On Politics
There’s no doubt that President Obama’s inaugural address is more to the left. Although the GOP squawking about it is not surprising, I remind them that they spent four years focusing on the goal of “making sure he would be a one-term president” – so what the heck to they expect. Sorry GOP, reconciliation is in your court, not his.
Wow – House Republicans backing down from the debt ceiling fight is a huge surprise. Here’s an interesting read.
I’m still amazed to hear references as Fascism, Hitler, etc regarding the Obama administration. This time it was the CEO of Whole Foods.
Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) isn’t much better:
I think my role is to uphold support and defend our Constitution, … The Constitution I uphold and defend is the one I carry in my pocket all the time, the U.S. Constitution. I don’t know what Constitution that other members of Congress uphold, but it’s not this one. I think the only Constitution that Barack Obama upholds is the Soviet constitution, not this one. He has no concept of this one, though he claimed to be a constitutional lawyer.
Regardless of the topic and the administration, here’s one thing that we can count on during Congressional hearings: one side is generally soft while the others proudly declare, “I am an ass.”
All the hubbub about Beyonce’s singing at the inauguration is a sad commentary in itself.
On This Week’s Headlines from The Onion
- Nation descends into utter chaos following Dear Abby’s death
- Lance Armstrong plan return to cycling as fan-hating villain
- Russell Crowe praised for man who cannot sing in Les Mis’
- List of politically achievable reforms down to just three minor changes to traffic code
- Romney makes desperate last-ditch bid for presidency
- Biden working through scratch-off tickets during Obama’s swearing in
- Michelle Obama is not keen on President’s new bangs
Interesting Reads
- Columnists David Brooks and Gail Collins about budgets, deficits, and politics
- The Lights and Nights in Reykjavik
- Marketing and the naughty statue slideshow (to read about this, click the Article tab)
- Science, theology, and the sense of awe
- Martin Luther King’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech
- See a very interesting set of sculptures
- National Geographic picture collection of small wonders
On Potpourri
While Super Bowl XLVII is the first with two brothers as head coaching opponents – but here is the tie to me. Their father, a long-time NFL assistant coach, graduated from the same college as me – Bowling Green State University.
I have often said that biology teachers are in three categories regarding teaching evolution: Those teaching it well, those teaching it poorly, and those not teaching it at all. It seems this article supports my claim.
Cheers to my Cincinnati getting baseball’s 2015 All-Star Game. Too bad that Commission Bud Selig came to town for the announcement. I must say that I may like idiotic politicians more than him.
Check out the interactive Census Dotmap created by a MIT graduate student.
Yesterday’s post was about Word(s) – coincidentally, Harmonique and LouAnn at On the Homefront also posted about the topic – so give them a visit and tell them I sent you.
Good news – I will post a classic cartoon post on Saturday.
Bad news – I’m taking a short break after Saturday’s post.
To send you into the weekend, enjoy these images of the wonder of creation from deep space to the fitting music by Vangelis. Have a good weekend! In the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
What do you think about women now allowed to be on the front lines? I’m conflicted. Why would anyone want to be there? Great post as usual. Love Onion!
Seashells,
Interestingly, I believe women are already there …. but now more positions are open to them, which lead to more pay and promotions. One of the keys is physical fitness, and many women qualify! Good question.
Thank you! I know this is going to sound horrible and shallow, but so be it. I hate uniforms!!!! I would never go to a private school because I refused to wear one, and I have friends in the military and that’s always my first question, how can you stand to wear the same thing every day! Shallow, yes, but I own it. Have a lovely weekend!
Plus that scratches McDonald’s off the potential employer list.
Excuse me, hubs just had to almost do the Heimlich as I was reading this and started laughing so hard I choked. Me and MikkiD’s–now that’s something for a reality show!
LOL …. Wonderful as I actually got the reaction I anticipated!
Well played, sir. But I can’t say that I’m not predictable!
Well actually I’m not surprised that there is still fascism in reference to Obama. I used to live in Houston, Texas a few years ago and the conservative, right-wing people always made communist / fascist remarks about the Obama administration.
As a European I have to say that this doesn’t make much sense to me though. In my opinion, Obama is doing a lot of things rights.
Nice video. Thanks for sharing it.
Vino,
Being conservative is one thing, being to the right of that is another. Thanks for sharing your experience with life here.
I get tired of the fascism references in American politics. Have these people studied history–living under fascism and under the Nazis was horrendous. It’s insulting to the victims that people throw these words around. Have a wonderful break Frank!
TBM,
Absolutely. With all the negative press that comes to some making those type of comments, I wonder, “When will they ever learn?” Thanks for the best wishes.
Loved the first read, they failed to mention though withholding congressional pay is actually against the law! I think that is pretty funny.
4 in 10? Gad that is really sad. The story on Biology in High School makes me want to gnash my teeth and fling myself off a tall building.
The dot map is very cool. I am going to spend more time with that one!
Love love love the Onion this week, you know I have a somewhat dirty mind and could go far with the last one!
Love the story of Manakin Pis, funny!
Musical offering was wonderful today Frank, thanks
Val,
I met one of the authors of the biology teachers article years ago, and I trust his numbers on this because the topic is his passion. Lack of education on the evolution is more than a public education problem because many churches don’t educate their flock.
This week’s Onion were a hoot!
I very much appreciate you checking out my links!
I wouldn’t put it past Romney Frank! – read a biography about LBJ recently and Pa Romney featured.
GFB,
The article has a must-see picture … here you go. http://www.theonion.com/articles/romney-makes-desperate-lastditch-bid-for-presidenc,30975/
Brilliant! I look at Mitt and get the feeling he has closure issues.
BTW – Since the election, he has remained out of the spotlight.
Very interesting potpourri, Frank. Always fun to see what you find interesting.
Cathy,
I try to use that section to fit the definition.
Yes – now another retail operation that I’ll be boycotting – Whole Foods. What an ass the CEO is. People and their talk about “fascism” really need a history lesson. And Rand Paul – he’s an embarrassing little twerp. The Republicans really need to get over it.
Good point about the history lesson. I just shake my head regarding Senator Paul. After all, Kentucky is in my media market, so I get his news.
Here’s an excerpt from an editorial in today’s CIncinnati Enquirer
“References to Hitler in public debate are usually counter-productive, unless the speaker intends a comparison to someone who was directly responsible for the deaths of millions of his own people and the near-ruin of an entire continent …. Playing the Hitler card obscures the real issues, stifles debate and plays to emotions.”
Good editorial, frank – I wish more people would try to remember history and not use it to oppose laws they don’t like.
Vangelis, one of favourite musicians in newages… I loved your selection. You know political matters are too big for my mind
Thank you, have a nice weekend dear Frank, love, nia
Nia,
The Vangelis song is wonderful … and fitting for those images! Have a safe weekend!
Most times a politician opens their mouth, I’m amazed they don’t realize they are causing most of the troubles they complain about.
Great Onion set!
Guapo,
Right on! …. and this week gave The Onion much to work with!
I’m keeping well out of American politics. We have enough of our own in South Africa.
My three picks from The Onion, are:
“Romney makes desperate last-ditch bid for presidency.
Biden working through scratch-off tickets during Obama’s swearing in.
Michelle Obama is not keen on President’s new bangs.”
Thanks for the laughs, Frank, and have a great weekend. Will you and your good wife be gracing the ballroom dance floor?
Paradise,
This Onion set cracks me up. The pic in this got me laughing the most. http://www.theonion.com/articles/romney-makes-desperate-lastditch-bid-for-presidenc,30975/
Ballroom time may take a hit this weekend as my wife will be at a 2-day retreat.
Oh yes, that pic is hilarious, and one could almost believe it.
Fitting!
Vangelis have done some fantastic music … and soundtracks. Great news to know that you have a president again and all pomp and circumstances went as planned. Wish you a great weekend.
Viveka,
I too like Vangelis … and I also love deep space pics … but put them together is a wow moment for me.
Very nice commentary on the fascism, Hitler comparison. I hear it all the time from the ultra Conservatives. This was my favorite – probably because I have zero respect for him now.
Lance Armstrong plan return to cycling as fan-hating villain
Haha! Love it.
Spinny,
The ultra right needs to get a grip on reality and history. On a similar note, hope you saw the comment in my reply to Snoring Dog as it was something from today’s Cincinnati paper.
You’re taking a break !!!!!!?????!!!!…..AHHHHHHH !!!!
Zannyro,
Yep … need it … but will miss everyone here and at their place too.
Just have fun and relax
Amen to that.
Unfortunately I’m short of time today to look closely at all the interesting reads in your post. However I did look at the article on the debt ceiling fight at the Capital Gains and Games website. I look forward to reading more of their opinions.
Who cares if Beyonce sang or memorexed–not me. Interesting post Frank — you always make me think and provide an interesting and thoughtful perspective–I hope you are taking a break for a good reason -
romney makes minor changes to traffic code. only because i was stuck between the two.
as for classic cartoons, do you take requests or do you mainly follow those that you remember with fondness? have you done courageous cat and minute mouse?
Rich,
Now that would be the reform Mitt was aiming for!
Sure I take requests, and have actually worked in a couple … but the only true requirement that I have is that they are in my era. Off the top of my head I’ve done Top Cat, Sylvester, and Mighty Mouse. Who did you have in mind?
the team i mentioned, courageous cat and minute mouse. they were like batman and robin duo. even had a cool car too.
Oh … that’s their name … .will look into them to see their timeframe … and hopefully add to the list.
i think late 60′s.
Thus they qualify!
Nice video and music, enjoyed both. Dear Abbey Onion is my winner.
Fasab,
Good choice … and that video is a big winner for me.
While I’ll miss ya, buddy, I am running a bit behind again – health issues, both in the sinuses and between the ears. So, in an odd way, I appreciate the help in wading through my blogload.
Tahrir Square, 2011 and Tahrir Square, 2013 – same crowd, same chant. What a heck of a way to demonstrate “the more things change, the more they stay the same”.
Looking forward to whatever you whip up tomorrow. Til then, have a good one!
John,
The stuff going on in Egypt is very interesting … thus it will be interesting to see how happens …. or how long it takes for the dust to settle.
Bummer that health has got you a bit on the down side. Meanwhile, hope my instructions are helpful.
Wait just a minute. I am supposed to be the first commenter on your posts, right. Instead, I am, well not. Darn it!
Hope you have a wonderful time. And I do believe that it is vital to the future of mankind that we all figure out just whether Beyonce lip-syced. Because we know she can’t sing. We know it isn’t really even a real song since nobody can possibly hit all those notes. We know that no matter what had happened on that day someone would come up with a lame-ass no-thing to focus on.
Enjoy a break, Frank. But don’t stay away too long.
Elyse,
You are the first to comment on many occasions – so heck, it’s nice of you to let others in occasion. Just another one of those subtle behaviors that only royalty truly gets.
My plan is for break to be AOK.
That sounds good. You take care of yourself.
Thank you Your Highness.
Lance Armstrong plan return to cycling as fan-hating villain–some version of this may yet be true! I love the Geographic “Small Wonders.” Hope you have another good weekend…
Debra,
It will be interesting to see what happens to Armstrong over time. Meanwhile, the National Geographic link was a last-minute addition, so the fact that someone enjoyed it made me smile. Enjoy your weekend.
Reading you while enjoying a lovely Sunday brunch with WW. I especially liked the MLK Nobel Prize Acceptance speech (I can’t remember ever reading it–isn’t that crazy?) One of my favorite lines: “I accept this award today with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind. I refuse to accept despair as the final response to the ambiguities of history. I refuse to accept the idea that the “isness” of man’s present nature makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal “oughtness” that forever confronts him.” I’m going to make this my new mantra.
I can’t believe you’re taking a break, by the way! What will I do without your sanity to keep me on the straight and narrow. Who will keep me from writing about the “nincumpoop”?
Have a wonderful time–we’ll all be waiting for your return to keep us sane.