While the newly freed Afghanistan says they respct freedom of religion as long as that religion is Islam. Abdul Rahman converted to Christianity 16 years ago and is in jail facing the death penalty because of it. Michelle Malkin has full details here and here, including petition drives and embassy contacts to write to encourage … Continue reading Death to Afghan Christians
Category: Serious Stuff
No laughing. This time I mean it.
LULAC, NAACP got nothin' on me.
Welcome to St. Patrick's day in America. The oldest traditional Irish holiday in the new world (1762 by some accounts). We were celebrating our differences in the melting pot of America long before other immigrant groups. Given for the Scottish son of the Roman Calphurnius and his wife, Conchessa. Padraig, at 15 became a cowherd … Continue reading LULAC, NAACP got nothin' on me.
No, problem – I'll put it on plastic….
Oh boy. The Senate voted Thursday to allow the national debt to swell to nearly $9 trillion, preventing a first-ever default on U.S. Treasury notes. The bill passed by a 52-48 vote. The increase to $9 trillion represents about $30,000 for every man, woman and child in the United States. The bill now goes to … Continue reading No, problem – I'll put it on plastic….
Mechanical Investing for March 2006
February was looking good until 3 stocks took a 15% nosedive within 2 days. Bah. Why don't they ever nosedive upwards? Still, things are looking good so far this year even with that bump. Last 4 weeks: -3.60% Last 3 months: +3.2% Year to date: +3.8% (Dow is +3.7% ytd from 10,718) Last 12 months:+1.3% … Continue reading Mechanical Investing for March 2006
Do You Ever Shower?
If you ever shower, expect to be sued. Many people find the sound of running water soothing and peaceful. Not Marvin and Goldie Smith, who have sued their neighbor over her 5 a.m. baths. The couple, 83 and 78 respectively, live on the eighth floor of the Polo Club Condominiums near the Cherry Creek Shopping … Continue reading Do You Ever Shower?
Overturning Roe v. Wade
South Dakota has wasted no time challenging the federal government's mandate to allow abortion. They have approved a ban on abortion specifically to challenge Roe v. Wade. PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota lawmakers approved a ban on nearly all abortions Friday, setting up a deliberate frontal assault on Roe v. Wade at a time when … Continue reading Overturning Roe v. Wade
Cartoons of Blasphemy
The decision to publish (or not publish) the Dreaded Cartoons of Blasphemy that have the Islam "Religion of Peace" so riled up isn't such a clear cut decision. Let's look at the options: Let's say you're a Boston Globe and you happily publish pictures of the Virgin Mary covered with dung. Publishing the Muslim cartoons … Continue reading Cartoons of Blasphemy
Danish Cartoon Kerfuffle
Danish cartoon kerfuffle funny. Yup, funny. *Tip from Sean
No Longer Googling
No longer googling. From Google's leftist leanings (98% of their contributions go to Democrats) to their support of Chinese censorship, I need a new search engine. I've switched to A9.com. It's owned by Amazon.com, you can earn credit on Amazon stuff, and it's easier to type.
Why Does Iran Want Nukes?
So they can nuke someone. Duh. Here's the latest fatwah out of Iran: The spiritual leaders of the ultra-conservatives [in Iran] have accepted the use of nuclear weapons as lawful in the eyes of the shari'a. Mohsen Gharavian, a disciple of [Ayatollah] Mesbah Yazdi [who is Iranian President Ahmadinejad's spiritual mentor], has spoken for the … Continue reading Why Does Iran Want Nukes?
Mainstream Media Sour Grapes
Amazing. The mainstream media criticized Dick Cheney for not releasing information on this weekend's shooting fast enough (even though it appears quick enough to me), then criticized him when the news was released to a local Texas newspaper instead of the gaggle of Washington reporters. Now they're critical of him because he chose to release … Continue reading Mainstream Media Sour Grapes
Put On a Happy Face
I don't think it's any surprise that Republicans are happier than Democrats, what with the "angry left" vitriol I read in the news. What is surprising to me that Republicans have been happier than Democrats by such a wide margin every year since the Pew Research Center started polling in 1972. Also no surprise: conservatives … Continue reading Put On a Happy Face
Democrats Misplay "God Card"
I wrote last July that I fully expected the liberal Democrat party to try and claim Christianity for themselves under the name of "progressive Christianity." A prime example is in USAToday recently that tries to show that "playing the God card" isn't working for George Bush and the Republicans. Even if, as the author admits, … Continue reading Democrats Misplay "God Card"
Not Blogging This
Ok, so Dick Cheney shot somebody. It was an accident. If he had shot John Edwards, then that would have been newsworthy, but he didn't. Update: I may have been premature. I'm always surprised at the tackiness of the extreme left.
Texas Primary Recommendations
CLOUT has made their recommendations for the Texas primary on March 7, and I agree with them. Here's a summary: Vote for Dan Patrick. He's been leading the tax reform movement for years as a citizen, and rebuffed every time by Fred Hill and his ilk. Now Dan has decided that if he can't get … Continue reading Texas Primary Recommendations
This Keeps Me Up at Night, Too
Record Sales of Sleeping Pills Are Causing Worries
Cartoon Violence Continues
I'm amazed at the violence from the Muslim world. I don't think they're convincing me they're not a violent religion. I certainly understand their anger. When Christians get upset, we write letters. Storming an embassy looking for infidels to kill? I don't recall Christians doing that. But for goodness sake, they're cartoons. There is hypocrasy … Continue reading Cartoon Violence Continues
Offending the Religious
NBC aired "The Book of Daniel" against the objections of Christian conservatives. Poorly written, appealing to few people, too controversial for advertisers, the "Book of Daniel" was dropped. European newspapers have published cartoons depicting Mohamed with a bomb for a turban. Muslims rioted, kidnapped Europeans, burned effigies. Both freedom of speech examples. Both examples of … Continue reading Offending the Religious
State of Cindy's Delusion
You probably know Cindy Sheehan was arrested and removed before the President's State of the Union address last night. That wasn't really a surprise - the surprise to me was that a U.S. Representative, Lynn Woolsey, gave her a ticket. Sometimes the Left is really... Left, you know? Cindy was removed by Capital Police because, … Continue reading State of Cindy's Delusion
Best Presidential Face
The next President of the United States must have an aura of pomposity, and air of importance about them that lends weight to the office. If you pit Condoleezza against Hillary, who has the most impressive look? Here's the Republican candidate: Not bad, not bad at all. If I was a terrorist, I'd run fleeing. … Continue reading Best Presidential Face
Mechanical Investing News
The Mechanical Investing strategy I've been following since 1998 is in the news at the Motley Fool today. Here are some excerpts, part 1 of 2: Want 50% Annual Returns? By Jim Fink (TMF Hamp) January 30, 2006 In my years of reading The Motley Fool, I've been particularly interested in the Fool boards on … Continue reading Mechanical Investing News
Mechanical Investing for February 2006
January started with a bang, and I'm pleased with the stock selections Except for CAL; I even flew Continental to France this month and it didn't do a thing for the stock price. 😛 Also, apparently I showed that all the stocks I bought I paid $0.00. Free stocks! No really, I've corrected the list … Continue reading Mechanical Investing for February 2006
Splash!
Something odd I found this morning: Ted Kennedy's dog is named "Splash." (Fourth paragraph from bottom.) No comment. Not from me, not from Mary Jo Kopechne.
"Lost Liberty" Hotel One Step Closer
I wrote about this last year after that dreadful Supreme Court Kelo decision - that the government can confiscate private property if it can be shown taxes can be increased. Increased taxes historically haven't been considered part of the "public use" definition in the Constitution. Churches in particular have been worried since they're tax exempt. … Continue reading "Lost Liberty" Hotel One Step Closer
Only From the Mind of Minolta
I've owned Minolta cameras my whole life. Guess I need a new brand. Minolta is abandoning the camera market. TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Konica Minolta Holdings Inc. (4902.T) said on Thursday it would withdraw from the camera and color film businesses, marking the end to one of the best known brands in the photography world. … Continue reading Only From the Mind of Minolta
Mechanical Investing for January 2006
I wanted to do a year-end market wrap-up for the mechanical investing strategy, but I just won't have the time this year. I'll do a quick wrap-up as of today and call it the end of the year summary. Not my best year; after all those gyrations I only beat the market by a wee … Continue reading Mechanical Investing for January 2006
Separation of Church and State
Here's an early Christmas present; thanks to CADRE Comments for the tip. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Mercer County's right to display in a court house the Ten Commandments along with the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, the Magna Carta, and the National Motto ("In God We Trust"). American Civil Liberties Union … Continue reading Separation of Church and State
FTC says CAN-SPAM is Effective
The Federal Trade Commission says that the CAN-SPAM legislation passed in 2003 is effective at fighting spam. The Federal Trade Commission said on Tuesday that the CAN-SPAM Act has worked, and was effective in protecting consumers from unsolicited e-mail. The agency publicly released a report at a press conference in Washington that studied the effectiveness … Continue reading FTC says CAN-SPAM is Effective
Banning Christmas
An administrator, Patricia Sonntag, at California State University, has banned Christmas. "Time has come to recognize that religious discrimination, as well as ethnic insensitivity to certain holidays, is forbidden," Patricia Sonntag, director of the Office of Services to Students with Disabilities, stated in the directive she e-mailed to members of her staff on Dec. 9. … Continue reading Banning Christmas
Still Boycotting Winter Holiday
I'm still boycotting the neopagan Winter Holiday, whatever that is. For this next year, I'm taking it one step further. Listen up schools, businesses, and retail stores: Christmas is a federal holiday, an official United States holiday. If you can't acknowledge that it's Christmas, I want nothing to do with you. I will assume that … Continue reading Still Boycotting Winter Holiday
Morgan Freeman is a Man
I don't know what Morgan Freeman's other views are, but he won a lot of kudos from the conservative bloggers this week by his views on racial discrimination: Morgan Freeman says the concept of a month dedicated to black history is "ridiculous." "You're going to relegate my history to a month?" the 68-year-old actor says … Continue reading Morgan Freeman is a Man
U.S. Politics Manipulated by Liberal Media
A three year old story hits the front page of the NY Times. The NSA started doing eavesdopping samplings after 9/11 to track down those "sleeper cells" we Americans were concerned about. Would there be another terrorist attack? Note that this story is an old story around since 2002. Also... The Senate considers filibustering an … Continue reading U.S. Politics Manipulated by Liberal Media
Wiping Israel Off the Map
I forgot where I found this link, but it's spreading quickly. The United Nations held a Palestinian Appreciation Day and gave thanks for suicide bombers. On the back wall behind Kofi Anna is a map of the Middle East with Israel conspicuously missing. I didn't find it at Wizbang, though Jay Tea has a great … Continue reading Wiping Israel Off the Map
Tookie
The founder of the Crips, one of the most bloody gangs in Los Angeles history, was executed last night. Stanley "Tookie" Williams' execution was protest by liberal media and actors, claiming "The state of California just killed an innocent man." Tookie's victims, shot dead 26 years ago, were unavailable for comment.
More "Christmas," Less "Holiday"
As some of you know, I'm boycotting "Winter Holiday" again this year. I'm not even sure what that holiday is, but I'm pretty sure it's some sort of pagan / atheist thing. Whatever it is, I want none of it. For me, it's Christmas. And for many, it's Christmas. Why is so terrible to acknowledge … Continue reading More "Christmas," Less "Holiday"
Oh Christmas Tree
Some time in the 1990s, the annual spruce placed on the Washington Capitol grounds started being called the "Holiday Tree" instead of "Christmas Tree." Nobody seems to know why it was changed, but it was at about the same time Bill Clinton was in the same city and struggling to keep his pants up. Coincidence? … Continue reading Oh Christmas Tree
Mechanical Investing for December 2005
Yeah, yeah, I know I said I'd be trading next Monday, not today. Next week though I'll be busy in meetings through lunchtime and I won't have access, so I moved it up a week. So solly cholly. The Dow surged ahead this month and some problem stocks had the hiccups, so the Dow beat … Continue reading Mechanical Investing for December 2005
Inviting the Illegal Aliens
At Sand in the Gears, Tony first opined that enforcing immigration laws is not a Christian thing to do. After taking some heat for that statement, he addressed their comments and challenged Christians to rethink their position on illegal immigration. On his latter post I took the position that although I agreed with his sentiment, … Continue reading Inviting the Illegal Aliens
Some Babies Survive
Some babies survive the abortion process. Despite the best efforts to declare these struggling young humans as "non-viable," some of them survive the abortion process and are born damaged and crying. A [United Kingdom] GOVERNMENT agency is launching an inquiry into doctors’ reports that up to 50 babies a year are born alive after botched … Continue reading Some Babies Survive
Hollywood Patriot
While I may tend to go off on entertainers that bash America, I would rather highlight those that support America, not just for their patriotism but for their bravery in standing up to Hollywood leftists. I'll give kudos to Bruce Willis who's had enough of the bashing American soldiers take from Hollywood. From Michelle Malkin: … Continue reading Hollywood Patriot
Intelligent Design in Public Schools
Andrew Coulson at the Cato Institute has a question - why are we fighting over Intelligent Deisgn vs Evolution? Does it matter to one parent if another parent teaches their child about God? Supporters of the theory of human origins known as "intelligent design" want it taught alongside the theory of evolution. Opponents will do … Continue reading Intelligent Design in Public Schools
The Left Hates Inequality
On the surface, that doesn't sound so bad. The Left hates inequality. Nobody need be better or worse than anybody else. Trouble is, enforced equality is socialism, communism. Instead of bringing people up from the bottom, equality is enforced by shackling the achievers. When you see a special tax on oil profits, opposition to school … Continue reading The Left Hates Inequality
AT&T Again
Ok, so let me see if I got all this down. I had AT&T Worldnet for an Internet service provider, Southwestern Bell telephone after AT&T broke up (although I kept AT&T Long Distance to use on my Southwestern Bell Telephone), and Cingular Wireless. Then I switched to SWBell DSL internet and my wife had AT&T … Continue reading AT&T Again
The Great Lion Prediction
Bitter Sanity has some insightful predictions about lionizing Saddam Hussein. I'd like to think this is fantasy, but I'm pretty sure it's accurate: A few predictions I've been thinking that it's only a matter of time before mainstream thought in this country begins the process of lionizing Saddam Hussein. With his trial beginning, the tone … Continue reading The Great Lion Prediction
Iraq Withdrawal Vote Fails 403-3
That had to be the funniest thing I've ever seen our circus in Washington do. Democrats call for a pullout from Iraq, Republicans say, "We can vote on that" and Democrats say, "It's a trick!" and vote against it. Nobody wants troops in Iraq any longer than necessary. Any attempt to schedule a withdrawal though, … Continue reading Iraq Withdrawal Vote Fails 403-3
Democrats Still Stunned
The Democrats have that "deer in the headlights" look. The Whitehouse has started publishing "corrections" to the Washington Post and New York Times when they say Bush led us like a lone cowboy into war. Then that awesome video of Clinton, Albright and others in their own words from 1998 saying that Saddam was a … Continue reading Democrats Still Stunned
To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before
Or not go, depending on whether you can get the engines running. Looks like they could use another engineer like Scotty: In life, James Doohan was the "Star Trek" engineer who worked miracles on the Enterprise, but a rocket meant to blast his remains into space has engine trouble. A Falcon One rocket was to … Continue reading To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before
Setting the Record Straight
Finally, the White House is addressing the liberal media for making outrageous claims about how Bush lied, led us into war, yada yada yada. Conservatives have long read the Washington Post and the New York Times and pointed out the errors, errors embraced by the liberal media to make their point. Two days ago, the … Continue reading Setting the Record Straight
Did Bush Lie?
Bush has finally been hitting back at the liberal revisionists that say Bush misled the U.S. into war with Iraq. Liberals say Bush lied... but did he? Who else said Saddam was a threat? Michelle Malkin points out that this answer is refreshingly easy - just Google it.
Bush Derangement Syndrome
Dr. Sanity shines a spotlight on Bush Derangement Syndrome. Ok, before I go further, I know I've had harsh words for Bush the last couple of weeks. The difference is that I'm critical of Bush for not holding to the conservative values that got him elected. The Left hates Bush for things Bush does, things … Continue reading Bush Derangement Syndrome
In God We Trust
I find this non-ruling interesting: The U.S. Supreme Court was asked to review whether the words "In God We Trust," written prominently in large block letters on the Lexington, N.C. county government center, violated the so-called separation of church and state. As an aside, I'll keep saying this until the news media gets it: there … Continue reading In God We Trust
Disgruntled Conservatives
When Bush pushed for Harriet Miers, I balked. The Republicans are not only not acting like the majority party, but the few battles they win seem like they're for the other side. The size of government balloons. From the lack of social security reform to the nomonation of Harriet Miers, I'm done giving Bush the … Continue reading Disgruntled Conservatives
Mary Mapes and Burden of Proof
Mary Mapes, the CBS producer fired last year for running a story using forged documents, is standing by her story. She says she doesn't have to prove her story is true; you have to prove it is false. Newsbusters has the transcript: Ross: "After 12 days of defending them, CBS and Dan Rather later admitted … Continue reading Mary Mapes and Burden of Proof
Spiritual Wickedness in High Places
The Anchoress posts an email from a scared Catholic friend in France who wonders why the French media and politicians are ignoring that fanatical Muslims are burning churches in France. When we dare to grumble, when we dare to murmur that Islam is a religion of death, that we do not want to become an … Continue reading Spiritual Wickedness in High Places
Liberals Taking Credit for Conservative Ideas
I find this story in the Houston Chronicle amusing: Republican Gov. Rick Perry rallied his evangelical, socially conservative base on the issue, but political analysts said Proposition 2's success doesn't necessarily predict future success for individual politicians. "I don't see how it can be useful for a party or a candidate because this so transcends … Continue reading Liberals Taking Credit for Conservative Ideas
Barbra Streisand Shows She Misunderstands the Constitution
I'm about to enter a period of extended hours at work, so I'm going to flood y'all with opinions today. 🙂 Barbra Streisand is calling for the impeachment of President Bush. If there was ever a time in history to impeach a President of the United States, it would be now. In my opinion, it … Continue reading Barbra Streisand Shows She Misunderstands the Constitution
The Oil Connection
See if you can connect these dots that seem to elude our elected officials: U.S. House drops ANWR from budget. U.S. Congress Wants to Know Why Oil Prices Are So High. I know there's a connection there. I just know it.
Middle Class Military
Charles Rangel, the looney left-wing Democrat, has criticized the military on several issues, one of them that the military is made up disproportionately of minorities while middle and upper class families reap the benefits without risk. Where he got that idea from, who knows. Certainly didn't come from the facts, though. Turns out most of … Continue reading Middle Class Military
Houston Election Recap
I didn't get all jazzed over this election; except for Proposition 2, there weren't any real hotbuttons. My general impression of the results are that social conservatives and fiscal liberals won; Proposition 2 won handily, but those incumbents against appraisal caps held their job. Pfft. Proposition 1 passed that authorized various grants. I think the … Continue reading Houston Election Recap
Go Hogs!
I previously wrote how Fred Phelps gives Christians a bad name. I'm happy to report his Westboro "church" was defeated by Harley hog riders. Go hogs! EDMOND, Okla. -- About 200 motorcyclists rolled into Edmond today to support the family of a soldier killed in Iraq and to drown out protests from about a half-dozen … Continue reading Go Hogs!
Eurabia
The riots in France were predicted in a book just a month before the riots started. Militant Islam is a threat to western democracies, and Tony Blankley describes it in his book, "The West's Last Chance: Will We Win the Clash of Civilizations?" It is beginning to dawn on Europeans that the combination of a … Continue reading Eurabia
Cindy Sheehan for President
Cindy Sheehan for President? I think most people think Hillary Clinton will take the Democratic nomination for President in 2008. Since Hillary won't take the looney-left-oppose-the-war-at-all-costs position, the anti-war left is looking for somebody to oppose her. If Cindy's campaign gets some resonance, then Hillary has to take a position, and either way, she alienates … Continue reading Cindy Sheehan for President
Living Beneath Your Means
Apparently, the more you make, the more in debt you are. Statistics show that the highest 20 percent of Americans -- those with a pre-tax income of $110,000 and up -- have seen their liabilities skyrocket since 2001. The net change in that group's total liabilities increased by about $40,000 on average from 2001 to … Continue reading Living Beneath Your Means
Mid-Week Linkage
Linkfest for Wednesday: Michelle Malkin sheds light on how the anti-war bias of the liberal left newspapers is showing again. The NY Times uses selected quotes from a deceased serviceman's letter to his girlfriend to make you think he's regretting being in combat, while completely leaving out his pride in protecting America. Here's what the … Continue reading Mid-Week Linkage
Too Busy Today
Good stuff today - Democrats throw a tantrum and close the Senate for a day, Tom DeLay gets a new trial judge, people realize the Scooter Libby thing doesn't touch Karl Rove (and in fact, Scooter wasn't charged with the charge Demcrats has hoped for, only for obstructing the investigation), and if that wasn't enough, … Continue reading Too Busy Today
Our Next Contestant for Supreme Court Is…
Bush has nominated Samuel Alito for Supreme Court of the United States. I like him for the following reasons: He's Italian and Florence is a beautiful city. He has decades of conservative judicial opinions under his belt. Harry Reid doesn't like him. No matter who Bush nominates, there is going to be a fight. I'm … Continue reading Our Next Contestant for Supreme Court Is…
Mechanical Investing for November 2005
Goodness, the market was a ride this month. The first two weeks of October showed great gains, then the last two weeks gave it all back and then some. Yuck. Here's the scorecard so far; looks like I would have done exactly as well if I had put the cash under a mattress: Last 4 … Continue reading Mechanical Investing for November 2005
Harriet Miers Withdraws
Finally. As much as I like Harriet Miers as a person of good character, I want a rock-solid conservative judicial nominee for the Supreme Court. Harriet Miers has withdrawn her name for consideration. President Bush, if you're going to pick another fight, why not fight the opposition instead of your own base?
Far Left, Far Right
Far Left: Al Franken is laughing it up, I suppose. Nobody else is, because he's not funny. He's promoting his new book on Amazon with a video clip showing how good it feels to kick a conservative between the legs. Michelle Malkin has video stills and here is the video clip. Basically, he questions a … Continue reading Far Left, Far Right
Cause for Celebration
The Angry Left was disappointed this week as the US casualty toll was stuck at 1996 deaths. They seem eager to party once we reach the magical 2000 deaths. Man, they are a morbid bunch.
H is for Handcuffs
An Elmo impersonator was arrested in Hollywood yesterday. Must have been traumatic for children nearby to see a Sesame Street character led away in handcuffs. LOS ANGELES - The red and cuddly Sesame Street Muppet Elmo has learned a new lesson: 'H' is for handcuffs. A man dressed as the character was one of three … Continue reading H is for Handcuffs
Danger Train Hotel
Why is Houston Metro using our tax dollars to build hotels? If they've run out of transportation projects, shouldn't we taxpayers get our money back instead?
Tom DeLay's Smile
Tom DeLay isn't cooperating with the Democrats. They wanted a media circus yesterday, complete with mugshots they could use for their upcoming campaigns. Instead, Tom DeLay turned himself in in Houston and smiled a big cheesy grin for the camera. The November elections will be over before DeLay's trial begins - which was the whole … Continue reading Tom DeLay's Smile
Ronnie Earle vs. Tom Delay
Now, in the Ronnie Earle vs. Tom DeLay, Earle's playing dirty. My prediction is that it will cost Earle his job eventually. This "playing hardball" tactic is going to backfire on Earle eventually. It always does. DeLay hasn't been convicted (almost wasn't even indicted until Earle shopped for a more sympathetic grand jury), and DeLay … Continue reading Ronnie Earle vs. Tom Delay
HJR 6 on the Texas Ballot
The Texas Legislature and the people of Texas have surely made their wishes known when it comes to rejecting gay marriage. Unfortunately, it's only a matter of time before some judge somewhere, acting on his own beliefs instead of law, will impose his view on us and insist we recognize gay marriage. A Texas state … Continue reading HJR 6 on the Texas Ballot
One Out to Go
One out to go. One measly out, and the Astros are going to the World Series. And then a single by St. Louis puts a man on base. And another single. And then Pujols belts it out of the park. He hit it so hard I thought he had punched a hole in the roof. … Continue reading One Out to Go
Not Running for President
My favorite, Condoleeza Rice, is not running for President. Neither is Dick Cheney. And just to make sure your list is complete, I am not running for President either. I fear a Hillary presidency unless the Republicans find somebody to run against her.
Go 'Stros!
Anybody else watch the Astros game last night? Man, what a finish! Astros holding a 2-1 lead. Cardinals put a man on 1st and 3rd, and then a hard grounder to third. Ensberg whips that ball back to the catcher to tag out the runner, keeping the score at 2-1 with 1 away. But St. … Continue reading Go 'Stros!
Rising Property Taxes Again
The taxman cometh and the taxman taketh away. Property taxes have risen statewide in Texas 41% in 4 years. And compared to other state, Texas has no income tax, so property taxes are very high. On a $100,000 home, property taxes are $3,000 - $4,000 a year. And they're about to go up yet again. … Continue reading Rising Property Taxes Again
Bird Flu
I'm having trouble getting interested in this story. Somehow, I think it's sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. If the virus spreads and if the virus mutates and if that mutation is harmful to humans and if that mutation can spread through casual contact, then we are all doomed. Too many ifs to warrant a solid week … Continue reading Bird Flu
The Religion of Harriet Miers
Bush has gone an additional step too far. Last week in the face of criticism, he defended Harriet Miers with a wink and a nod. "Trust me," he said. I don't because Bush isn't always conservative, especially on fiscal matters. So I announced my opposition to Harriet Miers, not because I don't think she's a … Continue reading The Religion of Harriet Miers
No Longer Giving Bush the Benefit of the Doubt
I have to admit that after nearly 5 years of being a Bush supporter, I'm having trouble recently continuing to support him. Until 9/11, I though Bush was mostly ineffectual, stymied by the Democrats whenever he tried to accomplish anything. Bush was still a far better choice than Al "Mr. Internet" Gore, though. 9/11 changed … Continue reading No Longer Giving Bush the Benefit of the Doubt
Mechanical Investing for October 2005
Much improved over last month, much improved. Nothing to complain about. 🙂 I know the market goes up and down - makes me seasick sometimes. But I'm in it for the long haul. So if I lose money occasionally, I still think the market over the next 20 years is the place to be. Last … Continue reading Mechanical Investing for October 2005
2005 Hurricane Rita Storm Damage in Houston
With all the news lately about Hurricane Katrina, we shouldn't forget that Houston has had it's share of devastating weather also. The attached photo illustrates the damage caused to a home when Hurricane Rita passed through the Houston area a couple of days ago. It really makes you cherish what you have, and reminds us … Continue reading 2005 Hurricane Rita Storm Damage in Houston
Hurricane Tools
Best news at Click2Houston and Harris County Homeland Security. Best hurricane blogs at SciGuy and Steve Gregory. Best tracking at NOAA. Real time wind speeds at NOAA. Real time rainfall at Harris County Homeland Security. So far, I'm relieved. Only a quarter inch of rain so far and max winds predicted around 60 mph. Thanks … Continue reading Hurricane Tools
Rita Update Needed
Normally, people come to Chasing the Wind to get information. Except while I'm in Germany, information is scarce. What's the damage like in Houston? Any flooding or wind damage? Anybody seen my wife?
Before the Storm
I was unsuccessful at getting home - hours before my flight was supposed to leave from Duisburg, Germany, all flights into Houston, Dallas, and Austin were cancelled. I briefly considered San Antonio, but I-10 is one way out of Houston. So I'm staying put. My lovely and very capable wife is riding out the storm. … Continue reading Before the Storm
Hurricane Rita
I picked a terrible weekend to be overseas. Out of touch, thousands of miles away, hurricane bearing down on our home, almost no email. I'm hurrying home as fast as I can, and it looks like my flight land just as the hurricane hits. I'm likely to be diverted to some random Texas city. Pray … Continue reading Hurricane Rita
Secular Bigotry
Manual Miranda in OpinionJournal has a strong criticism of the questioning of Supreme Court nominee John Roberts. While we all expected chest-puffing and posturing from the Senators, we didn't expect illegal religious bigotry to be so acceptable. Excerpts: Article VI of the Constitution prohibits a religious test from being imposed on nominees to public office. … Continue reading Secular Bigotry
Astroworld Closes
Six Flags / Astroworld is closing after 37 years. The property it is sitting on is worth roughly $110 million, or $1 million an acre. I haven't been in years and years. The rides were shorter, the lines were longer, it had a "hoodlum" feel about it, the gift shops were full of overpriced trinkets. … Continue reading Astroworld Closes
Katrina and Social Security Reform
These two topic shouldn't go together, but if the Angry Left can combine hurricanes and racism, then I can combine hurricanes and Social Security reform. 😛 Ted Kennedy, liberal stalwarth, said recently, "what the heck is a stalwarth? Did you misspell 'stalworth'? What kind of cheesy website are you running?" Then he said, "What the … Continue reading Katrina and Social Security Reform
Protesting Jobs That Are Better Than Yours
Let's say you're a union (United Food and Commercial Workers, UFCW) and you're upset about the low wages Wal-Mart pays. Let's also say that since none of your union is interesting in picketing, that you decide to hire non-union temporary workers to picket for you in the 104°F heat. Good idea? I think not. Wal-Mart … Continue reading Protesting Jobs That Are Better Than Yours
The Real Katrina Tragedy
The real tragedy from Katrina is not the wind, the rain, or the flooding. No, the real tragedy is that number of dangerous animals parading around on two feet. From a link from Vox comes this story at Useful Fools. It's too graphic to repost here in it's entirety, but two survivors of the Superdome … Continue reading The Real Katrina Tragedy
Ill Wind May Not Blow to the Whitehouse
Will Hurricane Katrina spell the end of George Bush's Presidency? Almost certainly yes, with a few caveats. 😛 As the full horror of Hurricane Katrina sinks in, thousands of desperate columnists are asking if this is the end of George Bush's presidency. The answer is almost certainly yes, provided that every copy of the US … Continue reading Ill Wind May Not Blow to the Whitehouse
Katrina: Search for Missing People
There are many websites trying to help people find missing loved ones in the wake of Katrina. Yahoo has created a "metasearch" page where you can search all of the Katrina missing persons websites at once.
Houston Hurricane Relief
If you're in Houston and would like to help, the Harris County Citizens Corps needs immediate help with set-up and check-in at the Astrodome for the 23,000 victims who are being relocated from New Orleans. Visit the Harris County Citizens Corp's website and click on "Volunteer Today" to sign up.
Abandon New Orleans
The Army Corp has been unable to plug the levees that are flooding New Orleans. Dropping 3000 lb sandbags and 15 foot concrete barriers are having no effect. This morning, the Lousiana governer called for a complete evacuation of New Orleans. No idea where these people are supposed to go, though. The population of New … Continue reading Abandon New Orleans
Christian Groups and Hurricane Relief
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the hundreds of thousands of people impacted by Hurricane Katrina yesterday. Reports are sketchy, but perhaps 55 people have died and anywhere from $9 billion to $20 billion in damages. If you'd like to help out, Christian organizations are providing relief and will put your donation to good … Continue reading Christian Groups and Hurricane Relief
Casualties in Iraq
The mainstream media breathlessly informs us every chance they get that over 1900 soldier have died in Iraq. I wouldn't be surprised to read a story that said, "President Bush has declared parts of Louisiana and Mississippi a disaster area after Hurricane Katrina, despite the fact that over 1900 soldiers have died in Iraq." Here's … Continue reading Casualties in Iraq
Mechanical Investing for September 2005
I'm ready for the market to improve and stay improved. So far, I'm merely treading water this year, and the last month was terrible. Last 4 weeks: -3.9% Last 3 months: +0.2% Year to date: -1.1% (Dow is -3.1% ytd) Last 12 months:+1.9% Holding for another month: Ticker Bought Now Months Return KELYA $29.73 … Continue reading Mechanical Investing for September 2005
Chasing the Wind 
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