Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 166

The new header that is fitting for the season – the Aurora Borealis – and with hope I may see the glorious lights someday.

On Politics
Republican leaders are having a summit to discuss what went wrong in their election bid. Thanks to the Rick Perry (R-TX) counting system, I’ll offer two tidbits: Using blatant distortions, obvious flip-flopping, allowing Super PACs to make their own ads, and questioning the collective poll-taking profession.

I appreciate this quote: “What if we could trust that our candidates would tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? As a nation could we really handle the truth?” (Kiran Chetry, journalist)

That quote goes well with this one from former senator and last man on the moon, Harrison Schmitt (R-NM): “Anyone going to Washington to do what is right will not get re-elected.” (Paraphrased, but close, as I heard it in person)

Here’s an interesting thought about the fiscal cliff negotiations between President Obama and Speaker Boehner (R-OH). If they agree, the Speaker Boehner will have to deliver enough votes from his divided caucus, and Minority Leader Pelosi will have to deliver her share of votes from her caucus.

I appreciate PolitiFact’s Lie of the Year because it happened in my state (Ohio) with less than two weeks before the election.

The Onion has these plans for solving the fiscal cliff.

On This Week’s Headlines from The Onion

  • Area man to make greatest contribution to world in 70 million years as fossil fuel
  • Family has no idea where dad gets shirts
  • Tokyo adds 100-story toadstool to skyline
  • Oscar Meyer unveils new wiener drone
  • Supreme Court to hear cases determining whether human beings deserve equal rights
  • The Hobbit to feature 53-minute-long scene of Bilbo Baggins trying to figure out what to pack

Interesting Reads
Debra’s post about giving
The long-term budget challenge by one of my favorite economists
Telescope at the bottom of the sea
History of AOL as told through NY Times crossword puzzle
Love this about seeds
Did this battle decide WW II? 

With a Holiday Twist
Photo gallery of Christmas cats

The Onion’s Gift Guides are below:

Oh my! I just saw my first moustache pacifier!

On Potpourri
Stats Review: Last week may have been the best week ever. Well, I’m sure much, and understandably so, was due to Guapo’s birthday. Thanks Guap! Plus, 20,oooth comment may happen before 2012 closes.

I met Buddhakat at Guapo’s birthday bash, and wow – checkout out her art creations!

Parties? I’m planning a holiday party to start no later than December 24th, so put it on your calendar to stop by for gifts – plus tell and bring your friend

Another party! With the world ending on December 21st, Aqua Tom is throwing a party. See his post to learn more.

For those enjoying photography, Otto is collecting recommendations of the best photo blogs on this post.

A Saturday morning classic cartoon post returns this week – and one perfect for the season.

Let’s go into the weekend with a laugh. Do you recall this holiday classic? Have a good weekend! In the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.