Roast Duck

Pragmatism is the theme from last night's Iowa caucuses. With Dean not winning it shows Iowa Democrats care more about defeating President Bush than making the election an anti-Bush temper tantrum. That's good for the continued viability of the Democratic Party as well as civilized political discourse. But it's bad for TAM's Duck Hunt.

Sen. John Kerry's victory salvaged his campaign. The win will give him a big boost in New Hampshire. We'll see how that plays when two other candidates (Clark and Lieberman) are duking it out.

I thought Dean would get the nomination. He still could do it, but I'm not very confident with my prediction. I fell into the Internet frenzy that catapulted Duck, M.D. to the head of the pack. I figured Dean's campaign tapped into something the other candidates didn't. All the while I was castigating the raft for thinking the Duck, M.D. campaign was revolutionary movement. I called it a "decentralized marketing campaign pushing a candidate as the product." Oops! If Howard the Duck would have stuck with Chris Suellentrop's suggestion not to be "a blunt, moderate Democrat and his policies" instead of becoming "a campaign about a messianic figure and his movement" he wouldn't have rose to the top or garnered such intense support (deep but not broad as Iowa showed).

Iowans appear to have been turned off by the swarm of Deaniacs who invaded their state both in person and through the mail. One Deaniac gave a possible explanation for Duck, M.D.'s thrashing:

How would you feel if you were bombarded by letters telling YOU which candidate to vote for? Yes, it keeps us grunts energized writing all those letters, but the irritation factor was probably high (and I bet the internal polls confirm this). Edwards' juvenile comment about not wanting "y'all" to tell US what to do, may have a message in it for us Dean supporters.

In Dean World where the special kool-aid is always flowing we have comments like, "If I could send you warm beams of confidence and peace from my keyboard, I would."

Dave in Wisconsin wrote,

The remarks read better than they watched, Burlington.

Regrettably, few will read them, and those who watch the speech will do so with the sound turned off and the punditry brigade on.

Enthusiasm is a wonderful thing, when enthusiasm projects a positive force.

I fear that the speech, without a doubt hard to make, did not do Dr. Dean credit.

Then there's the ever-present Bush hatred:

The Gov deserves our RESPECT and support for what he has done..to bring us all together against this Admin, which is RUINING OUR LIVES!

And this:

My little boys deserve a President who believes in them. And Heaven knows they're not safe under a Bush-Cheney-Wolfowitz administration.

If anyone writes anything critical about Dr. Duck they're labeled a "troll" and discounted. That's not the actions of people engaged in reasonable debate. It's quasi-cultism where any deliniation from the group's conventional wisdom is deemed apostasy.

The Deaniacs need to take Matt Stoller's post to heart:

Now Kucinich is viable. They took enough chunks from the Kerry/Edwards/Sharpton folk to get a delegate. What a disaster for the new politics. Dean could play in the new world, but as JFK showed in 1960, it wasn't enough to be great on TV. He had to win the machines first. Dean won the internet in July, but lost Iowa in February.

To go back to the theme of pragmatism, in order for any Democratic nominee to not be completely dominated in an air war by Bush/Cheney their only two choices are Dean and Kerry because both of them refused to take federal matching funds. Kerry has momentum, but just like Iowa changed quickly from Dean to Kerry, New Hampshire could fluctuate.

On to Howard the Duck's "consession" speech. It was filled with fury, and he loved it. He eyes were bright and penetrating reveling in the fury he could generate from the crowd. His fists were pumping as he called out all the states he was going to fight in. Then he ended it with some undescribable yell [via Drudge]. What was that noise? MSNBC's Keith Olbermann had this to say about the speech:

Suddenly Dean's in third place and worse yet, he called his own defeat long before any of the results were official. And then wound up the night with one of the weirdest interludes in recent political history: Not only did he play 'I can name all the states,' but he seemed to be doing some cross between wrestler Hulk Hogan... and jazz immortal Louie Armstrong.

Is there some equivalent to Mad Cow Disease for ducks? If not, call the vets, I think I found the first case last night.

Howard the Duck's post-caucus speech was so unique it confused Al-Jazeera. Their story (which appears to be from the AFP wire) is titled "Dean Vows to Fight Every State." Maybe something was lost in translation. I'll let you be the judge.

One member of Dean's raft was so "confident" in his candidate that she bet a San Francisco Chronicle reporter that Duck, M.D. would get less than 30%. The woman won. Get me her number. I want her Super Bowl pick. Pats or Cats?

Dean campaign manager Joe Trippi had the best spin of the night when he told the LA Times, "It's kind of like we're back [to the position] where we're the best, where he's the insurgent." Trippi must be tripping out if he really thinks his man won by losing.

Jeff Jarvis revels in Dr. Duck's defeat. Of course, some would say his opinion doesn't count since he's not liberal enough.

Kos lists last night's winners and losers.

"Shattering Iowa Myths"

UPDATE: THE place to go in the blogosphere for Iowa coverage is The Command Post.

I'm Confused

How can Howard the Duck be leading in delegates while getting his clock cleaned in Iowa? And does the AP count included superdelegates?

"Delegate Count"

"Kerry Wins Big in Iowa, Gephardt Drops Out"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 12:32 AM | Comments (4)

January 19, 2004

Duck Hunt #6

In less than five hours Iowa Democrats will head to their caucuses. These small groups of party die-hards will make or break years of hard campaigning. These last few weeks of traveling across the cold, wind-blown state has brought about fatigue and minor ailments. But Howard the Duck, M.D.'s wings have refused to stop flapping while his raft has flooded Iowa in what the campaign calls "The Perfect Storm."

Howard the Duck may have shown how much he really cares about the caucuses by zippin down to Georgia to invite himself to church with Jimmy Carter.

Back in college, Dr. Duck patronized some black classmates by insisting on a black roommate.

Now, let's go to the blogosphere:

• Jonathan Chait looks into an inventor of the Duck, M.D. campaign's "ignore-the-center" strategy.
• Captain's Quarters finds an interesting nugget I missed in the Drs. Dean People interview.
• David Hogberg tries to explain why the Dems' #1 waterfowl is faultering in Iowa. To quote Hogberg, "The problem is Dean has made the mistake of equating 'uneducated' with 'stupid.'"
• Orrin Judd reaffirms my justification for dubbing Dr. Dean, "Howard the Duck."
• Randall McElroy at Catallarchy.net hammers Duck, M.D.'s war hypocrisy after news of "Bosnia letter" came out.
• Frank J. imagines Dr. Duck with the bomb. And you though Dr. Stranglove was scarry.
• Finally, Cox & Forkum have one funny cartoon.

Join in by linking to the Duck Hunt. If you have an MT-powered weblog, just trackback to this post, and it will appear below. If your weblog software is incapable of trackbacks use Kevin's Trackback Form.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 02:14 PM | Comments (0)

Civil Rights and Economics

Dwight Lee on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s economic legacy:

The expansion in freedom brought about by the civil rights movement under King's inspiring leadership receives far too little credit for improving the prospects and prosperity of all Americans. And our free-market economy receives far too little credit for helping move us toward King's dream of freedom for all our citizens.

"MLK, the Marketplace, and a Legacy of Freedom"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Economics at 01:24 PM | Comments (1)

Money Shots

Unpersons hosts this week's Carnival of the Capitalists.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Economics at 01:19 PM | Comments (0)

Kudos

Thank you to Michael of 2blowhards.com for the link.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Weblogging at 01:15 PM | Comments (0)

January 18, 2004

Special Report from Philly

Donovan McNabb's body was found in a corner of Lincoln Financial Field. Reports indicate he was mauled by a pack of hungry panthers.

"Panthers 14, Eagles 3"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 11:54 PM | Comments (0)

BlogMadness

I just entered BlogMaddness 2003. You should too. It should be fun, but the deadline is 01.21.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Weblogging at 11:35 PM | Comments (0)

Question to the Audience

Does any TAM reader have a copy of SimCity 3000? If so, is Madison, WI one of the cities that can be loaded? If so, is there something "interesting" about the map?

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Miscellaneous at 11:29 PM | Comments (0)

Two More Years of "Dr. No"

Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) faces no competition this November.

"Two of Three Baytown Districts Uncontested"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Politics at 08:53 PM | Comments (1)

Refuting Democrats

When will a Dem weblogger accuse Michael O'Hanlon of not being a "true liberal" (even though he works at the Brookings Institution? While being critical of some aspects of the Iraq War, O'Hanlon refutes Bush's opponents' claim that the war prevents going after al Qaeda.

"Has U.S. War in Iraq Slowed War on Terror?" [via OTB]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in War at 07:41 PM | Comments (2)

Red Madison

"The Peoples' Republic of Madison" deserves it's moniker. Just imagine the outrage if a newspaper used a Nazi-inspired motif. The idea wouldn't have even reached a billboard because it would have leaked out, and there would have been tons of complaints. Since communists killed millions more than the Nazis I've wondered why it's ok to be red but not brown.

"Communist Wisconsin" [via One Fine Jay]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 06:20 PM | Comments (7)

Predictions

Oliver Willis already has one wrong weekend prediction. The Patriots topped the Colts. Bummer. Payton Manning is a good quarterback, but the New England defense made him look like a rookie.

As for the Eagles-Panthers (already in progress) I hope Willis becomes 0-2. I'm not predicting a Carolina victory, I'm hoping for one.

Then there's Duck, M.D. in Iowa. Having him win takes him one step closer to the nomination--something bad for the Democrats and the country. However, a Howard the Duck flame-out would extinguish lots of TAM campaign fun.

"Patriots Stop Colts, Head to Super Bowl"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 06:05 PM | Comments (0)

January 16, 2004

Golf News

14-year old Michele Wie almost made the cut in Hawaii's Sony Open. I have more at SportsBlog.org.

"The Female Tiger Woods"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 10:43 PM | Comments (1)

Maybe Too Cute

Food Network thinks they have the next hip couple in Lisa Loeb and Dweezil Zappa. Let's wait and see. Lisa is sweet, sexy, and a vegetarian (who occasionally cheats). Dweezil is goofy (he is a Zappa, it's in his genes) and easy going. The first episode had the two running around
Atlanta indulging in Southern favorites like chicken and waffles and carrot cake. The food looked mouthwatering, and you always wanted to say "awww" everytime Lisa and Dweezil are walking hand-in-hand. Dweezil and Lisa could get too sugar-sweet. The show has the potential of emphasising the couples cuteness over the food. Also, Lisa has to stop sounding so monotone in her narration. But the two are charming, and the food remained primary.

"Quiche and Tell"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Culture at 10:22 PM | Comments (0)

January 15, 2004

Deanisms

NRO's Byron York has started documenting wacky quacks from Dr. Duck. Here's the first "Deanism":

Here's a good one — highly qualified teachers, right? The president is going to decide who highly qualified teachers are! [crowd laughter] He had so many of them, right? [more laughter] I shouldn't have said that. It's not presidential."

Since Bush and Dean both went to Yale what does this tell us about Howard the Duck's high opinion of his alma matter? In this case, Dean isn't a duck, he's an ass.

[via Matthew Stinson]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 09:00 PM | Comments (3)

Miserable Failure

Just great! The WTC memorial will now look like an abandoned missile silo. Oh, how modern art can just lift the spirits.

"WTC Memorial Designer Shows New Drawings"

[This post is linked to OTB's Beltway Traffic Jam.]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Culture at 07:50 PM | Comments (5)

People Interviews Drs. Duck

Other than the occasional campaign quips by Howard the Duck, the interview portrays the couple as pretty ordinary. They seem to be devoted to their children and each other. They both also seem to be pretty even-keeled, which makes me wonder if Duck, M.D.'s Bush Rage schtick is just a gimmick for his Bush-hating followers.

[via Drudge]

UPDATE: Stephen Green is really hard on the couple.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 12:21 AM | Comments (4)

January 14, 2004

Quacking on Foreign Policy

The Council on Foreign Relations has a website devoted to foreign policy statements by the Presidential candidates. Guess which person I clicked on first? (You only get one.)

Last February Dr. Duck said in a speech,

Now, I am not among those who say that America should never use its armed forces unilaterally. In some circumstances, we have no choice. In Iraq, I would be prepared to go ahead without further Security Council backing if it were clear the threat posed to us by Saddam Hussein was imminent, and could neither be contained nor deterred.

Such nuance escapes Duck, M.D. now that the primary season is underway.

Then there's this quote from the same speech:

I believe that the President undercuts our long-term national security interests and the established international order when he seeks to replace decades of bipartisan consensus on the use of American force with a new doctrine justifying preemptive attacks against other nation states - not because of their current action or imminent threat, but to preempt a threat that could arise in the future.

It looks to me that back then Dean wasn't accusing the Bush administration of labeling Saddam's Iraq an imminent threat. Rather, he acknowledged that an argument for war was to remove a future threat. Why then does Dr. Duck make the "imminent threat" accusation other than to pander to his intensely anti-war, anti-Bush followers?

Let's compare the above quote from last February's speech with a quote from his statement on the one-year anniversary of Congress giving President Bush authority to invade Iraq:

I opposed the President's preemptive war because I thought the threat wasn't imminent and because I thought it would make us less safe here in America.

"The opinion polls were against me, but I knew I had to stand up for what I believed.

"Today we know the American people were badly misled over the past year. We've now learned that Saddam was not involved in the September 11th attacks, that there was no strong evidence Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction that presented an imminent threat to the United States, that Iraq did not try to purchase nuclear materials from Africa, that Saddam was nowhere near developing nuclear weapons, and that the Bush administration had no real plan for reconstruction once Saddam was gone.

In April, 2003 Dean made a back-handed accusation that Bush labeled Saddam's Iraq an imminent threat. It's the earliest mention of "imminent threat" I've found from Dr. Duck.

[via Daniel Drezner and Spinsanity]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 10:51 PM | Comments (0)

Dems Bush Hatred

Here's proof that Democrats are just plain irrational in their dislike towards President Bush. A poll was taken on the public's opinion of a mission to Mars. Here's the important quote:

Just over half of Democrats' opposed the plan by "the United States." Once it was identified as a "Bush administration" plan, Democrats opposed it by a 2-to-1 margin.

"AP Poll: Bush Space Plans Get Lukewarm Reception"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Politics at 04:16 PM | Comments (9)

Unilateral Howard and an Issue to Run On

It looks like Dr. Duck's standard for going to war are as warped as that of the Clinton administration. Going to war in Iraq on behalf of U.S. security interests is wrong and immoral, but going to war in Bosnia, a place of little U.S. concern is correct and right even if done unilaterally.

Hooray or USA Today for countering the standard Dean campaign rhetoric of an "imminent threat" with what President Bush actually said. A commenter linked to a Daniel Drezner debate over Iraq War rhetoric. He concluded that while the term "imminent threat" wasn't used the Bush administration made comments implying that that was exacty what Iraq had become. To the Deaniacs, unless the WMD were cocked and loaded or given to a terrorist group there was so significant threat to the U.S. That's quite different than this administrations approach. I quote from the 2002 National Security Strategy:

We must be prepared to stop rogue states and their terrorist clients before they are able to threaten or use weapons of mass destruction against the United States and our allies and friends. Our response must take full advantage of strengthened alliances, the establishment of new partnerships with former adversaries, innovation in the use of military forces, modern technologies, including the development of an effective missile defense system, and increased emphasis on intelligence collection and analysis.

Drezner concludes that the administration expanded the the definition of "imminent threat." So, both sides of this rhetorical argument have something to stand on. The President didn't use the word "imminent," and the anti-warriors can argue that that's what he implied. How about this: I'll stop claiming the anti-warriors are perpetuating a lie if they stop claiming Bush said Iraq was an imminent threat? The debate over a word doesn't change my opinion of the correctness of the Iraq War. Iraq as an imminent threat wasn't my reason for advocating war. It was the fact that Saddam's Iraq had ties to terrorists (Abu Nidal and possibly low-level contact with al-Qaeda), used chemical weapons in the past, and attempted to assassinate President George H. W. Bush. Eugene Volokh's blackmail scenerio deals with nuclear weapons, which Saddam didn't have, but it could still happen with chemical or biological weapons. The threat was there, and war was, unfortunately, the best way to deal with it.

Dean and the anti-warriors would be on much firmer ground if they argued that the intelligence system failed. It failed to prevent the Sep. 11th attacks and not (it can be argued) they failed to properly assess Saddam's WMD capabilities. However, by critiquing the intelligence system they have to indict other nations besides the U.S. During the war debate no nation, including France, stood up and claimed Saddam didn't have WMD. The argument wasn't if he had them or not, but how to deal with him. Last August, Francis Fukuyama wrote:

The inability to locate these weapons is vastly more consequential to American credibility than the fact that the White House staff failed to vet 16 words in a single speech. The missing weapons reflect a much more fundamental institutional intelligence failure.

The source of this failure does not lie in the political agenda of this administration. The Bush people are right in saying that their estimates of WMD stockpiles were no different from the conclusions of the Clinton administration. And the latter would say, if asked, that their assessment was drawn from Unscom, the U.N. weapons inspectors who operated in Iraq from 1991-98. The intelligence failure is thus ultimately traceable to Unscom, and deeply embedded in an intelligence process that in the 1990s was biased toward overestimation of threats.

Calling for a systematic analysis and reforming of the intelligence community would be a proactive issue for Dean to campaign on. I just don't see him taking that up because it wouldn't fit well with the Bush-hating of his devoted followers.

"Dean Urged Clinton to Take Unilateral Action in Bosnia"

[I've linked this post to OTB's Beltway Jam]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 03:22 PM | Comments (3)

New CotV

Snooze Button Dreams hosts this week's Carnival of the Vanities.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Weblogging at 02:19 PM | Comments (0)

Liar, Liar

The Dean campaign continues to perpetuate the Iraq-as-imminent-threat lie. Read last year's State of the Union speech and show me where President Bush makes that claim. You can't because he didn't do it. Instead, he said,

Some have said we must not act until the threat is imminent. Since when have terrorists and tyrants announced their intentions, politely putting us on notice before they strike? If this threat is permitted to fully and suddenly emerge, all actions, all words, and all recriminations would come too late. Trusting in the sanity and restraint of Saddam Hussein is not a strategy, and it is not an option.

"Dean Calls War "Strategic Error"; Cites Army War College Report, Secretary O'Neill Statements, Carnegie Endowment"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 03:24 AM | Comments (8)

O'Neill/Suskind Hoax

If Paul O'Neill misused documents while CEO of Alcoa like Power Line accuses him of doing then the feds better send a forensic accounting team to look at Alcoa's books.

"Lid Blown Off O'Neill/Suskind Hoax" [via InstaPundit]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in War at 02:19 AM | Comments (0)

Go Panthers!

If I didn't have enough reason to root for the Carolina Panthers this weekend, Will Bunch shot off another anti-city column. Who do I talk to to take away Philadelphia's nickname "City of Brotherly Love"?

"In Our Mind there's Nothing in Carolina" [via A Small Victory]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 01:57 AM | Comments (1)

Hell Hath No Fury Like Celebrities Spurned

Even though more evidence is hardly needed, here's more pure partisan vitrol directed at President Bush. MoveOn.org, the Deaniacs, and the Left will not win in November with reactionary anger. Americans are an optimistic people who prefer candidates advocating proactive ideas instead of reactive rants.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Politics at 01:21 AM | Comments (0)

French Bashing

Our Oldest Enemy is sure to be a book that ticks off the French as well as historians of American history. I can't wait to read John Miller's and Mark Molesky's explanation of French assistance in the Revolutionary War, and admiration the American public had to Lafayette. Surprisingly, the book isn't being published by Regnery.

[via Intellectual Conservative]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Foreign Affairs at 12:55 AM | Comments (2)

Only in Wisconsin

There's nothing I can add to this story. If only the researcher could have invented a laser to shoot down Eagles in time for last Sunday's game.

"University Adapts Laser to Slice Cheese" [via Wizbang]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 12:48 AM | Comments (0)

January 13, 2004

Duck Hunt #5

Let's begin this edition of the Duck Hunt with the Ed Koch's endorsement of President Bush. Here's the portion on Howard the Duck:

The Democrat now leading in the race, former governor Howard Dean, is a disgrace. His willingness to publicly entertain the slander that President Bush had advance warning of the September 11 attacks and his statement that America is no safer as a result of the capture of Saddam Hussein should have been sufficient to end his candidacy. But the radicals who dominate the primaries love the red meat that is thrown to them, even when it comes from a mad cow.

"Democratic Defection" [via Drumwaster's Rants]

"Dean's Wife Shuns Politics"

---

Let's see what the blogosphere is thinking:

• Hoystory.com comments on Dr. Duck's confrontation with an Iowan. I don't care if Mr. Ungerer is a registered Republican. Howard the Duck didn't have to treat him so distainfully. But his "George Bush is not my neighbor" quip and the resulting applause by his followers proves again that his campaign is built on anger.
• One Fine Jay and A Small Victory comment on the absense of Mrs. Duck, M.D. on the campaign trail. I have nothing against Dr. Steinberg. In fact, I find it refreshing to not see a candidate's spouse trotted around like an ornament.
• Howard the Duck was wrong. Capturing Saddam made Americans safer. Attacks in Iraq are down since the dictator's capture, as Bill Hobbs notes.
• Then there's James' discovery of a new anti-Duck bumper sticker. I got a mild chuckle out of it, but to paraphrase Mr. Ungerer Deaniacs are our neighbors too. It's not their fault. It's just the techno-utopian socialism in the kool-aid Duck, M.D.'s campaign doles out.

Now it's your turn. If you have an MT-powered weblog, just trackback to this post, and it will appear below. If your weblog software is incapable of trackbacks use Kevin's Trackback Form. Also, if you find a weblog post you think would be good for a future issue of the Duck Hunt, e-mail me.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 02:03 PM | Comments (4)

Stuff Momma Wouldn't Even Love

New Bonfire of the Vanities at The Evangelical Outpost.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Weblogging at 01:56 AM | Comments (0)

January 12, 2004

A Bad Memory

Reminiscent of Donovan McNabb's miracle 4th and 26 pass that led to yesterday's loss is another Packers heartbreaker. Back in 1999, the Pack faced the San Francisco 49ers in a wild-card game. I'll quote from the Journal Sentinel story:

All season long, Darren Sharper had been asked to make plays as the Packers' starting free safety, replacing Eugene Robinson.

On Sunday, with the National Fooball Conference wild-card game between the Packers and San Francisco 49ers on the line, Sharper failed one last time.

Steve Young's heroic 25-yard touchdown pass to Terrell Owens with 3 seconds remaining brought the 49ers a 30-27 victory at 3Com Park when all the Packers needed was for Sharper to stay in position and break up the pass.

Steve Young's 76-yard game-winning drive erased Brett Favre's 89-yard drive that gave the Packers the lead.

Packers fans may be used to victory snatched out of our hands, but it still hurts.

"Down & Out: Young Ends GB's season, White's Career"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 06:55 PM | Comments (2)

Rush: Victim in the War on Drugs

The ACLU has jumped to Rush Limbaugh's behalf to protect his medical privacy rights. ACLU executive director Anthony Romero said, "Limbaugh's case demonstrates that the 'War on Drugs' is not working." The civil liberties organization has a history of aiding people who oppose much of their activities. Maybe this will allow Rush to say something nice about them on his radio show.

"Strange Bedfellows? ACLU Supports Rush Limbaugh"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Politics at 05:39 PM | Comments (0)

Rush Fans Need "Patience"

Police have been on the receiving end of complaints from Rush fans over Alex Lifeson's arrest on New Year's Eve. A Collier County sheriff went so far as to write a commentary in a Naples' newspaper.

In a related note, all the Rush's in my life (the band and the man) are involved with Florida police. Ironically, the band has an instrumental titled "Limbo" on their Test for Echo album.

"Police Ask Fans' Patience in Rush Probe" [via BlogCritics.org]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Miscellaneous at 05:34 PM | Comments (0)

Reality TV

The Duck, M.D. campaign as reality TV fodder. Yeah, just what I want to watch: angry Dr. Duck and his gang of merry webloggers sneering in response to everything "wrong" President Bush does. All the while passing out cups of their secret-recipe kool-aid that makes Dean's raft believe they're on the cusp of techno-democratic utopia. Watching it would be more painful than Paris Hilton's and Nichole Richie's The Simple Life.

I have to admit, I own the Clinton campaign documentary, The War Room because it's a great view of how a Presidential campaign operates. While I disagree with James Carville's and George Stephanopolus' politics, they certainly know how to win elections. And how can you not like watching Carville rambling on over a 1 1/2 hour movie? [Note: That doesn't mean I can stand him 2 1/2 hours a week on Crossfire.]

Now, if you want good reality TV filled with characters and oodles of drama, catch ESPN's World Series of Poker. Binion's in Las Vegas is closed up, so this might be the your only chance to see something quite like it.

[via Dave at Deinonychus antirhopus]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 05:18 PM | Comments (0)

'Nuff Said

Betsy has plenty of good points on Paul O'Neill's "revelations."

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Politics at 05:01 PM | Comments (0)

Truth Hurts

Here's something depressing. Yesterday's game was the first time in Packers history where they lost a playoff game when leading by at least 14 points. Also, the infamous 4th and 26 conversion was the longest 4th down conversion by an opponent in Packers post-season history. These can be added to Ahman Green's team records set this year. He broke the single-season and single-game rushing records.

P.S. Fox wasn't on the ball. They didn't mention the Pack's record when leading by 14. If they did, I would have blamed them for the debacle.

"Packers Blow Biggest Playoff Lead vs. Eagles"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 03:59 PM | Comments (1)

"Your Tired, Your Poor, Your Huddled Masses..."

When President Bush released his illegal immigration plan, I didn't jump on the story. I still won't bash or praise it because in order to determine if it's a good idea one has to look beyond the immediate, "stage one" effects (to use Thomas Sowell's term from his excellent Applied Economics). It's obvious that wage rates for unskilled labor has been pushed down due to illegal workers. But it is also true that employers saved money by using the lower-cost labor. They either passed those saving onto consumers (if their market is sufficiently competitive) or invested their increased profits in some other enterprise.

National security has to be considered as well. Open borders can mean easy access for terrorists. However, amassing troops at the border to prevent any illegals from entering would draw forces away from international hotspots like Iraq, Afghanistan, and North Korea.

Then there are the cultural effects. No one knows how American society would change due to the influx of immigrants who may decide not to assimilate. Past American history shows this hasn't happened. However with the rise of organized ethinic interest groups and Leftists who feel America is evil and has to be changed, assimilation may not happen as readily as it used to.

"One Man's Verdict on Bush's Illegal Worker Plan"

"Bush Immigration Reform--No Reform at All"

[Linked to OTB's Beltway Traffic Jam]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Economics at 03:15 PM | Comments (0)

Capitalist Goodies

Ensight is hosting this week's Carnival of the Capitalists.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Economics at 02:56 PM | Comments (0)

Net Doesn't Change Economics

Robert Murphy takes on critics who think free trade ideas are somehow obsolete because of the Internet.

"Free Trade and Factor Mobility"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Economics at 02:47 PM | Comments (0)

Praying for Forgiveness

Maybe the Packers' loss is do to my reliance on voodoo instead of Jesus (according to The Eye). And maybe that's the reason I'm down and out with a cold. If so, I'm sorry Lord. It's all her fault. She made me do it. She also shouldn't have sacrificed Elton John. That might have jinxed the Pack. Who would have thought God likes "Tiny Dancer?" One more thing, she is now ranting, but it isn't as long as her blast at Roger Clemens.

"Green and Fold"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 01:43 PM | Comments (2)

January 11, 2004

Stick a Fork in 'Em; They're Done

Guess what can stop Michele's voodoo? Having your star player make a bone-headed play that costs his team the game. Also, a whole lot of bad luck had to happen (good luck for Philly). Getting a first down on fourth and 26 made up for Nathan Poole's miraculous reception against Minnesota. Then if Bhawoh Jue would have tackled Donovan McNabb, then Green Bay would be making plans to go to Charlotte next Sunday.

Dems the breaks. You live by Favre, you die by Favre.

At least Michele isn't ranting and raving...yet.

There's always next year. The Pack will be back!

"End of the Road"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 07:58 PM | Comments (5)

Something Smells

How unpatriotic and irresponsible is Paul O'Neill? If he felt the U.S. was going to war on false pretenses he had an obligation to speak out. That he didn't until he had a book coming out just reaks of opportunism.

"Inspector O'Neill: There Was No Evident of WMD"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in War at 02:52 PM | Comments (8)

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Slate's "The Decline of Fashion Photography" is one of the best photo essays I've ever read/viewed on the Web. The pictures are stunning--both in their beauty and their uglyness. Along with the images, Karen Lehrman offers brief, insightful commentary.

[via Daypop]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Culture at 01:31 PM | Comments (1)

The Shirt on Favre's Back

To add to the already homey feel the Green Bay Packers and their fans radiate, the uniforms Brett and the gang wear each and every Sunday are made only 1 1/2 hours away from hallowed Lambeau Field.

"Meet the Makers of Green Bay Packers Uniforms"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 12:11 PM | Comments (0)

Voodoo Child

It will be cold in Philly today. That's a plus for Brett Favre who shines in cold weather even though his Mississippi blood hates it. (He's 37-2 when the temperature is below 34 degrees.) Another plus is a Philadelphia sports writer who ripped Green Bay and Packers fans, although he says the column was a joke. I smell fear in the heart of William Bunch. Fear of another Eagles playoff loss at home. Fear of another failed run at the Super Bowl.

But with yesterday being "Voodoo Day" Michele asked the football gods to bless Favre, Green, et. al. A dead eagle, a living eagle, and Elton John (here is the explanation), how can the Packers lose? I better be safe and keep my fingers crossed.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 02:39 AM | Comments (0)

Duck or Thumb

Damn! Before the "Howard the Duck" meme can really sink in Jeff Jarvis runs with comment that Dean looks like a thumb. The meme has already infected Matthew Stinson who thought up the moniker "Thumb-Powered Howard." If this catches on my Duck Hunt will go the way of Nintendo's light gun.

So, I'll ask my audience: Howard the Duck or Thumb-Powered Howard? To vote leave a comment or trackback this post on your weblog.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 12:31 AM | Comments (4)

January 10, 2004

Duck Hunt #4

With possible chemical weapons found in Iraq I can't wait to see Howard the Duck's response. Is America still not safer with Saddam captured? As for the mortar rounds Blaster writes that they're the real deal because "No other liquids would be contained in a mortar round."

"Found Shells Contain Blister Agent, Tests Show"

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On to the posts:

• Randall McElroy at Catallarchy.net found some hypocrisy, Duck, M.D.-style.
• Captain's Quarters goes into politics, religion, and how Dean is doing nothing more than pandering. Howard the Duck's new-found faith has inspired a song. [via Rosemary]
• Slings and Arrows senses a Duck, M.D. primary victory but an landslide general election defeat. While Deaniacs are passionate and monetarily generous they just don't have the numbers for Dr. Dean to beat Bush. [via Jay Solo]

Join in. If you have an MT-powered weblog, just trackback to this post, and it will appear below. If your weblog software is incapable of trackbacks use Kevin's Trackback Form.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 11:47 PM | Comments (2)

No Communion for Abortion Backers

This is sure to upset pro-abortion types and those who think it's right, yet alone possible, to separate one's religious beliefs from their actions as government officials.

"Bishop Bans Some Catholic Legislators from Receiving Communion"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Culture of Death at 11:00 PM | Comments (4)

January 09, 2004

We're All Getting Older

All is not Dean-related here at TAM. Michele (remember, the voodoo for Sunday's game) posts that Jimmy Page turned 60 today. I guess that means I have to stop making fun of Mick Jaggar being to old to run around onstage.

"I Get Older as the Minutes Go By"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Music at 11:35 PM | Comments (0)

Pass Me the Butter

Steven Taylor's latest Toast-O-Meter is up for your reading pleasure.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Politics at 10:50 PM | Comments (0)

Duck Hunt #3

There may be some confusion as to why this linkfest is titled "The Duck Hunt" and why I refer to Howard Dean, M.D. as "Howard the Duck" and "Duck, M.D." Back last July, Dean supported sending U.S. troops to Liberia, but opposed the Iraq War. I dubbed him "Howard the Duck" because he was all wet. Today, he still is. So we go from one of the biggest movie bombs of the 1980s (and black mark on George Lucas' film career) to a Nintendo classic. Now, if I could only find my light gun.

• Deacon at Power Line sees Duck, M.D. as vulnerable, but will still get the nomination.
• Even when Duck, M.D. gets the nomination he has a really tall mountain to climb (or is that fly over?). Robert Musil has the numbers, and they don't look good.
• Moxie has a great quip in connection with Duck, M.D.'s God and homosexuality remark. [via ShortDaddy]
• Rosemary links to a Club for Growth calculator so you can find out how much a Dean Presidency would cost you in higher taxes. [via resurrectionsong]
• Steven's post is a few days old (dogs years in the blogosphere), but I don't care. It's good because it provides a possible explanation for Howard the Duck's prickly personality.
• And to be nice to Cam Edwards. Here's his "No war for queso!" post.

Join in. If you have an MT-powered weblog, just trackback to this post, and it will appear below. If your weblog software is incapable of trackbacks use Kevin's Trackback Form.

UPDATE: When pinging to the Duck Hunt please link to the post. Links both ways help readers find more good weblogs.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 08:35 PM | Comments (0)

January 08, 2004

The Dean Tapes

When are these shows coming out of DVD? I want them.

I especially want to capture that moment when he called Republicans opposed to affirmative action "racists." I want to watch it over and over on Election Night when Duck, M.D. loses.

"Tale of the Tape on Howard Dean" [via Wizbang]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 11:03 PM | Comments (3)

Clark's Lucky He Had a Nice Mom

There's the process of campaigning where the candidate can either try traditional methods to get his message out or go the innovative route. Wesley Clark went for the latter today with an online chat with webloggers.

However, innovative campaigning can't make up for radicalism on issues. In an interview with The Union Leader, Clark demonstrated that his abortion stance goes beyond even Roe v. Wade. For Clark, "Life begins with the mother's decision." Forget anything about trimesters and fetal viability. One person's life is determined by the arbitrary choice of another. Does that mean Clark accepts infanticide? Can the mother resind her life decision if her child has a grave illness or medical condition? This thinking is eerily like that of philosopher Peter Singer who thinks it's perfectly acceptable to kill people who "rationality, autonomy, and self-consciousness."

For further thoughts read James Joyner's post and Matthew Stinson's.

"Clark: Abortion Decision is the Mom's Alone"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Culture of Death at 10:55 PM | Comments (0)

Duck Hunt #2

With the Iowa caucuses in only a few weeks, things are starting to get nasty or desparate. Dick Gephardt's campaign is accusing Howard the Duck's campaign of planning to sneak in non-Iowans into the caucuses.

"Gephardt Aide Accuses Dean of Caucus Fraud Plan"

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Howard the Duck insists on being 5'8 3/4". Dean the oddly explains that "The reason I don't tell anybody about the three-quarters is that it sounds like I'm very sensitive about my height. And I'm not." Yeah, Duck, M.D. doesn't tell anybody about the three-quarters unless it's a writer for the New Republic. This guy is turning into the oddest Presidential candidate I've ever witnessed.

"The Cutest Little Baby Face"

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Now, onto the posts:

• Steve Verdon writes that Duck, M.D. is flip-flopping on repealing President Bush's tax cuts. He notes that Dean has little choice, or he'll end up like Paul Tsongas, Michael Dukakis, and Walter Mondale. Duck, M.D.'s rhetorical pattern matches pretty well with how he's approached winning the peace in Iraq.
• Staying on the evolving Duck, M.D. tax plan, Jonathan Chiat blasts Dean, M.D.:

  So, having pocketed the gains from demagoguing his opponents, Dean can now make the same calculation they did. Now he will be able to tell middle-class voters they'll come out even under his plan.

  And that's from an admitted Bush-hater.
• Rosemary shows that Howard Dean, M.D. has a tall order to fill after getting Bill Bradley's endorsement.
• There's plenty of talk about Duck, M.D.'s remark that "if God had thought homosexuality is a sin, he would have not created gay people." Orrin Judd writes,

  This effectively obviates the very concept of sin, because God wouldn't have created murderers, paedophiles, necrophiliacs, genocidists, etc., etc., etc. if their actions were sinful. In Mr. Dean's bizarro world, the very commission of a sin makes it unsinful.

• C-Log found a glaring inconsistency in Dean, M.D.'s reason for sealing some of his records while not sealing others.

Join in. If you have an MT-powered weblog, just trackback to this post, and it will appear below. If your weblog software is incapable of trackbacks use Kevin's Trackback Form.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 10:06 PM | Comments (0)

Scary

Imagine going to the doctor's office in Vermont. You're just there for your yearly physical so you're not nervous about the doctor finding anything seriously wrong. The nurse takes you to the exam room and tells you to undress and wait for the doctor. You take off your clothes, put on the paper gown, and sit on the cold exam table waiting. After a few minutes of your eyes wandering around the room looking at all the medical instruments that might be used in your exam, the door opens. Fright falls upon you as you look at this sight.

Yeah, I'd want to wake up from that bad dream too.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 09:26 PM | Comments (2)

Coke is Evil

ScrappleFace has found that imperialist, Mars-hating capitalists have already scarred the Red Planet's precious landscape.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Miscellaneous at 12:13 AM | Comments (2)

Easterbrook in CJR

CJR has a good story on Gregg Easterbrook's troubles from last fall. As Gregg put it, "If we'd just pressed the delete key, all this never would have happened."

"A Fall from Grace" [via Romenesko]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Weblogging at 12:07 AM | Comments (0)

January 07, 2004

Duck Hunt #1

The new year brings a gimick to TAM. Kevin started a weekly bonfire, there are a couple of carnivals floating around the blogosphere, James gives you a daily D.C. traffic report, Kate does her best Sesame Street impersonation, and Steven lets us know which Democratic candidates have gone past "golden brown" to "burnt to a crisp." My creation is the Duck Hunt. A quick glance at the graphic above should make it obvious that this is all about the Democratic candidate I most love to pick on: Howard Dean, M.D. This is where I'll be collecting other webloggers' posts on the former governor of Vermont.

In this issue we have:

• Steven pointing out that Duck, M.D. has a big lead in the "superdelegate" race.
  
• Matthew Stinson links to the pretty lame Duck-as-Hitler reference in an NY Post column.
  
• Kevin Whited has an interesting post on Duck, M.D. and abortion.
  
• Stephen Green had invented a new acronym for Howard the Duck's new tax plan.
  

Now that you get the drift of what the Duck Hunt is all about, you can join in. If you have an MT-powered weblog, just trackback to this post, and it will appear below. If your weblog software is incapable of trackbacks (shame, shame) use Kevin's Trackback Form.

Now, let's go hunting!

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 11:07 PM | Comments (1)

Gibbs is Back

I'm usually don't give a hoot about Redskins' football, but the return of Joe Gibbs to run the team puts a big smile on my face.

"It's Official: Gibbs Returns!" [via Oliver Willis]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 03:20 PM | Comments (3)

Halliburton Found Innocent

The Army Corps of Engineers has determined that Halliburton's Kellogg Brown & Root division was justified "in the price it charged the government for importing hundreds of millions of dollars of petrol and other fuel into Iraq."

Of course we all know this won't stop Duck, M.D. and other Bush-bashers from claiming Bush went to war just to help his rich friends.

"Halliburton Wins Round in Iraq Pricing Battle"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in War at 03:11 PM | Comments (0)

January 06, 2004

And the Winner Is...

The 1000th post was left by long-time commentor Steve of Norway. Being the good Green Bay Packers fan that he is, Steve will be getting some fine, high-quality merchandise from the Packer Pro Shop.

Now, read how Steve sees a parallel between Martha Stewart and Howard the Duck.

"Howie, Meet Martha"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Weblogging at 01:43 PM

Bad, Bad Stuff

The Bonfire of the Vanities is on the road. First stop: Boots and Sabers. Christmas certainly provided lots of material for some really lousy posts.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Weblogging at 01:39 PM | Comments (5)

He Doesn't Even Have a Mustache

Tom Cruise as Tony Stark? I don't think so. Tom Selleck always looked like the perfect Tony Stark to me. But he is getting kind of old.

"Cruise Up For Iron Man"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Culture at 03:39 AM | Comments (3)

Alex Lifeson Update

Unproductivity has a link to a story covering multiple perspectives of what happened.

"Rock Band Guitarist, Family Arrested for New Year's Eve Scuffle with Deputies"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Music at 03:18 AM | Comments (0)

Keep Your Fingers Crossed

Ronald Moore, executive producer of the recent Battlestar Galactica miniseries (pretty good, if you ask me) will leave HBO's Carnivale to prepare for a possible BG series. He told Sci Fi Wire, "I've been working on the show bible and the first few episodes in anticipation of a possible order." Even if Starbuck is a woman, I want to watch more of the story.

"Moore: Galactica Up In Air"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Culture at 03:03 AM | Comments (1)

New CotC

Misty is hosting this week's Carnival of the Capitalists. If I were a conspiracy nut I'd think Glenn Reynolds has something against me (What, Glenn? What?). He linked to this week's CotC and the one from 12.15.03, but not the weeks Bejus Pundit or TAM hosted it. I'll just chalk it up to bad luck and the mountains of e-mail Glenn gets daily. How he can go through it all, I don't know. Let's see what happens when TAM hosts the Carnival of the Vanities at the end of January.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Economics at 02:57 AM | Comments (1)

We Have Ourselves a Winner

The 1000th comment has been left. Details will follow when I contact the winner.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Weblogging at 01:41 AM | Comments (0)

January 05, 2004

More Pics from Lambeau Field

These are for those of you who really wish you were there. Well, there's always next year.

The fun at Packers games starts early in the morning when tailgaters arrive in the parking lot.

Probably the favorite food for tailgaters are brats. Yum!

Packers fan like to make clever signs, like this one:

We all know Packers fans are a little weird. You can't have such devotion to one team and not be a bit strange. Here we have two examples. First, is the Packer Pope:

Then there is Wisconsin's junior Senator, Mr. First Amendment Restriction himself (w/ me politely smiling next to him):

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 01:40 PM | Comments (4)

Almost There

We're almost to the 1000th post, so get your Amazon wish lists reading and yap away.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Weblogging at 01:30 PM | Comments (0)

Castro: "Best and Brightest of 2003"?

Here's something completely obnoxious from Milwaukee's alt-weekly, the Shepherd Express. They have a typical year-end story listing winners and losers from 2003. What is unusual is who they considered one of the "best and brightest of 2003":

Fidel Castro: Elected to a sixth term since 1976 at the age of 76.

There's some love for the most ruthless and bloody murderer in the Western Hemisphere. They make it sound like Castro is just some long-time president. What's ignored is that Fidel's "elections" were democratic in name only. It's kind of hard to lose when you force everyone to vote for you.

But Cuba has free health care so all sins are forgiven.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Foreign Affairs at 12:19 AM | Comments (2)

January 04, 2004

Live from Lambeau

What a game! What a game! Both Seattle and Green Bay did a good job stopping each other's running game. Packers running back Ahman Green ran for only 66 yards and two short touchdowns while Seattle's Shawn Alexander ran for a mere 45 yards and three short touchdowns. Even with both teams' running games shut down, there was offense. Both Brett Favre and Matt Hasselbeck threw for over 300 yards. The big difference was Brett threw for a touchdown without turning it over, while Matt, Brett's one-time understudy, didn't find the end zone and gave up a game-winning interception for a touchdown to cornerback Al Harris.

It was a long, satisfying day. Next stop for the Pack, Philadelphia. The next stop for me, bed. Expect more pictures after some much-needed sleep. Dreams of touchdown passes and interceptions will be dancing in my head.

Thanks, Michele! Your voodoo worked!

"Pick-ture Perfect"

UPDATE: I have to make this quick because I'm really tired. Citizen Smash loves his TiVo (find me an owner who doesn't) because it helped him fast-forward through the dead time during the game.

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There is also this short story on Nathan Poole's guest appearance at today's game. Prediction: One day, he will be a Green Bay Packer.

"Poole Receives Key to Green Bay"

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Finally, (need sleep, must sleep!) there was a sign at the game that read (I'm paraphrasing): "The only thing Vikings fear more than choking is drowning in a Poole."

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 11:29 PM | Comments (5)

January 03, 2004

Notes

Little posting or Net surfing today. I made a batch of pasta sauce (a ragu to be exact) that turned out to be pretty darn good. I'm becoming a bit of a foodie. I got a good chef's knife for Christmas (Thanks, mom and dad.) and have found some good, easy recipies from Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything: The Basics.

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On the Packers' front, everything's a go. All tickets are accounted for. Transportation has been secured. I'm hoping the "bad" weather (for the Seahawks) heads north (Milwaukee expects around six inches of snow). And some Packers fan in St. Louis has his home decked in the proper colors.

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I won't leave my non-sports readers hanging. Oliver Willis linked to a great NY Times Magazine article on the Democrats attempt at finding a foreign policy that can compete politically with President Bush's. To paraphrase Stephen Green, it's "required reading."

"The Things They Carry"

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Another "must read" is Amy Chua and Jed Rubenfeld in the Washington Post. They argue that the U.S. is handing over national power to Iraqis too soon. Ethnic tensions and mistrust could lead to chaos or, even worse, an anti-American, Islamist state. Instead, they suggest the coalition develop "local self-government." A model similar to the United States' political development.

"Ethnic Division in Iraq"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Miscellaneous at 05:05 PM | Comments (2)

January 02, 2004

My View of Lambeau Field

Here's a Quicktime 360-degree view of Lambeau Field from where I'll be sitting Sunday.

If you can't tell I'm a little excited. I wonder how my Minnesota Vikings readers are feeling?

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 11:53 PM | Comments (4)

A Request

No, I'm not asking for clicks to build my Kings of Chaos army (wait, I just did). I need song suggestions for a CD I will burn for my pilgrimage to the holy ground of The Frozen Tundra. I think I have the Packers fight song and some punk song about the Pack on my hard drive. The Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" will be on the CD because that's what song used to be played just before every Packers' kickoff. Queen's "We Are the Champions" comes to mind, but my team hasn't won anything...yet. Your suggestions, please.

One other request, vote for Nick Barnett for NFL Rookie of the Year.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 11:48 PM | Comments (3)

List of Lists

Everybody loves "best of" lists. Heck, you read mine [and here and here]. Blogcritics has the list to end all lists for 2003.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Music at 11:29 PM | Comments (0)

Mission Accomplished

I will consider offers.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 09:37 PM | Comments (0)

In With the Good Air. Out With the Bad Air

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!

[via Betsy's Blog]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Howard the Duck at 09:13 PM | Comments (0)

BHTM Cruise

For Big Head Todd and the Monsters fans who still have lots of money left after Christmas and can leave on almost a moment's notice the band is offering a Carribean cruise that leaves on 01.09. Warm weather, beautiful scenery, and special performances by the band. Oh, how nice it'd be to be independently wealthy right about now.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Music at 09:01 PM | Comments (0)

I'd Get a Shorter Stage Name Too

Alex Zivojinovich, AKA Alex Lifeson, the guitarist of Rush was arrested after a scuffle with Naples, FL cops. Blood was spat, a stun gun was zapped, someone fell down the stairs. Just your standard drunken rocker rampage. Or maybe it was Lifeson acting out the musical revolution portrayed in Rush's 2112 but with blood spitting replacing the music.

"Rush's Lifeson Scuffles with Cops" [via fraterslibertas.com]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Music at 08:53 PM | Comments (0)

Fellowship of the Tickets

The mission today (and I choose to accept it) is to get my coveted Packers playoff tickets. I will not reveal the route I'm taking to Lambeau Field in order to protect me from bandits, ticket scalpers, crazy eBay sellers, or wacked out Vikings fans.

[Speaking of the Vikings, I heard a joke yesterday:

Why do the Vikings wear purple?

Because they always choke.]

Since the governor declared today "Packers Pride Day" I'll be busting out my #92 Reggie White jersey. It's not too late. Just run to your nearest sporting good store and get something green, gold and with a big "G" on it. Just don't look as dorky as this guy.

"Fans Plan to Dress up to Back their Pack"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 02:05 PM | Comments (0)

January 01, 2004

New Year's Eve at InstaPundit HQ

Glenn Reynolds is such a wild guy that he spent part of his New Year's Eve grading papers.

[I needed to post something just to stop looking at my mug everytime I reloaded TAM. I'm now off to watch Gettysburg.]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Weblogging at 08:11 PM | Comments (0)

Happy New Year!

And there's Michele's first post of the year.

My picture is almost as good as the one from mtpolitics.

Then there's Prof. Bainbridge.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Miscellaneous at 12:21 AM | Comments (0)

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