From Fox News this evening:
Tea Party favorite Christine O'Donnell, a perennial candidate with no government experience, soundly defeated veteran politician Mike Castle for the Republican Senate nomination in Delaware Tuesday -- posing a major upset to the political establishment on the last big day of primaries.
With all precincts reporting, O'Donnell beat Castle 53-47 percent.
O'Donnell's win stands as the latest sign of Tea Party strength but also the latest test of whether that movement helps or hinders the Republican Party, with an open seat and perhaps a GOP Senate majority at stake.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee issued a terse statement congratulating O'Donnell for her nomination "after a hard-fought primary campaign."
Hmmm...will be interesting to see just how down-and-dirty the Democrats will be willing to get to hold on to the seat recently occupied by Joe Biden. BTW, it's not the 'Biden Seat'. It belongs to the voters of Delaware. O'Donnell can likely win if she reminds her constituents of that one simple fact.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Stick A Fork In It, Betty-Lou! I Gets The Feeling El Socialismo Cubano Is Done
If one lives long enough, and pays a bit of attention, all manner of wondrous events can occur.
In this case, we have Fidel and Raoul Castro, each in their own way, admitting that the socialist state they erected, enforced (generously propped up with Russian money), built a police state for, and attempted to export at the point of the gun for the past fifty or so years is, in fact, an abject failure.
They, in contrast to Our Beloved Leader, are laying off government employees in large numbers--500,000 on the first round, with more to come. They are encouraging the formation of small businesses, and beginning to take their boot-heel off the neck of the country.
From The Wall Street Journal:
Cuba will lay off more than half a million state workers and try to create hundreds of thousands of private-sector jobs, a dramatic attempt by the hemisphere's only Communist country to shift its nearly bankrupt economy toward a more market-oriented system.
The mass layoffs will take place between now and the end of March, according to a statement issued Monday by the Cuban Workers Federation, the island nation's only official labor union. Workers will be encouraged to find jobs in Cuba's tiny private sector instead.
"Our state can't keep maintaining...bloated payrolls," the union's statement said. More than 85% of Cuba's 5.5 million workers are employed by the state.
Well, cut my legs off and call me Shorty! Obamanomics, modeled on Fidel-o-nomics, sucks, creates poverty, malaise, and despair. And the government of the Worker's Paradise admits it! Within a couple of years, OS predicts the only remaining socialist true believers left in the US will reside in the White House, Harvard, Yale, UC Berkley, Plains Georgia, and Miz Nancy's and Mr. Harry's unsold autobiographies in the sale bins of discount bookstores in strip malls.
Hell's-Bells, ya'll! Even Fidel admitted it to Jeff Goldberg of the Atlantic Monthly last month. In the presence of credible witnesses, unprompted and unbidden:
Even more striking was something he said at lunch on the day of our first meeting. We were seated around a smallish table; Castro, his wife, Dalia, his son; Antonio; Randy Alonso, a major figure in the government-run media; and Julia Sweig, the friend I brought with me to make sure, among other things, that I didn't say anything too stupid (Julia is a leading Latin American scholar at the Council on Foreign Relations). I initially was mainly interested in watching Fidel eat - it was a combination of digestive problems that conspired to nearly kill him, and so I thought I would do a bit of gastrointestinal Kremlinology and keep a careful eye on what he took in (for the record, he ingested small amounts of fish and salad, and quite a bit of bread dipped in olive oil, as well as a glass of red wine). But during the generally lighthearted conversation (we had just spent three hours talking about Iran and the Middle East), I asked him if he believed the Cuban model was still something worth exporting.
"The Cuban model doesn't even work for us anymore," he said.
This struck me as the mother of all Emily Litella moments. Did the leader of the Revolution just say, in essence, "Never mind"?
I asked Julia to interpret this stunning statement for me. She said, "He wasn't rejecting the ideas of the Revolution. I took it to be an acknowledgment that under 'the Cuban model' the state has much too big a role in the economic life of the country."
Game, set, match. Stick a fork in it, Betty-Lou, 'cuz I think it's done. Someone get on the phone to Himself, and let him know he better come up with some other plausible verbiage to spout, 'cuz what he's saying now won't pass the laugh test no more.
Now, if they could just get around to freeing the remaining political prisoners, and let Chavez know...
In this case, we have Fidel and Raoul Castro, each in their own way, admitting that the socialist state they erected, enforced (generously propped up with Russian money), built a police state for, and attempted to export at the point of the gun for the past fifty or so years is, in fact, an abject failure.
They, in contrast to Our Beloved Leader, are laying off government employees in large numbers--500,000 on the first round, with more to come. They are encouraging the formation of small businesses, and beginning to take their boot-heel off the neck of the country.
From The Wall Street Journal:
Cuba will lay off more than half a million state workers and try to create hundreds of thousands of private-sector jobs, a dramatic attempt by the hemisphere's only Communist country to shift its nearly bankrupt economy toward a more market-oriented system.
The mass layoffs will take place between now and the end of March, according to a statement issued Monday by the Cuban Workers Federation, the island nation's only official labor union. Workers will be encouraged to find jobs in Cuba's tiny private sector instead.
"Our state can't keep maintaining...bloated payrolls," the union's statement said. More than 85% of Cuba's 5.5 million workers are employed by the state.
Well, cut my legs off and call me Shorty! Obamanomics, modeled on Fidel-o-nomics, sucks, creates poverty, malaise, and despair. And the government of the Worker's Paradise admits it! Within a couple of years, OS predicts the only remaining socialist true believers left in the US will reside in the White House, Harvard, Yale, UC Berkley, Plains Georgia, and Miz Nancy's and Mr. Harry's unsold autobiographies in the sale bins of discount bookstores in strip malls.
Hell's-Bells, ya'll! Even Fidel admitted it to Jeff Goldberg of the Atlantic Monthly last month. In the presence of credible witnesses, unprompted and unbidden:
Even more striking was something he said at lunch on the day of our first meeting. We were seated around a smallish table; Castro, his wife, Dalia, his son; Antonio; Randy Alonso, a major figure in the government-run media; and Julia Sweig, the friend I brought with me to make sure, among other things, that I didn't say anything too stupid (Julia is a leading Latin American scholar at the Council on Foreign Relations). I initially was mainly interested in watching Fidel eat - it was a combination of digestive problems that conspired to nearly kill him, and so I thought I would do a bit of gastrointestinal Kremlinology and keep a careful eye on what he took in (for the record, he ingested small amounts of fish and salad, and quite a bit of bread dipped in olive oil, as well as a glass of red wine). But during the generally lighthearted conversation (we had just spent three hours talking about Iran and the Middle East), I asked him if he believed the Cuban model was still something worth exporting.
"The Cuban model doesn't even work for us anymore," he said.
This struck me as the mother of all Emily Litella moments. Did the leader of the Revolution just say, in essence, "Never mind"?
I asked Julia to interpret this stunning statement for me. She said, "He wasn't rejecting the ideas of the Revolution. I took it to be an acknowledgment that under 'the Cuban model' the state has much too big a role in the economic life of the country."
Game, set, match. Stick a fork in it, Betty-Lou, 'cuz I think it's done. Someone get on the phone to Himself, and let him know he better come up with some other plausible verbiage to spout, 'cuz what he's saying now won't pass the laugh test no more.
Now, if they could just get around to freeing the remaining political prisoners, and let Chavez know...
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Back In The Saddle
It always takes a day or so to mentally regroup after arriving home from travels. So, OS won't even pretend to have much of value to offer.
He did spend the weekend with folks from 'Over-There' and 'Over-Here', and was given much food for thought. Perhaps, order will emerge from the impressions over the next few days.
Upon his return home, he departed the airport for the funeral of a long-time colleague, who died unexpectedly of a medical condition the gent was unaware he suffered. Three years younger than OS. It was sobering, even though the event was overflowing with people recounting happy memories of the deceased.
Life is short. If we're gonna get something worthwhile done, today is a good time to begin.
But, to thank you for stopping by, here are two wonderful moments from Red Skelton, who most definitely got worthwhile things done by bringing so many such joy.
He did spend the weekend with folks from 'Over-There' and 'Over-Here', and was given much food for thought. Perhaps, order will emerge from the impressions over the next few days.
Upon his return home, he departed the airport for the funeral of a long-time colleague, who died unexpectedly of a medical condition the gent was unaware he suffered. Three years younger than OS. It was sobering, even though the event was overflowing with people recounting happy memories of the deceased.
Life is short. If we're gonna get something worthwhile done, today is a good time to begin.
But, to thank you for stopping by, here are two wonderful moments from Red Skelton, who most definitely got worthwhile things done by bringing so many such joy.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Good NewsFor Monday
Archbishop Cranmer, one of the most thoughtful scribblers of this age, has returned to his life as a writer.
It was a long absence, and his return is a welcome event.
It was a long absence, and his return is a welcome event.
Dudley Moore Performs: Colonel Bogey Meets Beethoven
We all remember Dudley from the movie '10', that painful exploration of middle-aged manhood, and 'Arthur', a poignant story of a grown-up little boy who is forced to finally embrace adulthood.
What most of don't remember about Dudley was his earlier work, including the fact that he was hands-down a crack musician.
The UK and US once were countries that produced brilliant performers who brought a profound literacy to their game, and audiences that understood subtle humor, such as treating the 'Colonel Bogey March' theme as the subject of a sonata movement in the style of Beethoven.
OS hopes you enjoy this moment. He had the privilege of hearing Dudley perform live in the 1980's, and it was an inspiring evening.
What most of don't remember about Dudley was his earlier work, including the fact that he was hands-down a crack musician.
The UK and US once were countries that produced brilliant performers who brought a profound literacy to their game, and audiences that understood subtle humor, such as treating the 'Colonel Bogey March' theme as the subject of a sonata movement in the style of Beethoven.
OS hopes you enjoy this moment. He had the privilege of hearing Dudley perform live in the 1980's, and it was an inspiring evening.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Now, There's A Fine How-dya-do!: Today's 'Meet The Press'
So, OS is about to head to breakfast for Conference Day 2, and has the local NBC affiliate on the hotel room.
Wrapping up the hour, and the hostess announces: And now, looking ahead, David Gregory on Meet The Press will explore the question-'Have Americans lost faith in President Obama to lead the country out of this depression? David Axelrod joins him, etc....'
Hello? That's NBC, the Kool-Aid Network, using the dreaded 'D-word' in the same sentence referring to The Anointed One. It wasn't ad-libbed, either--the young lady was reading copy.
OS had a momentary vision of rats fleeing a sinking ship.
A quick walk around the block of this hotel in Yew Nork tends to confirm the use of that word, by the way. The present decay makes the former greatness of the place so very poignant.
Wrapping up the hour, and the hostess announces: And now, looking ahead, David Gregory on Meet The Press will explore the question-'Have Americans lost faith in President Obama to lead the country out of this depression? David Axelrod joins him, etc....'
Hello? That's NBC, the Kool-Aid Network, using the dreaded 'D-word' in the same sentence referring to The Anointed One. It wasn't ad-libbed, either--the young lady was reading copy.
OS had a momentary vision of rats fleeing a sinking ship.
A quick walk around the block of this hotel in Yew Nork tends to confirm the use of that word, by the way. The present decay makes the former greatness of the place so very poignant.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
The Depressing Thing About Religious Nutters Is...
...they seem to come out of the woodwork in groups.
Again, if you're reading from overseas, curious about America, these folks are not practicing any recognizable form of Christianity, and represent the tiniest of minorities in the U.S. Anyone who claims these people are mainstream are profoundly mistaken.
This ain't Christianity, ya'll.
These people are nutters.
And this ain't the American Way.
These people are nutters.
Again, if you're reading from overseas, curious about America, these folks are not practicing any recognizable form of Christianity, and represent the tiniest of minorities in the U.S. Anyone who claims these people are mainstream are profoundly mistaken.
This ain't Christianity, ya'll.
These people are nutters.
And this ain't the American Way.
These people are nutters.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
On The Road For A Few Days
OS is traveling on business. He'll be back, undoubtedly with tales to tell.
In the meantime, anything nasty anybody wants to say about the nutter who thinks it's a good idea to burn the Koran on Saturday, feel free. And, OS would be flattered if you would pass his previous post along.
Keep safe, ya'll.
OS
In the meantime, anything nasty anybody wants to say about the nutter who thinks it's a good idea to burn the Koran on Saturday, feel free. And, OS would be flattered if you would pass his previous post along.
Keep safe, ya'll.
OS
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Burning Books Is Reprehensible, Even If You Think The Books Are Reprehensible
General Petraeus is a sober soul. He makes decisions every day that may determine the life expectancy of many people in his care.
He thinks that the proposed public burning of the Koran by the Rev. Mr. Jones, head of the 50-member Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Fla., is not an act of a sober person.
He's right. His public statement is mild and measured, but unmistakable. And deserves to be republished over and over again in the next few days.
Again, OS is a devoted conservative Christian, and no fan of Islam. But, whatever Mr. Jones may be doing at his 50-member Dove World Outreach Center, he is not, repeat is not, practicing any recognizable form of Christianity. This sort of whack-job nonsense treads all over the Fourth Commandment--the one about not taking the name of the Lord in vain, or as one more modern translation puts it, not misusing the name of the Lord.
Then there is response of our Lord when queried about the Greatest Commandment. His response: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and strength. And then he said, 'The second is like unto it--love your neighbor as yourself.'
Not a hint anywhere about burning anybody's books, not even remotely about it.
OS could go on and on. Ya'll get the picture, he hopes.
In the meantime, this whack-job hits a bit close to home this week. OS has an unavoidable business trip that involves flying into Yew Nork City on Saturday, September 11. He's never enthusiastic about flying to that place, especially on that date. Now, this nutter decides to tell the world he's decided to burn a Koran on September 11.
Great. Just great. Thanks, Reverend. OS will be thinking of you as he takes his shoes off after waiting in the security line for an hour each direction. And attempting to explain this mess to his business associates from overseas. Thanks for nothing, you utter inexcusable idiot.
If ya'll are reading from overseas, and OldSouth hopes you do, please forward this screed to your friends in places like Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi, the Emirates, and the Moslem neighborhoods of the UK and Europe.
This nutter does not, repeat does not, speak for 99.99 percent of the citizens of the US. He is at the least mentally ill, probably sane and evil. He is no Christian, and burning a Koran for the cameras is one of the most un-Christian acts of the year.
This is not Christianity.
This is not America.
He thinks that the proposed public burning of the Koran by the Rev. Mr. Jones, head of the 50-member Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Fla., is not an act of a sober person.
He's right. His public statement is mild and measured, but unmistakable. And deserves to be republished over and over again in the next few days.
Again, OS is a devoted conservative Christian, and no fan of Islam. But, whatever Mr. Jones may be doing at his 50-member Dove World Outreach Center, he is not, repeat is not, practicing any recognizable form of Christianity. This sort of whack-job nonsense treads all over the Fourth Commandment--the one about not taking the name of the Lord in vain, or as one more modern translation puts it, not misusing the name of the Lord.
Then there is response of our Lord when queried about the Greatest Commandment. His response: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and strength. And then he said, 'The second is like unto it--love your neighbor as yourself.'
Not a hint anywhere about burning anybody's books, not even remotely about it.
OS could go on and on. Ya'll get the picture, he hopes.
In the meantime, this whack-job hits a bit close to home this week. OS has an unavoidable business trip that involves flying into Yew Nork City on Saturday, September 11. He's never enthusiastic about flying to that place, especially on that date. Now, this nutter decides to tell the world he's decided to burn a Koran on September 11.
Great. Just great. Thanks, Reverend. OS will be thinking of you as he takes his shoes off after waiting in the security line for an hour each direction. And attempting to explain this mess to his business associates from overseas. Thanks for nothing, you utter inexcusable idiot.
If ya'll are reading from overseas, and OldSouth hopes you do, please forward this screed to your friends in places like Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi, the Emirates, and the Moslem neighborhoods of the UK and Europe.
This nutter does not, repeat does not, speak for 99.99 percent of the citizens of the US. He is at the least mentally ill, probably sane and evil. He is no Christian, and burning a Koran for the cameras is one of the most un-Christian acts of the year.
This is not Christianity.
This is not America.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
A Touch Of Good News?: G-S To Shut Down It's Proprietary Trading Operation
From Bloomberg:
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. is disbanding its principal-strategies business, one of the groups that makes bets with the firm’s own money, to comply with new U.S. rules aimed at curbing risk, two people with knowledge of the decision said.
Wall Street’s most profitable investment bank plans to hold off on announcing the wind-down while the 65 to 70 members of the global unit seek new jobs, the people said, speaking anonymously because the internal discussions about the process are confidential. Some traders and support staff may get roles within the New York-based firm, while a team in Asia may raise money for a new hedge fund, the people said.
“The Dodd-Frank bill caused them to have some damage to the business here and they said it’s done, let’s get rid of it,” Michael Holland, who oversees more than $4 billion as chairman of Holland & Co. in New York, told Bloomberg Television. “They’re saying, ‘We don’t want these people to be worrying about what they’re going to be doing a couple of years from now, we’re just going to get rid of the uncertainty.”
It's a small start, away from the days when G-S seemed to be both promoting and short-selling the same financial instruments, creating an overwhelming incentive to screw anything in its path.
Let's see how long it takes them to reconstitute the operation at arm's length.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. is disbanding its principal-strategies business, one of the groups that makes bets with the firm’s own money, to comply with new U.S. rules aimed at curbing risk, two people with knowledge of the decision said.
Wall Street’s most profitable investment bank plans to hold off on announcing the wind-down while the 65 to 70 members of the global unit seek new jobs, the people said, speaking anonymously because the internal discussions about the process are confidential. Some traders and support staff may get roles within the New York-based firm, while a team in Asia may raise money for a new hedge fund, the people said.
“The Dodd-Frank bill caused them to have some damage to the business here and they said it’s done, let’s get rid of it,” Michael Holland, who oversees more than $4 billion as chairman of Holland & Co. in New York, told Bloomberg Television. “They’re saying, ‘We don’t want these people to be worrying about what they’re going to be doing a couple of years from now, we’re just going to get rid of the uncertainty.”
It's a small start, away from the days when G-S seemed to be both promoting and short-selling the same financial instruments, creating an overwhelming incentive to screw anything in its path.
Let's see how long it takes them to reconstitute the operation at arm's length.
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