http://www.boston.com/sports/blogs/statsdriven/2012/01/cheringtons_thrift_probably_a.html
So how should the specter of these underperforming deals affect the ones the Red Sox negotiate in the present? Answer: not one bit. When determining the worth of a business investment, a rational actor weighs only the future costs and benefits that the investment will yield; it doesn’t make sense to allow something unrelated to that investment to influence one’s best choice. If, after careful evaluation, the benefits a player is expected to bring to the team outweigh the costs of signing him, he should be signed.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Roy Oswalt Not Interested in Red Sox. Time to Move On. - Derek Stykalo
http://bosoxinjection.com/2012/01/30/roy-oswalt-not-interested-in-red-sox-time-to-move-on/
As mentioned, the Cardinals are the lead horse to sign Oswalt and it appears it will be more than the original asking price of $8 million for one-year. Remember, that was the new, lowered price from the original price tag of $10 million. Reports now indicate that the former NLCS MVP is again asking for $10 million and the Cards are doing everything in their power to give it to him.
Over the weekend we learnt that St. Louis is shopping bullpen arm, Kyle McClellan who makes $2.5 million. The Cards original offer to Oswalt was for $7.5 million. Add the two up and bazinga, $10 million fresh ones for Oswalt.
The Texas Rangers are meeting with Oswalt and are said to be shopping Koji Uehara. But like the Cards, the Rangers currently have a solid and set five-man rotation.
As mentioned, the Cardinals are the lead horse to sign Oswalt and it appears it will be more than the original asking price of $8 million for one-year. Remember, that was the new, lowered price from the original price tag of $10 million. Reports now indicate that the former NLCS MVP is again asking for $10 million and the Cards are doing everything in their power to give it to him.
Over the weekend we learnt that St. Louis is shopping bullpen arm, Kyle McClellan who makes $2.5 million. The Cards original offer to Oswalt was for $7.5 million. Add the two up and bazinga, $10 million fresh ones for Oswalt.
The Texas Rangers are meeting with Oswalt and are said to be shopping Koji Uehara. But like the Cards, the Rangers currently have a solid and set five-man rotation.
Pythons linked to Florida Everglades mammal decline - Paul Rincon
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16791094
"Any snake population - you are only seeing a small fraction of the numbers that are actually out there," said Prof Michael Dorcas, one of the study's authors, from Davidson College in North Carolina.
He told BBC News: "They are a new top predator in Everglades National Park - one that shouldn't be there,"
"We have documented pythons eating alligators, we have also documented alligators eating pythons. It depends on who is biggest during the encounter."
"Any snake population - you are only seeing a small fraction of the numbers that are actually out there," said Prof Michael Dorcas, one of the study's authors, from Davidson College in North Carolina.
He told BBC News: "They are a new top predator in Everglades National Park - one that shouldn't be there,"
"We have documented pythons eating alligators, we have also documented alligators eating pythons. It depends on who is biggest during the encounter."
Donald Trump Staff in Talks With Financiers, Campaign Managers to Explore Third Party Bid - Huma Khan
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/01/donald-trump-staff-reaching-out-to-financers-campaign-managers-to-explore-third-party-bid/
At least we know that there will be someone to pick up the ball when Newt is taken out of the game. Thank you, Mr. The Donald.
At least we know that there will be someone to pick up the ball when Newt is taken out of the game. Thank you, Mr. The Donald.
Racial code words obscure real issues - Juan Williams
http://thehill.com/opinion/columnists/juan-williams/207295-2012-racial-code-words-obscure-real-issue
A lot of people will not sympathize with Mr. Williams, perhaps pointing out that he left NPR for Fox News and the world of dog whistle politics that goes on at Fox News should have been obvious to him before he joined that organization. But that does not excuse the usage of "code words" that goes on in Republican politics. He is right to suggest that it has no place in politics and that if the GOP wants to reach out to minority voters, it has to stop. The problem is they can't bring themselves to do it. The GOP has morphed from a political party into a marketing arm that simply take advantage to cultural angst. To ask them at this point to abandon racial code words, like Mr. Williams does, would be asking them to commit suicide.
The language of GOP racial politics is heavy on euphemisms that allow the speaker to deny any responsibility for the racial content of his message. The code words in this game are “entitlement society” — as used by Mitt Romney — and “poor work ethic” and “food stamp president” — as used by Newt Gingrich. References to a lack of respect for the “Founding Fathers” and the “Constitution” also make certain ears perk up by demonizing anyone supposedly threatening core “old-fashioned American values.”
A lot of people will not sympathize with Mr. Williams, perhaps pointing out that he left NPR for Fox News and the world of dog whistle politics that goes on at Fox News should have been obvious to him before he joined that organization. But that does not excuse the usage of "code words" that goes on in Republican politics. He is right to suggest that it has no place in politics and that if the GOP wants to reach out to minority voters, it has to stop. The problem is they can't bring themselves to do it. The GOP has morphed from a political party into a marketing arm that simply take advantage to cultural angst. To ask them at this point to abandon racial code words, like Mr. Williams does, would be asking them to commit suicide.
The language of GOP racial politics is heavy on euphemisms that allow the speaker to deny any responsibility for the racial content of his message. The code words in this game are “entitlement society” — as used by Mitt Romney — and “poor work ethic” and “food stamp president” — as used by Newt Gingrich. References to a lack of respect for the “Founding Fathers” and the “Constitution” also make certain ears perk up by demonizing anyone supposedly threatening core “old-fashioned American values.”
Volcanic activity behind Little Ice Age - Randy Boswell
http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Volcanic+activity+behind+Little/6077087/story.html
It is important to note the important caveat "research suggests", but this would make sense. It would be my first guess.
Melting icefields on Baffin Island, one of the clearest signs of climate change on Earth, have yielded the strongest evidence yet for the timing and cause of another major climate event from the planet's past: the so-called Little Ice Age, a sudden and mysterious cooling of the globe that began about 700 years ago.
Recently exposed remains of plants that had been buried under Baffin Island ice for centuries provided the crucial clue that has led an international team of researchers to conclude the Little Ice Age was triggered by volcanic eruptions between 1275 and 1300 and was sustained by changes in Arctic sea-ice cover that lasted several centuries.
It is important to note the important caveat "research suggests", but this would make sense. It would be my first guess.
Melting icefields on Baffin Island, one of the clearest signs of climate change on Earth, have yielded the strongest evidence yet for the timing and cause of another major climate event from the planet's past: the so-called Little Ice Age, a sudden and mysterious cooling of the globe that began about 700 years ago.
Recently exposed remains of plants that had been buried under Baffin Island ice for centuries provided the crucial clue that has led an international team of researchers to conclude the Little Ice Age was triggered by volcanic eruptions between 1275 and 1300 and was sustained by changes in Arctic sea-ice cover that lasted several centuries.
Civilian Deaths Due to Drones Are Not Many, Obama Says - Mark Lander
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/31/world/middleeast/civilian-deaths-due-to-drones-are-few-obama-says.html
Mr. Obama, in an unusually candid public discussion of the Central Intelligence Agency’s covert program, said the drone strikes had not inflicted huge civilian casualties. “We are very careful in terms of how it’s been applied,” he said. “It is important for everybody to understand that this thing is kept on a very tight leash.”
This was the first public admission of drone usage in Pakistan.
Mr. Obama, in an unusually candid public discussion of the Central Intelligence Agency’s covert program, said the drone strikes had not inflicted huge civilian casualties. “We are very careful in terms of how it’s been applied,” he said. “It is important for everybody to understand that this thing is kept on a very tight leash.”
This was the first public admission of drone usage in Pakistan.
Saving Syria requires Russia’s cooperation
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/saving-syria-requires-russias-cooperation/2012/01/30/gIQA40fYdQ_story.html
For now, there is little sign that Russia will yield: The government of Vladimir Putin is insisting that it will not support the removal of a regime that has been its primary ally in the Middle East. Yet if sustained, Moscow’s intransigence is likely to precipitate a disaster, both for Syria and for itself.
It is time like this when our rhetoric on the Georgian Crisis in 2008 and running NATO to the borders of Russia itself may cost us. Russia feels cornered but also feels she is back on her feet after the disaster of the 1990s when she became a Second World country. Here is a single client state that will fiercely support Russia, if for no other reason than all its other allies are weak or crumbling themselves, and will accept Russian help no matter what it is.
Syria's regime is going to have Russia's support under almost any circumstances and the UN is not going to have much of a role in the Syrian transition. It's as simple as that.
For now, there is little sign that Russia will yield: The government of Vladimir Putin is insisting that it will not support the removal of a regime that has been its primary ally in the Middle East. Yet if sustained, Moscow’s intransigence is likely to precipitate a disaster, both for Syria and for itself.
It is time like this when our rhetoric on the Georgian Crisis in 2008 and running NATO to the borders of Russia itself may cost us. Russia feels cornered but also feels she is back on her feet after the disaster of the 1990s when she became a Second World country. Here is a single client state that will fiercely support Russia, if for no other reason than all its other allies are weak or crumbling themselves, and will accept Russian help no matter what it is.
Syria's regime is going to have Russia's support under almost any circumstances and the UN is not going to have much of a role in the Syrian transition. It's as simple as that.
Gingrich claims Romney is 'extraordinarily insensitive' to religion in run-up to Florida vote
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/31/polls-show-romney-leading-as-florida-prepares-for-primary-vote/
Now that the primary, for all practical purposes, is over and decided, there is really nothing left to do but to plaster absurd and outrageous statements from Newt all over the place. Which, when you think about it, was really his purpose in the primaries, if not in politics.
"I think Governor Romney is extraordinarily insensitive to religious freedom in America and the Obama administration is clearly engaged in a war on religion," said Gingrich, a converted Catholic.
Gingrich said he attended Mass in Jacksonville on Sunday at one of several churches across the state where a letter was read about "the Obama administration's assault on the Catholic Church."
"People don't understand yet how much the secular state is becoming an anti-religious instrument of coercion," he told Fox News' Bret Baier.
Now that the primary, for all practical purposes, is over and decided, there is really nothing left to do but to plaster absurd and outrageous statements from Newt all over the place. Which, when you think about it, was really his purpose in the primaries, if not in politics.
"I think Governor Romney is extraordinarily insensitive to religious freedom in America and the Obama administration is clearly engaged in a war on religion," said Gingrich, a converted Catholic.
Gingrich said he attended Mass in Jacksonville on Sunday at one of several churches across the state where a letter was read about "the Obama administration's assault on the Catholic Church."
"People don't understand yet how much the secular state is becoming an anti-religious instrument of coercion," he told Fox News' Bret Baier.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Tim Wakefield wants one more year with Red Sox - Mark J. Miller
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/MLB-scoop-du-jour/tim-wakefield-wants-one-more-red-sox-115327538.html
With the other clowns that are getting tryouts you'd think Wakes might get some consideration.
With the other clowns that are getting tryouts you'd think Wakes might get some consideration.
Steamed Selig will select “significant player” from Cubs for Red Sox, compensation for Epstein - Earl Nash
http://bosoxinjection.com/2012/01/29/steamed-selig-will-select-significant-player-from-cubs-for-red-sox-compensation-for-epstein/
Speculation has narrowed to two players that are on the list: Josh Vitters [3b] and Randy Wells [RHP], the latter could compete for the #5 starter slot in the 2012 rotation, of simply be more bullpen fodder. Vitters is still a work-in-progress and a case of arrested development [via strikeout] in AAA and some scouts have set his ceiling at AAAA: not ever ready for Prime Time.
These two players can also be summed up as total crap.
Speculation has narrowed to two players that are on the list: Josh Vitters [3b] and Randy Wells [RHP], the latter could compete for the #5 starter slot in the 2012 rotation, of simply be more bullpen fodder. Vitters is still a work-in-progress and a case of arrested development [via strikeout] in AAA and some scouts have set his ceiling at AAAA: not ever ready for Prime Time.
These two players can also be summed up as total crap.
Obama’s Lean, Mean SEAL Machine - Daniel Klaidman
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/01/29/obama-s-lean-mean-seal-machine.html
Of all the stupid mistake Bush made in his time as president, the stupidest was his thinking that the War on Terror could be won by invading countries. This new philosophy, the light special forces model coupled with international legal pursuit, is what the war should have always been: light, targeted, short instead of prolonged. Quick and deadly strikes instead of clumsy and heavy-handed attempts at remaking middle eastern political cultures.
Of all the stupid mistake Bush made in his time as president, the stupidest was his thinking that the War on Terror could be won by invading countries. This new philosophy, the light special forces model coupled with international legal pursuit, is what the war should have always been: light, targeted, short instead of prolonged. Quick and deadly strikes instead of clumsy and heavy-handed attempts at remaking middle eastern political cultures.
Noam Scheiber on George Romney, Mitt Romney, and the Politics of Envy -Reihan Salam
http://www.nationalreview.com/agenda/289392/noam-scheiber-george-romney-mitt-romney-and-politics-envy-reihan-salam
This critique by Salam addresses everything from the Romneys - father and son - to why some immigrants some to dominate smaller economies (market ready immigrants like the Indians who emigrated to Kenya). Also, Romney the Father was exactly like his son except he embraced what he was instead of fleeing it. Then again the party is not what it once was and a Rockefeller Republican, now known as a RINO, was not yet hunted to extinction.
This critique by Salam addresses everything from the Romneys - father and son - to why some immigrants some to dominate smaller economies (market ready immigrants like the Indians who emigrated to Kenya). Also, Romney the Father was exactly like his son except he embraced what he was instead of fleeing it. Then again the party is not what it once was and a Rockefeller Republican, now known as a RINO, was not yet hunted to extinction.
Newt May Be Mad and Mental Enough to Fight On Long After Florida - John Heilemann
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/01/newt-mad-and-mental-enough-to-fight-on-after-florida.html
We can only hope so.
Florida is Mitt's now, but it's not a knockout blow. The GOP has punished Florida for moving its primary up by slashing the delegate numbers in half, so the loss is not as stinging or permanent to Newt as it otherwise would be. However, it does offer some predictive power for the general election as far as what voters want to see, and what they want to see is less Newt. Far less, in fact.
As the primaries begin to run together and less attention is showered on individual states, Newt may steal an Alabama here or a Montana there, but his run is over. Not the damage that he can do by remaining in the race, but to the extent that he was ever actually running for president, he is done. His damage will go on far into the fall.
We can only hope so.
Florida is Mitt's now, but it's not a knockout blow. The GOP has punished Florida for moving its primary up by slashing the delegate numbers in half, so the loss is not as stinging or permanent to Newt as it otherwise would be. However, it does offer some predictive power for the general election as far as what voters want to see, and what they want to see is less Newt. Far less, in fact.
As the primaries begin to run together and less attention is showered on individual states, Newt may steal an Alabama here or a Montana there, but his run is over. Not the damage that he can do by remaining in the race, but to the extent that he was ever actually running for president, he is done. His damage will go on far into the fall.
Facebook Readies IPO Filing - SHAYNDI RAICE and RANDALL SMITH
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204573704577187062821038498.html
If you're not paying for a product or service, guess what? You are the product.
Facebook has the means to offer marketers the data on hundreds of millions of consumers, consumers who have already gone through the trouble of letting them know what they like and don't like, and who their friends are. Thinking of Facebook as a provider of a platform for social interaction is a small part of the story. Their real model is that they are producer of consumer data, something like Nielsen but 100x more powerful, offering the purest consumer insight available. That is how they are going to make their billions, and why privacy is such an issue for them.
If you're not paying for a product or service, guess what? You are the product.
Facebook has the means to offer marketers the data on hundreds of millions of consumers, consumers who have already gone through the trouble of letting them know what they like and don't like, and who their friends are. Thinking of Facebook as a provider of a platform for social interaction is a small part of the story. Their real model is that they are producer of consumer data, something like Nielsen but 100x more powerful, offering the purest consumer insight available. That is how they are going to make their billions, and why privacy is such an issue for them.
Syrian forces tighten grip on Damascus suburb
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9048807/Syrian-forces-tighten-grip-on-Damascus-suburb.html
The rebel Free Syrian Army said 50 more officers and soldiers turned their back on Assad on Saturday and in a “steady progression of fighting towards the capital” clashed with army regulars only eight kilometres (five miles) from Damascus.
The regime, in turn, has launched “an unprecedented offensive” using heavy artillery against villages in Damascus and Hama province of central Syria, the rebel army said.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Youkilis: Red Sox had a bad vibe - Peter Abraham
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/01/27/youkilis-red-sox-had-bad-vibe/YY0HznaLWQCT8wFFiIRnoM/story.html
That the Red Sox suffered from debilitating team chemistry was painfully evident last season. The team collapsed in September and manager Terry Francona soon resigned, saying he had lost the ability to communicate with some of the players.
Third baseman Kevin Youkilis acknowledged last night that the Red Sox “didn’t have the best vibe in the clubhouse,’’ and that contributed to missing the playoffs.
“It was very different,’’ said Youkilis. “It was noticeable early, but when you win, winning heals all the wounds. But we definitely didn’t have the right attitude in a lot of ways.
That the Red Sox suffered from debilitating team chemistry was painfully evident last season. The team collapsed in September and manager Terry Francona soon resigned, saying he had lost the ability to communicate with some of the players.
Third baseman Kevin Youkilis acknowledged last night that the Red Sox “didn’t have the best vibe in the clubhouse,’’ and that contributed to missing the playoffs.
“It was very different,’’ said Youkilis. “It was noticeable early, but when you win, winning heals all the wounds. But we definitely didn’t have the right attitude in a lot of ways.
Pitching dominoes poised to fall? - Gordon Edes
http://espn.go.com/dallas/mlb/story/_/id/7504049/boston-red-sox-eyeing-starters-edwin-jackson-roy-oswalt-gavin-floyd-et-al-strengthen-rotation
But general manager Ben Cherington has maintained from the outset of the offseason that the Red Sox have gone over that threshold in the past and -- for the right deal -- would do it again, which may be why reports are surfacing that the Sox are also in the mix for Edwin Jackson. The 28-year-old right-hander, a Scott Boras client, to date has not drawn the interest he expected in this market, and if he would sign for short money, particularly a one-year deal, the Sox could indeed be a major player.
I don't see how they get Jackson or Oswalt for less than the $10 million for one year that Kuroda got from the Yankees, a price tag already deemed "too rich" for the Red Sox.
But general manager Ben Cherington has maintained from the outset of the offseason that the Red Sox have gone over that threshold in the past and -- for the right deal -- would do it again, which may be why reports are surfacing that the Sox are also in the mix for Edwin Jackson. The 28-year-old right-hander, a Scott Boras client, to date has not drawn the interest he expected in this market, and if he would sign for short money, particularly a one-year deal, the Sox could indeed be a major player.
I don't see how they get Jackson or Oswalt for less than the $10 million for one year that Kuroda got from the Yankees, a price tag already deemed "too rich" for the Red Sox.
Ken Mehlman: Republicans should be for same-sex marriage
http://www.unionleader.com/article/20120126/OPINION02/701269967
I give you the former chairman of the Republican National Committee writing an op-ed in THE conservative newspaper of the northeast, as a gay man supporting the right to marry who you want.
I will be in New Hampshire this week — to urge legislative members of my party to reject House Bill 437. It’s time to stand up for individual freedom and liberty, to live by the Golden Rule and to oppose any effort to diminish or strip away individual rights, and to return to the real business of building business, keeping taxes down and growing our economy. “Live Free or Die” should be more than just a slogan.
I give you the former chairman of the Republican National Committee writing an op-ed in THE conservative newspaper of the northeast, as a gay man supporting the right to marry who you want.
I will be in New Hampshire this week — to urge legislative members of my party to reject House Bill 437. It’s time to stand up for individual freedom and liberty, to live by the Golden Rule and to oppose any effort to diminish or strip away individual rights, and to return to the real business of building business, keeping taxes down and growing our economy. “Live Free or Die” should be more than just a slogan.
The Republicans’ Electoral College Newt-Mare - Larry Sabato
http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/the-gop%E2%80%99s-electoral-college-newt-mare/
Long article, but a great article. Shorter: Newt will lose, Romney has a better shot. Republicans really, really dislike Obama.
Long article, but a great article. Shorter: Newt will lose, Romney has a better shot. Republicans really, really dislike Obama.
Dole assails Gingrich in plea to conservatives - Kevin Liptak
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/26/dole-assails-gingrich-in-plea-to-conservatives/
I guess we should be seeing guys like Christie and Daniels come out to help drown Gingrich, but I like Bob Dole and I guess he'll have to do for now. Florida is safely in Romney's hands now, and most likely the nomination. Gingrich is going to possibly steal a southern state here and there, it depends on what he does to self destruct over the course of the next few weeks, but at this point the conventional wisdom: Romney damaged, but safe.
I guess we should be seeing guys like Christie and Daniels come out to help drown Gingrich, but I like Bob Dole and I guess he'll have to do for now. Florida is safely in Romney's hands now, and most likely the nomination. Gingrich is going to possibly steal a southern state here and there, it depends on what he does to self destruct over the course of the next few weeks, but at this point the conventional wisdom: Romney damaged, but safe.
Russia says U.N. Syria draft unacceptable: Itar-Tass - Steve Gutterman
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/27/us-syria-russia-idUSTRE80Q0I620120127
Gatilov suggested Russia was unhappy that the draft included no clause ruling out military intervention, and that it made a reference to sanctions that have already been imposed on Syria by the Arab League.
Russia has warned it would not let any resolution endorsing military intervention pass in the Security Council, where it has veto power as a permanent member, and has also said it will not retroactively support Western or Arab sanctions on Syria.
Russia, desperate for client states, hopes to prop this regime up until it can regain its footing.
Gatilov suggested Russia was unhappy that the draft included no clause ruling out military intervention, and that it made a reference to sanctions that have already been imposed on Syria by the Arab League.
Russia has warned it would not let any resolution endorsing military intervention pass in the Security Council, where it has veto power as a permanent member, and has also said it will not retroactively support Western or Arab sanctions on Syria.
Russia, desperate for client states, hopes to prop this regime up until it can regain its footing.
Suicide bomber kills 32 at Baghdad funeral march - BUSHRA JUHI
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iCKbdXP7yyKTWzUe0o972Oz8-NhA?docId=dab200b651f34e6e8e647bc5d8bbf133
"I saw smoke coming from a parked car that had exploded," Bashir said, adding that police and civilians cars, an ambulance van and several stores were engulfed in flames hours after the blast. "The fire lasted for a long time," Bashir said.
Minutes after the blast, gunmen opened fire at a checkpoint in Zafaraniyah, killing two policemen, according to police officials. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.
Across Iraq, at least 200 people have been killed in a wave of attacks by suspected insurgents since the beginning of the year, raising concerns that the surge in violence and an escalating political crisis might deteriorate into a civil war, just weeks after the U.S. military withdrawal.
Most of the dead have been Shiite pilgrims and members of the Iraqi security forces.
"I saw smoke coming from a parked car that had exploded," Bashir said, adding that police and civilians cars, an ambulance van and several stores were engulfed in flames hours after the blast. "The fire lasted for a long time," Bashir said.
Minutes after the blast, gunmen opened fire at a checkpoint in Zafaraniyah, killing two policemen, according to police officials. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.
Across Iraq, at least 200 people have been killed in a wave of attacks by suspected insurgents since the beginning of the year, raising concerns that the surge in violence and an escalating political crisis might deteriorate into a civil war, just weeks after the U.S. military withdrawal.
Most of the dead have been Shiite pilgrims and members of the Iraqi security forces.
Meet the Candidates Forum: GOP Hopefuls Must Win Over Hispanics to Win - Mark McKinnon
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/01/24/meet-the-candidates-forum-gop-hopefuls-must-win-over-hispanics-to-win.html
On the Bush campaign team in 2000, we knew we needed 40 percent of the Hispanic vote to win. We got 41. With the trending growth of the demographic, we quickly realized that if we maintained that same percentage in 2004, we would lose. We had to get 43 percent. We got 44. But four years later in 2008, with a record 9.6 million Hispanics voting, Barack Obama was preferred over John McCain, 67 percent to 31 percent.
That's pretty much all you need to know.
On the Bush campaign team in 2000, we knew we needed 40 percent of the Hispanic vote to win. We got 41. With the trending growth of the demographic, we quickly realized that if we maintained that same percentage in 2004, we would lose. We had to get 43 percent. We got 44. But four years later in 2008, with a record 9.6 million Hispanics voting, Barack Obama was preferred over John McCain, 67 percent to 31 percent.
That's pretty much all you need to know.
Hispanics in focus as GOP race intensifies - Steve Peoples
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/articles/2012/01/27/hispanics_in_focus_as_gop_race_intensifies/
Here is where the election will actually be lost for Republicans. After having courted the tea party with a line of talk that began as opposition to illegal immigration and ended up being something closer to nativism and dog whistles to racists, the party has aliented itself deeply from what is becoming the true prize of any election.
Here is where the election will actually be lost for Republicans. After having courted the tea party with a line of talk that began as opposition to illegal immigration and ended up being something closer to nativism and dog whistles to racists, the party has aliented itself deeply from what is becoming the true prize of any election.
Romney was the aggressor in the second debate in four days Thursday night, pressing Gingrich to apologize for an ad labeling him as anti-immigrant and calling the idea "repulsive."
Both men arranged for appearances Friday in Miami with the Hispanic Leadership Network on the day after the debate. The state has roughly 1.5 million Hispanic voters, who figure to play prominently in next Tuesday's Florida primary.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Roy Oswalt, Red Sox may not be a match - Peter Abraham
http://bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/01/26/jackson-not-oswalt-could-target-for-red-sox/QuRftwOeBcMl9Ps3zlq1xI/story.html
Although an unheralded member of this free agent class, Jackson could prove to be a wise investment given that he is in the prime of his career and has continued to improve.
ESPN’s Jim Bowden reported that the Red Sox had made an offer to Jackson and preferred him to Oswalt. But Boston general manager Ben Cherington would not comment specifically on Jackson.
“We’re still considering several options, including sitting tight,’’ he said.
The Red Sox have Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz, and Jon Lester set atop their rotation. As it stands, the final spots will be determined in spring training. Daniel Bard, Alfredo Aceves, and a cast of veterans signed to minor league deals are among the possibilities.
Jackson has gone from can't miss phenom to bust to steady veteran. He's no All Star but I think on the balance he could be a good pitcher. With the decline in hitting in the past several years, perhaps attributable to reduced steroid usage, pitchers like Jackson have become somewhat of a commodity. I'll take him. Let's just not overpay for him.
Although an unheralded member of this free agent class, Jackson could prove to be a wise investment given that he is in the prime of his career and has continued to improve.
ESPN’s Jim Bowden reported that the Red Sox had made an offer to Jackson and preferred him to Oswalt. But Boston general manager Ben Cherington would not comment specifically on Jackson.
“We’re still considering several options, including sitting tight,’’ he said.
The Red Sox have Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz, and Jon Lester set atop their rotation. As it stands, the final spots will be determined in spring training. Daniel Bard, Alfredo Aceves, and a cast of veterans signed to minor league deals are among the possibilities.
Jackson has gone from can't miss phenom to bust to steady veteran. He's no All Star but I think on the balance he could be a good pitcher. With the decline in hitting in the past several years, perhaps attributable to reduced steroid usage, pitchers like Jackson have become somewhat of a commodity. I'll take him. Let's just not overpay for him.
The Boston Red Sox Winter of Discontent: A Fan’s View - Glenn Vallach
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ycn-10885127
Obviously, the Red Sox still have talent. But as the New York Mets learned a few years ago, it is misguided to bring back the same cast of characters who suffered an epic meltdown at the end of the prior year. The Mets tried it, and suffered another collapse, just not as catastrophic.
Daily, we hear about dalliances with people like Roy Oswalt, Edwin Jackson and others. As they say in popular culture, these names don't really move the needle.
Obviously, the Red Sox still have talent. But as the New York Mets learned a few years ago, it is misguided to bring back the same cast of characters who suffered an epic meltdown at the end of the prior year. The Mets tried it, and suffered another collapse, just not as catastrophic.
How the Prince Fielder Deal Affects the Red Sox: A Fan’s Take - Rick Blaine
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ycn-10884015
The Detroit Tigers were the club that gave fielder the surprise 9-year, $214 million deal that might tilt the balance of power in the American League. But many teams will feel the effects of the decision in a number of different ways, not the least of which is Boston.
The Detroit Tigers were the club that gave fielder the surprise 9-year, $214 million deal that might tilt the balance of power in the American League. But many teams will feel the effects of the decision in a number of different ways, not the least of which is Boston.
State of the Republicans - Gail Collins and David Brooks
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/25/state-of-the-republicans/
Look at the picture above and tell me what you would think it meant if you saw it in 2008 or 2009. What words would you say? That is the state of the Republicans right now.
Great exchange between Collins and Brooks. Read it.
Look at the picture above and tell me what you would think it meant if you saw it in 2008 or 2009. What words would you say? That is the state of the Republicans right now.
Great exchange between Collins and Brooks. Read it.
Former President John Tyler’s (1790-1862) grandchildren still alive - Eric Pfeiffer
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/former-president-john-tyler-1790-1862-grandchildren-still-191230189.html
I don't know how this is possible.
A few other Tyler tidbits:
I don't know how this is possible.
A few other Tyler tidbits:
- He joined the South's secession efforts shortly before his death and was even elected to the Confederate House of Representatives.
- Because of his Confederate ties, Tyler's is the only presidential death not officially mourned.
- Tyler ascended to the presidency in 1841. Other things that happened that year: Canada became a nation; the United States Senate has its first filibuster, lasting nearly a month; the city of Dallas, Texas was founded.
- Tyler was the first person to ascend to the presidency through succession as vice president.
The serious side of making people laugh - Martin Miller
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-inside-comedy-20120126,0,1064772.story
When people rely on you — at least financially — your negotiating strength is diminished or completely eliminated, David said recently during a conversation about all things comedy with David Steinberg. The pair, friends since their early days as stand-ups in New York City, were together in David's comfortable Santa Monica office to promote Steinberg's 10-part Showtime series, "Inside Comedy," which begins Thursday
When people rely on you — at least financially — your negotiating strength is diminished or completely eliminated, David said recently during a conversation about all things comedy with David Steinberg. The pair, friends since their early days as stand-ups in New York City, were together in David's comfortable Santa Monica office to promote Steinberg's 10-part Showtime series, "Inside Comedy," which begins Thursday
Netflix customers return in 4Q; stock soars 16 pct - MICHAEL LIEDTKE
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iqlPOWUfjsf1Zv9ufM5MgiGcgo0Q?docId=e8028906769e4f08a7beb75860ba893e
Fourth-quarter figures released Wednesday show Netflix Inc. ended December with 24.4 million subscribers in the U.S., up from 23.8 million at the end of September. That gain of about 600,000 customers compares with the loss of 800,000 subscribers last summer after it raised its U.S. prices as much as 60 percent.
The uptick is a positive sign for Netflix after several months of upheaval battered its stock. The shares reversed course Wednesday, surging nearly 16 percent.
Fourth-quarter figures released Wednesday show Netflix Inc. ended December with 24.4 million subscribers in the U.S., up from 23.8 million at the end of September. That gain of about 600,000 customers compares with the loss of 800,000 subscribers last summer after it raised its U.S. prices as much as 60 percent.
The uptick is a positive sign for Netflix after several months of upheaval battered its stock. The shares reversed course Wednesday, surging nearly 16 percent.
Special-ops hostage rescue in Somalia shows shape of US campaign to come
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/special-ops-hostage-rescue-in-somalia-shows-shape-of-us-campaign-to-come/2012/01/26/gIQANq9FSQ_story.html?tid=pm_politics_pop
The SEALs parachuted from U.S. Air Force special operations aircraft before moving on foot, apparently undetected, to the outdoor encampment, two officials said. They found American Jessica Buchanan, 32, and Poul Hagen Thisted, a 60-year-old Dane, who had been kidnapped in Somalia last fall.
The SEALs encountered little resistance from the kidnappers during the operation, which lasted about an hour to an hour and a half, two U.S. officials said. Only one of the attackers fired back and was quickly subdued, one official said. The rest were believed killed, though officials did not rule out the possibility of an escape, as aerial surveillance of the scene was hampered on the cloudy, dark night.
Killed in your sleep without firing a shot. Not a good end to a pirate.
The SEALs parachuted from U.S. Air Force special operations aircraft before moving on foot, apparently undetected, to the outdoor encampment, two officials said. They found American Jessica Buchanan, 32, and Poul Hagen Thisted, a 60-year-old Dane, who had been kidnapped in Somalia last fall.
The SEALs encountered little resistance from the kidnappers during the operation, which lasted about an hour to an hour and a half, two U.S. officials said. Only one of the attackers fired back and was quickly subdued, one official said. The rest were believed killed, though officials did not rule out the possibility of an escape, as aerial surveillance of the scene was hampered on the cloudy, dark night.
Killed in your sleep without firing a shot. Not a good end to a pirate.
‘Stop-Newt’ Republicans Confront Base Unwilling to Take Orders - Julie Hirschfeld Davis
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-26/-stop-newt-republicans-confront-base-unwilling-to-take-orders.html
“There really is no Republican establishment left that can control anything,” said Matthew Dowd, a onetime aide to President George W. Bush and now a Bloomberg Television contributor. “Some try to act like they are in charge, but the fraternity is now running the campus.”
Karmic, no? Thrpughout the GW Bush presidency Dowd and others masterfully and cynically played and lied to values voters and conservative blue collars, now called the Tea Party, to get them to vote for the economic betterment of the people in the establishment. Then in 2009 they called for them to become activists against all that was in power, another cynical ploy that was really only the last chance for the Republicans to remain relevant while in opposition to a president with Kennedy-like charisma. And now the bill has come due as the same voters Dowd helped to fool have realized their own power and have decided to burn the palace. Karmic.
“There really is no Republican establishment left that can control anything,” said Matthew Dowd, a onetime aide to President George W. Bush and now a Bloomberg Television contributor. “Some try to act like they are in charge, but the fraternity is now running the campus.”
Karmic, no? Thrpughout the GW Bush presidency Dowd and others masterfully and cynically played and lied to values voters and conservative blue collars, now called the Tea Party, to get them to vote for the economic betterment of the people in the establishment. Then in 2009 they called for them to become activists against all that was in power, another cynical ploy that was really only the last chance for the Republicans to remain relevant while in opposition to a president with Kennedy-like charisma. And now the bill has come due as the same voters Dowd helped to fool have realized their own power and have decided to burn the palace. Karmic.
Ahmadinejad says Iran ready for nuclear talks
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/26/2609255/ahmadinejad-says-iran-ready-for.html
Posturing for now. He's not cracking and this is not a retreat from their earlier position. Until there is a danger that they will lose power or most of their money, there is no reason for the regime to back off of enriching uranium.
Posturing for now. He's not cracking and this is not a retreat from their earlier position. Until there is a danger that they will lose power or most of their money, there is no reason for the regime to back off of enriching uranium.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Bradley: Jorge Posada will be remembered as Yankee who wore heart on his sleeve - Jeff Bradley
http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2012/01/bradley_jorge_posada_will_be_r.html
Happy trails, Georgie. It was an awkward final season but he truly earned a place among the Yankee greats of the past.
Happy trails, Georgie. It was an awkward final season but he truly earned a place among the Yankee greats of the past.
A Look at the Red Sox’s Most Recent Moves - Chip Buck
http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/25/a-look-at-the-red-soxs-most-recent-moves/
A great in-depth review of the Red Sox offseason. Verdict: given the crippling contracts already on the books, it was a great offseason.
A great in-depth review of the Red Sox offseason. Verdict: given the crippling contracts already on the books, it was a great offseason.
Why Democrats Think the GOP Race Might Last Until June - Jake Tapper
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/01/why-democrats-think-the-gop-race-might-last-until-june/
Why would this go on for awhile? Because a combination of an elongated schedule, new Republican National Committee rules, and some quirks of fate have diminished the importance of individual c
After Super Tuesday 64% of the total delegates will still be at stake, with 28 states not having yet voted.
April showers bring some Winner-Take-All showers that might allow Mitt Romney to build some delegate momentum. On April 24, northeast states such as New York, Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island will offer an estimated 231 delegates. (If Santorum has stayed in the race this long, his home state of Pennsylvania also holds its contest this day.)
ontests and reduced the ability for knock-out punches..
Why would this go on for awhile? Because a combination of an elongated schedule, new Republican National Committee rules, and some quirks of fate have diminished the importance of individual c
After Super Tuesday 64% of the total delegates will still be at stake, with 28 states not having yet voted.
April showers bring some Winner-Take-All showers that might allow Mitt Romney to build some delegate momentum. On April 24, northeast states such as New York, Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island will offer an estimated 231 delegates. (If Santorum has stayed in the race this long, his home state of Pennsylvania also holds its contest this day.)
ontests and reduced the ability for knock-out punches..
Florida Surprise
http://weaskamerica.com/2012/01/24/florida-surprise/
...the situation we face with our first Florida poll that swims against the tide of Newt Gingrich surging in the Sunshine State. Instead, we’re showing Mitt Romney rebounding sufficiently to regain a slight, margin-of-error lead.
Where South Carolina was the firewall, the Alamo, and the Last Stand for all the anti-Romney forces to stop him from a coronation, Florida is all that and more for the party establishment to stop Gingrich. There is literally no worse candidate to take on Barrack Obama in the fall and the party "elites", as Gingrich calls them, know it. Look for an ad barrage of epic proportions against Newt Gingrich. If Santorum drops out, like he should have already, it may upset Romney's plans for good, but I think he is going to stay in and buy a bunch of promises from the eventual nominee, like stances on abortion and gay rights. This is going to be bare knuckles between the two front runners and they aren't going to get much help from endorsements or other candidates dropping out. This is what it's all about I suppose.
...the situation we face with our first Florida poll that swims against the tide of Newt Gingrich surging in the Sunshine State. Instead, we’re showing Mitt Romney rebounding sufficiently to regain a slight, margin-of-error lead.
Where South Carolina was the firewall, the Alamo, and the Last Stand for all the anti-Romney forces to stop him from a coronation, Florida is all that and more for the party establishment to stop Gingrich. There is literally no worse candidate to take on Barrack Obama in the fall and the party "elites", as Gingrich calls them, know it. Look for an ad barrage of epic proportions against Newt Gingrich. If Santorum drops out, like he should have already, it may upset Romney's plans for good, but I think he is going to stay in and buy a bunch of promises from the eventual nominee, like stances on abortion and gay rights. This is going to be bare knuckles between the two front runners and they aren't going to get much help from endorsements or other candidates dropping out. This is what it's all about I suppose.
Obama’s State of the Union speech: Confrontation wrapped in Kumbaya - Chris Cillizza
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/obamas-state-of-the-union-speech-confrontation-wrapped-in-kumbaya/2012/01/24/gIQA3rR2OQ_blog.html
Given the success of his rhetorical pivot, it’s no surprise that President Obama largely stuck to it during the State of the Union. While this was not the same speech he would give to a group of Democratic activists and donors, it was also far from the ideals-only addresses that he delivered with regularity on the campaign trail in 2008.
This is Obama version 2.0: Harder, more cynical but perhaps also more effective. This is the Obama that will run for a second term this November — an Obama ready to give at least as good as he gets in the bare-knuckled brawl that is American politics.
Given the success of his rhetorical pivot, it’s no surprise that President Obama largely stuck to it during the State of the Union. While this was not the same speech he would give to a group of Democratic activists and donors, it was also far from the ideals-only addresses that he delivered with regularity on the campaign trail in 2008.
This is Obama version 2.0: Harder, more cynical but perhaps also more effective. This is the Obama that will run for a second term this November — an Obama ready to give at least as good as he gets in the bare-knuckled brawl that is American politics.
Obama delivers a confrontational State of the Union address - David Lauter
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-state-union-analysis-20120125,0,1700530.story
Only a few months ago, many voters had seemed on the verge of writing Obama off. But in recent weeks, two developments have given him a chance to ask those voters for another look. One is the economy, which has started to show signs of improvement — declining unemployment, rising consumer confidence and reduced levels of household debt. The other is the way the Republican primary race recently has focused on the vast wealth (and relatively low tax burden) of the party's sometimes front-runner, Mitt Romney.
And once again the Republicans suffer at the hand of Newt Gingrich, thanks to his introduction of the Bain Matter into American politics.
Only a few months ago, many voters had seemed on the verge of writing Obama off. But in recent weeks, two developments have given him a chance to ask those voters for another look. One is the economy, which has started to show signs of improvement — declining unemployment, rising consumer confidence and reduced levels of household debt. The other is the way the Republican primary race recently has focused on the vast wealth (and relatively low tax burden) of the party's sometimes front-runner, Mitt Romney.
And once again the Republicans suffer at the hand of Newt Gingrich, thanks to his introduction of the Bain Matter into American politics.
Marine Convicted In Haditha Massacre Gets No Jail Time - Dashiell Bennett
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2012/01/marine-convicted-haditha-massacre-gets-no-jail-time/47825/
Wuterich and members of his unit killed 24 unarmed civilians, including some women and children, on November 19, 2005, after one of their comrades was killed by a roadside bomb. Wuterich admitted that he ordered his squad to "shoot first, ask questions later" during a house-to-house sweep through the town of Haditha, but said he himself did not fire his weapon at women and children. Seven other members of his unit were also charged in the incident, but six had the charges dropped and the other was acquitted. Wuterich apologized to family members of the victims in court, but the final ruling has upset many who were expecting some sort of punishment for one of the darkest moments of the Iraq war.
Wuterich and members of his unit killed 24 unarmed civilians, including some women and children, on November 19, 2005, after one of their comrades was killed by a roadside bomb. Wuterich admitted that he ordered his squad to "shoot first, ask questions later" during a house-to-house sweep through the town of Haditha, but said he himself did not fire his weapon at women and children. Seven other members of his unit were also charged in the incident, but six had the charges dropped and the other was acquitted. Wuterich apologized to family members of the victims in court, but the final ruling has upset many who were expecting some sort of punishment for one of the darkest moments of the Iraq war.
Google updates policy to track users across all of its services - Jessica Guynn
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-google-20120125,0,4268766.story
Honestly, this is no more an invasion of your privacy than is already going on. That's not nothing, but this isn't as evil as it sounds.
Honestly, this is no more an invasion of your privacy than is already going on. That's not nothing, but this isn't as evil as it sounds.
Apple Net Doubles as IPhone Demand Boosts Pressure on Google - Adam Satariano
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-25/apple-net-doubles-as-iphone-demand-boosts-pressure-on-google.html
Apple Inc.’s quarterly profit more than doubled as surging demand for the iPhone and iPad cemented its role as the most valuable technology company and ramped up pressure on rivals Google Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co.
Net income of $13.1 billion in the period that ended Dec. 31 ranked among the highest quarterly profits on record, putting Apple in the same league as energy companies such as Exxon Mobil Corp. and Russia’s Gazprom OAO, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Per-share profit of $13.87 for the period was more than Apple earned in any full year before 2011.
The king is dead. Long live the king.
In Syria, many caught 'in the middle' - Nic Robertson
http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/24/world/meast/robertson-syria/index.html
Al-Assad's rallying cry is that only he can protect the country's minorities: Christians like the man I met at the airport, Alawite like himself, about 15% of the population. He keeps the ethnic Kurds, a little less than 10%, on his side by courting their biggest tribes.
It's a tactic that's working. The Kurds don't back him, but they haven't turned against him as they did against his father. The Alawites who make up most of the officer corps in the army are still loyal, as are the Christians. But not without reservation.
Al-Assad's rallying cry is that only he can protect the country's minorities: Christians like the man I met at the airport, Alawite like himself, about 15% of the population. He keeps the ethnic Kurds, a little less than 10%, on his side by courting their biggest tribes.
It's a tactic that's working. The Kurds don't back him, but they haven't turned against him as they did against his father. The Alawites who make up most of the officer corps in the army are still loyal, as are the Christians. But not without reservation.
U.S. military raid in Somalia frees American, Dane
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-01-25/Somalia-hostages/52784424/1
U.S. Special Forces troops flew into Somalia on a nighttime helicopter raid early Wednesday, freed an American and a Danish hostage and killed nine pirates in a mission that President Obama said he personally authorized....
A pirate who gave his name as Bile Hussein told the Associated Press he had spoken to pirates at the scene of the raid and they reported that nine pirates had been killed and three were missing. He said the raid was very quick and caught the guards as they were sleeping after having chewed the narcotic leaf qat for much of the evening. Qat is a stimulant but users often sleep heavily after hours of chewing.
U.S. Special Forces troops flew into Somalia on a nighttime helicopter raid early Wednesday, freed an American and a Danish hostage and killed nine pirates in a mission that President Obama said he personally authorized....
A pirate who gave his name as Bile Hussein told the Associated Press he had spoken to pirates at the scene of the raid and they reported that nine pirates had been killed and three were missing. He said the raid was very quick and caught the guards as they were sleeping after having chewed the narcotic leaf qat for much of the evening. Qat is a stimulant but users often sleep heavily after hours of chewing.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Red Sox add an outfielder - Mike Fine
http://www.patriotledger.com/sports/pros/x739236075/Red-Sox-add-an-outfielder
For every action in baseball, there’s usually an equal and opposite reaction. Such was the case when the Red Sox traded Marco Scutaro to Colorado.
The loss of Scutaro left the Sox without a starting shortstop, meaning that Mike Aviles and Nick Punto would likely be sharing the position. The problem with that is that Aviles was scheduled to see some outfield duty after the trade of Josh Reddick to Oakland. Even though the team picked up Ryan Sweeney, a very good defensive outfielder, there was depth problems with Darnell McDonald the lone available body and Carl Crawford scheduled to start the season late after wrist surgery.
So on Monday, the Sox came up with one solution, agreeing to sign one of their longtime targets, free agent Cody Ross, who represents the right-handed outfield batter that general manager Ben Cherington had been seeking. Ross (who, oddly, throws left-handed), is 31, an eight-year veteran who has a career line of .261/.323/.456..779 (BA, OBP, SLG, OPS)
For every action in baseball, there’s usually an equal and opposite reaction. Such was the case when the Red Sox traded Marco Scutaro to Colorado.
The loss of Scutaro left the Sox without a starting shortstop, meaning that Mike Aviles and Nick Punto would likely be sharing the position. The problem with that is that Aviles was scheduled to see some outfield duty after the trade of Josh Reddick to Oakland. Even though the team picked up Ryan Sweeney, a very good defensive outfielder, there was depth problems with Darnell McDonald the lone available body and Carl Crawford scheduled to start the season late after wrist surgery.
So on Monday, the Sox came up with one solution, agreeing to sign one of their longtime targets, free agent Cody Ross, who represents the right-handed outfield batter that general manager Ben Cherington had been seeking. Ross (who, oddly, throws left-handed), is 31, an eight-year veteran who has a career line of .261/.323/.456..779 (BA, OBP, SLG, OPS)
Boston Red Sox and free-agent outfielder Cody Ross agree to contract
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/boston-red-sox-and-free-agent-outfielder-cody-ross-agree-to-contract/2012/01/24/gIQAHedjMQ_story.html
This is actually a good move, giving a platoon partner to Sweeney in right. Streaky and not a power bat, Ross is more of a versatile outfielder who will hit a lot of doubles for you and keep the runners moving. He'll probably hit somewhere between .260 and .270. Not great but nice for a utility player.
This is actually a good move, giving a platoon partner to Sweeney in right. Streaky and not a power bat, Ross is more of a versatile outfielder who will hit a lot of doubles for you and keep the runners moving. He'll probably hit somewhere between .260 and .270. Not great but nice for a utility player.
From Gingrich To Palin To Gingrich - Andrew Sullivan
http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2012/01/red-rage.html
This now is the party of Palin and Gingrich, animated primarily by hatred of elites, angry at the new shape and color of America, befuddled by a suddenly more complicated world, and dedicated primarily to emotion rather than reason. That party is simply not one that can rally behind a Mitt Romney. He too knows what he has to say - hence his ludicrous invocation of Obama as some kind of alien being. But it doesn't work. He believes it - since he seems capable of genuinely believing in anything that will win him votes and power. But he doesn't have the rage to make it work. And that rage cannot be downward, as Romney's often is - toward hecklers or interviewers. It has to be upward - at vague, treasonous elites. It has to have that Poujadist touch, that soupcon of contempt, that sends shivers up the legs of the Republican faithful, reared on Limbaugh, propagandized by Fox, and coated with a shallow knowledge of a largely fictionalized past.
This now is the party of Palin and Gingrich, animated primarily by hatred of elites, angry at the new shape and color of America, befuddled by a suddenly more complicated world, and dedicated primarily to emotion rather than reason. That party is simply not one that can rally behind a Mitt Romney. He too knows what he has to say - hence his ludicrous invocation of Obama as some kind of alien being. But it doesn't work. He believes it - since he seems capable of genuinely believing in anything that will win him votes and power. But he doesn't have the rage to make it work. And that rage cannot be downward, as Romney's often is - toward hecklers or interviewers. It has to be upward - at vague, treasonous elites. It has to have that Poujadist touch, that soupcon of contempt, that sends shivers up the legs of the Republican faithful, reared on Limbaugh, propagandized by Fox, and coated with a shallow knowledge of a largely fictionalized past.
Newt Gingrich vs.the Establishment: South Carolina Sets Up Intra-GOP Conflic - Micheal Crowley
http://swampland.time.com/2012/01/23/newt-gingrich-vs-the-establishment-south-carolina-sets-up-intra-gop-conflict/
I guess I'm rooting for Newt, if only to watch the GOP base get what it wished for. But on the other hand, you never know what is going to happen and a President Newt is a million times worse than a President Romney. I enjoy the spectacle of an obnoxious party setting itself alight as much as the other guy, but I have a deep seated sense that something is not right if this guy can win a presidential primary, not to mention to be taken seriously as a presidential candidate.
To the extent Newt threatens the Establishment, it’s because of his electability–or lack thereof. The GOP’s mandarins see Gingrich’s nomination as a sure way to blow their chance of deposing Barack Obama. They see Gingrich as the political equivalent of a Fukushima nuclear plant worker, with polls showing him to be lethally irradiated by his negative approval ratings. Whereas Mitt Romney is running about even with Barack Obama in head-to-head polling, Newt loses by double-digit margins. Sure, those numbers could change if Gingrich beats Romney and wins the nomination, with all the accolades it entails. On the other hand, his grandiosity syndrome may kick in, as it has before, and render him a laughing stock. Hence the many Establishment Republicans now saying things like, “Newt means losing 45 states.”
I guess I'm rooting for Newt, if only to watch the GOP base get what it wished for. But on the other hand, you never know what is going to happen and a President Newt is a million times worse than a President Romney. I enjoy the spectacle of an obnoxious party setting itself alight as much as the other guy, but I have a deep seated sense that something is not right if this guy can win a presidential primary, not to mention to be taken seriously as a presidential candidate.
To the extent Newt threatens the Establishment, it’s because of his electability–or lack thereof. The GOP’s mandarins see Gingrich’s nomination as a sure way to blow their chance of deposing Barack Obama. They see Gingrich as the political equivalent of a Fukushima nuclear plant worker, with polls showing him to be lethally irradiated by his negative approval ratings. Whereas Mitt Romney is running about even with Barack Obama in head-to-head polling, Newt loses by double-digit margins. Sure, those numbers could change if Gingrich beats Romney and wins the nomination, with all the accolades it entails. On the other hand, his grandiosity syndrome may kick in, as it has before, and render him a laughing stock. Hence the many Establishment Republicans now saying things like, “Newt means losing 45 states.”
Newt up 5 in Florida
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2012/01/newt-up-5-in-florida.html
1) We asked a question about both Romney and Gingrich pertaining to the general election, and the results are telling. 50% of primary voters say they would enthusiastically support Gingrich, while only 46% say the same for Romney. But at the same time 15% of primary voters say they would not vote for Gingrich in the general election, while only 9% say that about Romney. GOP voters might be more excited about Gingrich than Romney...but Romney would be the stronger candidate against Barack Obama, with most people willing to unify around him whether they love him or not. Voters may need to decide just how badly they want to win in the fall.
2) This is more an observation about the culture of Florida than something terribly pertinent to the GOP nomination contest, but voters in the state who consider themselves southerners support Gingrich 43-28, while those who do not support Romney 37-33. Voters are almost evenly divided on the issue- 48% identify as Southern, while 50% do not.
1) We asked a question about both Romney and Gingrich pertaining to the general election, and the results are telling. 50% of primary voters say they would enthusiastically support Gingrich, while only 46% say the same for Romney. But at the same time 15% of primary voters say they would not vote for Gingrich in the general election, while only 9% say that about Romney. GOP voters might be more excited about Gingrich than Romney...but Romney would be the stronger candidate against Barack Obama, with most people willing to unify around him whether they love him or not. Voters may need to decide just how badly they want to win in the fall.
2) This is more an observation about the culture of Florida than something terribly pertinent to the GOP nomination contest, but voters in the state who consider themselves southerners support Gingrich 43-28, while those who do not support Romney 37-33. Voters are almost evenly divided on the issue- 48% identify as Southern, while 50% do not.
Dinosaurs were super mums, nest find proves - Anna Leach
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/01/24/dinos_caring_mother/
Great mums, you see.
Great mums, you see.
Ten nests containing up to 34 small round eggs each, approx 6-7cm (between 2 and 3 inches) in diameter have been discovered in the excavation of an area of sedimentary rock. Small footprints visible around the nests indicate that baby dinos stuck around for a while after hatching - until they had at least doubled in size, says study co-author paleontologist Robert Reisz of the University of Toronto .
And the tight clustering of the eggs indicates that the mother carefully organised them – a sign of maternal affection according to the study authors.
UK could send extra military assets to Strait of Hormuz to keep key shipping route open
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/iran-says-sanctions-will-be-ineffective-as-eu-imposes-oil-embargo-over-nuclear-program/2012/01/24/gIQAHCVrMQ_story.html
And also a subtle move to curb the Israelis? Not to thwart an Israeli attack by arms, but to discourage it by putting your forces in the obvious path of a reprisal. The chances of the Iranians blockading the Strait of Hormuz is so unlikely that I have to assume the maneuvers going on are for other aims.
And also a subtle move to curb the Israelis? Not to thwart an Israeli attack by arms, but to discourage it by putting your forces in the obvious path of a reprisal. The chances of the Iranians blockading the Strait of Hormuz is so unlikely that I have to assume the maneuvers going on are for other aims.
Mitt Romney’s federal income tax rate in 2010 about 14 percent
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/view.bg?articleid=1398319
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney paid about $3 million in federal income taxes in 2010, having earned more than seven times that from his investments and making him among the wealthiest of American taxpayers.
At the same time, Romney gave nearly $3 million to charity — about half of that amount to the Mormon Church — which helped lower his effective tax rate to a modest 14 percent, according to records his campaign released early Tuesday
Meh. I think the story was whether there were any distasteful investments or companies. This may still turn out to be the case but nothing in here is big news. The 14% rate will become an election meme, used to paint Mitt as a guy who pays a lesser rate in taxes than teachers and police officers, but that was coming anyway.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney paid about $3 million in federal income taxes in 2010, having earned more than seven times that from his investments and making him among the wealthiest of American taxpayers.
At the same time, Romney gave nearly $3 million to charity — about half of that amount to the Mormon Church — which helped lower his effective tax rate to a modest 14 percent, according to records his campaign released early Tuesday
Meh. I think the story was whether there were any distasteful investments or companies. This may still turn out to be the case but nothing in here is big news. The 14% rate will become an election meme, used to paint Mitt as a guy who pays a lesser rate in taxes than teachers and police officers, but that was coming anyway.
Monday, January 23, 2012
2012 Boston Red Sox preview - Justin Gambrell
http://www.examiner.com/baseball-in-knoxville/2012-boston-red-sox-preview
Final verdict: The Red Sox can easily be the top team in the American League East next year, but they'll need the rotation to bounce back, as well as Carl Crawford. Adrian Gonzalez is a steady run producer in the middle of the lineup, and Dustin Pedroia is an elite second baseman. The heart of the order, along with the presence of top ace Jon Lester can carry the team for most of the season.. If the Red Sox can add another starting pitcher and figure out what to do with the abyss that is shortstop, they'll compete for a world series title. However, another late-season meltdown could put more heat on the players on the field rather than the general manager or the manager, leading to a massive shake-up of talent rather than talent evaluators. This will be a critical season for Boston.
Final verdict: The Red Sox can easily be the top team in the American League East next year, but they'll need the rotation to bounce back, as well as Carl Crawford. Adrian Gonzalez is a steady run producer in the middle of the lineup, and Dustin Pedroia is an elite second baseman. The heart of the order, along with the presence of top ace Jon Lester can carry the team for most of the season.. If the Red Sox can add another starting pitcher and figure out what to do with the abyss that is shortstop, they'll compete for a world series title. However, another late-season meltdown could put more heat on the players on the field rather than the general manager or the manager, leading to a massive shake-up of talent rather than talent evaluators. This will be a critical season for Boston.
MLB Trade Rumors: Red Sox Still Eying Astros Rodriguez - Blaine Bontz
http://calltothepen.com/2012/01/23/mlb-trade-rumors-red-sox-still-eying-astros-rodriguez/
I'd rather have Wandy Rondriguez than Roy Oswalt, but there is no way the Sox have enough talent to trade for him.
I'd rather have Wandy Rondriguez than Roy Oswalt, but there is no way the Sox have enough talent to trade for him.
Marco Scutaro trade raises questions for Red Sox at shortstop - Dan Lamothe
http://blog.masslive.com/redsoxmonster/2012/01/marco_scutaro_trade_raises_que.html
Scutaro was gone after this year and wasn't great, just decent, so getting something for what you were going to lose anyway isn't a bad move. I just don't know who is going to play short now. Iglesias, the AAA prospect is rumored to be the choice, but I don't buy into that.
The big takeaway is that it could be to clear salary room to land Oswalt.
As Boston Globe writer Peter Abraham pointed out, Red Sox utilitymen Nick Punto and Mike Aviles have experience playing short. Neither one is what you'd want to consider a fulltime replacement, though -- and the Red Sox already dealt infielder Jed Lowrie to the Astros earlier in the offseason.
That leaves prospect Jose Iglesias, the hotshot fielding heir apparent at shortstop. Iglesias, 22, has hit just .261/.308/.316 over the last two season in the minors, and probably isn't ready to handle major-league pitching on a regular basis.
Scutaro was gone after this year and wasn't great, just decent, so getting something for what you were going to lose anyway isn't a bad move. I just don't know who is going to play short now. Iglesias, the AAA prospect is rumored to be the choice, but I don't buy into that.
The big takeaway is that it could be to clear salary room to land Oswalt.
As Boston Globe writer Peter Abraham pointed out, Red Sox utilitymen Nick Punto and Mike Aviles have experience playing short. Neither one is what you'd want to consider a fulltime replacement, though -- and the Red Sox already dealt infielder Jed Lowrie to the Astros earlier in the offseason.
That leaves prospect Jose Iglesias, the hotshot fielding heir apparent at shortstop. Iglesias, 22, has hit just .261/.308/.316 over the last two season in the minors, and probably isn't ready to handle major-league pitching on a regular basis.
Mitt faces a perfect mess - Jonathan Martin and John F. Harris
http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=D38FBC22-6CB5-4FF7-B158-960C2AD5AB5B
“Redemption is far better box office than perfection,” said New Hampshire GOP strategist Pat Griffin. “We can all relate to redemption. Very few people can look at the perfectly coiffed Romneys, all good posters for oral hygiene, and say, ‘That’s me!”
“Redemption is far better box office than perfection,” said New Hampshire GOP strategist Pat Griffin. “We can all relate to redemption. Very few people can look at the perfectly coiffed Romneys, all good posters for oral hygiene, and say, ‘That’s me!”
An open letter to Republican leaders - Jennifer Rubin
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/post/an-open-letter-to-republican-leaders/2012/01/21/gIQA9abjGQ_blog.html
In her love letter to the guys who didn't run, Rubin fails to realize that all of these guys she is naming off are deeply flawed...probably more deeply flawed than Romney.
Haley Barbour - Boss Hog versus Obama. Good luck.
Mitch Daniels - Wife weirded out, left him and her daughters, reconsidered, came back, remarried the governor. There is probably a lot more that we don't know that would make poor Mitch and his wife even more unpalatable. Sorry, the wife is part of the equation.
John Kasich - Who the hell is that?
Bobby Jindal - Yeah, the answer to the jingoism and nativism in the tea party is a nerdy, dark-skinned Indian guy. That will fire them up.
Marco Rubio - The son of hispanic immigrants, a big proponent of "amnesty", and just generally not a white guy. Not even a good shot in 2016.
Jim DeMint - The second biggest asshole in Congress and a dimwhitted tea con. That will fly in the midwest. Also, isn't the South Carolina primary already over.
Paul Ryan - Young and good looking, also preaches the death of Medicare. What and why?
Eric Cantor - See Jim DeMint, except Cantor is the biggest asshole in Congress.
Mike Pence - Would make Rick Perry look smart and no one knows who the hell he is either.
So basically, there is no one else. Sorry, Republicans. Trying to ride the tea party to stem Obama worked really well, until you needed a candidate to fill in all the boxes of the check list you wrote. And in my opinion, this is what you get for buying into and protecting Sarah Palin. Enjoy.
In her love letter to the guys who didn't run, Rubin fails to realize that all of these guys she is naming off are deeply flawed...probably more deeply flawed than Romney.
Haley Barbour - Boss Hog versus Obama. Good luck.
Mitch Daniels - Wife weirded out, left him and her daughters, reconsidered, came back, remarried the governor. There is probably a lot more that we don't know that would make poor Mitch and his wife even more unpalatable. Sorry, the wife is part of the equation.
John Kasich - Who the hell is that?
Bobby Jindal - Yeah, the answer to the jingoism and nativism in the tea party is a nerdy, dark-skinned Indian guy. That will fire them up.
Marco Rubio - The son of hispanic immigrants, a big proponent of "amnesty", and just generally not a white guy. Not even a good shot in 2016.
Jim DeMint - The second biggest asshole in Congress and a dimwhitted tea con. That will fly in the midwest. Also, isn't the South Carolina primary already over.
Paul Ryan - Young and good looking, also preaches the death of Medicare. What and why?
Eric Cantor - See Jim DeMint, except Cantor is the biggest asshole in Congress.
Mike Pence - Would make Rick Perry look smart and no one knows who the hell he is either.
So basically, there is no one else. Sorry, Republicans. Trying to ride the tea party to stem Obama worked really well, until you needed a candidate to fill in all the boxes of the check list you wrote. And in my opinion, this is what you get for buying into and protecting Sarah Palin. Enjoy.
Heilemann: Five Consequences of Gingrich’s South Carolina Win - John Heilemann
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/01/heilemann-five-new-gop-primary-factors.html
For years Gingrich was allowed to stick around. He was here and there, cautiously allowed to reveal himself as THE conservative intellectual, a man whose ideas sometimes embarrassingly strayed from orthodoxy, but only because he was so darned smart and wonkish. For some time he was in kind of a limbo, not really held close by any of the conservative establishment as he toyed with really strange ideas and appeared with Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton. Then, apparently, he decided that he needed to get some of this anti-Obama money that was being larded around. So he rejected many of the things he had been holding close for some time, rewrote his character as an angry tea party visionary, and set out to run for president. Well, not really. He was really only there for the future speaking fees, books, and appearances that a presidential run would earn him. Say a bunch of angry things, skip the vetting that might harm him since, afterall, he was only supposed to be a second tier candidate, then cash in on what he probably wagered would be a second Obama presidency.
How ironic that he is now instrumental in ensuring that this comes true. They deserve every second if it.
For years Gingrich was allowed to stick around. He was here and there, cautiously allowed to reveal himself as THE conservative intellectual, a man whose ideas sometimes embarrassingly strayed from orthodoxy, but only because he was so darned smart and wonkish. For some time he was in kind of a limbo, not really held close by any of the conservative establishment as he toyed with really strange ideas and appeared with Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton. Then, apparently, he decided that he needed to get some of this anti-Obama money that was being larded around. So he rejected many of the things he had been holding close for some time, rewrote his character as an angry tea party visionary, and set out to run for president. Well, not really. He was really only there for the future speaking fees, books, and appearances that a presidential run would earn him. Say a bunch of angry things, skip the vetting that might harm him since, afterall, he was only supposed to be a second tier candidate, then cash in on what he probably wagered would be a second Obama presidency.
How ironic that he is now instrumental in ensuring that this comes true. They deserve every second if it.
Beleaguered Yemen's descent into chaos - Stephen Sackur
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/hardtalk/9682753.stm
When I went to see a senior UN official in his capacious compound - it housed the British Embassy during the days when South Yemen was an independent Marxist republic - I found him supervising the construction of blast walls around the front entrance.
He pointed toward the blue waters of the Gulf of Aden and said: "Three days by boat and you've reached the Somali coast. Yemen is Somalia in the making".
A lawless failed state that borders Saudi Arabia and is only a few days by boat from the lawless failed state of Somalia. It is going to take more than a few drones to head that disaster off.
When I went to see a senior UN official in his capacious compound - it housed the British Embassy during the days when South Yemen was an independent Marxist republic - I found him supervising the construction of blast walls around the front entrance.
He pointed toward the blue waters of the Gulf of Aden and said: "Three days by boat and you've reached the Somali coast. Yemen is Somalia in the making".
A lawless failed state that borders Saudi Arabia and is only a few days by boat from the lawless failed state of Somalia. It is going to take more than a few drones to head that disaster off.
Nigeria Struggles to Curb Islamists After Attacks Kill 256 - Mustapha Muhammad and Chris Kay
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-23/nigeria-struggles-to-curb-islamists-after-attacks-kill-256.html
The militant Muslim group Boko Haram, which is fighting for rule by Islamic law in the north, said it was responsible for blasts at eight government buildings in Kano on Jan. 20. The death toll was confirmed today by Shehu Sani, president of the Civil Rights Congress, whose members helped carry the dead and wounded to hospitals.
Authorities in Africa’s top oil producer blame Boko Haram, whose name means “Western education is a sin,” for a series of attacks over the past year, including the Aug. 26 suicide- bombing of the United Nations building in the capital, Abuja, that killed 24 people. (President) Jonathan has declared a state of emergency in parts of four northern states and said the militants pose a worse threat to the country than the 1967-1970 Biafra civil war.
Syria rejects new Arab League plan to end crisis, says it infringes on its sovereignty
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/syria-rejects-new-arab-league-plan-to-end-crisis-says-it-infringes-on-its-sovereignty/2012/01/23/gIQArRYKKQ_story.html
This says to me that Assad has bet not only his life, but his dynasty and his country that he can crush the uprisings around Syria. He is wrong, by the way. It's too late to crush this uprising. By mere survival they have won and it is only a matter of time before his support collapses and his regime is washed away.
Abdul-Azim told The Associated Press that the plan would put more pressure on the Syrian regime and “tells it that it’s impossible to keep matters as they are.”
Syria appeared to get a serious boost Monday from its powerful allies in Russia. Russia’s business daily Kommersant reported that Moscow has signed a contract to sell 36 Yak-130 combat jets to Syria — a deal that, if confirmed, would openly defy international efforts to pressure Assad’s regime.
Violence, meanwhile, continued inside Syria.
This says to me that Assad has bet not only his life, but his dynasty and his country that he can crush the uprisings around Syria. He is wrong, by the way. It's too late to crush this uprising. By mere survival they have won and it is only a matter of time before his support collapses and his regime is washed away.
Abdul-Azim told The Associated Press that the plan would put more pressure on the Syrian regime and “tells it that it’s impossible to keep matters as they are.”
Syria appeared to get a serious boost Monday from its powerful allies in Russia. Russia’s business daily Kommersant reported that Moscow has signed a contract to sell 36 Yak-130 combat jets to Syria — a deal that, if confirmed, would openly defy international efforts to pressure Assad’s regime.
Violence, meanwhile, continued inside Syria.
Oil Climbs as European Union Agrees on Sanctions Against Iran - Grant Smith
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-23/oil-climbs-as-european-union-agrees-on-sanctions-against-iran.html
Mediterranean countries that import much of their crude from Iran, such as Greece, Spain and Italy, had argued for sanctions to be phased in over as much as a year. The three nations accounted for about 68 percent of EU imports from Iran in 2010, European Commission data show.
Mediterranean countries that import much of their crude from Iran, such as Greece, Spain and Italy, had argued for sanctions to be phased in over as much as a year. The three nations accounted for about 68 percent of EU imports from Iran in 2010, European Commission data show.
Friday, January 20, 2012
With Lavarnway, do more than read the label - Gordon Edes
http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/red-sox/post?id=16093
One of these days, Lavarnway hopes, people will regard his catching skills as favorably as his bat. Lavarnway didn’t make the switch from outfield to catcher until his sophomore year at Yale, and a hand injury the following season limited him to mostly DHing. The Sox knew that they were getting far from a finished product when they drafted him, but he has worked ferociously at improving behind the plate, and the progress is obvious, even to those who remain skeptical that he can play there every day in the big leagues.
This article gets a little carried away. He's okay, but not great.
One of these days, Lavarnway hopes, people will regard his catching skills as favorably as his bat. Lavarnway didn’t make the switch from outfield to catcher until his sophomore year at Yale, and a hand injury the following season limited him to mostly DHing. The Sox knew that they were getting far from a finished product when they drafted him, but he has worked ferociously at improving behind the plate, and the progress is obvious, even to those who remain skeptical that he can play there every day in the big leagues.
This article gets a little carried away. He's okay, but not great.
Sox not spending? We aren’t buying - Dan Shaughnessy
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2012/01/20/sox_not_spending_we_arent_buying/
Sox spinmeisters need to cease promoting the notion that the ball club is tapped out and can’t spend more. The money is there. Holding the line on spending is a choice, not a necessity.
“We just didn’t feel like we needed wholesale changes,’’ said Cherington. “This was a team that was on pace to win a lot of games and make the playoffs and we had a tough September.’’
It may be that they are going to make deals during the season, when perhaps a few better options will become available.
It may be that they are going to make deals during the season, when perhaps a few better options will become available.
Red Sox GM Ben Cherington's three biggest concerns - Seth Livingstone
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2012/01/red-sox-gm-ben-cheringtons-three-areas-of-concern-/1
1. Health of the individual team members
2. Pitching
3. Recapturing the Red Sox spirit, which is to say abandoning the spirit that has had them for most of their history, except for a brief period from 2004-2009.
1. Health of the individual team members
2. Pitching
3. Recapturing the Red Sox spirit, which is to say abandoning the spirit that has had them for most of their history, except for a brief period from 2004-2009.
Marianne Gingrich Interview Casts Doubts on Newt’s New Image - Margaret Carlson
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/01/20/marianne-gingrich-interview-casts-doubts-on-newt-s-new-image.html
It was sad to see a good woman who loved a bad man, and is so much the worse for it. But it may not change many minds. Months ago, Newt explained that he cheated on his wife as the result of feeling so passionate about his country that he worked too hard and then—we all knows what follows—patriots who take their job seriously have six-year affairs while preaching traditional marriage as the foundation of the Republican Party. In answer to another question, Gingrich said, “Each of us writes a selective history.” Nowhere is that truer than in matters of the heart, especially when the heart goes wrong.
It was sad to see a good woman who loved a bad man, and is so much the worse for it. But it may not change many minds. Months ago, Newt explained that he cheated on his wife as the result of feeling so passionate about his country that he worked too hard and then—we all knows what follows—patriots who take their job seriously have six-year affairs while preaching traditional marriage as the foundation of the Republican Party. In answer to another question, Gingrich said, “Each of us writes a selective history.” Nowhere is that truer than in matters of the heart, especially when the heart goes wrong.
From the Slaveholders to Rick Perry: Galileo is the Key - Corey Robin
http://coreyrobin.com/2012/01/19/from-the-slaveholders-to-rick-perry-galileo-is-the-key/
Other slaveholders (Josiah Nott, John C. Calhoun) made the same comparison; Calhoun also invoked Francis Bacon, Stephens also invoked William Harvey. Their point was that like those great heresies of early modern science, the southern science of race would one day triumph and be recognized the world over. It’s the way the white southerner has always negotiated his contradictory self-understanding of being both victim and victimizer.
Other slaveholders (Josiah Nott, John C. Calhoun) made the same comparison; Calhoun also invoked Francis Bacon, Stephens also invoked William Harvey. Their point was that like those great heresies of early modern science, the southern science of race would one day triumph and be recognized the world over. It’s the way the white southerner has always negotiated his contradictory self-understanding of being both victim and victimizer.
Exclusive: Senior al Qaeda figure killed in drone strike - Mark Hosenball and Chris Allbritton
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/19/us-usa-pakistan-drones-idUSTRE80I2G120120119
U.S. and Pakistani sources told Reuters that the target of the attack was Aslam Awan, a Pakistani national from Abbottabad, the same town where Osama bin Laden was killed last May by a U.S. commando team. They said he was targeted in a strike by a U.S.-operated drone on January 10 directed at what news reports said was a compound near the town of Miranshah in the border province of North Waziristan.
That strike broke an undeclared eight-week hiatus in attacks by the armed, unmanned drones that patrol Pakistan's tribal areas and are a key weapon in U.S. President Barack Obama's counter-terrorism strategy.
U.S. and Pakistani sources told Reuters that the target of the attack was Aslam Awan, a Pakistani national from Abbottabad, the same town where Osama bin Laden was killed last May by a U.S. commando team. They said he was targeted in a strike by a U.S.-operated drone on January 10 directed at what news reports said was a compound near the town of Miranshah in the border province of North Waziristan.
That strike broke an undeclared eight-week hiatus in attacks by the armed, unmanned drones that patrol Pakistan's tribal areas and are a key weapon in U.S. President Barack Obama's counter-terrorism strategy.
U.S. military chief in Israel for talks on Iran - Joel Greenberg
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/us-military-chief-in-israel-for-talks-on-iran/2012/01/20/gIQAzywCDQ_story.html
News reports in Israel have described Dempsey’s visit as part of an effort by Washington to seek clarification on possible Israeli plans for a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, and to press the Israelis to allow time for international sanctions on Iran to take effect.
Barak said in a radio interview this week that any Israeli decision on military action was “very far off,” and that Dempsey’s visit was not meant to carry policy messages from the Obama administration. Army chiefs “deal with military preparations for various possibilities,” Barak said. “They do not deal with transmitting diplomatic messages.”
Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders have said that tougher sanctions on Iran, coupled with a credible military threat, are needed to prevent Tehran from pursuing what they describe as an Iranian drive to build a nuclear bomb.
News reports in Israel have described Dempsey’s visit as part of an effort by Washington to seek clarification on possible Israeli plans for a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, and to press the Israelis to allow time for international sanctions on Iran to take effect.
Barak said in a radio interview this week that any Israeli decision on military action was “very far off,” and that Dempsey’s visit was not meant to carry policy messages from the Obama administration. Army chiefs “deal with military preparations for various possibilities,” Barak said. “They do not deal with transmitting diplomatic messages.”
Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders have said that tougher sanctions on Iran, coupled with a credible military threat, are needed to prevent Tehran from pursuing what they describe as an Iranian drive to build a nuclear bomb.
Bangladesh army 'foils coup' against Sheikh Hasina
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16627852
He said that "specific information has been unearthed" that some officers in military service - who had been identified - were involved in the December conspiracy.
He said that a group of up to 16 hardline Islamist military officers - including at least two retired officers - were involved
I've always wondered why al Qaeda and other insurgent groups had not taken to Bangladesh, even for a short while. I suppose it is the proximity to the war in Afghanistan and the natural tribal alliances in Pakistan and perhaps Bangladesh is too remote, but an aborted coup by Islamicist military officers in SE Asia is too convenient to overlook, especially in light of the unrest in Pakistan as well as the rate at which al Qaeda leaders are extinguished in Pakistan.
He said that "specific information has been unearthed" that some officers in military service - who had been identified - were involved in the December conspiracy.
He said that a group of up to 16 hardline Islamist military officers - including at least two retired officers - were involved
I've always wondered why al Qaeda and other insurgent groups had not taken to Bangladesh, even for a short while. I suppose it is the proximity to the war in Afghanistan and the natural tribal alliances in Pakistan and perhaps Bangladesh is too remote, but an aborted coup by Islamicist military officers in SE Asia is too convenient to overlook, especially in light of the unrest in Pakistan as well as the rate at which al Qaeda leaders are extinguished in Pakistan.
France halts training after Afghan soldier kills 4 French troops - Edward Cody and Kevin Sieff,
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/france-halts-training-after-afghan-soldier-kills-4-french-troops/2012/01/20/gIQA77sADQ_story.html
The shooting marked the second time in less than a month that French soldiers have been killed by Afghans wearing army uniforms. Two French Foreign Legion troopers were shot and killed Dec. 29 in a mountainous area of Kapisa province, northeast of Kabul. That shooter was immediately gunned down by other French soldiers.
Since France dispatched soldiers to assist in the U.S.-led war, 82 French soldiers have been killed, according to the Defense Ministry. Last year was the most costly, with 26 French soldiers killed out of the total of 566 killed in NATO’s multinational force.
The shooting marked the second time in less than a month that French soldiers have been killed by Afghans wearing army uniforms. Two French Foreign Legion troopers were shot and killed Dec. 29 in a mountainous area of Kapisa province, northeast of Kabul. That shooter was immediately gunned down by other French soldiers.
Since France dispatched soldiers to assist in the U.S.-led war, 82 French soldiers have been killed, according to the Defense Ministry. Last year was the most costly, with 26 French soldiers killed out of the total of 566 killed in NATO’s multinational force.
Fiery debate tops bizarre GOP campaign day in SC - David Espo
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2012/01/20/fiery_debate_tops_bizarre_gop_campaign_day_in_sc/
Just a ten days ago Newt was being excoriated as an Occupy protester, a big government liberal, an enemy of capitalism. But what Newt has learned perhaps better than anyone is that one only has to wait a few days for the story to turn. Over the last week poor Mitt's taxes and his heartless "vulture capitalism" became the story, so the audience turned to Newt, an apparently different character than the one that was largely responsible for the debate on Romney's financial success to begin with.
So, perversely buoyed by an interview with his ex-wife, Newt took the stage both guns blazing. There, in the space of just a few seconds, he blamed the media, his ex-wife, Barrack Obama, and everyone else for having to face questions about his serial adultery. And somehow it worked. The crowd cheered. Sarah Palin gleefully called the media out.
The problem is that the rest of the world goes on. Other news (Iran, oil, Europe, Afghanistan) has to sit next to this ridiculous sideshow. Once people wake up and catch the rest of the morning news, this GOP primary placed beside it, it suddenly sounds exactly like it is: tawdry and stupid. A clown show played in front of apes. It does not reflect well at all.
What the Republican voters have yet to understand is that the longer Newt Gingrich is in the news the more likely it is that Barrack Obama will be reelected.
Just a ten days ago Newt was being excoriated as an Occupy protester, a big government liberal, an enemy of capitalism. But what Newt has learned perhaps better than anyone is that one only has to wait a few days for the story to turn. Over the last week poor Mitt's taxes and his heartless "vulture capitalism" became the story, so the audience turned to Newt, an apparently different character than the one that was largely responsible for the debate on Romney's financial success to begin with.
So, perversely buoyed by an interview with his ex-wife, Newt took the stage both guns blazing. There, in the space of just a few seconds, he blamed the media, his ex-wife, Barrack Obama, and everyone else for having to face questions about his serial adultery. And somehow it worked. The crowd cheered. Sarah Palin gleefully called the media out.
The problem is that the rest of the world goes on. Other news (Iran, oil, Europe, Afghanistan) has to sit next to this ridiculous sideshow. Once people wake up and catch the rest of the morning news, this GOP primary placed beside it, it suddenly sounds exactly like it is: tawdry and stupid. A clown show played in front of apes. It does not reflect well at all.
What the Republican voters have yet to understand is that the longer Newt Gingrich is in the news the more likely it is that Barrack Obama will be reelected.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Bleak Blockbusters - Grady Hendrix
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/movies/2012/01/the_front_line_why_do_koreans_love_bleak_war_movies_.html
Korean directors are making dark, cynical films about the war with the North—and audiences can’t get enough of them.
Red Sox "Still Showing Interest" In Gavin Floyd - Marc Normandin
http://www.overthemonster.com/2012/1/18/2716430/red-sox-gavin-floyd-white-sox-trade-rumors
He's young-ish and cheap-ish so everyone would show interest in him. No story here. Move along.
He's young-ish and cheap-ish so everyone would show interest in him. No story here. Move along.
Unpopular Nationally, Romney Holds Solid GOP Lead
http://www.people-press.org/2012/01/18/unpopular-nationally-romney-holds-solid-gop-lead/
This was exactly what Republicans were so steamed at Gingrich for when he launched his scorched earth offensive against Romney. It hasn't really changed things in the Republican race but it has seeped out and started to work against him with election voters, damaging Romney's chances against Obama in the general election.
This was exactly what Republicans were so steamed at Gingrich for when he launched his scorched earth offensive against Romney. It hasn't really changed things in the Republican race but it has seeped out and started to work against him with election voters, damaging Romney's chances against Obama in the general election.
Gingrich Camp Tries Damage Control Before Interview With Ex-Wife Airs - Danny Yadron
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/01/19/gingrich-camp-tries-damage-control-before-interview-with-ex-wife-airs/
The TV interview was disclosed Wednesday evening by the Drudge Report, touching off a firestorm in media and political circles, and prompted the Gingrich campaign to send out the letter to ABC, signed by Kathy Lubbers and Jackie Cushman, Mr. Gingrich’s daughters from his first marriage.
“ABC News or other campaigns may want to talk about the past, just days before an important primary election,” the two wrote.”But Newt is going to talk to the people of South Carolina about the future” and issues such as job creation.
They continued, “We will not say anything negative about our father’s ex-wife. He has said before, privately and publicly, that he regrets any pain he may have caused in the past to people he loves.”
Blah, blah, blah. If he was callous enough to cheat on her while pursuing Bill Clinton for the same thing (though Newt blamed his affair on loving America too much) I think we deserve to hear from her. Besides, everyone loves to watch the pompous get their comeuppance.
The TV interview was disclosed Wednesday evening by the Drudge Report, touching off a firestorm in media and political circles, and prompted the Gingrich campaign to send out the letter to ABC, signed by Kathy Lubbers and Jackie Cushman, Mr. Gingrich’s daughters from his first marriage.
“ABC News or other campaigns may want to talk about the past, just days before an important primary election,” the two wrote.”But Newt is going to talk to the people of South Carolina about the future” and issues such as job creation.
They continued, “We will not say anything negative about our father’s ex-wife. He has said before, privately and publicly, that he regrets any pain he may have caused in the past to people he loves.”
Blah, blah, blah. If he was callous enough to cheat on her while pursuing Bill Clinton for the same thing (though Newt blamed his affair on loving America too much) I think we deserve to hear from her. Besides, everyone loves to watch the pompous get their comeuppance.
Iran warns region against "dangerous" stance on Hormuz - Ibon Villelabeitia
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/19/us-iran-idUSTRE80H15Z20120119
The die was cast for international oil sanctions against Iran when Obama signed legislation on December 31 that would freeze out any institution dealing with Iran's central bank, making it impossible for most countries to buy Iranian oil. Similar measures are expected from Europe this month.
"On the central bank, things have been moving in the right direction in the last hours," one EU diplomat said on Wednesday. "There is now a wide agreement on the principle. Discussions continue on the details."
An IAEA report in November lent weight to concerns that Iran has worked on designing a nuclear weapon, and Tehran is shifting enrichment to an underground bunker in a mountain fortified against air attack.
The die was cast for international oil sanctions against Iran when Obama signed legislation on December 31 that would freeze out any institution dealing with Iran's central bank, making it impossible for most countries to buy Iranian oil. Similar measures are expected from Europe this month.
"On the central bank, things have been moving in the right direction in the last hours," one EU diplomat said on Wednesday. "There is now a wide agreement on the principle. Discussions continue on the details."
An IAEA report in November lent weight to concerns that Iran has worked on designing a nuclear weapon, and Tehran is shifting enrichment to an underground bunker in a mountain fortified against air attack.
Eastman Kodak Files for Bankruptcy - MICHAEL J. DE LA MERCED
http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/01/19/eastman-kodak-files-for-bankruptcy/
As part of its filing, made in the federal bankruptcy court in the Southern District of New York, Kodak will seek to continue selling a portfolio of 1,100 digital imaging patents to raise cash for its loss-making operations.
As we discussed earlier, Kodak did not sink because if failed to invest in digital cameras. It failed because it did so to a dangerous degree, failing to invest in quality and failing to realize that digital cameras would become a commodity. Their next strategy: ink jet cartridges and selling patents.
As part of its filing, made in the federal bankruptcy court in the Southern District of New York, Kodak will seek to continue selling a portfolio of 1,100 digital imaging patents to raise cash for its loss-making operations.
As we discussed earlier, Kodak did not sink because if failed to invest in digital cameras. It failed because it did so to a dangerous degree, failing to invest in quality and failing to realize that digital cameras would become a commodity. Their next strategy: ink jet cartridges and selling patents.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Red Sox: Ellsbury signs, Crawford heals - Bill Ballou
http://www.telegram.com/article/20120118/NEWS/101189977/1009/SPORTS
The signing was for one year only, to avoid arbitration.
The signing was for one year only, to avoid arbitration.
Red Sox OF Crawford has wrist surgery - Jimmy Golen
http://articles.boston.com/2012-01-17/sports/30636140_1_wrist-surgery-carl-crawford-roger-clemens
“We are confident he will recover from it and go into the 2012 season with a fresh mind and confidence that his wrist is feeling good,’’ Cherington said, adding that Darnell McDonald and Mike Aviles are expected to fill in until Crawford is available. “We feel like we have some options even if Carl’s not ready on opening day.’’
Crawford had career lows with a .255 average and 18 stolen bases in 2011, the first season of his seven-year, $142-million contract with the Red Sox.
That money could have signed Ellsbury long-term as well as paid for one year of both Kuroda and Oswalt. Fantastic.
“We are confident he will recover from it and go into the 2012 season with a fresh mind and confidence that his wrist is feeling good,’’ Cherington said, adding that Darnell McDonald and Mike Aviles are expected to fill in until Crawford is available. “We feel like we have some options even if Carl’s not ready on opening day.’’
Crawford had career lows with a .255 average and 18 stolen bases in 2011, the first season of his seven-year, $142-million contract with the Red Sox.
That money could have signed Ellsbury long-term as well as paid for one year of both Kuroda and Oswalt. Fantastic.
Why the Saudis want $100-a-barrel oil - Brad Plumer
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/why-the-saudis-want-oil-to-be-100-a-barrel/2012/01/17/gIQAXvuo5P_blog.html
It’s not just the Saudis, either. A 2011 report from the International Monetary Fund found that the “break-even” point for the world’s major oil producers has been rising at a shocking rate. Russia now needs crude prices at roughly $110 per barrel to shore up its finances. Iraq, Bahrain, Algeria, Iran and the United Arab Emirates all need prices between $80 and $100 per barrel. The lone exceptions, Qatar and Kuwait, can skate by with moderately lower prices, but even those countries have seen their break-even points creep upward in recent years.
In other words, even if China were getting enough oil and Nigerian unrest did not disrupt supply and fears about a war with Iran did not inflate prices, there is no way for oil to go below $100 a barrel. Remember that many of the gulf states staved off the Arab Spring by increasing subsidies and handouts. Those are not going away if the regimes in place have any interest in staying in power. Instead they will ask the oil consumer to purchase the cost of keeping them in power. Whether this is a fair trade-off is up for debate but the simple fact is that gas prices literally cannot fall much from where they are right now.
It’s not just the Saudis, either. A 2011 report from the International Monetary Fund found that the “break-even” point for the world’s major oil producers has been rising at a shocking rate. Russia now needs crude prices at roughly $110 per barrel to shore up its finances. Iraq, Bahrain, Algeria, Iran and the United Arab Emirates all need prices between $80 and $100 per barrel. The lone exceptions, Qatar and Kuwait, can skate by with moderately lower prices, but even those countries have seen their break-even points creep upward in recent years.
In other words, even if China were getting enough oil and Nigerian unrest did not disrupt supply and fears about a war with Iran did not inflate prices, there is no way for oil to go below $100 a barrel. Remember that many of the gulf states staved off the Arab Spring by increasing subsidies and handouts. Those are not going away if the regimes in place have any interest in staying in power. Instead they will ask the oil consumer to purchase the cost of keeping them in power. Whether this is a fair trade-off is up for debate but the simple fact is that gas prices literally cannot fall much from where they are right now.
Newt Gingrich and the Art of Racial Politics - Charles Blow
http://campaignstops.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/17/newt-gingrich-and-the-art-of-racial-politics/
Gingrich seems to understand the historical weight of the view among some southern whites, many of whom have migrated to the Republican party, that blacks are lazy and addicted to handouts. He is able to give voice to those feelings without using those words. He is able to make people believe that a fundamentally flawed and prejudicial argument that demeans minorities is actually for their uplift. It is Gingrich’s gift: He is able to make ill will sound like good will.
Gingrich seems to understand the historical weight of the view among some southern whites, many of whom have migrated to the Republican party, that blacks are lazy and addicted to handouts. He is able to give voice to those feelings without using those words. He is able to make people believe that a fundamentally flawed and prejudicial argument that demeans minorities is actually for their uplift. It is Gingrich’s gift: He is able to make ill will sound like good will.
Apple Said to Plan Textbook Push to Bolster IPad Use in Schools - Adam Satariano and Peter Burrows
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-18/apple-said-to-plan-textbook-push-to-bolster-ipad-use-in-schools.html
At an event in New York tomorrow, Apple will announce a set of tools that make it easier to publish interactive textbooks and other digital educational content, said two people with knowledge of the announcement, who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly.
The plans, to be unveiled by Apple Internet software chief Eddy Cue, are aimed at broadening the educational materials available for the iPad, especially for students in kindergarten to 12th grade, the people said. By setting its sights on the $10 billion-a-year textbook industry, Apple is using the tablet to encourage students to shun costly tomes that weigh down backpacks in favor of less-expensive, interactive digital books that can be updated anywhere via the Web.
Still, just 2% of textbook sales were digital last year. That figure will grow not as kids become more comfortable with tablets, but as teachers become more comfortable with them.
Still, just 2% of textbook sales were digital last year. That figure will grow not as kids become more comfortable with tablets, but as teachers become more comfortable with them.
Poll: Mitt Romney atop fluid GOP race with 28% - Sarah Dutton, Jennifer De Pinto, Fred Backus and Anthony Salvanto.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57360828-503544/poll-mitt-romney-atop-fluid-gop-race-with-28/
The story at this point is not whether Mitt Romney will win the nomination. The story now is whether he will be too damaged in the eyes of the voters to beat Barrack Obama. If conservative voter enthusiasm is depressed because of his issues with base Republicans, his image problems with Democrats and Independents become magnified.
The story at this point is not whether Mitt Romney will win the nomination. The story now is whether he will be too damaged in the eyes of the voters to beat Barrack Obama. If conservative voter enthusiasm is depressed because of his issues with base Republicans, his image problems with Democrats and Independents become magnified.
Israel says decision on attack on Iran is not close - Kevin Flower
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/18/world/meast/israel-iran-nuclear/
Speaking to Israeli Army Radio, Barak would not offer a concrete estimate as to when he believes Iran may develop a nuclear weapon.
"I don't know its a long way off. Some will say a few years some will say six months. It really doesn't matter."
Pressed on whether the decision to use force might be weeks or months away Barak said: "I wouldn't want to make any estimates. It's not urgent."
The problem at this point is that Iran cannot possibly not develop a nuclear weapon at this point. To do so would be to lose a tremendous battle to their two existential enemies: Israel and the United States. So how then to either convince the Iranians that pursuing nuclear power is not worth it or to buy their promise not to develop weapons?
I am skeptical that, outside of a cataclysmic shock to Iranian culture like an armed insurgence or something along those lines, there is any chance that Iran would abandon their pursuit of nuclear arms. There is simply too much at stake for them and to be faced down by their enemies. Even a low-grade war that involved air strikes would probably not be enough to deter them from development.
Buying their acquiescence is a non-starter. Firstly I am not sure that there is a way to trust them. Secondly, Israel wouldn't abide it.
With that we are left with the only threats that would possibly deter the regime by threatening to take their temporal comforts. Contrary to popular belief, these are not a bunch of hermit monks living in poverty who cannot wait to become martyrs themselves. Far from radicals, they adhere to Islamism because it is where they derive their power. They live quite comfortably and are quite rich. Whatever threatens that is what they will respond to.
Speaking to Israeli Army Radio, Barak would not offer a concrete estimate as to when he believes Iran may develop a nuclear weapon.
"I don't know its a long way off. Some will say a few years some will say six months. It really doesn't matter."
Pressed on whether the decision to use force might be weeks or months away Barak said: "I wouldn't want to make any estimates. It's not urgent."
The problem at this point is that Iran cannot possibly not develop a nuclear weapon at this point. To do so would be to lose a tremendous battle to their two existential enemies: Israel and the United States. So how then to either convince the Iranians that pursuing nuclear power is not worth it or to buy their promise not to develop weapons?
I am skeptical that, outside of a cataclysmic shock to Iranian culture like an armed insurgence or something along those lines, there is any chance that Iran would abandon their pursuit of nuclear arms. There is simply too much at stake for them and to be faced down by their enemies. Even a low-grade war that involved air strikes would probably not be enough to deter them from development.
Buying their acquiescence is a non-starter. Firstly I am not sure that there is a way to trust them. Secondly, Israel wouldn't abide it.
With that we are left with the only threats that would possibly deter the regime by threatening to take their temporal comforts. Contrary to popular belief, these are not a bunch of hermit monks living in poverty who cannot wait to become martyrs themselves. Far from radicals, they adhere to Islamism because it is where they derive their power. They live quite comfortably and are quite rich. Whatever threatens that is what they will respond to.
Mr. Romney's returns
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-return-20120118,0,5205077.story
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney hemmed and hawed when he was asked during a Monday night debate if he would release his tax returns. By Tuesday, he apparently was feeling the pressure to stop equivocating. He said he will release one year of tax forms around filing time in April.
He also revealed that he pays an effective federal tax rate of close to 15 percent.
I don't have any philosophical opposition to someone paying 15% in taxes. I think that if we all paid 15% in taxes it would be great. The capital gains tax rate is a little low for me, but even that doesn't raise my blood pressure all that much.
All that aside this is a gaffe by Romney, an unforced error. Whether Americans think the rich should be punished or not, 15% is going to sound awful low for a lot of people. For someone who is already battling the image of a wall street shark, sheepishly revealing that you make millions and pay lower taxes than most grocery clerks is not the way to cap off a bad run of press.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney hemmed and hawed when he was asked during a Monday night debate if he would release his tax returns. By Tuesday, he apparently was feeling the pressure to stop equivocating. He said he will release one year of tax forms around filing time in April.
He also revealed that he pays an effective federal tax rate of close to 15 percent.
I don't have any philosophical opposition to someone paying 15% in taxes. I think that if we all paid 15% in taxes it would be great. The capital gains tax rate is a little low for me, but even that doesn't raise my blood pressure all that much.
All that aside this is a gaffe by Romney, an unforced error. Whether Americans think the rich should be punished or not, 15% is going to sound awful low for a lot of people. For someone who is already battling the image of a wall street shark, sheepishly revealing that you make millions and pay lower taxes than most grocery clerks is not the way to cap off a bad run of press.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Source: Red Sox would have to move payroll in order to sign Roy Oswalt - Ron Bradford
http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2012/01/16/source-red-sox-would-have-to-move-payroll-in-order-to-sign-roy-oswalt/
Oswalt is coming off a 2011 season in which he went 9-10 with a 3.69 ERA in 23 starts for the Phillies. The righty had dealt with some back issues, but at least one scout was impressed with the way he finished the season, still classifying him as a solid middle of the rotation starter. The three-time All-Star went at least six innings in each of his last six starts, compiling a 3.51 ERA in Sept.
Good to know that we have Carl Crawford instead of one year of Roy Oswalt. Oswalt has had his problems in the past and was sometimes fragile even before hitting his mid-30s, but when he was on he was on, and there is nothing the Red Sox would need down the stretch than a steady, veteran arm in a short series against the Yankess, the Rangers, or the Rays to see who goes to the post-season. Instead we have a $20 million guy in left field who, well, plays decent defense in a spot where Manny Ramirez did just fine on defense. Oh, yeah, but Manny also hit, unlike Carl.
Oswalt is coming off a 2011 season in which he went 9-10 with a 3.69 ERA in 23 starts for the Phillies. The righty had dealt with some back issues, but at least one scout was impressed with the way he finished the season, still classifying him as a solid middle of the rotation starter. The three-time All-Star went at least six innings in each of his last six starts, compiling a 3.51 ERA in Sept.
Good to know that we have Carl Crawford instead of one year of Roy Oswalt. Oswalt has had his problems in the past and was sometimes fragile even before hitting his mid-30s, but when he was on he was on, and there is nothing the Red Sox would need down the stretch than a steady, veteran arm in a short series against the Yankess, the Rangers, or the Rays to see who goes to the post-season. Instead we have a $20 million guy in left field who, well, plays decent defense in a spot where Manny Ramirez did just fine on defense. Oh, yeah, but Manny also hit, unlike Carl.
Memogate Brings Pakistan to the Edge - Ron Moreau
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/01/16/memogate-brings-pakistan-to-the-edge.html
The court is also investigating what the Pakistani press has dubbed “Memogate”: an anonymous memorandum that was reportedly delivered last May to Adm. Mike Mullen, who was then the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. The memo, which the popular media has labeled “treasonous,” asked for U.S. help to rein in Pakistani generals who were said to be planning another coup against a democratically elected government in the wake of the U.S. commando raid deep inside Pakistan that took out Osama bin Laden, a unilateral action that had deeply embarrassed the military. In return, the memo's author promised that the government would provide “carte blanche” to U.S. forces to operate against militants inside Pakistan. Mansour Ijaz, the American businessman of Pakistani origin who first revealed the existence of the memo, claims the government was behind it and had asked him to deliver it to Mullen.
And so what did Mullen do with the memo? What did the President do with the memo?
The court is also investigating what the Pakistani press has dubbed “Memogate”: an anonymous memorandum that was reportedly delivered last May to Adm. Mike Mullen, who was then the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. The memo, which the popular media has labeled “treasonous,” asked for U.S. help to rein in Pakistani generals who were said to be planning another coup against a democratically elected government in the wake of the U.S. commando raid deep inside Pakistan that took out Osama bin Laden, a unilateral action that had deeply embarrassed the military. In return, the memo's author promised that the government would provide “carte blanche” to U.S. forces to operate against militants inside Pakistan. Mansour Ijaz, the American businessman of Pakistani origin who first revealed the existence of the memo, claims the government was behind it and had asked him to deliver it to Mullen.
And so what did Mullen do with the memo? What did the President do with the memo?
Syria says terrorists kill army personnel in ambush outside Damascus
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/syria-says-terrorists-kill-army-personnel-in-ambush-outside-damascus/2012/01/17/gIQAVQIz4P_story.html
The Syrian regime has blamed terrorists for 10 months of unrest stemming from an uprising against President Bashar Assad’s autocratic rule. Thousands have been reported killed as regime forces try to crush peaceful protests and — increasingly — armed resistance to the government.
At this point the only question is what shape a civil war will take.
The Syrian regime has blamed terrorists for 10 months of unrest stemming from an uprising against President Bashar Assad’s autocratic rule. Thousands have been reported killed as regime forces try to crush peaceful protests and — increasingly — armed resistance to the government.
At this point the only question is what shape a civil war will take.
War with Iran: A Conflict Obama Hopes to Avoid May Be Imposed on Him - Tony Karon
http://globalspin.blogs.time.com/2012/01/17/war-with-iran-could-obama-have-the-decision-imposed-on-him/
The realization that the Administration’s options are being narrowed by the actions of others may account for the vehemence with which Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last week condemned the murder of an Iranian nuclear scientist in Tehran. The general assumption, both in Tehran and in Western capitals, is that Israel is behind the attacks — a suspicion reinforced by the Israeli response which has been to effectively encourage it without claiming — or denying — responsibility.
Even more alarming, if true, were the claims made in Foreign Policy magazine by military analyst Mark Perry, last week, alleging that an internal CIA assessment had concluded that Israeli Mossad agents masqueraded as CIA operatives while recruiting members of a Sunni jihadist group to wage proxy operations in Iran. An anonymous Israeli official speaking to Haaretz dismissed the charge as “absolute nonsense,” while U.S. officials did not comment for Perry’s story.
The realization that the Administration’s options are being narrowed by the actions of others may account for the vehemence with which Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last week condemned the murder of an Iranian nuclear scientist in Tehran. The general assumption, both in Tehran and in Western capitals, is that Israel is behind the attacks — a suspicion reinforced by the Israeli response which has been to effectively encourage it without claiming — or denying — responsibility.
Even more alarming, if true, were the claims made in Foreign Policy magazine by military analyst Mark Perry, last week, alleging that an internal CIA assessment had concluded that Israeli Mossad agents masqueraded as CIA operatives while recruiting members of a Sunni jihadist group to wage proxy operations in Iran. An anonymous Israeli official speaking to Haaretz dismissed the charge as “absolute nonsense,” while U.S. officials did not comment for Perry’s story.
Sunday Times: Mossad agents behind Iran scientist assassination
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/sunday-times-mossad-agents-behind-iran-scientist-assassination-1.407593
The Sunday Times quoted an unnamed Israeli sources who claimed that the killing was a precursor to a military strike, which would make rebuilding nuclear facilities more difficult for Iran, should they be bombed.
According to the Sunday Times, Roshan, 32, was monitored from a makeshift control room in a safe house nearby as he was preparing to leave for work. Israeli agents were also watching the entrance to Iranian intelligence headquarters in the city center, when they noticed a number of cars and people running, followed by police rushing into the nearby streets. Another agent monitoring radio traffic between the Tehran police and security forces confirmed unusual activity, said the paper.
At this point Iran is weakened enough and reeling from the Arab Spring and the oil embargo. Don't strengthen them internally with a military strike unless you absolutely have to.
The Sunday Times quoted an unnamed Israeli sources who claimed that the killing was a precursor to a military strike, which would make rebuilding nuclear facilities more difficult for Iran, should they be bombed.
According to the Sunday Times, Roshan, 32, was monitored from a makeshift control room in a safe house nearby as he was preparing to leave for work. Israeli agents were also watching the entrance to Iranian intelligence headquarters in the city center, when they noticed a number of cars and people running, followed by police rushing into the nearby streets. Another agent monitoring radio traffic between the Tehran police and security forces confirmed unusual activity, said the paper.
At this point Iran is weakened enough and reeling from the Arab Spring and the oil embargo. Don't strengthen them internally with a military strike unless you absolutely have to.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)