then not fart, which will save the planet. As the website says, cow farts are a larger contributor to global warming than all of the "cars, trucks, SUVs, trains, planes and ships in the world combined".

I'm gonna order a double cheeseburger with chili. What the hell.

There are crazies out there...and they're everywhere.

Cracker Jacks

H/T Moonbattery

CBO to Obama: Drop Dead

Well, the good old Congressional Budget Office has stuck it to Obama again. Not that I'm complaining. The CBO is a non-partisan office whose job is to "score" legislation -- that is, tell Congress what the laws they think up would cost. So Obama submitted the latest version of his health care fiasco to CBO to see how much would be saved. $2 billion!!!! Wow! You know, that's a lot of money.

Except -- well, it's less than 1% of the projected spending. Not that I would turn down $2 billion if they sent me the check. But it doesn't mean squat compared to the trillions they plan on spending. $1,000,000,000,000. That's a trillion. Big number, huh? Comrade Zero just can't catch a break...which is a good thing.

I saw a line that made me stop cold. Here's a screen shot:

The highlight is mine. Stop and think about that line for a nanosecond. CBO says that savings can come by "reducing the quantity and intensity of services provided".

In English: You want to save money? Stop paying for stuff.

Like your blood pressure medicine, or your cholesterol medicine, or your diabetes testing strips. Or just a damn MRI to see if you have torn your rotator cuff...let alone the surgery to fix it.

Folks, if you're not pissed off about this, you are not paying attention.
Be afraid of Comrade Obama. Be very afraid.

Here's a link to the CBO website where you can get the entire letter.

H/T Politico

US ARMY new UAV

Here's a new VTOL drone that's in testing.


This is pretty cool. It can carry up to 4 Hellfire missiles, and can cruise at 400 knots. That's pretty slick. Others are slower and carry fewer missiles, or, like the Reaper, can carry 14 Hellfires. But this is the only VTOL. This would provide greater flexibility in getting them closer to the battlefield, and allow a unit to deploy one in an independent support role. As in, "Oh sh*t, let's get that thing airborne NOW".

Here's some video from YouTube.

H/T FoxNew

Fight Tyranny and Gov't Intervention

Sound almost like a lefty screed? Almost...

Here's an idea.

(Doesn't have the same effect as the old lightbulb picture, does it?)

THE BOSS and I are stocking up on on incandescent bulbs...mostly because CFL bulbs suck (we've tried 'em), but I have to admit that it gives me great pleasure to know that I'll be thumbing my nose at the idiots in Washington, as they try to require us to switch.

I also like this web site:

Only one problem...would sending these to the EPA qualify as shipping hazardous materials through the mail?

Damned if I do, damned if I don't. Figures.

H/T Sendyourlightbulbstowashington.com

Obama Shoots Foot; Health Plan Won't Cover

He screwed the pooch tonight. Conservatives don't have to fight too hard after this pathetic performance; he was so bad tonight that the American public will walk away saying, "No way, no how".

He ducked the direct question of "will you require the Administration to abide by the public option?". If he had said "yes", the public might -- might -- have said, "OK, we'll try it". That was his Waterloo.

And saying that maybe a child's tonsils should not be taken out, but that there are other options? I can tell you that when I was 8 and my tonsils were taken out, there were no other options -- except for me to suffer through ear infections, sore throats, etc.

Put a fork in the current Health Care Bill...it's done.

There are How Many Types of People?

You either get it, or you don't.

H/T Wired

Stop Digging

You know the old saying...when you're in a hole and over your head, STOP DIGGING!

H/T The Foundry

Obamacare

H/T GetLiberty.org

Eat My Boxer Shorts

To: Mr. Harry C Alford
Fr: Texan in Wisconsin
Sj: Truth to Power

Mr. Alford:

I commend your honesty, bravery, and coolness under fire. These traits reflect well on your experience in the United States Army. I know many soldiers and civilians who hold you in high esteem for your no-b.s. response to Ma'am Boxer. Bravo, sir.



I'm going to make a contribution to the National Black Chamber of Commerce in the name of a fallen soldier.

H/T This Ain't Hell

Overdue Praise

I'm at DFW, waiting for a flight to Toronto. I noticed that the crash trucks were rolling, and waiting by the side of the runway. Turns out that an American Airlines MD-80 landed without incident...the trucks followed the plane to the gate next to mine.

Remember the firefighters and emergency personnel who are waiting to put their lives on the line to protect yours.

PS. Notice on the right side of the picture that my plane is not here yet. Terrific.

Buy a Ford

I had an earlier post about buying a new Ford SUV. I've got 160k+ miles on the Suburban.

It's about time for a new truck. The air conditioning belt shredded at 11pm on Thursday night as we were driving from Wisconsin to Dallas. That last 6 hours with no a/c in 104 degree heat (through Oklahoma, no less!) was pretty warm.



I'm buying a Ford while I'm down here in Dallas. Not because of this commercial...but to support it.

H/T Moonbattery

Annie, Get yer Gun

Texas has a CCW law. So does Michigan, Arizona, Oklahoma...I could go on for 48 states. Only Illinois and Wisconsin do not give you the automatic right to get a Concealed Carry Permit (assuming you pass the test, and can prove you're not a felon). In Wisconsin, your local sheriff can give you a carry permit, but good luck getting one, unless you're a former cop. Sigh. Thanks, Gov Pea-Brain.

I saw a post over at Exurban League about new carry laws in Arizona:

• If you have your CCW, you can carry concealed into bars or restaurants that serve alcohol as long as they don't post otherwise and you yourself don't drink.
• You can have a gun in your car, even if your workplace bans them in the office itself.
• You can use a defensive display of your CCW gun and warn an attacker as a trip-wire between confrontation and engagement.

As Kevin (who wrote it) notes, these are sensible, reasonable, and needed laws. Except you have to be able to get a CCW, ya know? My brother-in-law, over in Michigan, just shakes his head and packs his pistol away when he comes down to see us. Yet when I go up to our hunting grounds in Michigan, he's got it. I don't blame him...I would too, if I could get one.

What in the world are Gov Doyle, Senator Feingold, and Senator Kohl afraid of?



My little-ole H&K? Naw.

Remembering Tony Snow, Patricia Buckley Bozell, and Staff Sgt Eric Linstrom

UPDATED BELOW:

I'm a big fan of Tony Snow...I use the present tense, even though Tony died a year ago yesterday (July 12th). I go back over his writing from time to time to recall what we mean by "decent", "honest", "fair", and "principled" when these words are used to describe the president's press secretary. Many people ask if we are related, and, sadly no, we are not. But I always had the feeling that he was talking to me when he was answering a question or giving a speech. Tony had that gift...to talk without being preach-y, and to get to the point without flourishes. Would that I could speak half as well.

Patricia Buckley Bozell also died a year ago on July 12th. She was the sister of William F Buckley, Jr. I had no occasion to meet her or to know her, but I hear she was all class. I did meet her son Brent III in the Reagan National Airport early in 2008. I have been a big fan of his for years, and he also went to college in Dallas, so we may have met before that day at National. I simply introduced myself and told him I was a fan. He was gracious and courteous...unlike how I would be if interrupted in the middle of a quick meal before a flight.

Later that afternoon, I was in the security line (a long one at National, as usual). Brent came up to the front of the line, and started asking folks if he could go ahead, as his plane had been changed and he would miss it if he didn't go through immediately. I doubt most people recognized him (no insult to Brent; I simply heard many say "glad I'm not in his shoes" instead of "wow, there goes Brent Bozell!"). When he asked the assembled crowd if it was ok to go to the front, I joked "sure...for five bucks". He had this panicked look on his face, but then he recognized me from earlier and waved a friendly wave, and called me by name. Now, how many folks do you get introduced to in a week for the first time where you remember his or her name? I was impressed. I didn't even buy him a beer!

The US lost one soldier yesterday. He or she has not been identified as of this writing.

UPDATE:

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Eric J. Lindstrom, 27, of Flagstaff, Ariz., died July 12 near Barge Matal, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his dismounted patrol using small arms and indirect fire. He was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 32^nd Infantry Regiment, 3^rd Brigade Combat Team, 10^th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

For more information media may contact the Fort Drum Public Affairs Office at (315) 772-8286.

RIP SGT LINDSTROM. I will remember you each and every day, but especially on July 12. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice to keep us free.

I'm telling this story because my birthday was yesterday, and I now associate that day with these four people...Tony Snow, Patricia and Brent Bozell, and that unknown soldier (I'll update this post when I learn the name of the soldier). These are not happy thoughts, but grateful, and not maudlin. I simply recalled yesterday that while we were celebrating, there were not a few families who have sad memories of July 12th. For those, we say a prayer on my birthday. Then we make a toast to those friends and family present and gone, and celebrate life!

Obamanation - The Song

Pretty good tune.



My favorite line: "I hunt deer, and on the weekends I drink beer". Amen, brother.

H/T Hot Air

Michael Jackson Memorial Service (yawn)

Here's what the Washington Post says will be the TV programming highlights for today. I've listed what I'll be doing during each segment.

PRE-MEMORIAL SERVICE

6 a.m. "American Morning" (CNN) kicks off with Kiran Chetry in Los Angeles.

(I'll be sleeping, like most sane Americans.)

7 a.m. "The Early Show" (CBS) with Maggie Rodriguez and Harry Smith joins in from the Staples Center, and so does Meredith Vieira on "Today" (NBC).

(Still sleeping...hey, I'm up late...it's 3.30 am here.)

11 a.m. MSNBC has Chris Jansing reporting live.

(Working: Conference call with London office. I know -- working is something foreign to Michael Jackson and most of his fans -- but that's another story.)

12 p.m. MTV and VH1 air a collection of Jackson's greatest hits and interviews; Shepard Smith starts coverage on Fox News Channel; BET begins "Forever the King: Memorial to Michael Jackson" with celebrity guest interviews; Anderson Cooper, Larry King, Don Lemon and Soledad O'Brien are on CNN; "The Bachelor" host Chris Harris anchors on TV Guide.

(Working: I have a day job, and it's 10-12 hours a day.)

MEMORIAL SERVICE

1 p.m. The service at the Staples Center has no end time, but some are projecting 2:30 p.m.; networks and channels airing the service include ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, CNN, CNN Headline News, Fox News Channel, E!, TV Guide, TV One, MTV, VH1, VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, Telemundo and Univision.

(Still working. What? You think I'm gonna turn this crap on? No way...I'm turning on CSPAN and hope to catch New York's Rep Peter King say something about MJ.)

POST-MEMORIAL SERVICE

6:30 p.m. "CBS Evening News With Katie Couric" has coverage, as does "Nightly News With Brian Williams" (NBC).

(While savoring a nice thick steak, I'll tune in Fox News to watch coverage of the riots.)

9 p.m. "20/20" (ABC) has a special edition hosted by Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters.

(I'll be watching Hannity. Nuff said.)

10 p.m. "Primetime: Family Secrets" (ABC) focuses on the custody battle over Jackson's children with Debbie Rowe; "On the Record with Greta Van Susteren" (Fox News Channel) reports from Los Angeles; Lester Holt reports on "Dateline" with reaction from fans.

(Greta? Nope...will be watching Larry Kudlow on the TIVO.)

Doesn't anyone else think this whole MJ thing is a waste of time?
These folks need to get jobs...jeez, we could take unemployment back below 5%.

Now I'm Un-American

The LA Times called me "un-American" for supporting TEA Parties. He's not worth going to jail over, so I won't punch this punk in the mouth.

Here's the quote:

In such a climate, it strikes me as . . . well, almost un-American to be griping so vehemently about helping those less fortunate. Were this a war, we'd all dig a little deeper to buy guns and battleships.

Well, we're in a war, and we've got to dig a little deeper to provide jobs and economic band-aids. We will. When pressed, we are a pretty amazing country.

I'd be happy to dig a little deeper...and help out someone who needs it. It's called community service, and it's best left to your church, your local volunteer groups, your personal choice...anyone except Washington. If they didn't take 50% of my pay and waste half of that, I wouldn't bitch so much.

The good news? No one reads the LATimes any more, so no one will know I'm un-American.

Read the whole thing (if you have your laugh reflex in check).

H/T American Power

Dear Senator Murkowski: STFU

I like Sarah Palin. I think she's been a good governor, and I voted for her in the Presidential election (Lord knows, I didn't vote for McCain). Texans and Alaskans like one another; we like the can-do attitudes, and we both have a great oil bidnez that rewards wildcatters and those who take chances. We admire self-reliance, and don't like handouts

I was therefore very interested in her resignation from Alaska's governors office. I don't know why she did it, and I don't really go in for a lot of speculation. Folks that guess others' motives typically guess wrong. So I thought I'd wait until Ms. Palin tells us why she's doing this.

Now we hear from Alaska Senator Murkowski:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today made the following statement after Gov. Sarah Palin’s announcement that she plans to step down as governor later this month.

“I am deeply disappointed that the Governor has decided to abandon the State and her constituents before her term has concluded.”

Sen. Murkowski is in interior Alaska and communicating via satellite phone and is unavailable for follow up questions. She will be available on Monday afternoon.

Since I don't know Palin's motives, and I don't think Murkowski does, either, I think that Lisa-baby should shut her pie-hole until we find out a little more. What if there's a medical reason for Palin to step down (God forbid)? Murkowski would end up needing a bucket of barbecue sauce to eat those words. It's hard enough defending against all of the Democraps who are trying to make sure Palin has no credibility should she run again. We don't need fellow Republicans piling on.

I'm happy to give Palin time to tell us all what's up. Until then, let's all concentrate on seeing that Obama fails.

H/T The Corner

Happy Independence Day

Say a prayer for those who are in harm's way, defending our rights -- and for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure we survive as a beacon of freedom in the world.

A Sickness at Google

It must be a disease they have over at Google. What else could explain their total lack of patriotism? They have no sense of the freedoms that this country offers. Those same freedoms are the reasons Sergey Brin and crew are billionaires, and many, many employees are millionaires. I know he's Russian, but he's enjoying all of the freedom and liberty this country offers, and they can't come up with something better than this?


Seriously, it's not about a picnic!

I worked for a company that was bought up by Google. My fellow employees were hard-working, loyal and patriotic Americans. We also had a few foreigners (mostly Chinese) who were so grateful to be in the US, grateful for the opportunities that this great land gave them.

How does an institution get this tone deaf?

Government Motors Marketing Campaign

I received this letter in email from the President of GM America:
(click to enlarge)

The gist of the letter is that because I'm an existing GM owner, he wants to assure me that he would like to earn my business when I buy a new truck. And that it's business as usual at GM. Except for one little detail...see it? It's the part where he assures me that my new vehicle will be covered with a "US government-backed warranty". If that doesn't make you want to run away from the showroom, you're from Russia.



Needless to say, I'm not too happy with Gov't Motors. I wish my tax dollars didn't go there. I especially dislike the Nazi tactics around closing dealers. How can you justify the government stepping into a valid, legal contract between two private parties?

Anyway, I thought I'd take this opportunity to express my displeasure. So here's what I wrote:




Of course, it was silly of me to expect a real answer. This is what I got.


And that part about "we will have a response to you very shortly"? Still waiting. It's been 3 weeks.

But that's what kind of delay I would expect at the Parts Dept at Government Motors.

How's that Stimulus Working for Ya?

H/T CafePress

And Now for Something Completely Different

About the time they see Lost in Space, they'll come looking for us...



I guess we're going to find out if the Klingons like how they look on TV.
(Click for larger).

H/T Abstruse Goose

Invitation to President Obama

Here's what THE BOSS is proposing:

I am inviting President Obama and any of his staff to our home for an hour long Townhall Meeting. The citizens at this meeting will be from the families living in our cul-de-sac. We will be asking questions that will NOT be given to you or your staff prior to this meeting. We want you to look us in the eye and answer our questions. We will pay to hire an independent person to video tape this meeting; after the meeting the tape will be released to all television stations that request a copy.

President Obama, do you have the nerve to go one on one with middle class, hard working families living in middle America?

It's up to you.

Take it, run with it, put it up on your blog. This is Wisconsin, for God's sake, one of the most liberal states in the nation. He should be comfortable here.

We're going to fax this to the White House. What are the odds?