NFL Week 8

I was feeling a bit under the weather last weekend, and didn't get around to posting my picks for week 7, but trust me, I picked them all perfectly.  Really I did, would I lie to you?  To say the least, this has been a year full of upsets.  Teams expected to rock this year have been getting rolled instead and vice-versa. 

Here are my predictions for week 8:

Buffalo at Kansas City

The Bills have had a perfect season so far, they have not won a game.  Sadly for the hapless Bills, this is not going to be the week where they break the losing season. Kansas City looks to open with four straight home wins for the first time since 2003 when it faces a Bills team trying to avoid its worst start in 26 years Sunday.  KC - 28  BUF - 13


Carolina at St. Louis

The Panthers finally managed to add a game in the win column in what I would call Loser Bowl 2010 against the 49ers last week, but I don't think they will be so lucky against the Rams, who have yet to lose a home game this year.  Neither team has been impressive this year, so look for this to be a sloppy win for the Rams.  STL - 24  CAR - 21

Denver vs. San Francisco (Wembley Stadium, London)

Long plane flights compounded by jet lag have often turned overseas games into mistake ridden, sloppy games. Both the Broncos and 49ers are hoping to regroup this week and add one to the win column.  The Broncos are coming off a creaming compliments of the Raiders last week, and the 49ers had a tough loss against the Panthers.  This game is a coin toss.  I'm calling it for the Broncos.  DEN - 21  SF - 13

Washington at Detroit

The Redskins had a hard fought win against the Bears last week, and have been looking more impressive as the season progresses.  The hapless Lions are coming off a bye week following a loss to the Giants, but I don't see how that is going to help the team with the worst defense in the league.  WASH - 36  DET - 17

Green Bay at New York Jets

The Jets are coming off their bye week rested and healthy, and the Packers are anything but.  The Jets will try to capitalize on the injury-riddled Packers and extend their winning streak to six for the first time in 12 years at the New Meadowlands Stadium on Sunday.  2010 has been the Jet's best season in years, and they could very well be Super Bowl bound.  The Jets’ last six-game winning streak came at the end of the 1998 season when they finished with a franchise-best 12 wins, and I'm thinking that they will continue their winning streak tomorrow afternoon.  NYJ - 34  GB - 24


Miami at Cincinnati

The Dolphins are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the officials the Steelers last weekend and are looking to avenge their loss on Sunday against the mediocre Bengals.  MIA - 21  CIN - 17

Jacksonville at Dallas

The obnoxious Jerry Jones predicted that the Cowboys would be Super Bowl bound this year, so it brings a smile to my face every time Dallas loses.  With Romo out for the rest of the season, what little chance the Cowboys had at making the playoffs died last week with their loss to the Giants.  The Jaguars are coming off a stunning loss to the Chiefs, so this promises to be Loser Bowl II.  But, the Cowboys without a QB will add another loss to the Cowboys' L column.  JAX - 28  DAL - 14

Tennessee at San Diego

The Titans' impressive victory against the Eagles last week combined with the return of Vince Young as QB promises to make this a good game against the Chargers.  The Titans used an amazing fourth quarter to bounce back from a nine-point deficit last weekend and claim first place in the AFC South.  The Chargers are coming off a tough loss to the Patriots and are a far better team than their 2-5 season might lead you to believe.  Still I'm going to call this one a win for the Titans.  TEN - 24  SD - 21

Tampa Bay at Arizona

The Bucs pulled out a win against the Rams last week in a pretty messy game,  The Cardinals took a pretty bad whooping by the Seahawks.  This I'm not overly impressed with either team, but the 4-2 Bucks will be 5-2 after Sunday's game.  TB - 27  AZ - 19

Minnesota at New England

The Viking plan to start 70 year old injured quarterback, Brett Favre on Sunday, which I don't think is a wise move.  Favre is one injury away from the end of his career.  Why risk it on what is going to be a horrible loss to the far superior Patriots?  This is not going to be pretty.  NE - 42  MN - 20 and Favre doesn't last the first half.

Seattle at Oakland

The Seahawks are surprising everyone by being at the top of the NFC West, and the Raiders are also surprising everyone with their performance as of late.  Sunday's game promises to be a good competition, and it is hard to predict the outcome of this one.  Following the Raiders trouncing of the Broncos last week, I'm looking for the momentum to continue.  OAK - 32  SEA - 31

Pittsburgh at New Orleans

Turnovers have plagued Drew Brees and the Saints’ suddenly stalled offense, a slump that could be tough to shake Sunday night against the visiting Steelers in a showdown of the past two Super Bowl champions.  The Steelers and the officials managed to eek out a win against the Dolphins last week.  The Steelers really looked better before the return of Ben Roethlisberger.  However, considering the pathetic performance by the Saints against the Brownies, I'm picking the Steelers.  PIT - 24  NO --19

And finally Monday night's game:

Houston at Indianapolis

This promises to be a lot of fun for football fans on Monday night.  The Surprising good Texans are looking to have their first win in 9 tries against the Colts.  Both teams are 4-2 and are playing well.  I'm picking the Colts bases strictly on home field advantage.  Tough call.  IND - 28  HOU - 27

I hope my picks don't suck as bad as my last attempt, but we will soon know.  What are your picks?

For those of us who have had personal loss this year

Some friends and family have had some personal loss over this past year. This is for them. I'll leave these without comment.

Don't call me Ma'am

Barbara Boxer, arguably the most dimwitted member of the Senate, though she has a lot of competition, is in a tough battle to keep her seat.  David Zucker, one of the guys who gave us films like Airplane!, Naked Gun, and many other great comedies, has produced this fun piece that really puts Senator Ma'am in her place.



Enjoy!

Shovel ready job.

President Obama sold the "Stimulus Package", which turned out to be a trillion dollar boondoggle for politicians and unions, but did nothing for the economy.  I think we now have found a real "Shovel Ready" job.

Has Juan Williams had an epiphany?

I've rarely agreed with any of former NPR news commentator and FOX news analyst Juan Williams, but always thought he was a good decent guy.  In this video clip as a I'm thinking that Juan may be coming around to my way of thinking, and realizing that the liberals who he has stood up for and defended for decades, are nothing more than one minded leftist thugs.  Williams was fired by NPR, supposedly for actually giving his opinion on FOX News' show The O'Reilly Factor.  Imagine that, an opinion journalist actually giving an opinion?  Don't cry too much for Williams though.  FOX just gave him a 3 year contract for almost $2M.  I want a contract like that.  Here's Juan sounding far less liberal than I have ever heard him.



I'm hoping that this is the beginning awaking of Juan.

Pilot refuses screening, gets kicked out of airport......

.......then whines on a far leftist website about how bad he was treated by TSA at Memphis International Airport last Friday, and was subsequently kicked off airport property for refusal to be screened.  Michael Roberts is a Memphis based pilot working for ExpressJet Airlines, who are contracted by both Continental and United Airlines as a regional partner.  Mr. Roberts has been flying for ExpressJet for over 4 years and knows the rules.  He gets the same screening (which I do not like, but tolerate) as all others going into a secure part of the airport.

I talked about this with a few pilots who I work with and all of them think that Roberts is in dire need or a waaaaaaaaambulance and a career change.

Until the federal government start targeting terrorist suspects and not airline pilots, 80 year old grandmothers, and Methodist ministers, this politically correct insanity will go on.  This does not excuse this asshat from his behavior.  He should be fired for failure to comply with a government directive.

Classic American Television

In the last few days, we lost some of the greats from back when TV was not just trashy pornographic sitcoms, reality shows, and unbelievably left wing biased "news shows" like 48 Hours and 20/20.  Here's something from back in the day when people had to be creative and entertaining, not just vulgar and crude.

Here's the 1950's version of my friends Jason and Dessa.







Enjoy!

Expiring Bush tax cuts and the filthy rich

President Obama tells us all that allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire won't hurt any of us ordinary working Americans, and will only affect the filthy rich. Steven Crowder interviews one of those evil robber barons.



The only thing missing is the iron maiden where he tortures his employees to death, and the rack used on those who ask for a raise.

Monday night music

I found this gem on Youtube that goes back to my high school days.  Poco was a very successful country-rock band from the mid-70's, and quickly got diminished by the likes of the Eagles, and soon after punk rock and new wave music.  I was surprised to see that these guys still perform together 35 years later.  I have the vinyl album where these songs were originally released. Here Poco performing "Heart of the Night" in 2008.  The old hippies have gotten older, grayer, and less hair, but sound great.



Enjoy!

Barbara Billingsley - R.I.P.

The actress best known for playing June Cleaver in the 1950.s and 60's sitcom Leave It To Beaver has passed away.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Barbara Billingsley, who gained supermom status for her gentle portrayal of June Cleaver, the warm, supportive mother of a pair of precocious boys in "Leave It to Beaver," died Saturday. She was 94.

Billingsley, who had suffered from a rheumatoid disease, died at her home in Santa Monica, said family spokeswoman Judy Twersky.

When the show debuted in 1957, Jerry Mathers, who played Beaver, was 9, and Tony Dow, who portrayed Wally, was 12. Billingsley's character, the perfect stay-at-home 1950s mom, was always there to gently but firmly nurture both through the ups and downs of childhood.

Her nephew was one of my roommates in college, and I met her on several occasions back in the late 1970's.  She was a charming lady.   My personal favorite character that Ms. Billingsley portrayed was the "Jive Lady" in the 1980 movie Airplane!  Here's a clip from the funniest movie of all time.





Rest in peace, and thanks for the memories.

UPDATE:  I found this interesting piece where Ms. Billingsley talks about learning how to speak jive.

If George W. Bush had .....

From this great piece from The American Thinker :

If George W. Bush had doubled the national debt in one year, would you have approved? 

If George W. Bush had then proposed to double the debt again within ten years, would you have concurred?

If George W. Bush had criticized a state law that he admitted he never even read, would you think he was just an ignorant hothead?

If George W. Bush joined the country of Mexico and sued a state in the United States to force that state to continue to allow illegal immigration, would you question his patriotism and wonder whose side he was on? 

If George W. Bush had put 87,000 workers out of work by arbitrarily placing a moratorium on offshore oil drilling merely because one company had an accident, would you have thought this was disproportionate and harmful to American workers?

If George W. Bush had forced a change in your health care coverage even though the majority of people did not seek or approve of these changes, would you begin to worry about an abuse of power by the executive branch of the government?

If George W. Bush continually bashed the United States and seemed to side with known dictators, would you feel comfortable?

If George W. Bush had been the first president to need a teleprompter installed to be able to get through a press conference, would you have laughed and said this is more proof of how linguistically inept he is?

If George W. Bush had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to take Laura Bush to a play in New York City, would you have approved? 

If George W. Bush had reduced your retirement plan's holdings of GM stock by 90% and given the unions a majority stake in GM, would you have endorsed this move? 

If George W. Bush had made a joke at the expense of the Special Olympics, would you have chuckled with approval? 

If George W. Bush had given British Prime Minister Gordon Brown a set of inexpensive and incorrectly formatted DVDs, would you have considered this shabby and not befitting proper presidential protocol?

If George W. Bush had given the Queen of England an iPod containing videos of his speeches, would you have thought this embarrassingly narcissistic and tacky? 

If George W. Bush had bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia, would you have been taken aback?

If George W. Bush had visited Austria and made reference to the nonexistent "Austrian language," would you have brushed it off as a minor slip? 

If George W. Bush had filled his Cabinet and circle of advisers with people who cannot seem to keep current with their income taxes, would you have approved? 

If George W. Bush had stated that there were 57 states in the United States, would you have said that he is an embarrassment?

If George W. Bush had flown all the way to Denmark to make a five-minute speech about how the Olympics would benefit him, would you have thought he was a self-important, conceited, egotistical individual?

If George W. Bush had been so Spanish-illiterate as to refer to "Cinco de Cuatro" in front of the Mexican ambassador when it was the 5^th of May (Cinco de Mayo), and continued to flub it when he tried again, would you have winced in embarrassment? 

If George W. Bush had misspelled the word "advice" and mispronounced the word "corps," mistaking it for a dead body, would you have wondered about this man's ability to articulate English and represent his country?

If George W. Bush had burned nine thousand gallons of jet fuel to go plant a single tree on Earth Day, would you have concluded he's a hypocrite? 

If George W. Bush's administration had approved of Air Force One flying low and then sending in a jet fighter in downtown Manhattan, thus causing widespread panic, would you have wondered at the lack of sensitivity displayed by the Commander-in-Chief?

If George W. Bush had failed to send relief aid to flood victims throughout the Midwest, with more people killed or made homeless than in New Orleans during Katrina, would you wonder if this lack of assistance had racial overtones? Clearly you would have been incensed by the gross incompetence -- wouldn't you?

If George W. Bush had created the positions of 32 czars who report directly to him, bypassing approval by the House and Senate, would you have begun to wonder if American democracy was being trampled?

If George W. Bush had ordered the firing of the CEO of a major corporation, even though the president has no constitutional authority to do so, would you have worried about the moorings of this country and the abuse of power?

If George W. Bush had ignored outright voting rights violations and did not recommend that the Department of Justice render justice, would you begin to wonder if the man was the president of all the people or just some of the people?

So what is it about Obama that makes him so brilliant and impressive? He's done all this in fifteen months -- and we still have another two years and nine months to go.

The "Smart Power" Elites are the new Aristocracy

Ok folks, after 2 years of Ivy league and Chicago political machine "Hope and Change", are you ready for people who actually work for a living to take back the reins of government?  The Tea Party is real, and as much as the mainstream media tries to marginalize it as "racist", "bigoted", and un-American, it is just the opposite of that.  Once again the great blogger Ed Morrissey posts this terrific soft spoken video by Bill Whittle explaining why elitists are always doomed to failure.



Please watch this video and think about it when you go to the voting booth on Nov. 2.

NFL Week 6

Greetings sports fans and welcome to my picks for week 6 of the NFL season.  I did pretty good last week, but there were a few upsets.  Who would have thought that Detroit would clean St. Louis' clock?  I'm still maintaining that the Jets are the team to beat, even though the Vikings had a 4th quarter comeback, fut fell short of beating them.  Teams that will definitely not lose this week because they have a by are Buffalo, Carolina, Arizona, and Cincinnati.  Well, without further ado, here are my picks for the week. 

Atlanta at Philadelphia

The injury riddles Eagles will start Kevin Kolb while Michael Vick nurses his wounds, and also there are several other key players who are either playing injured or on the sidelines completely.  The Falcons are on lately and healthy and are looking to make this 5 in a row.  I'm calling this for Atlanta.  ATL - 21  PHL - 13

Cleveland at Pittsburgh

The Steelers are coming of a by week, and Rothlisberger is back at QB.  The Steelers have played remarkably well without his presence on the field losing just one game 2 weeks ago.  Cleveland has been less than impressive with just one win.  With the Steelers back at full strength, I'm predicting PIT - 28  CLE - 10

Seattle at Chicago

Jay Cutler is back for Da Bears after a one game absence after the Giants laid a whooping on him 2 weeks ago.  The Seahawks are coming off a 2 week break, and although starting strong, have been lack luster.  I'm going with Da Bears.  CHI - 24  SEA - 7

Miami at Green Bay

The Packers are yet another injury riddled team, but have managed to win, albeit in a particularly ugly way.  The Dolphins are coming off a by week after having their ass kicked by the Patriots.  I'm predicting a close game, but I have to give this to the Packers in a squeaker.  GB - 17  MIA - 14

Detroit at New York Giants

Detroit surprisingly whooped on the Rams last week.  The lions are trying to break a 23 game road losing streak, but this will not be the week.  The Giants have improved beating Houston, badly and impressively, last week.  Giants win big time.  NYG - 32  DET - 7

New Orleans at Tampa Bay

While the visiting Saints haven’t played up to the caliber of a defending Super Bowl champion, the Bucs have performed far better than a team many pegged for a second straight last-place finish heading into this NFC South matchup Sunday.  The Saints are coming off a loss to the Cardinals, and looked very sloppy.  The Bucs have not scored highly in the first weeks of the season, but they also have not given up many points defensively.  I'm calling this for the Bucs in an upset.  TB - 14  NO - 10

San Diego at St. Louis

This is going to be hard to call.  Frankly, both teams suck so far this year.  The Rams got beat badly by the Lions last week....THE WORST TEAM IN THE NFL for crying out loud.  The Chargers have not been playing well either, but they have come back in previous seasons from a 2-3 start of the season.  I'm flipping a coin and calling it for the Chargers.  SD - 21  STL - 7

Kansas City at Houston

This could be a very good game.  The Chiefs have been playing remarkably well, considering that they were predicted to be pathetic this year.  Likewise, despite losses against the Cowboys and Giants, the Texans have a decent team.  Both teams lost last week and are looking to get back on track on Sunday.  This is another coin toss, but I'm going with the Chiefs.  KC - 32  HOU - 24

Baltimore at New England

This promises to be the game of the week.  The Patriots are coming off a by week and are rested and ready after clobbering the Dolphins 2 weeks ago.  The Ravens have been equally impressive decisively defeating the Broncos last week.  Playing at the Pats house of pain is never easy for opponents and they rarely lose there.  This will be one of those rare occasions when I'm predicting a loss for the hated Pats (spit).  I'm calling this for the Ravens, just out of spite.  BAL - 28  NE - 21


Oakland at San Francisco


It has been eight years since the Bay Area has seen one of its NFL teams put together a winning season, a drought that appears likely to continue in 2010, and this is going to be more of the same.  Which crappy team is going to win on Sunday?  Frankly, who cares.  But for what it's worth, I'm putting the 49ers in the winning column.  SFO - 7  OAK - 6

New York Jets at Denver

The Jets are hot and playing as well as they have, they can only lose the season through injuries or complacence.  The Jets have a great pass game, but their defense needs work.  The Broncos have been injury ridden and will lose 3 key players this week.  I'm going with the Jets.  NYJ - 32  DEN - 24

Dallas at Minnesota

*Yawn*  Another battle of the losers.  Both teams stink on ice.  I hate the Cowboys, but not even 70 year old Brett Favre can pull this off for the Vikings.  DAL - 3  MIN - 0


Indianapolis at Washington

The Redskins have a crappy defense, the Colts have a great offense.  It's an easy call for me.  IND - 42  WASH - 20

And finally the Monday night game;


Tennessee at Jacksonville

Tough call.  Both teams have 2 losses, and both are good teams.  I'm going with the Titans, simply because I like them and they are from my state.  TEN - 28  JAX - 21

This was a tough week to pick, and there are some great match-ups.  What are your picks?

Chile still has a lot to learn

Here's a brilliant piece of satire from Jay Tea at the excellent Wizbang blog:

You know, in the aftermath of the rescue of the trapped Chilean miners this week, it's clear why that nation is a third-world hellhole and not part of the developed world. The reasons are legion, but one of them stood out in stark relief over the past few months: their president simply doesn't know how to manage a major crisis.

I mean, look at this comparison with how El Presidente Sebastian Pinera handled that situation with how our own President Obama dealt with the BP oil spill in the Gulf.
Not once did President Pinera talk about how he was going to make certain that the mining company was properly brought to account for their misdeeds, promising to hold his boot to their throats.

He didn't demand an end to all mining everywhere.

He didn't snub offers of assistance from other nations.

He didn't vow to "not rest" until it was over, then take off on vacations and go golfing at the drop of a hat.

He didn't try to demonize the mining company.

He didn't use the crisis to advance his political agenda.

He didn't make sure that federal government officials were overseeing and micromanaging every aspect of the disaster response, keeping outsiders and other levels of government didn't get in the way.

Nope, El Presidente Pinera did just what you'd expect from any two-bit jefe from a two-bit backwater banana republic. He marshaled his nation's resources; requested and accepted aid from anyone, anywhere; kept the spotlight focused, laserlike, on the actual immediate crisis; ignored such matters as blame and responsibility who to punish; and most critically, failed to shore up the critical golfing industry by keeping his tee times.

Poor, poor Chile. Yes, your miners were rescued, alive and mostly healthy, but that was not because of your El Presidente and his response to the crisis, but despite it. The silly Chile-pepper simply doesn't have what it takes to be the leader of a modern, advanced nation.
Maybe some day, you will. Maybe some day you'll be as good as we are. But right now, you ain't there -- and you ain't headed in the right direction.

(This article is also instructional on how the rescue played out.)

It's sad that it takes this perfect example of how to respond to a crisis, to put into prospective how badly the Obama Administration, compounded by bureaucracies, labor unions, and inept leadership handled the BP oil rig disaster.

Columbus Day Revisited...a day late

Oct. 11 (this year) is celebrated as Columbus Day by government employees and banks nationwide. The rest of us go about our business. Columbus thought he found a western passage to China and held that belief until the day he died (of syphilis....but we will get in to that later).

Popular liberalism told me as a kid that Columbus and his crew introduced syphilis to the natives in the West Indies. Quite to the contrary, it was them that infected his crew. Columbus was a great explorer, but no saint to be sure. He was a mercenary who would sail anywhere anytime to make a buck....So what, he was a businessman.

So, why are "progressives" trying to further vilify him now? Douchbags, you are here in the greatest country in the world that has produced more liberties and opportunities to people from around the world than any country in history. Not giving proper credit to Columbus for discovering the "new world" is like not giving credit to Neil Armstrong for not landing on the moon.....well except Columbus didn't find green cheese or little green men.

Yes, we are not perfect, and never will be, but we advance as a society by our intellectual curiosity and innovation, not by "Hope and Change" and government intervention. Columbus dared to sail off the end of the Earth, and mistakenly thought he landed in the spice islands of south east Asia, but he changed the world forever, but did not live long enough to get credited for it. On his last voyage to the Americas (note: the new world was named for Amerigo Vespuci), he landed back in Spain in chains and died shortly afterwords.

One last thought, If it were not for Columbus, very few of us might not be here now. Connections, Connections.



Watch the whole thing.

Tuesday night wake up music

A friend of mine, who is a retired from the video production business, has made a series of high quality videos at the Schooner Warf Bar in Key West. Joe's stuff is up on YouTube, so give it a look. Here's a regular afternoon performer, Michael McCloud along with a couple guys who show up once a week or so with him, performing a nice version of Mike Smith's "The Dutchman".



Here's Little Village (Ry Cooder, John Hiatt, Nick Lowe and Jim Keltner) from a 1990's tour.



Enjoy!

Americans get most exercise while drunk!

Good news, health buffs.  In a startling new survey, it was found that drinking leads to more exercise, thus better health.


Study: Americans Get Majority Of Exercise While Drunk

So what are you waiting for, break out that 1.75 liter bottle of Jose Cuervo and get some exercise!

Physicist reveals that "global Warming" is a scam

Hal Lewis an Emeritus Professor of Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a very distinguished scientist has resigned from the American Physical Society over the corruption of the AWG con artists.

From his letter:

From his letter: “How different it is now. The giants no longer walk the earth, and the money flood has become the raison d’être of much physics research, the vital sustenance of much more, and it provides the support for untold numbers of professional jobs. For reasons that will soon become clear my former pride at being an APS Fellow all these years has been turned into shame, and I am forced, with no pleasure at all, to offer you my resignation from the Society.

“It is of course, the global warming scam, with the (literally) trillions of dollars driving it, that has corrupted so many scientists, and has carried APS before it like a rogue wave. It is the greatest and most successful pseudo-scientific fraud I have seen in my long life as a physicist. Anyone who has the faintest doubt that this is so should force himself to read the ClimateGate documents, which lay it bare. (Montford’s book organizes the facts very well.) I don’t believe that any real physicist, nay scientist, can read that stuff without revulsion. I would almost make that revulsion a definition of the word scientist.: 

His letter of resignation is reproduced in full here.

After over 30 years of dire warnings of imminent death, destruction, gloom and doom, NOT A SINGLE one of their predictions has come true.  Read the whole letter.  Dr. Lewis is no Al Gore.  He actually is a physicist.

Hat tip Power Line.

The Tea Party explained.....rationally

Ed Morrissey has a great post featuring this outstanding video, explaining what the Tea Party actually represents.



The mainstream media, who are mostly in the pockets of the mainstream media, have been tagging Tea Party activists as dangerous crazies, racists, militia members, wackos, wingnuts, and "teabaggers".  And that's when they feel charitable to us.  The video sums up far better what we stand for than anything that ABCNBCCBSNBCMSNBCNTYTIMES can throw at us.

Ready for higher airfares?

The socialist Euroweenies are at it again with yet another regressive "carbon emissions" tax, and this time is is on the airlines.  Of course, it will be passed on to the consumers in higher fares.  Of course it is a worthy tax, because it will help save us all from the horrors of "Global Warming".  Reuters has the details:

A global deal on emissions curbs by airlines struck late on Friday will allow the European Union to press ahead with plans to charge airlines for emissions permits from 2012, the European Commission said on Saturday. 

The EU agreed in 2008 that airlines should be included in its emissions trading scheme (ETS), which forces industry to pay for permits for each tonne of carbon dioxide they emit into the atmosphere.

The ETS is the EU's main tool for combating climate change and it wants to see the system adopted worldwide. Aviation is responsible for some 2 percent of the world's carbon emissions.
Some U.S. airlines had challenged the EU's right to include their flights into and out of Europe within the ETS. 

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations agency, adopted a resolution on Friday to reduce aviation emissions with a "roadmap" up to 2050 for the 190 member states.

The aviation sector would seek to become 2 percent more fuel-efficient every year and to cap emissions from 2020.

European Commissioners for Transport Siim Kallas and for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard said in a statement they welcomed the breakthrough after almost a decade of deadlock with a deal to cover over 90 percent of worldwide air traffic.

"Crucially, ICAO has refrained from language which would make the application of the EU's ETS to their airlines dependent on the mutual agreement of other states," the Commission said, adding this had led to stalemate at the last ICAO assembly in 2007.

"This time, the EU agreed to engage constructively in dialogue with third countries during the implementation of its ETS, notably regarding how to deal with emissions from incoming flights from third countries," she continued.

Since this new nanny state "law" is based on an  ICAO resolution, it will most likely affect the USA under the Obama regime, which is trying its best to pass Cap & Tax Trade taxes, and other restrictions based on the discredited AWG fraud.  Even if the Republicans take back Congress in November, look for Obama to use his back door measures of using the EPA and other agencies to circumvent American law to get his way.

Weekend Music

Some of us old farts will remember Nils Lofgren from his brief success as a solo artist back in the mid 70's, but most who pay attention to the music scene know him as Bruce Springsteen's lead guitarist.  And what a guitarist he is.  Here's an acoustic version of a song dedicated to Keith Richards from 1974, from an instructional video on guitar playing.



Intermediate stuff? I think not.

Here's a more recent video with the E Street Band, and Bruce Springsteen in a supporting roll. =)



Enjoy!

NFL Week 5

Last week was a very interesting week for the NFL.  There were a lot of upsets and surprises.  My crystal ball had the flu and wasn't making good predictions.  A few things can be certain, Miami, Seattle, New England and Pittsburgh will not lose.   Let's see how well it does this week.

Chicago at Carolina

Da Bears lost Jay Cutler last week against the Giants, and he is still out this week.  Their offensive line played horribly against the 3rd best defense in the NFL, and it cost them a stunning loss against the Giants.  The Panthers have been pathetic so far this year, so I'm calling this for Da Bears. CHI - 24  CAR - 14


Tampa Bay at Cincinnati 

The Bengals lost to the hapless Browns, and Tampa Bay got trounced by the Steelers 2 weeks ago.  This is the battle of the losers.  CIN - 32   TB - 10

St. Louis at Detroit

Easy call.  STL - 38  DET - 10

New York Giants at Houston

The Texans are having a helluva year, and the Giants are struggling, even with a sloppy win against Da Bears.  The Giants have a great defense, but the offensive line is not protecting Eli Manning, resulting in sacks and turnovers.  The Texans played well against a tough Raider team, and I'm thinking that they have the better team.  As a Giants fan I have to go against my guys, but it's going to be HOU - 24  NYG - 17

Denver at Baltimore

The Ravens had an impressive win against the Steelers last week, and looked very impressive against a very tough defense.  The Broncos have a very impressive passing game, and outplayed the Titans last Sunday.  This promises to be a good game between 2 good teams.  The Ravens have home field advantage, and that plays a bit in their favor.  I'm calling it for the Ravens in a squeeker.  BAL - 21  DEN - 20


Atlanta at Cleveland

The Browns got lucky and beat the Bengals, who played poorly last week.  The Falcons are a far superior team.  Even though the Falcons are playing at "The mistake on the lake", I'm going with Atlanta.  ATL - 32  CLE - 7


Kansas City at Indianapolis

The unbeaten Chiefs have surprised almost everyone this year, including me.  Their rushing game has been outstanding.  Don't count the Colts (2-2) out this week.  The Colts had a humiliating loss against Jacksonville last week, and are looking to make that up on Sunday.  I'm prediction that the Chiefs will get their first loss on Sunday, as the tough Colts defense shuts down their rushing game.  IND - 24  KC - 7


Jacksonville at Buffalo

Since it hasn't snowed or gotten to -30 in Buffalo yet, the Jags, straight off a big win against the Colts will hand the hapless Bills ass in their collective helmets.  JAX - 42  BUF - 10

Green Bay at Washington

The Redskins had a good day last week, handing a decent Eagles team a big loss.  The Packers almost got beat by Lions...I repeat THE LIONS.  The Packers have managed to pull out wins this year, but they are not playing well, and they will lose this weekend.  WASH - 17  GB - 3


New Orleans at Arizona

The Saints have not been playing all that well offensively, and the Cardinals have a rookie walk-on QB Max Hall starting this Sunday.  I'm predicting a sloppy game, but the superior Saints defense will shut down the Cardinals early and often.  NO - 10  ARIZ - 3


Tennessee at Dallas

Dallas had a week to rest, with a by last weekend after their impressive win against a good Houston team.  The Titans had a tough loss last week against the Broncos.  The home field advantage helps the Cowboys, but just because I hate Jerry Jones and America's Team his satan's spawn, I'm calling this one for the Titans.  TEN - 28  DAL - 13

San Diego at Oakland

Tough Call.  The Chargers cleaned the Cardinals' clock last week, and the Raiders got beaten far worse than the score showed by the Texans.  Tough call?  Who am I kidding.  SD - 27  OAK - 17


Philadelphia at San Francisco

The 49ers have not won a game this year, and they will stay that win less against a decent Eagles team.  After a tough loss to the Redskins, the Eagles will be back on track Sunday night.  PHL- 33  SFO - 21

And finally the Monday night massacre.

Minnesota at New York Jets

70 year old Brett Favre had a week to rest up at "the home" and should be ready to lead the Vikings.....to a humiliating loss Monday night.  The Jets have may just as well have had a by week after clobbering the Bills last Sunday.  The Jets are a force to be reckoned with.  I don't care if Moss is now playing in the frozen tundra, they are going to be beaten.....badly.  NYJ - 28  MIN - 24.  Ok maybe not so badly.

I don't think my predictions can be any worse than last week, but who knows.  This is a season of upsets.  What are your predictions?

Who is the better president?

Oh, this is so rich.  In a CNN Poll Barack Obama and George W. Bush are in a virtual tie in popularity, less than 2 years into the Hope and Change regime.

Americans are divided over whether President Barack Obama or his predecessor has performed better in the White House, according to a new national poll.

And a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Friday also indicates in the battle for Congress, Republicans hold large advantages over the Democrats among independents, men and blue-collar whites. The poll also indicates that Republicans are much more enthusiastic than Democrats to vote.

By 47 to 45 percent, Americans say Obama is a better president than George W. Bush. But that two point margin is down from a 23 point advantage one year ago.

Do you miss Dubya yet?

 

Hat tip and thanks for the poster to Jeff Dunetz.

P.S.  I recommend checking out Jeff's outstanding blog.

Lithium Batteries are Vulnerable to Igniting In Flight

Here's something else to worry about when you fly.  The FAA has found that lithium batteries can ignite if improperly stored in aircraft cargo hold.  The AP reports:

Federal aviation officials are warning air carriers that new research shows lithium batteries are sensitive to heat and can ignite in flight if transported in cargo compartments that get too hot.

The Federal Aviation Administration also acknowledged publicly for the first time Friday that a United Parcel Service 747-400 plane that crashed in Dubai last month killing both pilots was carrying a large quantity of lithium batteries.  (emphasis mine)

Since the early 1990s, there have been dozens of incidents of batteries igniting in flight. But it has not been known exactly what triggered many of the fires.

FAA now says recent research has identified heat as the trigger and is offering air carriers advice on how to reduce the risk of fire.

I know that FedEx has special containers placed in areas that can be accessed by the flight crew while the plane is in flight.  This is also the reason that passengers are not permitted to put laptop computers in the seat back pockets.

4 Weeks. Remember November

Here's our chance to take at least part of the Obama-Chicago machine back to real America.



Make sure you register and get out and vote on Nov. 2.

I have a good day every now and then

2010 has not been a stellar year for yours truly.  I've experiences some personal loss, and diagnosed with a chronic (but not fatal) disease.  But, you know, it could be a whole lot worse.  I know a lot of people who have things much worse than me, and I do not like crying in my beer.  Whatever has happened to me shrinks in comparison to what some of the people who live in countries that do not have the safety nets that we not only take for granted, but think should be broader and wider here. 

I do have a good day every now and then......actually most are better than 85% of the rest of the world.

Compare and Contrast

This is from Glenn Beck's very non-political and very religiously oriented rally on 8/28/2010



And here's the "One Nation" video the Socialists and Communists who trashed the capital mall last weekend



Any questions?

Le Noise

Neil Young has done some great and some very strange stuff over the years.  This falls in the category of "On The Beach" and "Tonight's The Night" both great and strange, for this old hippie.

Rush Limbaugh to appear on Family Guy

This struck me as very odd, but Rush Limbaugh is going to be on Family Guy, one of those animated TV shows that pushes the limits of good taste most of the time at times.  I always considered this show a bit over the top for me, and it makes South Park look like Leave It To Beaver by comparison.  But this preview looks interesting, and shows that Limbaugh has no problem laughing at himself.  Check this out.

NAACP's "One Nation Working Together" rally

Speaking of organized labor, and other lefty causes, I wonder how many people showed up for the NAACP's  "One Nation Working Together" rally in DC.

In case you haven't heard about it, it is being sold as the left's answer to Glenn Beck's rally of Aug. 28 which easily had 500,000 people turn out.

Get a load of the groups who are sponsors of the One Nation rally:

• Sojourners: the far-left allegedly religious coalition secretly funded by George Soros.
• The SEIU: Barack Obama's purple-shirted Brute Squad.
• Rainbow PUSH Coalition: Jesse Jackson's non-profit that he used to pay off his mistress after she bore his illegitimate daughter. Hired former Congressman and convicted sex offender Mel Reynolds after his release from prison.
• National Council of La Raza: "La Raza" is Spanish for "The Race." They've faced numerous charges of being racial separatists and supremacists.
• AFL-CIO: A subsidiary of La Cosa Nostra, Inc.
• Democracy For America: Howard Dean's private PAC.
• International Socialist Organization: the name says it all.
• Detroit Democratic Socialists Of America: see above.
• Democratic Socialists of America: see above, again.
• Communist Party USA: COME ON, PEOPLE!
• ANSWER Coalition: literally, a Communist front group.
• Coffee Party Progressives: yet another astroturfed attempt to discredit the Tea Party movement.
• Code Pink: the anti-war psychopaths and sociopaths who found common cause with the lunatic Cindy Sheehan.

Yep there you have it.  a true blue all American rally.  Unlike Beck's rally, which was not political, and reminded me of a tent meeting, I bet these radical leftists will absolutely  trash the Capital Mall.  I'll update this with photos, once they become available.

Hat tip: Wizbang

Update 1:  Here's a link to one of the photos of a member of one of "the diverse groups of individuals" who attended the rally.  This should make America proud.

Update 2:  Here's a video put up by Americans for Prosperity of the communists at the event complete with a rousing rendition of the Soviet national anthem.



And here's that voice of reason from MSNBC, Ed Shultz:



Videos, compliments of Allahpundit.

And HERE are photos from the event.  Lovely bunch, eh?

Update 3:  Jeff Dunetz has the video showing how these commies trashed the mall.  This is what you get when you hire an astroturfed rent-a-mob along side dedicated communists and socialists in a public forum.



Wizbang has video of the huge crowd at the event.

It gets even worse.  The commies trashed the WWII memorial as well.



Update 4:  Via Wizbang, here's a compare and contrast between Glenn Beck's "Restoring Honor"rally of 8/28 and Saturday's meeting of the far left.

Postal Service expects $6 billion year-end loss

Once again we see how well government run businesses fail, year in and year out, only to be subsidized by our tax dollars.  The Washington Post reports that the USPS will lose $6 billion this year with dwindling revenue from declining use of the mail.  What they fail to mention is that private parcel and express delivery companies like UPS and FedEx are highly profitable, and offer superior service to anything that the postal service offers.

A sure cure to the lack of profitability would be to privatize the USPS and/or allow FedEx and UPS compete for delivery of first class mail.  The bloated USPS simply could not compete with lean and mean companies that would be in direct competition with them, and the postal workers union would fight it tooth and nail.  I know it's a pipe dream, at least under the current administration who is in the pocket of organized crime labor.

Happy Birthday Flintstones

Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty first showed up on this day on Sept. 30, 1960.  Making it 50 years old yesterday.  The half hour Thursday night show started in 1963.  This was probably Hanna-Babara's finest hour, as later efforts were eclipsed by The Flintstones.  It's very funny and very touching.  I cried when I first saw this as a little kid.

Here's an episode I particularly like on YouTube. It's how Bamm Bamm became a Rubble.







Enjoy!

The new terrorists

The lefties and progressives have been insisting that those of us who are conservatives, Tea Party Supporters, and those who oppose the discredited global warming hoax, as dangerous, gun totting, hillbillies, racists, violent and dangerous.  Oops, Did I say dangerous?  Of course this couldn't be further from the truth.  Any violence at a tea party event happened when the unions like the SEIU show up and start cracking skulls, or when peaceful groups like Code Pink, International ANSWER have demonstrations, or a WTO meeting takes place.  The usual rent-a-mob shows up for these.

Well, the AGW people in the UK put out this "instructional video" aimed at those of us who are unconvinced that the Earth warming, and it is human induced.  This is a truly disgusting video, but it says a lot about the environmental terrorists who would make the Taliban look good.  Watch this at your own risk.

NFL Week 4

It's time to bring out the NFL crystal ball once again and make my picks for week for of the NFL season.  The crystal ball was pretty good last week, and seems to be improving with the season.  So lets get started with my picks.

San Francisco at Atlanta

The Falcons have been looking good since their loss to Pittsburgh, getting by the Saints last week.  San Francisco for trounced by the Chiefs, and I'm thinking that this week will be more of the same.  ATL - 31  SFO - 7.

New York Jets at Buffalo

The Jets had impressive wins the past 2 weeks against the Patriots, and the Dolphins.  The Bills (0-3) rank last in the NFL offensively, and their defense is unremarkable.  I'm calling this an easy win for the Jets.  NYJ - 28   BUF - 10.


Baltimore at Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh continues to surprise me, considering that they will still be without their starting QB this Sunday.  The Steelers have one of the best defenses in the NFL, and the Ravens have been unimpressive, even in their wins.  The Ravens only had 144 yards rushing against the Browns last week.  I'm going with the Steelers in a tight game.  PIT - 17  BAL - 14.

Carolina at New Orleans

The Saints had a tough loss to the Falcons last week, and the Panthers have yet to show up for a game.  NO - 34  CAR - 14

Denver at Tennessee

The Titan's superb defense has allowed only 2 offensive touchdowns in 3 games.  The Broncos went 5 of 15 on third down and 1 of 4 on fourth down against the Colts, but a dismal running game may be the bigger problem. Denver ranks 30th in the league with 67.0 rushing yards a contest and last with 2.5 yards per carry.  I'm going against the bookies and calling it for the Titans.  TEN - 21  DEN - 10

Cincinnati at Cleveland

Even though the Bengals have been winning, their wins are sloppy.  They never found the end zone in their win over the Ravens last week.  Nevertheless Cleveland (0-3) will be 0-4 after Sunday.  CIN - 27  CLE - 14

Detroit at Green Bay

The Packers had a disappointing loss to the Bears last week, but this week will be much different as the hapless Lions crawl into Lambeau Field.  GB - 40  DET - 7

Seattle at St. Louis

The Seahawks only two wins in their last 13 road games both came in St. Louis.  They have been playing well in Qwest Stadium, but on the road they have been dismal.  The Rams have been less than impressive so far this year.They had lost 14 games in a row until they finally beat the Redskins last week.  This game could go either way, but I'm calling it for Seattle.  SEA - 24  STL - 17

Indianapolis at Jacksonville

The Colts' offense has been spot on under Peyton Manning's leadership, but the defense struggles at times, allowing a lot of rushing yards.  I don't think they have much to worry about against the Jaguars though.  They have the 4th worst defense in the league, and the superior offense of the Colts should make mince meat out of them.  IND -34  JAX - 14

Houston at Oakland

After a very strong opening 2 games of the season, the Texans got a thorough trouncing by the Cowboys last week, and had their strong offense all but shut down by a very good Cowboys' defense.  I don't see that happening against the very mediocre Raiders.  I'm looking for the Texans to come back this week strong and ready for a win.  HOU - 32  OAK - 14.

Arizona at San Diego

The Chargers are off to a very sluggish season, with only one unimpressive win.  Their offense in particular is very weak.  The Cardinals are not the best team in the league, but should readily handle the disheveled Chargers.  ARIZ - 20  SD - 7

Washington at Philadelphia

Michael Vick has been playing superbly since the Eagles gave him a shot in game 1.  He has 750 yards passing, six touchdowns and no interceptions, and also has run for 170 yards and one score in 10 quarters. For his efforts, Vick also earned NFC offensive player of the month honors.  Both teams have uninspiring defenses, but the strong Eagles offense is going to prevail on Sunday.  PHL - 28  WASH - 10

Chicago at New York Giants

After a strong opening week, the Giants haven't been able to get it together.  They forgot to show in week 2 against the Colts, and last week they forgot that there is a 4th quarter and lost to the Titans in a rout.  The Bears had a hard played win against the Packers, and are playing very well.  If the Giants show up and play 4 quarters of football, give Eli Manning the protection he needs, and stops allowing turn overs, this could be a good game.  I'm not so optimistic.  CHI - 27  NYG - 21

And finally the Monday night game:

New England at Miami

Miami had a tough loss at against the surprisingly good Jets last week, while the Patriots have had a rough start, losing to the Jets in week 2, and not playing all that well against the hapless Bills.  I'm picking the Dolphins, if for no other reason than that I do not like anything about the Pats organization.  MIA - 32  BOS - 27

Well there you have it.  Those are my picks for the week, what are yours?


UPDATE:  Boy did I get it wrong this week.  There were a lot of good games and a lot of upsets.  I'm not even going to do a post-mortem.  The crystal ball is broke.  We'll see If my prediction machine is better this coming weekend.