Eleven and a Half Hours

December 23, 2008 will go down as a day of infamy for the Nasty family.

That's the day we drove west to Indianapolis to stay the night before we flew to Florida. We gassed up at Casey's on the east part of town and left the parking lot at 11:45 am. Eleven and a half hours later we finally arrived at the Hyatt Place near the airport.

It was the ice storm. A damn ice storm. 

When we left Chucktown, freezing rain was coming down, but it wasn't too bad. But as we drove farther, it got horrible. 

On I-70 we went slow, with me driving in the range of 25 to 40 mph depending on the nature of the road. It was slick in many spots, and it was apparent that the salt trucks hadn't been out much, if at all.

As we ventured into Indiana, Mrs. Nasty called her work friend who has connections with the tv station based in Terre Haute. Her friend relayed that she had been told that part of I-70 had been shut down because the interstate was so icy that the big rigs could get up the hills. So the friend suggested that we take Indiana highway 40 East and then cross over to I-70 at Plainfield. 

Terre Haute's roads weren't too bad, but past Brazil, IN it got really messy with frequent stops as cars and semis went up hills in packs. Some couldn't make it up the hills, and cars dotted the ditches. 

After we passed over a number of gauntlets of ice-slicked hills, we stopped for good at the top of a hill right next to the Putnamville Correctional Facility. We sat there for a good two hours. Most of us just sat, but some cars crept up and u-turned. After we got confirmation that I-70 was "open," we turned around also, ventured back to Brazil, grabbed some grub, and headed south to I-70.

But is was deja vu all over again. We went for maybe a mile until we hit gridlock. We sat on I-70 for two and a half hours. And then the our icy journey went forward in spurts and pervasive tension.  

When we finally got past the Cloverdale exit, things opened up. I-70 East was like much easier sledding with less traffic. But as we drove though, I noticed that I-70 West was packed, bumper-to-bumper, from Cloverdale exit to I-465, which is 32 miles. 

It was the worst driving experience of my life: constant stress and tension as I drove a car that I seemed to control, but occasionally it slipped and slid depending on the road as I had to worry about those in front of me and back of me. I've never seen so many semi-trucks in one day.  

Music Friday (Tuesday): "It's a Wonderful Life (Gonna Have a Good Time)"

PlannedOb's usual Music Friday post will be early since this week since the Nasty family is heading down to Florida. My Mac will stay behind. 

But click HERE for a classic song by Fishbone, one of the best "alternative" bands in the 80s and early 90s. The Reality of My Surroundings and Truth and Soul are two excellent albums when Fishbone was at its musical apogee.

This video, however, comes from their earlier days if I remember correctly. 

Happy Yule season, folks.

The Ancient Origins of the Holiday Season

For all the nitwits who decry "the war on Christmas," the first two pages of this concise description of the development of Christmas should be instructive.

The early Christians simply capitalized on the time of the year for Yule time (the Norse) and Saturnalia (the Romans). 

Click HERE for holiday reading.

Music Friday: "Wonderwall"

Click HERE for a song that in a couple of decades will get heavy rotation on "classic rock" stations.

Brought to you by Oasis...

Porcine Goodness

The cuisine of the deep South is known for fried food. You got okra, chicken, and the ubiquitous chicken-fried steak. Those people will fry almost anything. Heck, even ribs and candy bars.

But one item you don't see in most parts of the country is the pork tenderloin sandwich. That delicacy is especially a favorite of my home state, the great state of Iowa, and other parts of the Midwest. 

This afternoon I did myself a favor and ordered a pork tenderloin sandwich from McHugh's, a fast food joint whose slogan is "Famous in Coles County, not the World." A smattering of pickles atop the patty coupled with adequate amount of yellow mustard on the bun is an accompaniment that befits this noble sandwich.

"Justice After Bush"

In December issue of Harper's offers a detailed proposal about the possible methods by which the Bush administration can be investigated for its torture policy. A bipartisan commission similar to the 9/11 Commission seems to be the prudent move.

The article is from Scott Horton, and by clicking HERE you can read it.

Life without College Football & Man in the Box

Well, I was going through withdrawal last Saturday, so I watched part of the DII Championship game and part of the DIAA Semifinal (Richmond vs. UNI). Imagine that, college football with a playoff system.

Since college football is one of the wonderful diversions of my life, the dead time between the regular season and bowl games is painful. But I seem to be more efficient at work. And, boy, when spring semester hits, I'm a working machine. 

As I was fooling around on YouTube the other day, I discovered a YouTube series that's a lowbrow, often ribald, and sometimes sketchy version of Office Space. The series is titled Man in the Box.

Click HERE to watch the "Star Wars vs. Sports" episode.

One of my favorite characters is Terry, who is featured in this episode. 

May the force be with you.

Music Friday: "Rusty Cage"

Click HERE for the best band to ever come out of Seattle. Pearl Jam is a close second though.

This clip is circa 1992, possibly the apex of the grunge movement. 

Amazing

I find it amazing that Blagojevich is so stupid that he makes it known on phones that he was selling the US Senate for the highest bidder. He's either really stupid or really arrogant. Or both.

Click HERE for a link to a concise rundown of some of his statements in the affidavit via "The Fix." 

If he doesn't resign, impeachment proceedings will begin pretty soon. If there's one thing that most Democrats and Republicans agree on in Illinois, it's that they detest the Pay-for-Play-In-Chief.

Unfortunately, my bid of $5 didn't make any headway. I'll still be a professor.

Sweet Gum Balls

If any of you have had the displeasure of stepping on one of these balls with your bare foot, you see this image, and it brings up painful memories. 

But in the current Outdoor Illinois, which is the magazine of the Illinois Department of Conservation, a writer talks about how people can use sweet gum balls as natural packing materials when shipping packages around the holidays. You just should microwave them.

That's right. As Joe McFarland, the author of "Send them Packing," relates, "The use of plant materials for shipping filler isn't new, and there's a long and notorious history of disastrously invasive species outbreaks linked to such practices" (17). He states that "while the sweet gum tree isn't known to pose an invasive species risk in North America, zapping the gum balls for about 90 seconds in the microwave before piling them into a box effectively kills the tiny seeds" (17). 

I have a very tall sweet gum tree in my front yard, so if you ever get a package from me expect some balls, baby. 

Of course, the best solution to the regular mass of sweet gum balls that one tree produces is one of the favorite tools in my shed out back: The Nut Wizard. One of the readers of this blog turned me on to that great tool. If you have a sweet gum tree, the Nut Wizard is a great purchase. And, hey, it's a tool made in America.

And, as McFarland recommends, you can also share the wealth.

Sunday Hangover: SEC Championship

Well, that was a disappointing game.

The offense never seemed to get in a rhythm, and Florida had short fields to work with most of the day. In addition, there was a marked contrast between the Tide's rushing game when Coffee ran the ball and when Ingram rushed.

Regardless, I'm confident that Saban and the Tide will back in Atlanta for the SEC Championship soon. It may not happen next year because of the loss of Caldwell and Smith from the OLine along with a green QB to break in (Greg McElroy or Star Jackson), but we'll see.

The Tide is number 4 in the AP and will probably take on the Utes down in New Orleans.

Here would be the match-ups for an 8 team playoff using the final BCS standings:

1. OU vs. 8. Penn State

2. Florida vs. 7. Texas Tech

3. Texas vs. 6. Utah

4. Alabama vs. 5. USC 

What Made Milwaukee Famous

I've forgotten to mention this, but when I was home for Thanksgiving I had the pleasure of coming across the authentic recipe of Schlitz. Waterloo is one of the markets for the new brewers of Schlitz who are using the old formula.

And there are changes. 

The six pack I bought was $5.99. Back in Kirksville during the college days, I bought twelve packs for that same price.

But the brew is better. A number of us "discovered" Schlitz in Des Moines on weak-ass pledge skip, and that Schlitz recipe had a somewhat astringent hoppy aftertaste, a taste I got used to.

The new recipe, however, is more balanced. It's a heavier lager without the twang but with appropriate hoppiness. 

I wish we could get it here in Chucktown.

The Rise of Southern Football

Click HERE for an interesting article from the Wall Street Journal about the sociopolitical influences in regard to Southerners and their love and use of college football.

Tuberville to State?

As is reported HERE, there are rumors that Mississippi State is interested in hiring Tommy Tuberville.

I find that very interesting since Tubs left Ole Miss after denying that he met with Auburn officials at an Atlanta hotel a decade ago. The fan base of the Rebels still haven't forgiven for jumping to Auburn, so it would make sense if "Wingnut" (called that because of his large ears) heads to Starkville. Tuberville going to the in-state rival of Ole Miss would make the Ole Miss fans hate him even more, which is hard to do. 

And State hiring Tuberville would be a good hire for them. As much as I hate to admit it, he's a very good coach.

Music Friday: "Home in the Woods"

One of the grad students I work with told me about this band from Appleton, WI. They started out as "The Wandering Sons," and now they're "Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons."

Regardless, they've only done two EPs, and they might have an album out soon.

Good stuff, people.

Click HERE for "Home in the Woods." 

Have a good weekend.

Assorted Rants

Last time I checked, Alabama was a 8.5-10 point dog versus the Gators. While Florida has looked quite impressive and they do have tremendous team speed, I find it odd that no one gives the Tide much a chance against them. Various pundits across the media spectrum assume that Florida will play for the BCS Championship.

OU jumping Texas is total bullshit. The Longhorns beat the Sooners. My hope is that Mizzou upsets the defense-optional Sooners and Texas gets into the title game. 

So Lane Kiffin gets the head coaching job in Knoxville? Where aren't people howling about Tennessee not interviewing minority candidates? At present there are only two African-American head coaches in the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) since Croom resigned instead of getting canned by Mississippi State. The guy who really deserves a chance is Charlie Strong, who was the defensive coordinator at South Carolina for a long time and is the current D coordinator at Florida. I also expect Turner Gill to move up to a higher profile school sometime soon. When a guy's made the U of Buffalo relevant in football, he's worked miracles. 

Sunday Hangover: Auburn

The Tide took out six years of frustration on the Tigers Saturday. I love that it was a shutout, but I honestly wanted Alabama to hang at least forty-something on the Cow College.

The defense played well. Instead of running behind the left side of the line most of the night, the Tide ran right with great success. Glen Coffee was strong once again, and Wilson managed the game well. Darius Hanks, a wideout who received a lot of praise pre-season, has begun to establish himself as a viable option in the passing game alongside Jones (WR), Walker (TE), McCall (TE), Smelley (TE), and Maze (WR). 

Auburn did have a few chances, however. Their best cornerback, Powers, dropped an interception that had the possibility of being a pick-six later in the game. 

But, all in all, it was total domination by the good guys.

A Cause I Can Get Behind

Click HERE for an interesting blog post by Tucker Carlson.

Here are some teasers to seduce you:

"If you can convince a good Christian girl that she's serving God by having sex with you, it's hard to argue with that logic."

"Once you factor out venereal diseases, there's almost nothing better for you than regular sex."

"It's a natural analgesic that also reduces the risk of prostate cancer and heart disease. It lessens the incidence of colds and flu. It burns calories."

"Americans, despite appearances, don't have enough sex." 

Preach on, brother.

Pre-Emptive Music Friday: "My Poor Old Heart"

Since we'll be in Iowa and I won't have wireless internet service at the old homestead, I thought I'd post Music Friday on Tuesday.

Click HERE for a song from Alison Krauss and Union Station.

If there are angels and if angels sing, their voices sound like Alison Krauss.

Weis Has the Golden-Domers...

Charlie Weis has the Golden-Domers in a tough situation. He hasn't done well as a head coach at all, but he has some insane clause in his contract that if he gets fired then Notre Dame pays him big bucks.

Wait, that's not insane. I want that contract. 

Regardless, Notre Dame has recruited well since he's been there. Pundits can't chalk up the bad seasons to a lack of talent. The Irish have consistently had top 10 or top 20 recruiting classes for years. 

Quinn Kicking Back in His Overalls

Halloween Photos

For Halloween, Hannah went as Sharpay from High School Musical, and Quinn was Elvis.

60th Anniversary Photos

I thought I'd share a couple of photos from the 60th wedding anniversary of Virg and Deloras.

It happened a while back, but congrats to 60 happy years.

Off-Week Blues, Part Deux

Alabama has an off-week before the Tide hosts Auburn in T-Town.

But I offer some picks for some of tomorrow's games:

Mississippi State over Arkansas.

Ole Miss pulls out a squeaker down in Red Stick. Rev. Nutt's camp revival rhetoric works its magic for the Rebels. 

Vandy makes Fulmer's farewell even more bitter. 

Ohio State destroys the Wolverines.

Penn State has a convincing win over the Spartans.

The Hawkeyes take home Floyd of Rosedale. 

The Sooners beat the Red Raiders by two touchdowns.

You read it here first.

"Ten Republicans to Watch"

For many interested in politics, "The Fix" blog is a must read.

And his topic today is GOP leaders to watch, Republicans on the move upward if you will.

Click HERE for his top ten. 

From my monumentally amateur analysis, I think Cantor and Sanford will be major players in the near future.

Music Friday: "Fruitless"

Click HERE for an eighteen-year old video of "Fruitless," a song by the Chicago-based Poi Dog Pondering. The song comes from the band's very fine album, Wishing Like a Mountain, Thinking Like the Sea.

I saw these guys in concert at Baldwin Auditorium when I was a sophomore. It was a very good concert. I bought a cassette right after. Yes, a cassette.

Forget Clinton

With all this slow-mo kabuki dance that is going on with Hillary possibly becoming Secretary of State, just make Richardson the SoS.

Sunday Hangover: Mississippi State

Javier Arenas will haunt Sylvester Croom's nightmares for a good while, I think.

The "project" recruit who didn't have any big school offers when he came out of Florida continues to impress. After having a few shaky games this year with fumble trouble, no. 28 took one punt down to the opponent's 3 and another for a TD. 

Alabama's defense played solidly, but the offense was out of sync most of the night. Finally in the third quarter the offense got it together and put a stake in the Bulldogs' hearts. 

MSU's defense was quite good though. While their offense was stifled by the Tide's D, I was impressed with the play of State's QB, Tyson Lee. He's elusive and has a strong arm. 

The Tide has a Saturday off until the Iron Bowl and then the SEC Championship. After watching the Georgia-Auburn game, Auburn seems to be getting its offense together. Kodie Burns (QB) is doing better, and they've started running the ball again. 

The Iron Bowl is one of those "throw out the record book" games. And Auburn has to beat the good guys to be bowl-eligible. It'll be interesting.

Music Friday: "Zigaboogaloo"

Click HERE to enjoy one of the best jazz musicians alive, Nicholas Payton.

Good Advice

For a long time I've been interested in short sayings that provide good advice. Aristotle in his Rhetoric termed them "maxims," short sayings that offer wisdom and a sense of meaning or direction to our lives. Later on, Emerson utilized aphorisms, which are essentially maxims.

I have some maxims in mind that probably shouldn't be presented in this forum ("beer before liquor, never sicker," and we can regress from there), but one I've always found value in is a statement that Virg, my father, said that my grandfather liked to say: "A wise man will change his mind, but a fool never will." 

Also, the Southernism of "That whip don't mean too much when the mule ain't got a chance" resonates with me since I'm a teacher.

I also like the weird saying that some people in the South use when food is so dang good that it incites feelings that create insanity: "So good it'll make you slap your mother." 

So what are sayings/maxims that you find valuable or interesting? 

Sugar Bowl Bound?

As far as the college football pundits on ESPN go, Alabama might as well not even show up in Atlanta when we play the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship. We should just make our hotel reservations early for New Orleans.

According to them, Savior Tebow and Gators will defeat the Tide. 

They may be right, but speculating that Florida is the second best team in the country with many games left in the season is premature. 

The Gamecocks and the Seminoles could give the Gators some trouble. And Mississippi State and Auburn, although weaker this year, are no pushovers for Alabama. They're SEC and rivalry games, people.

Hangover Sunday: LSU

Well, the Tide attempted to give away this game early on with a foolish first half: a touchback instead of a touchdown, a dumb unsportsmanlike penalty by Wilson after he scored, a fumbled punt return, and an interception.

But Alabama overcame self-induced adversity with four interceptions of their own, three of which from Rashad Johnson (pictured above). He made that pick in overtime, but earlier in the game he showed off his running skills (originally walked on as a running back) on a pick six. 

I was happy to see the offensive line work pretty well in pass protection, and the running game finally asserted its will in the second half. Mr. Coffee had another outstanding game.

This game was game one of three games that Alabama needs to get off the schneid. LSU had a winning streak against us. State has a two-game streak against us. And, well, then there's Auburn. 

Time to "teach the bulldogs to behave." 

I wouldn't be surprised to see Texas Tech jump Alabama in the rankings. We'll see.

Interview with Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers

Howard Wolfson, former advisor to Hillary Clinton, has a really interesting blog to check out if you enjoy reading about music and sometimes politics.

He recently interviewed the head man of Drive-By Truckers. Click HERE if you're interested.

Music Friday: "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)"

For the most part, I've had kind of a crappy week.

But this morning I got an email indicating that a major journal in my discipline has accepted and will publish one of my research articles. 

And I feel fine. 

Click HERE for a classic video and song.

Thoughts on Last Night

Below are some of my so-called thoughts on what happened last night.

Once Ohio went to Obama, it was over.

I don't know why I'm obsessing about this, but I'm disappointed that Missouri didn't go blue. If Indiana can go to the Democrats, I thought Missouri might actually tilt the good guys' way. What I find fascinating that the Democratic party has made serious inroads in a couple of states in the Old Confederacy: the Old Dominion and the Tar Heel State. In addition, the fact Colorado flipped blue and Montana was fairly close make many parts of the West look very attainable. 

The argument could be made (and some have made it) that the GOP has become a Southern party.

The news story that needs to be covered in much more detail is how the Obama campaign is incredibly efficient, agile, and connected. They took down Clinton, who was a candidate with all kinds of advantages with the traditional model of campaigning, but Obama's grassroots organization coupled with the use of social-networking tactics was strong as hell. While this victory is historic for reasons that are being discussed (almost ad nauseum), this victory may change the way campaigns will be run hereafter. We'll see.

I want to see diverse and bipartisan Cabinet. Pick the best people based on the "content of their character."

First Tuesday of November

Well, I voted for a Democrat (Prez, of course), a Green Party candidate who might actually win (State's Attorney), and a Republican (County Coroner) today.

That diversity of selections hasn't happened on my ballot before. 

Sunday Hangover: Arkansas State

Although Arkansas State isn't a cream puff, Alabama dispatched them with defensive domination.

The troubling aspects of the game are that Wilson had an "off" day and the offensive line still isn't doing a great job of pass protection.

When the Tide travels down to Baton Rouge, Wilson will need to "on." And the offensive needs to protect him. 

Coach Saban might need to rent the Popemobile for when he enters Tiger Stadium because I can see many Cajun coon-asses throwing empty bottles along with rotten fruit, vegetables, and sausages at him. 

It should be interesting, but I'm not optimistic about the Tide's chances. 

SEC vs. Big 12

It seems that depth-wise the Big 12 is stronger as a football conference than the SEC this year. This year, mind you.

But the only aspect about the Big 12 that makes me use "seems" in the previous sentence is that most of the teams in that league have weak defenses. Even a team like Ole Miss this year--mediocre offense but a decent defense--could give trouble to an offensive powerhouse, such as Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, et al. 

But, wow, what a finish in Lubbock. Crabtree is a pass-catching freak.

A Video That'll Make Your Skin Crawl

Click HERE for footage of the "reasons" why some McCain supporters aren't supporting Obama.

Creepy stuff.

Buckley on Limbaugh

As can be read by clicking HERE, Christopher Buckley takes issue with comments from Limbaugh. Conservative-on-Conservative verbal sparring.

And Buckley's post lets you watch Limbaugh in his studio as he talks. 

For those of you readers who are men of Delta Delta, I noticed a mannerism of Limbaugh that brought back memories. He likes to pull at his shirts like a gentleman who enjoyed yanking on his sweatshirts, especially his iconic purple one.  

Music Friday: "Payday"

Click HERE for Guy Davis doing Mississippi John Hurt's "Payday."

FactCheck on William Ayers

Click HERE for FactCheck.org's article on Obama's organizational meetings with Ayers. They attended board meetings together.

Big whoop. 

The Real Socialist Candidate for Prez

For those of you who are happy to describe Obama as a socialist, America's freedom fighter Mr. Colbert interviewed Brian Moore, the true socialist candidate for President, last night.

Click HERE to watch that episode. His interview with Brian Moore begins at 7:06 in. And I also recommend you watch his interview with the author Sherman Alexie, which is really funny stuff. 

Obama is a capitalist.  

Enough the red-baiting bullshit.

A Week Away

By clicking HERE, you can see the most recent polls in states. Apparently it's a dead heat or simply quite close in Florida, North Carolina, Indiana, Nevada, and strangely enough Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, and Georgia. 

Georgia, Montana, and North Dakota--you got to be kidding me.

FiveThirtyEight also provides some optimistic projections if you're voting for Obama. For that interesting Web site, click HERE.

Or heck, click HERE for InTrade's predictions.

The Senate race I'm keeping a close eye on is the one down in Mississippi. The most recent poll shows Wicker (R) only up one point on Musgrove (D). Georgia is also quite interesting.  

Tucker Carlson wants to make me believe that Obama has the election won (click HERE for that column), but I'm still not believing it. 

Sunday Hangover: Tennessee

The Tide finally played close to a complete game. While the twenty point margin (29-9) wasn't as large as last year's butt-kicking in Bryant-Denny, Alabama played well for four quarters, not just one half.

The main concerns I have about this team are pass protection and pass rush. 

At times, the very good Tennessee defensive front seven got a lot of pressure on John Parker Wilson, although some of that can be chalked up to poor pickups of blitzes by running backs.

The Tide also didn't get a lot of pressure on Tennessee' QB except when they blitzed. However, both Josh Chapman and Lorenzo Washington played well in place of Terrence "Mount" Cody, who will hopefully return for when Alabama travels down to "Red Stick" to battle the Bayou Bengals. 

Music Friday: "Down Home Girl"

Click HERE to watch the music video of Old Crow Medicine Show's "Down Home Girl."

Have a good weekend.

Red State Update on the Colin Powell Endorsement

If you're interested in hearing what freedom sounds like, click HERE.

End of the Press Conference

If you've ever watched a Coach Saban press conference, it's obvious he thinks reporters are slack-jawed, jock-sniffing simpletons who consistently annoy the hell out of him.

Near of the end of the most recent press conference, Saban was asked about the chance of rain on Saturday in Knoxville. Here was his answer:

"What should we do? Try and get the game cancelled? What can we do? There's things that you can control and things you don't. If it rains, I bet you it rains on both teams. I bet you we have to play with the same ball. It's another one of those maturity factors, that you know it's not going to affect how I play. It's an external factor, and it's something you can't control. We try and focus on the things we can control. There are things we can do; wet ball practice or whatever so that players are more prepared to be able to manage or handle it if that circumstance comes up. You know I haven't been able to sleep for three days worried about that, so I don't know ... You know I'm kidding, right?"

After that diatribe, he left the podium. 

"Well North of 50"

Click HERE for a link to an article on the Senate races and Reed's perspective on how people view a possible 60 person majority in the Senate.

To me, I don't think the Dems get sixty in the Senate, but I also never dreamt of the expansive butt-kicking the GOP took in the '06 election. That was a can of electoral whoop-ass.

Regardless, a 55-58 majority might do some good in that "reaching across the aisle" is necessary. Hopefully there are enough centrist Republicans left to do business with.

Thanks for Opining

This is a three-day old column, but I found it interesting.

Apparently, Christopher Buckley has come out and publicly supported Barack Obama.

The son of William H. Buckley (who started The National Review) resigned from his post at one of the flagship conservative publications. 

The satirist who brought us Thank You For Smoking now says, turning around Reagan's old line, that "I haven't left the Republican Party. It left me." 

Click HERE for Kathleen Parker's column on "Christo's" stance.

And you can follow this LINK to read Buckley's blog on The Daily Beast. 

Powell, Missouri, and Your Thoughts

Although I'm sure Rush Limbaugh will chalk up Powell' s endorsement of Obama today as just a black guy supporting another black guy, I think his endorsement is one that has weight and clout. In particular, Powell's condemnation of the Ayers foolishness and the selection of Gov. Palin has to hurt the McCain camp. 

Ouch, babe.

Regardless, I'm intrigued by the chance of Obama winning the Show-Me State. You think he does it?

In addition, recent polls (click HERE) show the race evening in North Dakota and West Virginia. That's a surprise.

Hangover Sunday: Ole Miss

The Ole Miss victory came with a price: Terrence "Mount" Cody is out for at least two weeks. An offensive linemen rolled on the back of his right leg, and hopefully it's only a knee sprain.

Once again, Alabama got off to a strong lead in the first half, and they held on to win in the second half. 

The aspect of the game that disturbed me the most is that Alabama's offensive line had a difficult time pass blocking. John Parker Wilson was pressured all afternoon, and the running game was stifled for parts of the game because they stacked the box with 8 or 9 defensive players. 

When Georgia did that, the Tide made them pay. That didn't happen this Saturday.

The Tide's next game is against Tennessee in Knoxville. There might be some truth in the rumor that Coach Fulmer is going to get canned after this season; however, a decisive win versus Alabama would help his job security. 

Music Friday: "Humpty Dance"

"Stop what you're doing

'Cause I about to ruin

The style and the image

That you're used to."

Click HERE for the rest of the story.

An Important Philosophical Question

Is "Joe the Plumber" the same guy as "Joe Six-Pack"?

Budweiser American Ale

I finally got my little paws on this Bud American Ale recently.

I hereby dub it, "Brown Bud."

I was intrigued to quaff some of these suds since I had a Michelob Porter a while back that was pretty good. A-B's porter is no Boulevard "Bully" Porter, but it ain't bad.

For an industrial brew, A-B's "American" Ale is serviceable. For an Amber Ale it has a medium to light  heaviness with some subtle hoppiness. I would like for the brew to be a bit more aggressively hopped. Both Anchor's Liberty Ale and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale use a good but not mouth-puckering amount of Cascade hops, and Bud American Ale could have used more Cascade since that's the type of hops they're referencing in their advertising.  

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a hard ale to beat though.

Reasons to Recycle Beer Cans

As I read this article in the Daily Eastern News over lunch today, I almost shed a tear. As the Col. John "Hannibal" Smith of the A-Team said, "I love it when a plan comes together."

These college kids are recycling for the right reasons: a keg party.

For this not-so-innovative project, click HERE.

Beware of Mississippi State (McCain)

Although I don't put much stock in national polls, especially since Hillary Clinton was up big on Obama in national polls at one time, one survey now shows Obama up by double digits (Link HERE).

As I posted recently in "Off-Week Blues," Obama needs to be careful. McCain (Mississippi State) can still win this thing. Vanderbilt (Obama) can go down to defeat.

But if this past Saturday's Vandy-MS State game serves as a metaphor for the presidential race, we must keep in mind that Vandy committed some costly errors and turnovers down the stretch. 

They didn't finish. 

Obama needs a strong finish.

I fear the "Bradley Effect."

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

For those who think or hear that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were one of the main causes of the financial crisis, click HERE for an article that refutes such assertions.

Reflections on Off-Week Blues

Well, Tubberville fires Auburn's offensive coordinator, and they look just as bad as they did last week. That little running back from Arkansas is a heck of a player.

It wasn't close at all down in Gainesville. Wow.

The Vols have found a QB. I think they'll improve as the year progresses, but hopefully only after the Tide plays them in Knoxville. UGA dominated them though.

The Evil Genius still hasn't lost to Kentucky as a head coach. I should have known his undefeated record.

Vandy woke up and realized who they are. State won by 3 as the cow bells clattered. The 'Dores will go to a bowl though.

That's a tough loss for Mizzou. I think the Tigers give Texas some problems and possibly win.

Music Friday: "Out of the Picture"

I'm a little late this weekend with this post.

But I hope you enjoy one of my favorite Son Volt songs, "Out of the Picture." The link HERE only provides the album cover and the song playing, but hey it's a bare bones type of song."

"Take away this Columbus Day.

No more bones on display.

Black Hawk never had a say.

Just taken out of the picture.

Somewhere along the way

The clock runs out.

Somewhere along the way

It all stands still."

Post-Debate Trivia

I watched the debate last night, and I kept a crude tally of terms that both candidates used.

Obama referenced or used the term "middle class" (or some version) approximately a dozen times during the debate. 

McCain referenced or implied that Obama will "raise taxes" approximately ten times. 

As I was watching, I also tallied the number of times that McCain used "my friends," a term he likes to repeat. It's as though he's trying to present himself as approachable, but the way he delivers it makes him sound old and, well, sort of creepy to my ears. It just sounds weird to me.

McCain, by my tally, said "my friend" or "my friends" seventeen times. And as I watched, I thought about how someone somewhere has made a drinking game based on the use of "my friends." 

I talked to one of my colleagues this morning, and she read that people have indeed created a "my friends" drinking game. 

That other one is helping people get people drunk. Those aren't family values.

Off-Week Blues

Since Alabama doesn't play this Saturday, to satiate my college football addiction I offer picks for some select games this Saturday.

Arkansas at Auburn: Sometime the offense at the Barn has to wake up. The Tigers...wait, the Plainsmen....wait, the War Eagles of Auburn finally get it together down at the Cow College. The Barn by a touchdown. 

LSU at Florida: I'm still not buying LSU's QB. Florida wins, but it'll be close.

Tennessee at Georgia: Georgia will demolish the Viles. Phat Phil will eat more because of stress. That orange color will turn even uglier. 

South Carolina at Kentucky: The Wildcats will block the Cocks. Big Blue by a field goal.

Vanderbilt at State: If Vanderbilt starts 6-0, I can believe that a black man with a Muslim-sounding name will become President. Beware of the Bulldogs from Starkville. Mississippi State by a point.

Oklahoma State at Mizzou: The Tiggers tune up before their trip to Austin. This game might be defense-optional. But I think the Tiggers win it before they get beat by the Longhorns.

Oklahoma at Texas. Hook 'em!

Sunday Hangover: Kentucky

This is what the pollsters have been drinking.

Here is Coach Saban's assessment of the game: "I know it's ugly, but we won. We put on a clinic today on how to keep the other team in the game. We left ten points on the board [in the first half]. We played pretty well on defense, other than two 

screens, and we bust a coverage in two-minute that could have cost us the game. We struggled in the passing game, and we didn't protect [the quarterback] very well. We never put [Kentucky] away, and we had some chances."

The game should have been 24-0 at half. Glen Coffee, who had an outstanding game with 218 yards rushing, also had two fumbles--one on Kentucky's three yard line after a great drive and another that rolled out of bounds. 

And Leigh Tiffin missed two field goals that should have been made. 

The Tide has an off-week, and then they take on a tough Ole Miss team led by Rev. Nutt.

Alabama needs to get its passing game finely honed soon because John Parker Wilson showed his bad side today--staring down his primary receivers and making some questionable throws into traffic.

That Coffee is one heck of a back, however. 

Well, maybe in the 101st year?

The Cubs have a great season, win home field advantage, and now have lost the first two games in the Friendly Confines.

This is not good. 

Music Friday; "How Junior Got His Head Put Out"

In honor of Mofro's new cd, I offer J J and the fellas performing "How Junior Got His Head Put Out."

Click HERE for "front porch soul."

Elegy to Naugas

Hannah has her gymnastics class on every Monday from 4-6 pm. To keep my sanity and get away from having to make small talk with moms at Mattoon Academy of Dance & Gymnastics, Quinn and I usually go out shopping or run errands for part of that two hour block of time.

Today we shopped at Big Lots. As I was pushing Quinn along in the store,  I glanced at a "Durahide" sofa set. 

I was intrigued. 

What happened to Naugahyde? 

After much research on the Internet, I tracked down an noted ecologist who got his Ph.D. from the University of Okoboji. Based on information from his academic website, it appears Naugahyde is no more. 

Sadly, the animals that supplied those hides, the Naugas, are extinct. A beautiful, portly creature whose natural habitat was southern parts of South America, the Nauga roamed freely amidst cold and warm water alike. With its distinctive leather-like hide, the Nauga played and frolicked with freedom. The mating call of Naugas, I'm told, was reminiscent to the laughter of Dom Deluise. 

Those large water mammals lived in harmony with their environment for a long time, for millenia. 

Then the cheap discount stores came along. First it was Sears, then K-Mart. The death knell for the Nauga came when Wal-Mart came into being. 

All of them harvested Naugas to extinction. Those bastards. 

"Monday Morning SEC Insanity"

The folks over on Bama Sports Report have a fitting post up. Click HERE for a short and interesting read.

College Gameday apparently is going to Nashville this Saturday. That's right, Nashville. The home of the Vanderbilt Commodores who take on Auburn this Saturday.

Go 'Dores!

Hangover Sunday: Georgia

Alabama opened another can of whoop-ass in the first half versus Georgia. The hype around this game was heavy: No. 3 vs. No. 8/10.

There was a blackout. And the Tide was the team that delivered it.

The Crimson Tide did get beat in the second half--30 to 10, which is something that I'm sure Coach Saban will remind his team. 

But the Tide defense played well in three quarters, and the offense made the game hurtle toward a major blowout. So UGA couldn't run the ball like they wanted, limiting Heisman hopeful Knowshon Moreno.

The special teams work on our part was atrocious. If that keeps up, I suspect we'll lose two games because of weak kickoff and punt coverage. 

Regardless, Roll Tide. 

The undefeated Wildcats of Kentucky visit T-Town next Saturday. 

Music Friday: "Brakeman's Blues"

Click HERE to enjoy the Punch Brothers, a bluegrass outfit that features Chris Thile, formerly of Nickel Creek.

I recently got the band's recent album, Punch, and I like it a lot.

Have a good weekend.

Smells Like Energy

As you can read HERE, farmers across the country are now turning manure into energy.

I like it. I like it a lot.

Now if animal confinement facilities could do the same with their stinky lagoons, that would be great too.

In Praise of Buttermilk

Although it's next to impossible in finding old fashioned buttermilk nowadays, I've taken a liking to the store-bought variety.

The product is misnamed since it's not buttery at all and has much less fat than regular milk. Regardless, it works well as a battering agent for fried foods. Southerners are well known for marinating their chicken pieces in buttermilk overnight before they fry it properly. It creates a perfect coating before you dip the chicken into flour. And I don't make skillet cornbread without buttermilk--it's essential.

I read or heard somewhere that drinking it settles the stomach. I don't know if that's all that true, but I sure like drinking a small glass of it from time to time. Good stuff, people. 

An Observation

At risk for channeling a sixteen year old girl's thoughts, John Mayer is a good musician.

I watched his performance from a couple of years back on Austin City Limits tonight, and he can play that guitar. He performed an excellent cover of a Ray Charles tune--very bluesy. 

Hangover Sunday: Arkansas

Well, the Tide traveled to Fayettenam and served up a can of whoop-ass on Saturday afternoon: 49-14.

This was a homerun hitter's game. Coffee had two long td runs, Arenas had a pick-six, and Woodall had a pick-six also.

Although I'm happy about the win, I see problems when we go to Athens. Stafford is a very good QB, Knowshon (don't remember seeing that name in the baby books) Moreno is one of the top five RBs in the nation, Georgia has a solid receiving corps, and they have a solid D. 

The Alabama D played well and took advantage of Casey Dick, who is, at best, a mediocre QB. But the Hog offense did complete a number of passes and ran fairly decently with their diminutive tailback. 

Since I'm an Alabama fan (people noted for never being satisfied), I wanted to see more sustained drives by the offense and Wilson hit some long passes for a change. 

I don't have a good feeling about the Georgia game.

A Great Slate of SEC Games

This Saturday the SEC games are as follows:

Georgia Tech at Mississippi State

Alabama at Arkansas

Florida at Tennessee

Georgia at Arizona State

Vandy at Ole Miss

LSU at Auburn

That provides lots of great TV watching, especially if I'm in a good mood if the Tide wins in Fayettenam.

For one person's predictions, click HERE.

Conspiracy Theory

One of this blog's ardent readers passed along this forwarded email. I provide it to simply invite discussion, laughter, or ranting:

"Let me share some info with you that i have gotten from excellent sources within the DNC:

On or about October 5th, Biden will excuse himself from the ticket, citing health problems, and he will be replaced by Hillary. This is time to occur after the VP debate on 10/2. 

There have been talks all weekend about how to proceed with this info. generally, the feeling is that we should all go ahead and get it out there to as many blog sites and personal email lists as is possible. I have already seen a few short blurbs about this - the "health problem" cited in those articles was aneurysm.

Probably many of have heard the same rumblings. however, at this point, with this inside info from the DNC, it looks like this Obama strategy will be a go. Therefore, it seems that the best strategy is to get out in front of this Obama maneuver, spell it out in detail, and thereby expose it for the grand manipulation that it is.

So, let's start mixing this one up and cut the Obamites off at the pass - send this info out to as many people as you can - post about it on websites and blogs - etc etc if you have any thought or questions about this, please be in touch..."

Music Friday: "Thrasher"

Click HERE to listen to one of my favorite Neil Young songs.

Have a good weekend.

Good Publicity for EIU

As can be seen HERE in a university press release, EIU is doing a good job at having its graduates complete Ph.D. programs.

Not bad for a Master's level university that had a recent incoming freshmen class with an average ACT of merely 21.5.

We're obviously "coaching 'em up."

Unveiling the Volt

As related HERE, GM has unveiled the Volt, its plug-in electric vehicle that they've been banking on.

The car can go 40 miles on its charge, which for many is enough for a typical commute. I may have gotten this wrong, but I thought GM was shooting higher than 40 miles. But I could be wrong. 

There's no price on it yet, but kudos for an American company for beating out Toyota and Honda in this sprint to be first. However, what matters is which companies can sustain a quality plug-in vehicle that is sensible for American families.

Hangover Sunday: Western Kentucky

When your team never punted in the game, that's a clear indication that the game went well.

John Parker Wilson looked good, made some nice completions, and the offensive line (with the return of Andre Smith) was dominant, as they should be against the lowly Hilltoppers. Backup QB Greg McElroy also looked quite good, and third stringer Thomas Darrah came in late when it was obvious that the offense was only going to run the ball. 

One of the best aspects of this game is that Alabama got to play many of its reserves to give them experience--lots of freshmen and redshirt freshmen. With only nine scholarship seniors on the team, the youngsters need "reps" in a game. 

Next Saturday the Tide takes on Arkansas in Fayetteville, always a tough place to play. 

Challenging His Players

On Coach Saban's radio show this Thursday, he made this statement: "If [the players] don't do it this week and don't buy into the way I just said it, they're going to the scout team. And from the scout team, they may be going out the door."

After the Tide offensively sleepwalked to victory versus the Green Wave last week, Coach Saban is getting their attention.

That statement from the "Hey Coach" radio program reminds of one of my favorite movie performances. Click HERE for the link to Glengarry Glen Ross.

"Good ... because we're adding a little something to this month's sales contest. As you all know, first prize is a Cadillac El Dorado. 

Anyone want to see second prize? 

Second prize is a set of steak knives. 

Third prize is you're fired."

Music Friday: "Ballad of Devil's Backbone Tavern"

I bring you Todd Snider once again.

Click HERE for a performance in Huntsville. The "Ballad of Devil's Backbone Tavern" is a song about singing in a tavern run by Miss Virgy.

"Life's too short to worry. 

Life's too long to wait.

It's too short to not to love everybody

And life's too long to hate."

Perhaps a Clairvoyant Dream

I had a dream last night that I was watching Saturday Night Live.

The skit was a satire of a Vice-Presidential Debate. I can't remember who played Biden, but he used the word "mularkey" a lot along with a number of references to Amtrak and his hot wife. 

The image that sticks out to me is that Tina Fey played Palin. Fey was all dolled up with lots of mascara and bright red lipstick. And as she debated Biden, she breastfed a newborn and held a hockey stick.

I've been told that Palin is a woman. I'm also aware that Obama is black. I recently found that McCain lived in a Hanoi Hilton.

I'm a good media consumer.

I got this photo from another blog,

but I couldn't resist showing this artistry to folks who don't read Southern Saturday.

Link: http://www.southernsaturday.com

Sunday Hangover: Tulane

Hangover is the right word for Alabama's performance last night.

While the defense played well even with being on the field constantly, the offense struggled and only go in rhythm for one really good drive.

The OLine had the first team left guard playing left tackle. The starting right guard was out with a hamstring issue, so both guards were second-teamers. And it showed.

Javier Arenas, in one half, set the Alabama record for punt returns, but then he didn't play in the second half because of a hit to the head.

So if people heal effectively, the Tide will have its All-American left tackle, Andre Smith,and hopefully our starting right guard back for Week Three vs. Western Kentucky. And it's unclear whether Arenas, the first-team kick returner and cornerback, will be back for game three.

It was a disappointing game. Even though Tulane's D looked much tougher than Clemson's, you can't play down to your opponent. I hope that trend finally changes next week versus the Hill Toppers.

Music Friday: "Rain on the Scarecrow"

Linked HERE is one of Mellencamp's finest songs.

I've always liked Mellencamp, but I've never bought many of his albums for some reason. Rain on the Scarecrow was one I purchased on cassette back when the cassette tape was the most prudent option. 

The scenery in this famous video reminds me a lot of where I live now, Coles County. And we're not that far away from Indiana, Mellencamp's home state. 

His recent album is a dark and brooding opus. It's a good one. 

So the Question Is...

Does McCain embrace Dubya or distance himself from Bush tonight?

Persona Non Grata

Joe Lieberman is dead to me.

That is all.

The Chinese Restaurant

For Seinfeld fans out there, linked HERE is a five minute context of the famous Chinese restaurant episode, one of the best episodes of the series.

Enjoy.

Sunday Hangover: Clemson

Well, on a Saturday when Bowling Green beat Pitt and E. Carolina upset VA Tech, it's hardly surprising that Alabama took Clemson behind the woodshed.

The Tide absolutely dominated the Tigers on both lines. They were just tougher. The Alabama defense held the "best running back tandem in the country" to 20 yards total in running. Spiller had the impressive kickoff return to start the second half (which made me quite nervous), but other than that, they got stuffed.

Alabama played a bunch of freshman, and the most impressive one was Mark Ingram, the RB from Flint, Michigan. 

In a age of the ubiquitous spread offense, it was wonderful to watch my team go smashmouth. Alabama ran the ball well and passed when they wanted to. Nick Walker, a TE, had the most receptions, which is great since many of us have been waiting for the TE to become a serious weapon in our offense for at least a decade. It's a rite of spring. Every year for the past decade, it's always said that the offense is going to "get the tight end involved more in the offense." Instead of just that same old talk, we finally got some action.

Roll Tide to all that.

Finally, it's here.

The picture above shows the giant houndstooth hat that'll be new at Bryant-Denny this year.

I read that it's going above a new concession stand called the "Bear's Den."

Music Friday: "Don't Go Back to Rockville"

I got the new R.E.M. cd this summer, and it's ok.

It's no Life's Rich Pageant, Document, Fables of the Reconstruction, Murmur, Green, or Reckoning.

Click HERE to watch R.E.M. circa 1985.

A Little Less Than Four Days

until Alabama vs. Clemson.

Pictured is one of the few senior starters for Alabama, QB John Parker Wilson.

The other starters are Antoine Caldwell (C), Travis McCall or Nick Walker (TE), Bobby Greenwood (DE), and Rashad Johnson (SS).

That's it. 

Slowing Down

As you might have noticed, I've slowed down on posting.

The semester began Monday. And I'm swamped with all sorts of new duties: the trials of being competent in Higher Ed.

I don't know how frequently I'll post during the school year, but you can count on two posts for sure. 

The first is "Music Friday." 

The second and new feature during this fall will be "Hangover Sunday" where I'll provide my so-called thoughts on the Alabama game from Saturday. It could get ugly, it could get weird, it could be slightly humorous from time to time. Well, probably not the last, but we'll see what happens.

Six Days...

until Alabama vs. Clemson.

Pictured is Derrick Thomas when he played for the Crimson Tide ('85-'88).

No. 55 holds the single season record for sacks at Alabama with 27 in 1988.

Here are other records that he holds in Alabama football history: 52 sacks during his tenure at Alabama, most sacks in one game (5 vs. Texas A&M in 1988), most combined sacks and tackles for loss in a single game (5 sacks + 2 TFL vs. Kentucky in 1988), most combined sacks and tfl in a single season (39 in 1988), most combined sacks and tfl in a career (74), most QB hurries in one game (9 vs. Penn State in 1987), most QB hurries during a season (44), and most fumbles caused in a season (7).

Music Friday: "Tones of Home"

Whenever I listen to Blind Melon's first album, it always reminds me of college. The album also reminds me of a specific place in Kirksville.

The Gin Mill.

That album got played a lot at parties there, from what I recall. 

In addition, the song reminds me of Roy McDonald. He always liked talking about music, and for whatever reason I remember him telling me his favorite Blind Melon song was "Tones of Home." 

For your own wave of nostalgia, click HERE.

Roy, rest in peace.

11 Days

until Alabama vs. Clemson.

The pic is of talented freshman wide receiver Julio Jones.

The Curious Case of Bob Barr

As can be read about HERE, the Libertarian candidate is running against big government.

It's an interesting read. 

He's no Ross Perot, who initially gave Bill Clinton the presidency. 

Music Friday: "Where The Devil Don't Stay"

Linked HERE is probably one of my favorite songs by the Drive-By Truckers.

Enjoy and have a good weekend.

Mount Cody or Zip Cody?

As can read about and seen HERE (video at the bottom of the article), there's a lot of buzz about Alabama's Terrence Cody, a two-year college transfer who plays Nose Tackle.

He's 6'5" and in the upper 300s.

Yet he moves pretty well for someone at that weight as you can see in the video.

Last Sunday I heard a rumor that he shot-putted the team bus, felled half the trees in Mississippi, and rode a big blue ox up to Brainerd, Minnesota.

Take to the Streets! In Golf Carts?

As can be read HERE, the small town of Sullivan, Illinois looks like it's going to pass an ordinance that will make it kosher to drive your golf cart around town instead of using a car.

Although I found this strange initially, on second thought this is done in retirement communities and towns in Florida and Arizona where golf carts act as postmodern chariots for the senior set. 

If one has a golf cart and wants to use it for errands, this sounds like a good deal. But I wonder how much money people will spend on them (pimp my cart) to quit using gas-powered vehicles. It's a loss initially, but such a system (golf cart for errands around town, big vehicle for longer trips) is beneficial for the environment but would take some years to break even on an investment.

The Alabama Logo...

was rated as the best college football logo by none other than a Tennessee fan.

For this blogger's top twenty picks, click HERE.

While I also obviously like Alabama's logo above, I'm partial to the "old school" one that has a more traditional look compared to the angry but cartoonish elephant behind the A.

Big Man on Campus (EIU)

On the northwest side of campus sits McAfee Gymnasium, built in 1937. It's where the basketball team used to have its games before Lantz Arena was built.

On the northeast corner of McAfee is this fellow, who shows you what football was like back in the "old days."

I wonder how much Red Grange, "The Galloping Ghost," inspired this statue?

Thorstein Veblen Was Right and Somewhat Wrong

Linked HERE is an article that talks about consumption patterns and tendencies depending on race and class. It's an interesting read that relates recent research by economists and plays with Veblen's famous hypothesis of "conspicuous consumption."

If you see cars with really expensive rims or you see a high-schooler wearing an Abercrombie & Fitch or Hollister t-shirt (isn't Hollister the new Ocean Pacific?), this article might explain some things.

Cable Boxes

Nostalgia hit me at lunch today. As the family and I were eating at DQ, the music piping through the speakers was none other than Rick Springfield's "Jessie's Girl," a classic 80s one-hit wonder (for video, click HERE).

That song reminds me of the early days of Mtv (back when they played videos), which then led me to think about the old style cable boxes we used to have. 

Instead of ubiquitous remotes and now DVRs, back in the old days we used to get up from where we were sitting, walk to the TV, and then turn the dial to the channel that we wanted. 

I wonder how many calories a channel-changing walk burns? Maybe two?

Regardless, channel surfing was a whole 'nother experience back in the 80s.

But a lot of us also probably remember the days before Cable. You had four channels (NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS), and that was it.

Astounding

While I appreciate that the owner of Marty's "On Campus" is a Cubs' fan, I bristle at this.

With a franchise that was last in the World Series in 1945 and last won it a century ago, one would think that fans of the Cubs would know a thing or two about jinxing your team.

I don't like this. I don't like it all.

Music Friday: "Look Out Dog, Slow Down Train"

To enjoy The Hackensaw Boys doing their song "Look Out Dog, Slow Down Train," click HERE.

I first heard about these cats when I read Oxford American's 2007 Music Issue. That great magazine (its website HERE) has a music issue every year, which is accompanied with a cd.

Enjoy.

23 Days Until...

Alabama vs. Clemson in the Georgia Dome.

In Honour...

of one of my responses to travolta that included these misspellings--"coercian" and "commisioned"--a criminology professor in Britain argues that incorrect spelling should be "accepted" (click HERE).

It's an interesting but flawed argument.

Iraq's Budget Surplus

I remember the days when the government of the U.S.A. had a budget surplus.

Nowadays the Iraqi Government has one, as can be read about HERE.

I'm sure it's quite complex as why they're flush with 79 billion, but the leaders quoted in the NY Times piece offer vague excuses and reassurances.

Regardless of whether this situation is understandable or, as Woody Allen said in one of his movies, it's "a travesty of a sham of a mockery, a travestshamockery," I sure we'll be hearing quite a bit about this in coming days, unless of course you don't read the papers or watch the news. 

Deep Thought: Snot Bubbles

As I was running in my semi-meditative state tonight, I thought about watching the kids today. This morning my fourteen month old son showcased an enormous snot bubble. As he was laughing, a bulbous ball of mucus mushroomed in his right nostril. It was disgusting and funny at the same time.

Wouldn't "The Snot Bubbles" be a great name for band though? While I also think "Whiskey Tango" would be a good name for an aspiring band, that would be stealing a term from HBO's Generation Kill.

Whatcha think?

The band takes the stage, and the lead singer says, "Hello Kansas City! We're happy to be here. We're The Snot Bubbles!"

Harnessing the Wind

The NY Times has a nice little article on a wind farm in Ainsworth, NE (click HERE), and Lee News Service has one on the bigger wind power picture (click HERE).

I hope Coles County gets a wind farm soon too. Up there east of Bloomington there's a huge wind farm that nicely connects to Illinois State's major in Renewable Energy, or some similar phrase.

27 Days Until...

Alabama vs. Clemson in the Georgia Dome.

Wal-Mart Implies Who Their Employees Should Vote For

As related HERE, meetings have been going on in Wal-Marts about the how the fate of the presidential election will possibly lead to unionization, a naughty word--an outright shibboleth--in the corporate behemoth's eyes.

Regardless of who wins the election, I hope that Employee Free Choice Act passes. With House and Senate races, for the most part, looking good for the Democrats, the bill may pass anyway (I doubt the Dems will do as well as they did in '06 when they lost NO seats and flipped many others.). 

But, then again, Wally World and other corporations that oppose the EFCA contribute a lot of cash to both the GOP and Democrats--greasing the skids of government in their favor. 

McCain's Ad Parsed by The Daily Show

If you enjoy situational irony, you might like Jon Stewart's take on the "celebrity" attack ad the McCain campaign is using against Obama.

For your viewing pleasure, click HERE. 

A $4600 dump.

And for a decent column from Eugene Robinson that addresses McCain's celebrity ad and other issues, click HERE.

A Schlitzian Renaissance

As related to me by an avid reader of this blog, the old Schlitz is back. And they plan to starting brewing it again in Milwaukee, its rightful home.

PBR is now distributing the old-formula Schlitz in Milwaukee, and I hope the distribution spreads soon. 

My favorite cheap beer (I drank the new formula from Stroh's) is now reformulated, in bottles, and people are loving it.

With A-B having bad PR because of the Belgian buyout, I like how  PBR and Schlitz are positioning themselves. Its time for Schlitz to regain its rightful crown as the true king of American lagers.

For this exciting story (at least to me), click HERE.

For even more information on this hallowed brew, click HERE. Much to the chagrin of my better half, I'm placing an order for paraphernalia soon...