NEW RULE

Pills are optional.

According to toxicology reports, Heath Ledger’s body contained hydrocodone, oxycontin, Restoril, Unisom, valium, and Xanax. Immediately, Headlines News asked the obvious. Was Ledger’s death preventable? Are they morons? Jet lag is stressful. Sleep deprivation is torturous. However, drugs are lethal. They end lives. Ledger should have avoided the pills.

Worth A Read

Alice Q. Foodie

Featuring restaurant reviews and recommendations, essays, ramblings, recipes and stories.

The Daily Smak

Hey, weren’t you presidential candidate Mitt Romney?

On Sunday, Amy Winehouse will perform. The Grammy’s have guaranteed this. How? This weekend, England will serve no one.

Today’s top five or this weekend’s attractions (1) 50th Grammy Awards, (2) Bud Shootout, (3) College Basketball, (4) Daytona Qualifying, (5) NFL Pro Bowl

The Stupidity of Violence

On Thursday morning, William Michael Layne entered a fifth grade classroom. He stabbed his ex-wife. On Thursday evening, Charles Lee Thornton entered City Hall. He murdered five. Obviously, psychopaths embrace violence, forsake others, and ignore ramifications. How does death or incarceration improve their lives?

Congress Capitulates

On Thursday, Congress passed the economic stimulus package. As previously stated, this package is wholly insufficient. Unfortunately, Ben Bernanke’s incompetence necessitated the rescue.

The Dollars Gone

According to NFL Arbiter David Doty, Michael Vick merits his bonus’s majority. Vick may retain $16.5 million. He must return $3.5 million. Doty’s ruling is irrelevant. As previously stated, Atlanta’s intent was noble. However, their objective was irrational. Vick was twenty-seven and a millionaire. He was not a savings bond connoisseur.

NEW RULE

Howard Dean is impotent.

According to Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean, April is their deadline. If Hillary Clinton versus Barack Obama is unconcluded, Dean will compel compromise. Evidently, Dean is delusional. He possesses nothing. He is sans chips, dirt, or scandal. Clinton and Obama crave the spotlight. Neither will blink. Sorry, Howard. Your power is hollow.

The Daily Smak

Hey, weren’t you Miami Heat Center Shaquille O’Neal?

On Thursday, Survivor Micronesia: Fans versus Favorites will premiere. Jonny Fairplay’s grandmother will watch.

Today’s top five or critical Democratic contests (1) Ohio, (2) Pennsylvania, (3) Washington, (4) Wisconsin, (5) Texas

Senator McCain Confronts Conservatives

CPAC Address Complete Text

Senator Dole Defends John McCain

Rush,

I have not seen you in a long time but I do hear you frequently and I know that you have serious reservations about Senator McCain.

Not that many care but I have not been involved in the Republican Primary contest because Elizabeth, a good conservative, is running for reelection in North Carolina where Romney, McCain and Huckabee each enjoy considerable support.

I was the Republican Leader from January 1985 until I left the Senate voluntarily in June 1996. I worked closely with Senator McCain when he came to the Senate in 1987 until I departed. I cannot recall a single instance when he did not support the Party on critical votes.

(At my age, I cannot be entirely certain but here are a few key conservative examples:)

1. Consistent pro-life record

2. Strong advocate for strict constructionist judges (We were misled on the Souter nomination)

3. Supported voluntary school prayer

4. Supported Constitutional Amendment for a Balanced Budget (needed two-thirds and lost by one vote - 66-34)

5. Strong advocate for reducing spending and opposing pork barrel “ear marks” which has, I might add, angered some of his colleagues

6. Consistent on defending Second Amendment rights

7. Opposed “Hillary Care” which would have been devastating

8. Probably the Senate’s strongest advocate for strong national defense

9. Of course he has cast many votes since I left. I totally disagreed with the McCain-Feingold legislation. On immigration, Senator McCain was not in the Senate when Congress passed President Reagan’s immigration legislation which passed overwhelmingly. It granted amnesty to 2.7 million illegals. It was not much different than the 2007 McCain, Kennedy, Bush effort.

I disagree with his votes against the Bush tax cuts but I believe his pledge to make them permanent and I do not agree that Governor Romney ever suggested a timetable for troop withdrawals in Iraq.

McCain is a friend and I proudly wore his P.O.W. bracelet bearing his name while he was still a guest at the “Hanoi Hilton.” I believe our major candidates are mainstream conservatives and that our nominee will address our concerns by keeping taxes low, reducing corporate taxes, protecting and assisting the vulnerable, strengthening our traditional values, and above all, keeping America strong militarily, whatever the cost.

Whoever wins the Republican nomination will need your enthusiastic support. Two terms for the Clintons are enough.

Gob Bless America,
BOB DOLE

Despite Release, Spears Endangered

Jamie and Lynne Spears: “As parents of an adult child in the throes of a mental health crisis, we were extremely disappointed this morning to learn that over the recommendation of her treating psychiatrist, our daughter Britney was released from the hospital that could best care for her and keep her safe. We are deeply concerned about our daughter's safety and vulnerability, and we believe her life is presently at risk. There are conservatorship orders in place created to protect our daughter that are being blatantly disregarded. We ask only that the court's orders be enforced so that a tragedy may be averted.”

Teenage Terrorists

NEW RULE

Compromise is acceptable.

Conservatives abhor Senator John McCain. Why? McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy, and McCain-Lieberman… He compromised. He considered a problem. He contemplated solutions. He did not demonize, excoriate, or vilify. Unbelievable.

Compromise is appropriate. Compromise is rational. Compromise advances agendas. Compromise improves our nation. Unfortunately, conservatives do not care. Their objective is scorched Democrats.

Worth A Read

Le Basketbawl

Blogging the NBA. Featuring news, schedules, scores, standings, and statistics.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be decisive?

According to MSNBC, Mitt Romney is considering withdrawal. Obviously, he could change his mind.

Today’s top five or Western Conference revisions (1) Phoenix Suns, (2) Denver Nuggets, (3) Dallas Mavericks, (4) New Orleans Hornets, (5) Los Angeles Lakers

The Big Five

For reasons good and bad… they were the news.

The Hot Five

A quintet of sizzling conversation starters.

Lakers Reinvent, Score Championship Component

From 1999-2002, the Los Angeles Lakers garnered three NBA Championships. They amassed a 181-65 record. Unfortunately, squabbling and Colorado occurred. The Lakers endured two non-title seasons. They traded Shaquille O’Neal. Since, the Lakers have accrued a 121-125 record. They have not won a playoff series.

On Friday, the Memphis Grizzlies traded Pau Gasol to the Lakers. As reciprocation, the Grizzlies received Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, and two first round selections. “We're a 13-win team, so when you're in that situation, you've got to make moves,” said Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace. “Brown was the largest expiring contact we could find in the league where we also got back an attractive young player like Crittenton ... and multiple first-round picks.”

According to Kobe Bryant, the Lakers have improved. “It shows a great deal of commitment from the organization. It's a great step. It's a matter of us just gelling now and putting it together. We've got a great bench. We have a lot of length, a lot of versatility. Now it's time to walk the walk.”

During his career, Gasol has registered 18.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per contest. This season, he has chalked 19.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per contest. “I have to take my hat off to [owner Jerry] Buss and Mitch for going forward with this,” Bryant said. “Now it's up to us to go out there and work hard.”

The Western Conference is stellar. The Phoenix Suns feature Steve Nash. The Dallas Mavericks showcase Dirk Nowitzki. The New Orleans Hornets highlight Chris Paul. The Denver Nuggets include Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson. With Gasol, the Lakers have improved. Are they a championship contender? They are within circumstances and victories.

McCain Concludes Giuliani’s Collapse

On July 10, Senator John McCain was lifeless. On November 9, Pat Robertson endorsed Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Subsequently, Bernard Kerik, mistress protection, and Meet the Press battered Giuliani. The surge succeeded. McCain won New Hampshire. On January 29, Giuliani was vanquished. McCain is the presumptive nominee.

On Tuesday, McCain won the Florida Republican Primary. McCain (36%) defeated Governor Mitt Romney (31%), Giuliani (15%), and Governor Mike Huckabee (14%).

During his victory speech, McCain discussed his credentials. “I stand for the principles and policies that first attracted me to the Republican Party when I heard, in whispered conversations and tap codes, about the then Governor of California, who stood by me and my comrades, and who was making quite a reputation for standing by his convictions no matter the changing winds of political thought and popular culture,” McCain said. “When I left the Navy and entered public life, I enlisted as a foot soldier in the political revolution he began. And I am as proud to be a Reagan conservative today, as I was then.”

Once, Giuliani led national samples. Unfortunately, he skipped Iowa, New Hampshire, Michigan, and South Carolina. During his sabbatical, he finished sixth (Iowa), fourth (New Hampshire), sixth (Michigan), and sixth (South Carolina).

Amidst withdrawal speculation, Giuliani addressed his party. “Elections are about more than just a candidate,” he said. “Elections are about fighting for a cause larger than ourselves. They are about identifying the great challenges of our time and proposing new solutions. Most of all, they are about handing our nation to the next generation better than it was handed to us.”

Concerning Florida’s reversal, Jackson Browne’s words are eloquent. People have the power over what politicians do. They can vote and pull them through. The people are never wrong.

Two Campaigns, America Rejects Edwards

On Wednesday, former Senator John Edwards renounced his presidential candidacy. In 2004, Edwards was an optimistic darling. In 2008, he was a replication amongst originals. Following Iowa, his failure was predictable.

Edwards’ aspirations were noble. Elevating citizens and extinguishing poverty were righteous objectives. Unfortunately, Edwards’ continual pandering and smarminess rendered them impossible. His nauseating persona reinforced the obvious… Messenger trumps message.

NEW RULE

Offense is imperative.

On Sunday, the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14. The Patriots starred Tom Brady, Laurence Maroney, Randy Moss, Dante Stallworth, and Wes Welker. The Giants showcased Eli Manning, Brandon Jacobs, Plaxico Burress, Steve Smith, and Amani Toomer. For those chiming defense wins champions, I must state the obvious… Manning’s name is self-explanatory. Burress is excellent. Smith was an exemplary rookie. Manning is not Brady. Toomer is not Moss. However, the Giants are consistent. They averaged 23.3 points per contest. If zero is your score, defense is worthless.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Texas Tech’s Coach?

On Monday, Texas Tech Coach Bob Knight resigned. Those expletives? They were Knight’s farewell words.

Today’s top five or Super Tuesday predictions (1) Barack Obama (12 states), (2) John McCain (11 states), (3) Hillary Clinton (10 states), (4) Mitt Romney (8 states), (5) Mike Huckabee (2 states)

Despite Presentation, Past Ruins Rudy

On Wednesday, Mayor Rudy Giuliani renounced his presidential candidacy. Simultaneously, he endorsed Senator John McCain. Giuliani’s decision is correct. His decision showcases judgment. McCain is a principled leader. Giuliani underscores this

Concerning Giuliani’s withdrawal, his exodus was inevitable. September eleventh was significant. However, politics is not monetary. Politics memorizes and recognizes every sin and statement. Ultimately, Giuliani was thrice married, twice divorced, controversial, and liberal.

NEW RULE

Congress must ignore sports.

On Friday, Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) commenced an investigation. His quarry? The NFL. His question? Why were Spygate’s tapes destroyed? Specter is ridiculous. Spygate is history. Spygate is not Congressional. Afghanistan, the economy, education, Iraq, national security, and the stimulus package… these are congressional issues. Simply stated, Congress should focus.

Worth A Read

4 President

Blogging 2008’s news and speeches. Not a fraction of what is said…. Actually, what is said.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be undefeated?

This weekend, Mitt Romney won the Maine Republican Caucus. Romney’s campaign is No State Left Behind. Louisiana, Maine, Nevada, Wyoming…

Today’s top five or last night’s commercials (1) Budweiser’s Dalmatian, (2) Coke’s Carville & Frist, (3) NFL’s Chester Pitts, (4) Doritos’ Mouse, (5) Fed Ex’s Pigeons

GAME BALLS (Super Bowl XLII Edition)

Eli Manning (QB – Giants): 19/34, 255 yards, 2 td
(Win: 17-14 vs. Patriots)

Amani Toomer (WR – Giants): 6 receptions, 84 yards
(Win: 17-14 vs. Patriots)

Super Bowl XLII Reaction

New York Times
Giants Stun Patriots in Super Bowl, 17-14
Giants Complete Makeover and Rewrite History
A Formula for Success, but Not for Innovation

Boston Globe
Nobody’s Perfect

New York Dailey News
Super Mann
Lupica: Plaxico backs up guarantee

New York Post
GIANTS WIN

Boston Herald
Giants pull off upset

Buffalo News
Giants stun 'perfect' Pats in Super Bowl

Albany Times Union
Giants prevent perfect season, beating Patriots 17-14

Super Bowl XLII Ad Rates

Commercials, aired between kickoff and post game, listed by break. Rating scale between one lowest and ten highest.

Bud Light (Breathe Fire) 8
Audio (Godfather Spoof) 7

Diet Pepsi Max (What Is Love) 7
Sales Genie.com (Cartoon) 6

Bud Light (Hidden Items) 8
Under Armour (The Future is Ours) 6

Bridgestone (Animals Screaming) 8
Doritos (Kina Grannis) 9

G2 (Derek Jeter) 8
Go Daddy (Internet Tease) 2
Dell (Join Red) 8

Fed Ex (Pigeons) 9
Cars.com (Stone Circle Death Match) 7
Tide (Talking Stain) 7

Budweiser (Clydesdale Training) 10

Toyota (Badgers Quiet) 7
Garmin (Napoleon) 8

Career Builder.com (Heart Quits) 9Pepsi (Lizards Dancing) 7
Drug Dealer (Anti Drug) 5

GMC (Hybrid) 6
Bud Light (Foreign Accents) 9

Planters (Unibrow Girl) 5
T-Mobile (Charles Barkley\Dwayne Wade) 9

Pepsi (Justin Timberlake) 8
Doritos (Fan Creation) 9

Cars.com (Witch Doctor) 6
Sales Genie.com (Panda Bear) 4
Vitamin Water (Shaq Jockey) 8

Bud Light (Cavemen) 9
Doritos (Carmen Electra) 4
Bridgestone (Richard Simmons) 8
Career Builder.com (Singing Bug) 1

Hyundai (New Car) 1

E-Trade (Baby Buys Stock) 4
Bud Light (Fly) 8

NFL.com (Chester Pitts) 10
McDonalds (Dolphins) 8
Cargill (Flavor Robot) 5

Thurmasilk (Famous Women) 7
Coke (Parade Floats) 8

Coke (James Carville\Bill Frist) 10
Jeep (Kid’s Bikes) 3

E-Trade (Baby Rents Clown) 1
Taco Bell (Fiesta Platters) 4
Gatorade (Dog Drinking Water) 1

Bud Light (Jackie Moon) 1
Hyundai (Genesis) 1

Victoria’s Secret (Happy Valentine’s Day) 8
Amp (Jumper Cables) 2

Overstock.com (Package) 6

Chrysler (Post-It Notes) 7

California Cheese (French Cows) 7

Governors Unified

On Thursday, Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Rick Perry endorsed Senator John McCain. Schwarzenegger and Perry are polar opposites. Schwarzenegger is a moderate. Perry is a conservative. Obviously, McCain can unite Republicans.

Britney Crisis

On Thursday, Britney Spears was again hospitalized. Allegedly, she required another evaluation. On Friday, Jamie Spears won temporary legal control. Henceforth, he can arrange care and security, prosecute restraining orders, restrict visitors, and terminate credit cards. Concerning Jamie Spears’ motives, I will not speculate. I merely hope Britney receives help.

Teenager’s Wrong Answer

On Friday, fifteen-year-old Nicholas Browning murdered his father, mother, and both brothers. Allegedly, Browning and his father were fighting. My father and I fought. I never thought murder. Why? Violence has consequences.

Line of the Morning

Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY)

“I will be the decision-maker. Obviously, I'm going to seek advice from a wide range of people who have expertise and experience that would be helpful in making decisions, and that certainly includes him because I think he'll play a very important role in representing our country around the world.”

Betting the Pass Line (Season: 42-38 Playoffs: 3-7)

Super Bowl XLII
Giants vs. Patriots (-12)
In week seventeen, the Patriots defeated the Giants 38-35. This stage is different. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady will lead. The Patriots will dominate.

NEW RULE

Parenting requires commonsense.

On Wednesday, Shanell Monique Mosley was charged with child abandonment and endangerment. Allegedly, Mosley deserted her children. In Nigeria, she married an internet acquaintance. Is Mosley brainless? Children are not adults. Mosley left no money. Her children are one, seven, eight, nine, fifteen, and sixteen. Did she not assume hunger? Did she not expect incidentals? Thought preempts every dilemma. Cold is avoided. Problems are solved. Children or Nigeria? Only thought was required.

Worth A Read

Pats Blog

Blogging New England's perfection.

The Daily Smak

Hey, weren't you Presidential Candidate Rudy Giuliani?

On Friday, New York Mets-Johan Santana negotiations will conclude. Three days of negotiations. Donald Trump would never survive. He would fire Santana.

Today's top five or potential Super Bowl Most Valuable Players (1) Tom Brady, (2) Randy Moss, (3) Laurence Maroney, (4) Wes Welker, (5) Mike Vrabel

A Cut Late

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve sliced the benchmark interest rate. They cut half of a point. Unfortunately, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped. As previously stated, Chairman Ben Bernanke has been disastrous. For the impending recession, he is solely responsible.

NEW RULE

Dead soldiers are not commercial.

In Arizona, Dan Frazier is selling "Bush Lied, They Died" t-shirts. The shirts include deceased soldier's names. Frazier's ideology, motivation, and point are irrelevant. His actions are asinine and cruel. Soldiers are not political. They serve silently. Frazier should mirror their example. He opposes the war. He can attend rallies, circulate petitions, and display stickers. However, commercializing dead soldiers is unacceptable.

The Daily Smak

Hey, weren't you Presidential Candidate John Edwards?

On Sunday, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will perform. If you thought Ryan Seacrest was a great reason for not watching the Super Bowl Pre-game.

Today's top five or NFL's finest (1) 1985 Bears, (2) 1989 49ers, (3) 1972 Dolphins, (4) 1979 Steelers, (5) 1999 Rams

Delusions of Riley

Pat Riley: "I really think that the 12 most deserving players should get it. I do. The most deserving should get it and I think the commissioner should always have the right, for somebody who has done so much for the league, for whatever reason, to add a 13th guy to come and be part of the whole thing. He's going to be part of the All-Star festivities specifically to raise money. So I would think the NBA should give him a role. A role. Just like they bring a lot of veteran players in that have retired, they're always around, I think he should have a major role in something."

Shaquille O'Neal: "As the general of this squad, I wouldn't deserve to be an All-Star. And if they gave me the spot, I wouldn't take it, because I don't want to be given anything. I appreciate my coach for sticking up for me, but I don't want to be handed anything."

NEW RULE

Stereotypes are repugnant.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius' (D-KS) son has created a board game. The game's title? "Don't Drop the Soap." The objective? Parole. The elements? Drugs, gangs, poisoning, riots, sodomy, and theft. According to Spokeswoman Nicole Corcoran, John Sebelius' parents are proud.

Governor Sebelius, Gary Sebelius, and John are despicable. Prisoners are not animals. They are not punch lines. They made unfortunate choices. They merit compassion. Their peril should not be glorified. Stereotypes are cruel and spiteful. They are unacceptable. Stereotypes exude ignorance. No one should condone them. No one should enjoy them. Especially, not a Governor and their children.

Worth A Read

Weapons of Mass Discussion

Blogging the Buckeye state.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn't you used to be Media Matters?

Last season, Tom Coughlin was fired. Last year, Rudi Guiliani was the Republican nominee. Obviously, New York's "grumpy old men" quota is one.

Today's top five or Tom Brady's girlfriends (1) Gisele Bündchen, (2) Tara Reid, (3) Gisele Bündchen, (4) Maiah Carey, (5) Bill Belichick