Threat Traps Florida Assassin

On March 27, twenty-year-old Calin Chi Wong was charged with making written threats via the computer. Subsequently, police seized four AK-47 assault riles, nine additional firearms, and 5,000 rounds of ammunition. Wong warrants severe punishment. Simply stated, violence is unacceptable.

Del Rio Decision Right

On Thursday, the Jacksonville Jaguars retained Coach Jack Del Rio. Del Rio signed a five-year contract. “I look forward to building on what we have begun,” Del Rio said. “I really do feel that there is something very special taking place here in Jacksonville right now.”

Jacksonville’s decision is correct. Del Rio has showcased leadership. He has made arduous decisions. He has exhibited excellent foresight. Del Rio is an exemplary individual.

Finally… Four For A Championship

Tonight, history is made. Kansas, Memphis, North Carolina, and UCLA. Four regular season champions. Four conference tournament champions. Four titans. Four top seeds. One hundred and forty-three wins and nine losses.

Initially, each won easily. In the second round, Kansas and North Carolina scorched. Memphis and UCLA struggled. In the Sweet Sixteen, each reassumed authority. In the Elite Eight, Memphis and UCLA excoriated. Kansas and North Carolina endured. The quartet has been imperfect. Yet, the aforesaid is irrelevant.

Since seeding started, the NCAA has craved this scenario. Four superpowers survive. They advance. They contest a championship. Tonight, history scores and collides. Greatest final four ever? The seeds answer… Yes.

Why Would 81% Answer “Wrong Track”

In March, 80,000 jobs were lost. Simultaneously, the unemployment rate rose (5.1%). Recession?

AP: Democrats Should Be Proud

A measure billed as boosting the slumping housing market showers money-losing businesses with $25 billion in tax relief in the next few years but offers just $3 billion to homeowners.

The estimates released Thursday by the Joint Tax Committee, which explores for lawmakers the effects on the Treasury of tax legislation, lend credence to accusations that the measure helps businesses like home builders while doing little to help millions of families threatened with foreclosure.

The benefits to businesses also dwarf the $4 billion in the measure that would be provided to cities and towns to buy up and refurbish foreclosed and abandoned homes. The only direct help in the measure to homeowners threatened with foreclosure is $100 million to provide counseling to people threatened with foreclosure and help them in negotiating with their lenders.

Monologue Joke of the Evening

"On this date in 1930, the Twinkie was invented. A seventy-eight year old Twinkie… Never mind, I was thinking of Katie Couric.”

Late Show with David Letterman

NATO Nuisance

On Wednesday, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) rejected Georgia and Ukraine. The United States founded NATO. We were admitting nations, which were our rationale. Why not dissolve NATO?

NEW RULE

Spencer must shut up.

Heidi Montag: “I’m voting for John McCain. I’m a Republican and McCain has a lot of experience.”

John McCain: “I’m honored to have Heidi’s support and I want to assure her that I never miss an episode of The Hills, especially since the new season started.”

Spencer Pratt: “I don't think anyone cares who Heidi votes for.”

Spencer is an ass. His opinion was condescending, inappropriate, and rude. Obviously, Heidi is not an expert. She will not alter votes. With that stated, Heidi and Spencer were engaged. If Spencer cared, he would support her.

Worth A Read

20 Second Timeout

Blogging the NBA. Founder David Friedman’s credits include Hoops Hype, NBC Sports, and Pro Basketball News.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Chris Henry?

On Thursday, Heidi Montag endorsed Senator John McCain. McCain was disappointed. He wanted Lauren Conrad.

Today's top five or potential Most Outstanding Players (1) Tyler Hansbrough, (2) Ty Lawson, (3) Derrick Rose, (4) Kevin Love, (5) Chris Douglas-Roberts

Texas Tames Michael McDowell

NIT Champions

Congratulations Ohio State

Carly Patterson: Gymnast Idol

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“Are you familiar with the Hillary Clinton 3 a.m. phone call commercial that she's been running? … Well, she's got another one of those, and the phone rings at 3 a.m., Hillary answers the phone, she picks it up, and she says "Stop bothering me, President Obama!”

Late Show with David Letterman

Go Henry

On Thursday, the Cincinnati Bengals released Chris Henry. Cincinnati’s decision is correct. Henry received numerous opportunities. Yet, he forfeited them. He does not merit employment.

Sporting News: Perrilloux is A Pox

So now it has come to this: intimidated restaurant employees stepping in and enabling Ryan Perrilloux. Who's next, the president of LSU?

It's time for LSU coach Les Miles to end this comical carnival and cut ties with his enigmatic quarterback. The very life of his program is riding on it. Instead, we have this: Perrilloux, he of the three suspensions in 10 months, he of the recent episode/non-episode at a swanky Baton Rouge restaurant, he of the multiple second chances, has been reinstated yet again and will travel to the White House on Monday to meet President Bush with the rest of the team.

Let's make something very clear: Perrilloux isn't the issue. The problem is that Miles, the highest-paid coach in the college game and a coach with more job security than the Google guys, continues to allow Perrilloux to dictate rules and punishment within the program. Coaches have lost control of programs over less. Don't think it can't happen here.

LSU players have steered clear of the mess so far -- most have stated that it's between Perrilloux and Miles. Earlier this week, however, comments from defensive end Tyson Jackson changed that. "It's hard to comment on Ryan Perrilloux's situation because he's not out there on the field practicing," Jackson said.

Understand this: Jackson walked away from NFL millions to return to Baton Rouge for his senior season. He is invested in his team, his university. He is unquestionably the team's leader. And the leader isn't happy.

The team's star quarterback is cutting class. He's missing workouts with his teammates. He's setting the agenda, and everyone else is following. This is how locker rooms are fragmented, how teams with championship potential deteriorate into unfocused, undisciplined underachievers. And that's why none of this makes sense.

LSU has won two national titles in the last five years. Both times, the Tigers played serviceable quarterbacks -- Matt Mauck and Matt Flynn -- who managed the offense and didn't get in the way. Why in the world, then, would Miles be so hell-bent on enabling Perrilloux to the point where it's detrimental to the team?

Neither Perrilloux nor Miles are fooling anyone -- especially not the players. To believe the rest of the team is immune to outside distractions is an insult to basic psychology. If one player gets away with constantly flouting rules, why wouldn't another try to do the same?

Moreover, by bending over backward for Perrilloux, Miles is telling backups Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch that they're just not good enough. And that, for the immediate future, could have huge consequences. Star tailback Keiland Williams told the Shreveport Times, "At some time during next season, we're going to have to look to them."

If the players can see it, why can't Miles?

End it already.

Reality at Eight

American Idol

On Wednesday, America eliminated Ramiele Malubay. Malubay’s exodus was expected. Malubay is gorgeous. She is vivacious. Unfortunately, her talent was limited.

Survivor

On Thursday, Airai garnered immunity. Subsequently, Ami struggled. She courted Amanda and Cirie. However, previous statements ensnared her. Via a 4-1 vote, Ami was eliminated.

NEW RULE

Brothers are antonyms.

On Wednesday, Brook and Robin Lopez declared their NBA eligibility. Last season, Brook averaged 16.0 points and 7.1 rebounds per contest. Robin averaged 9.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest.

Robin’s decision is ridiculous. True, he is seven feet tall. However, he is unprepared. He will struggle. He will not survive. Robin may miss Brook. However, sadness is not justification. Robin should return for his junior season.

The Daily Smak

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

According to a study, rapper’s drug references have increased. This is shocking. Where would they attain this material?

Today’s top five or Anheuser Busch’s finest (1) Bud Select, (2) Budweiser, (3) Michelob Ultra, (4) Natural Light, (5) Bud Light

The Big Five

For reasons good and bad… they were the news.

The Hot Five

A quintet of sizzling conversation starters.

New York Makeover

On Wednesday, the New York Knicks hired Indiana Pacers President Donnie Walsh. According to Walsh, he is not a savior. “I'm not the great new hope. I'm just a guy who's going to come in and try to create a team,” he said. “And it's not going to happen overnight, so I don't want any illusions. But I think it has to get better right away. I think the people in this city that are paying money to go to games; they've got to see a competitive team. They've got to see a team and I think they have to see a team that makes sense that they can say, 'OK, this could get better.' There has to be a direction, which I think is difficult to do.”

During Isiah Thomas’ presidency, the Knicks record is 129-229. Walsh may not be salvation. Yet, he is an obvious improvement.

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“A huge mess in New Jersey after truckers protested the high cost of diesel fuel. They shut down the turnpike on purpose. To give you an idea of how bad it was, it took former Gov. Jim McGreevey three hours to get to a rest stop to have anonymous sex.”

The Tonight Show

Finally… Cowboys Expel Sutton

On Wednesday, Oklahoma State Coach Sean Sutton resigned. During his tenure, Sutton logged a 39-29 ledger. Within the Big Twelve Conference, Sutton was only 13-19. “I think Sean was probably a victim of expectations,” said Athletic Director Mike Holder. “He was put in a tough situation. It's hard enough to follow a legend. But when that legend is your father, that's probably tough to the third power. Perhaps, in a different set of circumstances, he would have enjoyed more success.”

Sutton’s situation was awkward. Eddie Sutton embarrassed Oklahoma State. Sean was merely available. Ultimately, success and victories were irrelevant. Sean was not wanted. He was never wanted.

Oblivious Bernanke States Obvious

Ben Bernanke: “It now appears likely that gross domestic product will not grow much, if at all, over the first half of 2008 and could even contract slightly. Much necessary economic and financial adjustment has already taken place, and monetary and fiscal policies are in train that should support a return to growth in the second half of this year and next year. Clearly, the U.S. economy is going through a very difficult period.”

Democrats Speak, Reality Laughs

On Wednesday, earmark reform failed. Simultaneously, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) unveiled housing legislation. Experts doubt the proposal. The White House doubts the proposal. Democrats should be proud.

Hogging the Trough

Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC): $3 million for "The First Tee," a program designed to teach the game of golf to young people. Though The First Tee has extensive corporate sponsors and individual donators, Clyburn said the program "will help make generals and colonels."

Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY): $1.9 million for the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service at The City College of New York.

Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA): $740,000 to olive fruit fly research, of which $211,000 will pay for research that takes place in Paris, France.

Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe and Congressman Thomas Allen (R-ME): $188,000 for the Lobster Institute in Maine. It is said to be a cooperative program of "research and education with the lobster industry." Among other programs, the institute has been working on an underwater "lobster cam" and touts one of its achievements as the creation of lobster biscuits for dogs.

Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV): $123,050 for a Mother's Day shrine in Grafton, W.V., which has a population of 5,489.

Congressman Virgil Goode (R-VA): $98,000 to develop a walking tour of Boydton, Va., which boasts a population of 474 and covers less than one square mile.

ESPN: They Were Winners

Before Georgia Tech lost to Connecticut 82-73 in the championship game of the 2004 Final Four, Yellow Jackets coach Paul Hewitt warned his players that their unexpected run through the NCAA tournament would guarantee them nothing in the future.

"This means nothing," Hewitt told his team. "As you move forward in life, everything is going to be a new challenge. You've got to approach it like you've never done anything before."

Who knew how prophetic Hewitt's warning would be? After Georgia Tech's surprising success in the 2004 NCAA tournament, in which it upset traditional power Kansas in the regional finals and beat Oklahoma State in the national semifinals, the Yellow Jackets seemed on the verge of becoming college basketball's next big thing.

Hewitt, who guided Siena to the NCAA tournament before replacing Bobby Cremins at Georgia Tech, is one of the game's great statesman and a top-notch recruiter. In Hewitt's eight seasons with the Yellow Jackets, four players have been selected in the first round of the NBA draft: Chris Bosh in 2003, Jarrett Jack in 2005 and Javaris Crittenton and Thaddeus Young last year.

But since the night Georgia Tech lost the national championship to the Huskies in San Antonio's Alamodome, the Yellow Jackets have struggled to rekindle that magic. They've missed the NCAA tournament twice in the past three seasons. In fact, in the four seasons since reaching the Final Four, Georgia Tech has a rather mediocre 66-58 record and has failed to produce a winning record in ACC play each season. The Yellow Jackets reached the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2004-05 and lost to UNLV 67-63 in the first round last year.

"I've always recognized the difficulty [of getting to the Final Four]," Hewitt said. "I don't think I appreciate it any more or any less. What it does is reaffirm in my mind that past success means nothing."

Since reaching the Final Four, the Yellow Jackets have been hampered by unexpected personnel losses more than anything else. Jack departed for the NBA after his junior season, and then Hewitt was left short-handed at point guard when the New York Yankees gave prized recruit Austin Jackson a nearly $1 million signing bonus to play baseball that same summer.

Without a proven point guard, Georgia Tech labored through an 11-17 season in 2005-06. Crittenton took over at point guard last season, after Zam Frederick transferred to South Carolina, and the Yellow Jackets improved to 20-12 and reached the NCAA tournament. But when Crittenton and Young each left after only one season, Hewitt was forced to play freshman Maurice Miller and much-traveled Matt Causey at point guard this season. The Yellow Jackets finished 15-17 and 7-9 in ACC play, losing five games by two points or fewer.

"We should be doing better, no question about it," said Hewitt, in an interview before the end of the regular season. "We should be better this year, and we should have done better two years ago. There are so many good teams and so many good players out there, the margin for error is much thinner. All it takes now is two or three one-point losses and you're on the bubble."

The Yellow Jackets aren't the only team that flamed out after reaching the Final Four in recent seasons:

Indiana (2002): With a myriad of perimeter shooters, the Hoosiers reached the finals of the 2002 NCAA tournament, losing to Maryland 64-52 in the Georgia Dome. Mike Davis, the popular assistant who took over after legendary coach Bob Knight was fired before the 2000-01 season, led the Hoosiers to the national championship game in only his second season.

The Hoosiers lost to Pittsburgh 74-52 in the second round of the NCAA tournament the next season, then missed the NCAAs altogether in 2004 and 2005. Davis resigned before the 2005-06 season ended, and then Indiana reached the second round of the 2006 NCAA tournament, losing to Gonzaga, 90-80.

Sampson guided the Hoosiers to the second round of the NCAAs last season in his only postseason at the school. This season, Indiana lost four of its last five games under interim coach Dan Dakich, including a disappointing 86-72 loss to 9-seed Arkansas in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The Hoosiers hired former Marquette coach Tom Crean to get the program back to the top.

Maryland (2002): The Terrapins beat Indiana 64-52 in Atlanta's Georgia Dome to win the 2002 national championship. Maryland won at least 19 games in each of the next five seasons but has failed to go beyond the second round of the NCAA tournament after reaching the Sweet 16 in 2003. With a 19-15 record this season, Maryland bowed out in the NIT's second round to Syracuse.

"I think the difficulty is there are really quality programs that are really very even," Maryland coach Gary Williams said. "A lot more schools around the country that don't have football have figured it out that if you pour most of your budget into men's basketball, it's going to generate a tremendous amount of income. The level and the numbers are way up compared to 10 or 15 years ago in terms of teams that take it serious enough to be good enough to play in the NCAA tournament."

Oklahoma (2002): Kelvin Sampson guided the Sooners to the 2002 Final Four, where they lost to Indiana 73-64 in the national semifinals. The Sooners came close to returning to the Final Four the next season, losing to eventual national champion Syracuse 63-47 in the regional finals.

Oklahoma hasn't gone past the second round of the NCAA tournament since, missing the tournament altogether with a 16-15 record last season. Sampson left for Indiana after the 2005-06 season (where he resigned last month for alleged NCAA rules violations). Jeff Capel has guided the Sooners to a 23-12 record this season, good enough for a 6-seed in the NCAA tournament, where they bowed out to Louisville in the second round.

Syracuse (2003): Freshmen Carmelo Anthony and Gerry McNamara guided the Orange to their first national championship in 2003, but Syracuse has produced little noise in the NCAA tournament since. Anthony bolted for the NBA after only one college season. McNamara helped lead the Orange to two victories in the 2004 NCAA tournament before losing to Alabama 80-71 in the Sweet 16.

The following season, Syracuse was upset in the first round by No. 13 seed Vermont 60-57 in overtime. Syracuse then lost to No. 12 seed Texas A&M 66-58 in the first round in 2006. The Orange were left out of the NCAA tournament field in each of the past two seasons, although many believed they were worty of an at-large bid in 2007, when they finished the regular season with a 22-10 record, 10-6 in Big East play.

Oklahoma State (2004): After losing to Georgia Tech in the 2004 national semifinals, the Cowboys finished 26-7 and reached the Sweet 16 the next season, losing to Arizona, 79-78. Oklahoma State labored through the next two seasons, however, after coach Eddie Sutton left the team during the 2005-06 season for health reasons. He was replaced on the bench by his son, Sean Sutton, who had been named the head coach designate in 2003.

The Cowboys went 17-16 and played in the NIT in 2005-06. Last season, Oklahoma State was ranked as high as No. 9 in the country before fading badly down the stretch. The Cowboys finished 22-13 and were 6-10 in Big 12 play for the second straight season, failing to win a true road game. Oklahoma State lost to Marist 67-64 in the first round of the NIT, and Sutton resigned as head coach on Tuesday after only two seasons. The Cowboys again lost in the NIT's first round this season, finishing with a 17-16 overall record and a 7-9 Big 12 mark.

Illinois (2005): The Illini, led by veterans Dee Brown, Luther Head, Roger Powell Jr. and Deron Williams, tied an NCAA record with 37 victories during the 2004-05 season. Illinois didn't lose until the final game of the regular season at Ohio State, then fell to North Carolina 75-70 in the 2005 championship game.

Illinois has struggled to replace the core of that great team. After losing to Washington in the second round of the 2006 NCAA tournament, the Illini were beaten by Virginia Tech in the first round last season. This year, Illinois' 16-19 season was its first losing campaign since 1998-99.

Coach Bruce Weber hopes the struggles are just a bump in the road. The Illini were especially hurt when prized recruit Eric Gordon reneged on his commitment to Illinois and signed with Indiana, and after returning guard Jamar Smith pleaded guilty to DUI and was forced to redshirt.

LSU (2006): Has any Final Four team fallen faster and further than the Tigers? Led by forwards Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Tyrus Thomas, LSU stormed into the Final Four of the 2006 NCAA tournament, knocking off No. 1 seed Duke and No. 2 seed Texas along the way. The Tigers lost to UCLA 59-45 in the national semifinals.

Davis returned to LSU the next season, but Thomas entered the NBA draft after only one season in college. With Davis battling injuries last season, the Tigers finished 17-15, 5-11 in SEC play. Things got worse this season, and coach John Brady was fired Feb. 11 after his team lost 13 of its first 21 games. Interim coach Butch Pierre led the Tigers the rest of the way.

"Last year's team, with Glen coming back, had a lot of accolades and was ranked in the top five in the preseason," Pierre said. "One of the hardest things to do is to sustain that, particularly when sights are high."

So high that Brady couldn't recover after the Tigers never came close to matching their three-week run at the end of the 2005-06 season. When LSU athletics director Skip Bertman announced Brady's firing last month, his reason for the coach's dismissal was simple. "They just didn't win enough basketball games since the Final Four," Bertman said.

A Giants’ Reward

NEW RULE

Wing baskets are unnecessary.

Quaker Steak & Lube provides a wing basket. Why? I have a plate. I eat wings. Bones replace wings. The kitchen staff can discard them. Why eliminate their work?

Worth A Read

Draft Sarah Palin

Their objective? Vice President Sarah Palin.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Oklahoma State’s Coach?

Concerning Yahoo, Microsoft will not increase their offer. Why? This is not 1995.

Today’s top five or NCAA’s finest (1) Tyler Hansbrough, (2) Michael Beasley, (3) Chris Douglas-Roberts, (4) Kevin Love, (5) D.J. Augustin

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“Hillary Clinton was in Philadelphia today and told the crowd that she’s like the movie character “Rocky” . . . now if I remember the movie correctly doesn’t Rocky get the crap beat out him and then loses to the black guy? Isn’t that what happened?”

The Tonight Show

American Idol Live Blog

Brooke White (24 – Arizona)

What is this? Brooke White’s Revival Band? Her emotion is vacant. She is not transcending. She is singing and strumming. I am bored. She should have owned country. Instead, she barely registered. Simon and I concur. Bland opening performance.

David Cook (25 – Missouri)

His background is appropriate. Shadows compliment the single guitar. His performance is powerful. He exudes confidence and emotion. He does not oversing. Finally, he realizes the obvious… Every selection is not rock.

Ramiele Malubay (20 – Florida)

Her background is peculiar. Her ensemble is hideous. She is attractive. She should dress attractive. Her commencement and transition are acceptable. I do not love her selection. However, her emotion translates. She is adorable. She is delightful. She remains my personal favorite.

Jason Castro (20 - Texas)

Degeneration X sponsor his backdrop? His selection is outstanding. The solo guitar and drums accentuate his persona. His performance is exemplary. He is comfortable. He is rhythmic. His emotion is believable. He warrants advancement.

Carly Smithson (24 – California)

The solo guitar is intriguing. However, this song is energetic. “Here You Come Again” requires bounce. She is bland. She is aged. She will advance. However, she was imperfect. Excellent vocals. Intrepid performance. Additionally, wardrobe should cover the tatoo!

David Archuleta (17 – California)

His commencement is amazing. His vocals are stellar. His emotion eviscerates the screen. Eventually, I will exhaust every superlative. His performance was spectacular. The screams underscore this.

Kristy Leigh Cook (24 – Oregon)

Excellent song selection. “Coat of Many Colors” is a favorite. Her hair and face are perfect. Her dress is pathetic. Puke brown with swirls? Her performance is exemplary. She oversings the conclusion. However, her emotion was believable. She was smiley and delightful. Simon and I disagree. She will advance.

Syesha Mercado (21 - Florida)

Her appearance is flawless. Her commencement is gorgeous. Her transition is perfect. “I will Always Love You” is a powerful song. Zip code emotion is required. She transcends the selection. She channels Whitney Houston. Her conclusion is breathtaking. Grand performance. Simon and I disagree. She was immaculate.

Michael Johns (29 – Georgia)

Inspiring guitar rift. His background is complimentary. His vocals are superb. The intertwined silence is annoying. However, his singing transcends. Randy and Simon are correct. He has improved. He merits advancement.

NEW RULE

Floridians must relax.

Last week, Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) announced an election proposal. Said proposal includes primary reformation, electoral college and electronic voting elimination, universal absentee and early voting, and experimental internet voting. Nelson’s frustration is rational. In 2000, Florida was embarrassed. In 2008, their delegates were revoked.

Unfortunately, Nelson’s plan is absurd. Primary reformation is illogical. Universal absentee and early voting is impractical. Electoral college and electronic voting elimination is impossible. Despite his frustration, Nelson should shut up.

The Daily Smak

Hey, weren’t you Secretary of Housing and Urban Development?

In Georgia, an obese bus passenger was removed. Poor Rosie O’Donnell.

Today’s top five or Lauren Conrad’s friends (1) Lo, (2) Stephanie, (3) Whitney, (4) Audrina, (5) Jen

Hillary Clinton: I Am Rocky

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“Here’s a sure way to tell it’s spring in New York City: Eliot Spitzer spent the entire weekend with a girl named Robin.”

Late Show with David Letterman

Future Reform, Fictional Resolution

Economic Renovation Complete Text

John Lott: The Myth of Recession

During the 2000 election, with Bill Clinton as president, the economy was viewed through rose-colored glasses. According to polls, voters didn’t realize that the country was in a recession. Although the economy started shrinking in July 2000, most

Americans through the entire year thought that the economy was fine. But over the last half-year, the media and politicians have said we were in a recession even while the economy was still growing. Gas prices are going up. The economy is slowing. Talk of recession is seemingly everywhere. While the majority of people rate their personal finances positively, consumer confidence in the economy has plunged to a 16-year low, well below what it was during the last year of the Clinton administration when we were in a recession.

A Nexis search on news stories during the three-month period from July 2000 through September 2000 using the keywords “economy recession US” produces 1,388. By contrast, the same search over just the last month finds 3,166. Or, even more telling, take the three months from July through September last year, when the GDP was growing at a phenomenal 4.9 percent. The same type of Google search shows 2,475 news stories.

Over 78 percent more negative news stories discussed a recession when the economy under a Republican was soaring than occurred under a Democrat when the economy was shrinking. A little perspective on the economy would be helpful. The average unemployment rate during President Clinton was 5.2 percent. The average under President George W. Bush is just slightly below 5.2. The current unemployment rate is4.8 percent, almost half a percentage point lower than these averages.

The average inflation rate under Clinton was 2.6 percent, under Bush it is 2.7 percent. Indeed, one has to go back to the Kennedy administration to find a lower average rate. True the inflation rate over the last year has gone up to 4 percent, but that is still lower than the average inflation rate under all the presidents from Nixon through Bush’s father.

Gas prices are indeed up 33 percent over the last year, but to get an average of 4 percent means that lots of other prices must have stayed the same or gone down. On other fronts, seasonally adjusted civilian employment is 650,000 people greater than it was a year ago. Personal income grew at a strong half of one percent in just February.

Despite all that, this last week, Barack Obama proclaimed “As most experts know, our economy is in a recession.” Hillary Clinton made similar staements last fall. Yet, as any economist knows, a recession is two consecutive quarters of negative growth, and we haven’t even had one single quarter of negative growth reported. The economy slowed down significantly during the end of last year, but that was after a sizzling annual GDP growth rate of 4.9 percent in the third quarter.

Housing has obviously been a big drag on the economy, but many other sectors of the economy, such as exports, have been doing well, some extremely well. For example, aerospace exports increased by over 13 percent last year. The media’s focus on the negative side of everything surely helps explain people’s pessimism. In a recent interview Fox’s Neil Cavuto claimed this bias “is all part of the media’s plan to get a Democrat in the White House.”

Indeed, research has indicated that media bias is real. Kevin Hassett and I looked at 12,620 newspaper and wire service headlines from 1985 through 2004 for stories on the release of official government releasing numbers on the unemployment rate, number of people employed, gross domestic product (GDP), retail sales, and durable goods.

Even after accounting for how well the economy was doing (e.g., what the unemployment rate was and whether it was going up or down), there was still a big difference in how positive or negative the headlines were. Democratic presidents got about 15 percent more positive headlines than Republicans for the same economic news.

Yet, the hysteria created by this coverage can have another cost. It creates pressure for government to “do something,” even if that rush to do something actually ends up hurting the economy. For example, Obama's promises last week “to amend our bankruptcy laws so families aren't forced to stick to the terms of a home loan” will only further drive down the value of mortgage-backed securities, making any unstable financial institutions that hold them even more likely to fail. In the long term, who is going to want to loan money when the contract can be rewritten at a later date?

The news media have generated a lot of fear. Ben Stein has a point when he says “The actual economic conditions are not that bad. I think if we have a recession, if we have a serious recession, a great deal will lie at the media’s feet.” Hopefully a little perspective will enter the picture before even more harm is done.

Fox News: Environmental Jihad

For nearly seven years, the nation has turned its terror focus on Al Qaeda and the hunt for Usama bin Laden. But there is a domestic terror threat that federal officials still consider priority No. 1 — eco-terrorism.

The torching of luxury homes in the swank Seattle suburb of Woodinville earlier this month served as a reminder that the decades-long war with militant environmentalists on American soil has not ended. "It remains what we would probably consider the No. 1 domestic terrorism threat, because they have successfully continued to conduct different types of attacks in and around the country," said FBI Special Agent Richard Kolko.

The FBI defines eco-terrorism "as the use or threatened use of violence of a criminal nature against innocent victims or property by an environmentally oriented, subnational group for environmental-political reasons, or aimed at an audience beyond the target, often of a symbolic nature."

For years, officials have battled against members of shadowy groups such as the Earth Liberation Front and its brother-in-arms, the Animal Liberation Front. Law enforcement has made strides prosecuting cells, but it's been unable to end the arsons that have plagued developments encroaching on rural lands in the West. FBI estimates place damages from these attacks at well over $100 million. So far, no one has been killed.

It's a problem that's unlikely to go away. "Every time a fire breaks out and somebody takes a spray can and writes 'ELF' or 'ALF' on there, then everybody gets all excited that 'Oh this movement has started back up,'" said Bob Holland, a retired arson investigator. "The movement never really left."

The Earth Liberation Front rose to infamy in the late 1990s for a series of arsons in the Pacific Northwest targeting industries, such as logging, that the eco-terrorists perceived as a threat to nature. "Generally speaking, the Earth Liberation folks are motivated by a deep kind of affective connection to nature that many of them would characterize as spiritual or religious," said Bron Taylor, a professor of religion and nature at the University of Florida. "They believe that the human species is perpetrating a war on nature and that those who are connected to nature and belong to it have a right to defend themselves."

Members who carry out attacks in the name of nature tend to be of college age and well educated, and typically have an out-of-town recruiter who lures them into the act of crime, said Ron Arnold, the executive vice president of the Center for the Defense of Free Enterprise. There are exceptions to the rule, Kolko said. Some members are in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

These eco-terrorists often operate alone or in small groups, making them extremely difficult to penetrate. They target structures they feel are infringing on nature, leaving low-tech detonators that allow the fires to start after they've left. In 2006, a nine-year federal sting dubbed "Operation Backfire" was able to dissolve a cell responsible for 20 acts of arson in five Western states over five years.

That cell, dubbed "The Family," caused more than $40 million in damage and included attacks on a meat company in Eugene, Ore., a ski resort in Vail, Colo., and the torching of SUVs in Oregon. The latest Family member convicted, Briana Waters, was found guilty of arson on March 6 in Tacoma, Wash., for her role as a lookout in a 2001 fire that destroyed the Center for Urban Horticulture in Seattle, causing more than $2 million in damages.

"It's a leaderless ideology that can exist for a long time," said Holland, who worked on Operation Backfire. "You take out a cell like we did in Backfire — that doesn't stop like-minded individuals around the country from perpetuating the ideology of the ELF and ALF movement."

The perpetrators of the March 3 fires on the Seattle Street of Dreams left their mark, investigators said, with signs that read, "ELF" and "McMansions in RCDs r not green," a reference to rural cluster developments or residential subdivisions, along with an estimated $7 million in damages.

The homes had been built near the headwaters of Bear Creek, which is home to endangered chinook salmon. Opponents of the development had questioned whether the luxury homes could pollute the creek and an aquifer that is a source of drinking water, and whether enough was done to protect nearby wetlands.

In the past, ELF members have used everything from milk jugs to electrical ignition devices to set their blazes, Holland said. Officials for the fire earlier this month said no explosive devices were found amid the remains of the houses. The Building Industry Association of Washington and the FBI were offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Finding the culprit in eco-terrorism often requires someone within the organization turning against his or her fellow elves. "In Operation Backfire, we saw a sophistication that we've never seen in any type of a radical organization, and frankly, if somebody hadn't turned, we wouldn't have enjoyed the success we've had with that," Holland said.

Trying to predict where or when they'll strike next becomes a guessing game, experts said. "You don't know what's the hot topic in the minds of the potential perpetrators today — you can look on the Web and find out all kinds of things," Arnold said, noting that "it's very difficult to generalize because there are so many threads in the tapestry of environmentally inspired crimes."

The FBI currently has 180 ongoing eco-terror investigations and over the last several years has tied them to some 1,800 criminal acts, Kolko said. Despite the gains law enforcement has made, it just takes one person to reignite the movement, Holland said.

"There's no way to know or gauge how many people are actually sympathetic to that ideology and will continue to perpetuate it through acts of arson and other violence," he said.

HUD Secretary Resigns

President Bush: “Today, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson announced his decision to leave the Department after seven years of dedicated service. I have known Alphonso Jackson for many years, and I have known him to be a strong leader and a good man. I have accepted his resignation with regret.”

“Secretary Jackson is a great American success story. The youngest of twelve children - his father was a foundry worker and his mother was a nurse mid-wife - Alphonso has always understood the value of hard work and equal opportunity for all Americans.”

“For more than three decades, he has worked to help more Americans become homeowners and strengthen communities throughout our Nation. While leading the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Alphonso made significant progress in transforming public housing, revitalizing and modernizing the Federal Housing Administration, increasing affordable housing, rebuilding the Gulf Coast, decreasing homelessness, and increasing minority homeownership.”

“Laura and I treasure our strong friendship with Secretary Jackson, his wife Marcia, their daughters Annette and Lesley, and their granddaughter Lauren. We wish them all the best.”

Chris Webber: Despite Name, W’s Never Happened

During his career, Chris Webber scored points and headlines. He passed expertly. He never won. In Michigan, Golden State, Washington, Sacramento, Philadelphia, and Detroit…Webber failed. Despite immense talent, his individuality eclipsed.

On Wednesday, Webber retired. Despite Webber’s deficiency, Golden State Warriors General Manager Chris Mullin praised him. “If you ask me, he was one of best players of his era,” Mullin said. “When he was in Sacramento, they were right there among the top teams. He was in the center of all of that. He was the guy who made it all go. He had a tremendous career. I had the pleasure of watching him come in as a 20-year-old rookie and watched his career all along the way.”

In seventeen NBA seasons, Webber averaged 20.1 points and 9.5 rebounds per contest. In Golden State, Webber averaged 16.1points and 8.5 rebounds per contest. In Washington, he chalked 20.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per contest. In Sacramento, he racked 19.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per contest. In Philadelphia, he recorded 17.9 points and 9.3 rebounds per contest. In Detroit, he registered 11.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per contest.

Webber’s legacy is not unique. Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Tony Gwynn, and Dan Marino never won championships. However, they were professionals. They epitomized their franchises. Webber was childish, petulant, and self-indulgent. Ultimately, his greed trumped greatness.

Chelsea Clinton: “Monica is Private”

NEW RULE

Have your own children.

Last week, Jennifer Latham abducted an infant. Latham and her ilk are assholes. Why must they steal? Why not adopt? Why not procreate? Abductions harm children, communities, and parents. No one should endure them. No one should attempt them.

Worth A Read

Rickey.org

Blogging American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. Obsessed with David Archuleta.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Jay Gibbons?

According to a study, cellular phones are lethal. They trump cancer. I cannot believe this. Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and Lindsay Lohan are alive.

Today’s top five or Major League Baseball’s finest (1) Tigers, (2) Red Sox, (3) Mets, (4) Phillies, (5) Dodgers

God Bless Keith Maupin

The father of a soldier listed as missing-captured in Iraq since 2004 says the military has informed him that his son's remains were found in Iraq.

Keith Maupin says an Army general told him Sunday that DNA was used to identify the remains of his son, Sgt. Keith Matthew Maupin, who went by "Matt."

Matt Maupin was a 20-year-old private first class when he was captured April 9, 2004, after his fuel convoy was ambushed west of Baghdad.

Arab television network Al-Jazeera aired a videotape a week later showing Maupin sitting on the floor surrounded by five masked men holding automatic rifles.

That June, Al-Jazeera aired another tape purporting to show a U.S. soldier being shot. But the dark and grainy tape showed only the back of the victim's head and not the actual shooting.

Major League Baseball Predictions

American League

Eastern Division
1. Boston Red Sox (99-63)
2. Toronto Blue Jays (86-76)
3. New York Yankees (84-78)
4. Baltimore Orioles (69-93)
5. Tampa Bay Devil Rays (68-94)

Central Division
1. Detroit Tigers (107-55)
2. Cleveland Indians (90-72)
3. Chicago White Sox (89-73)
4. Minnesota Twins (85-77)
5. Kansas City Royals (66-96)

Western Division
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (91-71)
2. Seattle Mariners (80-82)
3. Oakland Athletics (79-83)
4. Texas Rangers (70-92)

National League

Eastern Division
1. New York Mets (103-59)
2. Philadelphia Phillies (97-65)
3. Atlanta Braves (91-71)
4. Washington Nationals (78-84)
5. Florida Marlins (72-90)

Central Division
1. Chicago Cubs (87-75)
2. St. Louis Cardinals (85-77)
3. Milwaukee Brewers (84-78)
4. Cincinnati Reds (81-81)
5. Houston Astros (80-82)
6. Pittsburgh Pirates (58-104)

Western Division
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (93-69)
2. San Diego Padres (92-70)
3. Colorado Rockies (90-72)
4. San Francisco Giants (59-103)

League Division Series

American League

Boson Red Sox defeat Cleveland Indians 3-0
Detroit Tigers defeat Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 3-0

National League

New York Mets defeat Chicago Cubs 3-2
Los Angeles Dodgers defeat Philadelphia Phillies 3-2

League Championship Series

American League

Detroit Tigers defeat Boston Red Sox 4-3

National League

New York Mets defeat Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3

World Series

Detroit Tigers defeat New York Mets 4-3

Line of the Morning

Senator John Kerry (D-MA)

“The important thing is to be fighting against John McCain and not to be destructive in this campaign, either campaigns. It is very important for both people to keep the eye on the real target -- John McCain and the Republican disaster of the last seven and a half years.”

Braun Out

On Wednesday, California fired Coach Ben Braun. According to Athletic Director Sandy Barbour, Braun’s record was inadequate. “Ultimately, the bottom line is we just didn't win enough basketball games,” Barbour said. “I believe this is a very talented team and I believe they underperformed. ... It concerns me not to put the student-athletes in position to have outrageous success.”

During his career, Braun logged a 219-154 ledger. He won the 1999 National Invitation Tournament. He amassed five NCAA Tournament appearances. “I'd like to thank the Cal community for 12 great years of support,” Braun said. “I've had the privilege to coach at one of the top universities in the country, and I'm proud of the program we've built. Going to eight postseason tournaments has been very special. I'm obviously disappointed that my staff and I won't be able to coach this team next year, and I feel they will be very successful.”

Winning is insufficient. NCAA and NIT appearances are insufficient. Championships are the objective. Talent increases expectations. Tenure intensifies inferiority. The aforesaid dismantled Braun. His seasons outnumbered successes.

The Surge is Working?

On Thursday, the United States Department of State issued a directive. Diplomats cannot exit the green zone. As previously stated, I support this war. However, this makes me cringe.

Kim Jong Repetition

On Friday, North Korea fired several missiles toward South Korea. As previously stated, North Korea will never relent. Bilateral negotiations, diplomatic opinions, and economic incentives are pointless. North Korea is deceitful. They will never be dissuaded.

Dodgers Retrace Their Origins

Beltway Beavis

On Friday, nineteen-year-old Slade Allen Woodson was charged with malicious wounding, attempted malicious wounding, maliciously firing at an occupied vehicle, and firearm felony use. Indiscriminately, Woodson fired toward motorists. His actions induced fear. For this, Woodson deserves severe punishment.

Joe Paterno: I Need A Contract?

Joe Paterno: “I don't even care if I get a contract. I'll be very frank with you. I think the university will do what they think is right, whenever the time comes. Right now, I'm very comfortable. What do I need an extension for? I have no problem. I'm not looking for a contract. I'm not looking for anything. I don't see any reason to get into all this stuff. You don't think I'd put this many years into this thing and, you know, want to screw it up?”

Earth Hour