American Insolence

On Thursday, Kris Allen, Allison Iraheta, and Adam Lambert advanced. This season is sans talent. I must accept that.

Survivor: Sickness Jettisons Jerry

Thursday’s elimination was simple. Jerry was ill. He was weak. He could not compete. Via a 6-1 vote, Jerry was ousted.

Tampa’s Bizarre Binge

Recreations are complex. Franchises sacrifice icons and veterans. They select athleticism and potential. Despite uncertainty, they promise similar excellence.

On Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Derrick Brooks, Warrick Dunn, Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard, and Cato June. “Obviously decisions like these are extremely difficult to make,” said General Manager Mark Dominik. “We did this out of respect for those players. We let them know we are going in a different direction and we have young men on the roster who will have an opportunity to step up and compete for a starting job.”

During his career, Brooks recorded 1,698 tackles and 25 interceptions. He registered twelve one hundred-plus tackle seasons. “You never replace a guy like Derrick Brooks,” said Coach Raheem Morris. “This was not a money issue or a youth movement. This is a direction change. We are moving forward, we're going to play some people that were behind these guys and let them compete.”

During his career, Dunn recorded 2,669 carries, 10,967 yards, and 49 touchdowns. He registered nine seven hundred yard-plus seasons.

During their careers, Galloway secured 682 receptions, 10,710 yards, and 77 touchdowns. Hilliard snared 546 receptions, 6,397 yards, and 35 touchdowns.

With the Buccaneers, Jon Gruden logged a 60-57 ledger. He won Super Bowl XXXVII. He accrued two division titles. He secured three playoff appearances. If Tampa Bay’s recreation possesses rationale, the rationale is invisible.

Locke Not A Cinch

On Wednesday, President Obama announced Gary Locke (Secretary of Commerce). “Gary knows the American Dream,” said Obama. “He's lived it. And that's why he shares my commitment to do whatever it takes to keep it alive in our time.”

From 1997-2005, Locke was Governor. “When I was first sworn in as governor of the great state of Washington, I told the story of how a hundred years ago, my grandfather came from China as a teenager and worked for a family as a houseboy in exchange for English lessons -- just one mile from the Governor's Mansion” said Locke. “It took our family 100 years to move that one mile, a journey possible only in America. My family's story is America's story. Our story is just one of hundreds of millions since the birth of our nation, of people coming from every part of the world in pursuit of the American Dream of freedom, hope and opportunity...”

For Secretary of Commerce, Governor Bill Richardson and Senator Judd Gregg were selected. Both renounced their nominations. If Locke mirrors them, President Obama is crippled.

President Obama Complete Text

American Idol Live Blog

Jasmine Murray (16 – Mississippi)

Her commencement is scattered. “Love Song” is an overvalued anthem. She has not altered this. Her performance is deteriorating. Her expression is scattered. Her vocals are scattered. She is not terrible. However, she will not advance.

Matt Giraud (23 – Michigan)

“Viva La Vida” was a personal favorite. Unfortunately, I can never listen again. He is reprehensible. He oversings. He screams. He whales. His emotion is completely contrived. He did not fail. He imploded.

Jeanine Vailes (27 – California)

She should not wear shorts. Her stems are distracting. Her commencement is inept. Her chorus is worse. She attempts charisma. Unfortunately, she exudes creepiness. I may experience nightmares. Terrible performance. She should not advance.

Nick Mitchell (27 – Connecticut)

Norman Bates phoned. He requested a date. His performance is irrelevant. The insipid antics. The knocking. The screeching. He is pathetic. How did he advance? Why did he advance? When will he exit? Is Randy insane? He was not entertaining. If he advances, I will never watch again.

Allison Iraheta (16 – California)

Her appearance is repugnant. Her hair is regrettable. Her dress is unflattering. She appears inflated. Her performance mirrors the aforesaid. She oversings. She screams. Her emotion is unbelievable. She should also cease bouncing. Simon and I disagree. She was not impressive. She was putrid.

Kris Allen (23 – Arkansas)

Michael Jackson phoned. He requested his creepiness. “Man in the Mirror” is a passionate selection. He is dispassionate. His performance slightly improves. However, his emotion remains contrived. He should not advance.

Megan Joy Corkrey (22 – Utah)

Her appearance is reprehensible. Her dress is horrid. Her hair is horrific. Her tattoo is scary. Is she a trailer park bride? Her performance is also awful. She oversings. She screams. Her emotion is deplorable. I adore “Put Your Records On.” I abhor her.

Matt Breitzke (27 – Oklahoma)

His appearance is adequate. His performance is magnificent. He does not oversing. He does not interpret the selection. He is understated. His vocals are stellar. Finally, I can applaud someone. Simon and I disagree. He was superb.

Jesse Langseth (25 – Minnesota)

Would American Idol select someone attractive? She is apocryphal. Her facial expressions induce vomit. Her performance induces additional vomit. She screams. She wails. She ruins this selection. Where is this season’s talent?

Kai Kalama (26 – California)

His commencement is acceptable. He does not oversing. His vocals are modest. However, he is sans emotion. He is sans personality. He will not advance.

Mishavonna Henson (18 – California)

Her commencement is scattered. Her emotion is believable. However, her transitions are awkward. Her vocals are misplaced. She appears lost. Her conclusion completes the calamity. “Drops of Jupiter” is an elegant metaphor. She was an incorrigible mess.

Adam Lambert (26 – California)

His appearance is unique. His personality is evident. He exudes confidence. He owns the selection. His performance is scattered. His commencement is acceptable. His transition is terrific. He is not flawless. However, his flaws are not fatal. He must advance.

Star Bounced

Stephon Marbury should be a superstar. Unfortunately, he is arrogant, egotistical, insufferable, pompous, and smug.

On Tuesday, the New York Knicks released Marbury. “A comprehensive agreement was made this afternoon between the New York Knicks and Stephon Marbury,” said the Knicks. “Under its terms, the grievance has been resolved and the Knicks have requested waivers on Stephon. No additional terms will be disclosed.”

During his career, Marbury registered 19.7 points and 7.8 assists per contest. He has tallied eight nineteen-plus point seasons. He has also logged nine eight-plus assist seasons.

The Knicks vs. Marbury. In this convoluted catharsis, there were no winners. There were no losers. They were both jerks. Thankfully, the jerks have separated.

NEW RULE

If one shuts up, clarifications are unnecessary.

Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY): “Ruth Bader Ginsburg…has cancer. Bad cancer. The kind you don’t get better from. Even though she was operated on, usually nine months is the longest that anybody would live after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.”

Senator Bunning is not cruel. He is not malicious. Still, he should have never spoken. Comprehension is not the issue. Interpretation is the issue. Senator Bunning is intelligent. He recognized the potential interpretation. He should have shut up.

Worth A Read

Operation Sports

Blogging sports video games.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Stephon Marbury?

On Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 250.14 points. On Tuesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 236.18 points. Once again, I am not an economist. This is why.

Today’s top five or NFL’s finest free agents (1) Albert Haynesworth, (2) T.J. Houshmandzadeh, (3) Jonathan Vilma, (4) Brian Dawkins, (5) Jeff Saturday

Hope’s Resurrection

State of the Union Complete Text

State of the Union Reaction – Volume 2

Not For Nothin

There’s $787 billion riding on this speech, this president, our government, and our economy. If there’s any solution to this current crisis, we have to believe that this is a start.

Thinkadelic

After President Obama remarked about providing legislation for medical care for hundreds of thousands of children he got another standing ovation, but I didn’t see one republican stand up.

124 Monkeys

Yeah, so after watching that amazing performance, I pretty much want to dress up in an American flag suit and go build a solar power plant for the local school.

Joshua Pundit

This is all Bush's fault, but he's going to fix it. He gave congress a high five for passing that huge, pork laden $3.27 trillion spending bill, repeating the horse manure about the supposed jobs it created "jobs rebuilding our roads and bridges; constructing wind turbines and solar panels; laying broadband and expanding mass transit."

State of the Union Reaction – Volume 1

It Means More Than Nothing

President Obama's speech tonight was hopeful, without the "hope", and uplifting. It was interesting to note the lack of Republican standing ovations, but it truly showed their inability to cross the line and unite.

Alyson Love

So, I thought President Obama's speech was brilliant-- honest, well written, well delivered, ambitious, hopeful, direct, engaging, motivating, lucid, intelligent, important. I loved the emphasis on energy, health care reform, education and the innovative, generous American spirit.

Project Victory

WHO the HECK is hiding this?? Maybe the President hasn’t Googled “Military Budget” recently. Well, I did it for him. Here’s one result. Wikipedia U.S. Military Budge - It’s Wikipedia!! Maybe the President should spend more time reading Wikipedia, there are many of his supporters there, if he wants to get better informed regarding the military budget.

I Had No Right

To me, it seemed to have echoes at times of previous call-to-action speeches, given by him and by others. At one point he specifically called out Sen. Edward Kennedy as "an American who has never stopped asking what he can do for his country." (Never mind the fact that it was his brother who first said that famous line, but that is neither here nor there)

State of the Union Excerpts

“We have lived through an era where too often, short-term gains were prized over long-term prosperity; where we failed to look beyond the next payment, the next quarter, or the next election. A surplus became an excuse to transfer wealth to the wealthy instead of an opportunity to invest in our future. Regulations were gutted for the sake of a quick profit at the expense of a healthy market. People bought homes they knew they couldn’t afford from banks and lenders who pushed those bad loans anyway. And all the while, critical debates and difficult decisions were put off for some other time on some other day.”

“Well that day of reckoning has arrived, and the time to take charge of our future is here.”

“Now is the time to act boldly and wisely – to not only revive this economy, but to build a new foundation for lasting prosperity. Now is the time to jumpstart job creation, re-start lending, and invest in areas like energy, health care, and education that will grow our economy, even as we make hard choices to bring our deficit down. That is what my economic agenda is designed to do, and that’s what I’d like to talk to you about tonight.”

“The recovery plan and the financial stability plan are the immediate steps we’re taking to revive our economy in the short-term. But the only way to fully restore America’s economic strength is to make the long-term investments that will lead to new jobs, new industries, and a renewed ability to compete with the rest of the world. The only way this century will be another American century is if we confront at last the price of our dependence on oil and the high cost of health care; the schools that aren’t preparing our children and the mountain of debt they stand to inherit. That is our responsibility.”

“In the next few days, I will submit a budget to Congress. So often, we have come to view these documents as simply numbers on a page or laundry lists of programs. I see this document differently. I see it as a vision for America – as a blueprint for our future.”

“My budget does not attempt to solve every problem or address every issue. It reflects the stark reality of what we’ve inherited – a trillion dollar deficit, a financial crisis, and a costly recession.”

“Given these realities, everyone in this chamber – Democrats and Republicans – will have to sacrifice some worthy priorities for which there are no dollars. And that includes me.”

“But that does not mean we can afford to ignore our long-term challenges. I reject the view that says our problems will simply take care of themselves; that says government has no role in laying the foundation for our common prosperity.”

“Yesterday, I held a fiscal summit where I pledged to cut the deficit in half by the end of my first term in office. My administration has also begun to go line by line through the federal budget in order to eliminate wasteful and ineffective programs. As you can imagine, this is a process that will take some time. But we’re starting with the biggest lines. We have already identified two trillion dollars in savings over the next decade.

“In this budget, we will end education programs that don’t work and end direct payments to large agribusinesses that don’t need them. We’ll eliminate the no-bid contracts that have wasted billions in Iraq, and reform our defense budget so that we’re not paying for Cold War-era weapons systems we don’t use. We will root out the waste, fraud, and abuse in our Medicare program that doesn’t make our seniors any healthier, and we will restore a sense of fairness and balance to our tax code by finally ending the tax breaks for corporations that ship our jobs overseas.”

“I know that we haven’t agreed on every issue thus far, and there are surely times in the future when we will part ways. But I also know that every American who is sitting here tonight loves this country and wants it to succeed. That must be the starting point for every debate we have in the coming months, and where we return after those debates are done. That is the foundation on which the American people expect us to build common ground.”

“But in my life, I have also learned that hope is found in unlikely places; that inspiration often comes not from those with the most power or celebrity, but from the dreams and aspirations of Americans who are anything but ordinary.”

“I think about Leonard Abess, the bank president from Miami who reportedly cashed out of his company, took a $60 million bonus, and gave it out to all 399 people who worked for him, plus another 72 who used to work for him. He didn’t tell anyone, but when the local newspaper found out, he simply said, ''I knew some of these people since I was 7 years old. I didn't feel right getting the money myself.”

“I think about Greensburg, Kansas, a town that was completely destroyed by a tornado, but is being rebuilt by its residents as a global example of how clean energy can power an entire community – how it can bring jobs and businesses to a place where piles of bricks and rubble once lay. “The tragedy was terrible,” said one of the men who helped them rebuild. “But the folks here know that it also provided an incredible opportunity.”

“And I think about Ty’Sheoma Bethea, the young girl from that school I visited in Dillon, South Carolina – a place where the ceilings leak, the paint peels off the walls, and they have to stop teaching six times a day because the train barrels by their classroom. She has been told that her school is hopeless, but the other day after class she went to the public library and typed up a letter to the people sitting in this room. She even asked her principal for the money to buy a stamp. The letter asks us for help, and says, “We are just students trying to become lawyers, doctors, congressmen like yourself and one day president, so we can make a change to not just the state of South Carolina but also the world. We are not quitters.”

Optimism & Labor

On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed Hilda Solis (80-17). Simultaneously, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke released this statement:

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke: “In my view there is a reasonable prospect that the current recession will end in 2009 and that 2010 will be a year of recovery.”

NEW RULE

Terrorists are terrorists.

Last week, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari compromised. He suspended anti-terrorist operations. He will impose Islamic law. Why?

Pakistan is volatile. However, appeasement will not stabilize. Appeasement will not succeed. Terrorists do not want coexistence. They want supremacy. Placating them encourages additional terrorism.

Worth A Read

Gay Patriot

Featuring conservative culture, ideas, issues, and themes.

The Daily Smak

Hey, weren’t you the Dow Jones Industrial Average?

On Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 250.14 points. President Obama’s reaction? “The state of the economy is yikes.”

Today’s top five or Indianapolis Colts’ receivers (1) Raymond Berry, (2) John Mackey, (3) Marvin Harrison, (4) Reggie Wayne, (5) Bill Brooks

Brimstone For Broadway

On Monday, the New York Rangers fired Coach Tom Renney. Assistant Coach John Tortorella supplanted him. “Torts is certainly a lot more fiery and a lot different in his approach to the game and the players,” said General Manager Glen Sather. “He's going to bring that fiery attitude, and a lot of the games we seemed to be missing it.”

During his career, Renney logged a 214-186-9-42 ledger. In Vancouver (100 games), he accrued a 39-52-9 record. In New York (351 games), he amassed a 175-134-42 record. “Everyone knows that their personalities are probably different, but the one thing in common with Tom, Torts and all of us is we want to win,” said Chris Drury. “Whatever that takes in the next 21 games, we've got to try to find a way to do it.”

In 1993, the Rangers garnered the Stanley Cup. Since, they have secured only six postseason appearances. Tortorella should reestablish them.

NEW RULE

Opinions are overvalued.

Do not advocate policy. Do not promote positions. Simply smile. Thank your parents.

Worth A Read

The Superficial

This is not satire. This is not social commentary. This is our society’s worst.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be tax-free?

According to a poll, President Obama trumps Gandhi and Jesus. The United States Department of Hyperbole conducted this study.

Today’s top five or greatest acceptance speeches (1) Kate Winslet, (2) Penelope Cruz, (3) Danny Boyle, (4) Christian Colson, (5) Heath Ledger’s family

Oscar Appraisal

Best Motion Picture
Prediction: “Slumdog Millionaire”
Winner: “Slumdog Millionaire”
(For the third consecutive year, the Academy is correct. The speech is eloquent. Belief and passion are imperative. They are life’s required elements.)

Performance by Actor in A Leading Role
Prediction: Mickey Rourke “The Wrestler”
Winner: Sean Penn “Milk”
(Given Proposition Eight, this result was predictable. Penn’s speech is scarcely endurable. Concerning Rourke, Penn was magnanimous. Concerning equal rights, Penn needs muzzled.)

Performance by Actor in A Supporting Role
Prediction: Heath Ledger “The Dark Knight”
Winner: Heath Ledger “The Dark Knight”
(Following the Golden Globes, Ledger’s sweep was inevitable.)

Performance by Actress in A Leading Role
Prediction: Kate Winslet “The Reader”
Winner: Kate Winslet “The Reader”
(Once again, a loaded category. Winslet’s speech is outstanding. Her childhood memories are adorable. Her class and respect are admirable. Winslet epitomizes this evening.)

Performance by Actress in A Supporting Role
Prediction: Penelope Cruz “Vicky Christina Barcelona”
Winner: Penelope Cruz “Vicky Christina Barcelona”
(Her speech is elegant. Art is the universal language. Unrealistic dreams are possible. These themes resonate.)

Achievement in Directing
Prediction: Danny Boyle “Slumdog Millionaire”
Winner: Danny Boyle “Slumdog Millionaire”
(Completely deserving. His Mumbai words are poignant.)

Best Documentary Feature
Prediction: “Encounters at the End of the World”
Winner: “Man on Wire”
(Slightly surprising. Stellar speech.)

Oscar Predictions

Best Motion Picture

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
“Frost\Nixon”
“Milk”
“The Reader”
“Slumdog Millionaire”

PREDICTION: “Slumdog Millionaire”

Performance by Actor in A Leading Role

Frank Langella “Frost\Nixon”
Richard Jenkins “The Visitor”
Sean Penn “Milk”
Brad Pitt “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Mickey Rourke “The Wrestler”

PREDICTION: Mickey Rourke “The Wrestler”

Performance by Actor in A Supporting Role

Josh Brolin “Milk”
Robert Downey Jr. “Tropic Thunder”
Heath Ledger “The Dark Knight”
Phillip Seymour Hoffman “Doubt”
Michael Shannon “Revolutionary Road”

PREDICTION: Heath Ledger “The Dark Knight”

Performance by Actress in A Leading Role

Anne Hathaway “Rachel Getting Married”
Angelina Jolie “Changeling”
Melissa Leo “Frozen River”
Meryl Streep “Doubt”
Kate Winslet “The Reader”

PREDICTION: Kate Winslet “The Reader”

Performance by Actress in A Supporting Role

Amy Adams “Doubt”
Penelope Cruz “Vicky Christina Barcelona”
Viola Davis “Doubt”
Taraji Henson “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Marisa Tomei “The Wrestler”

PREDICTION: Penelope Cruz “Vicky Christina Barcelona”

Achievement in Directing

Danny Boyle “Slumdog Millionaire”
Stephen Daldry “The Reader”
David Fincher “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Ron Howard “Frost\Nixon”
Gus Van Sant “Milk”

PREDICTION: Danny Boyle “Slumdog Millionaire”

Best Documentary Feature

“The Betrayal”
“Encounters at the End of the World”
“The Garden”
“Man on Wire”
“Trouble the Water”

PREDICTION: “Encounters at the End of the World”

Canoodling Your Banker

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: “I certainly do think that the Chinese government and central bank are making a smart decision by continuing to invest in treasury bonds. It's a safe investment. The United States has a well-deserved financial reputation.”

“It would not be in China's interest if we were unable to get our economy moving. So by continuing to support American Treasury instruments, the Chinese are recognizing our interconnection. We are truly going to rise or fall together. We are in the same boat and, thankfully, we are rowing in the same direction.”

“Our economies are so intertwined, the Chinese know that to start exporting again to their biggest market, namely the United States the United States has to take some very drastic measures with this stimulus package, which means we have to incur more debt.”

The Big Five

For reasons good and bad… they were the news.

The Hot Five

A quintet of sizzling conversation starters.

Line of the Morning

Governor Ed Rendell (D-PA)

“We heard these same arguments when Bill Clinton raised taxes on the top 2 percent of the richest people in America to get rid of the deficit. And guess what happened? We produced 24 million new jobs. We had the eight years that were the most successful in the second half economically of the 20th century.”