Smart Letter Of The Week- "Global Warming? Nah"

Congrats to Mr. Del Rossi of Lower Gwynedd, Pa who wrote the smartest letter of the week! The letter-writer, Mr. Michael Del Rossi, asks a very logical question. Distilled to one sentence, he asks if temps are returning to levels seen 130,000 years ago, maybe it is not being caused by "human activity" cause the earth did not have that many humans on it back then! Pretty hard to argue with that logic!! Below is the letter- enjoy.

"Dear Editor:
In the 1970s, climatologists were warning of a new Ice Age. Now, they are warning of global warming. The Earth has been evolving and moving in cycles for thousands of years. Yet we believe we are entitled to a static coastline.

The March 24 article "Reports see 3-foot sea-level increase" also indicated that the Arctic region temperatures were projected to be as warm as they were 130,000 years ago. To my knowledge, man-made activity could not have been a cause of that previous warming.

Yet today we are told to alter our economic system to eliminate man-made causes of global warming based on computer assumptions. This from people who cannot tell us what the weather will be two days from now but are certain what it will be in 150 years from now. Science indeed!

Michael G. Del Rossi
Lower Gwynedd, PA

Convicted Councilman Must Decide If He wants to Be The Wife Or The Husband (in prison)

Today' Inquirer (in the hard copy) had this headline "LAWYER SAYS MARIANO NEEDS TO WEIGH OPTIONS" over an article about the soon to be imprisoned and disgraced city councilman, Ricky Mariano.

I figured the headline referred to the difficult decision Mariano must make when he gets to his prison cell ....."will he be the wife or the husband during his time in prison ?" Update- the online edition changed the headline. Read the article if you like. Here is the link.

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/14209457.htm

Jackoff's Prison Sentence Is Way Too Short

Just heard filthy scum, Jack Abramoff, was sentenced to just short of six years in prison. From what I know about his crimes, it should have been much closer to 20 years!

I try to walk 3 miles a day and this article says it's good for you

Good article in the paper today about the benefits of walking every day combined with walkable communities. I try to walk three miles per day every day. And could not agree more with Thomas Hylton's very well-written piece. Below is the link.

ps- I have found there is one risk to walking. There are a lot of frigging bad drivers who don't pay attention, talk on the phone and ignore the rights of pedestrians.

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/14146947.htm

State Legislator Serves 4 Years in Office and Gets a Pension of $8,500 Per Year

The Inquirer has a great article today that tells about the extraordianrily generous pension benefits that Pennsylvania state legislators get. For instance, they include an example of a state legislator who was in office for only two terms (a total of four years) but is entitled to a lifetime pension of $8,500 per month. Let's be clear - no one these days - absolutely no employer in the private sector pays that type of pension anymore for ONLY FOUR YEARS OF SERVICE. Hell their pension benefits are way more generous than the military. And that is not right!!

I will go on record and recommend mandatory term limits for these mediocre slimeballs. I suggest their pension checks should be no more than $100 per month for each year of service. Hell -it's a part-time job with full-time pay. Kudos to the Inquirer for writing the article. Here is the link below.

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/14190151.htm

Evidence ( Follow-up to earlier post "Do You Believe In Coincidences")

Below is a copy of the email response I got back from the PNC Prez, Bill Miles, who wrote the OPED article about early childhood education and that we taxpayers should pay for it. I very cleverly suggested in my email to Mr. Mills that he contact the PU Foundation because they really really want taxpayers to pay for this stuff. Mills took my bait when he responded to my email and essentially said he already knew that cause he has the biggest PU bigwig on his board.

Well, what do you know the PU president is a member of the PNC Bank advisory board. So I was right to guess the PU Trust probably helped write the OPED for Bill Mills. Below is Mills' email response to me (or evidence in my world):

"Mr. Lynch: Thanks for your e-mail about the op-ed piece. I appreciate your recommendation to contact the PEW Charitable Trust. PNC has been actively engaged with PEW around the issue of early childhood education. In fact,Rebecca Rimel is a valued member of my local PNC Advisory Board. Regards, Bill Mills (president of PNC Bank)"

Lastly, I don't think Einstein could keep an accurate count of the number of articles the Inquirer prints that are initiated by the PU Trust and its vast and deep-pocketed tentacles. And btw I love it when I am right!

NJ Governor's New Budget Spends $3,545 For Every Man, Woman & Child In The State

I had to post this. You may recall when the Congress approved a new federal debt ceiling earlier this week, virtually every MSM outlet breathlessly mentioned the $9 Trillion represented $30,000 for every man, woman and child in the country. So, I thought I should report on the state of New jersey's new budget in the same manner.

Ergo, the state of New Jersey now spends $3,545 per year for every man, woman and child in the state. WTF do they do with all that money??

And keep in the mind the US budget is way too high too. It spends $9,000 for every man, woman and child in the USA. And yes I understand some of that NJ money is double-counted since it is reflected included in US budget. But, wtf, what do they do with this money?

Do You believe In Coincidences?

On Friday, the president at PNC Bank wrote an OPED piece in the Philly Inquirer. He was recommending we spend $10 Billion a year to pay for pre-school for low-income kids. That's an increase in govt spending of about $33 for every man, woman and child in the USA. And of course, since not everyone works, let's figure it's about $100 from every worker in the USA. And that's on top of the $9,000 per spent by the govt for every man,woman and child. If you are a lib, you say what's another $33?? And you are right.

I actually posted this because I am sure the PU Trust was behind the OPED by the bank prez. The PU is trying oh so hard to get govt-paid pre-school into a select group of states and I know the PU "ghost-wrote" the OPED for this PNC bigshot. When I confirm this, I will let you know.

Oh and it was also no coincidence that the same day, Bob Casey, the candidate for senate, announced the first thing he will do after he is sworn in is to introduce legislation to pay $10 Billion for pre-school for low income kids. And did I mention that an evern greater coincidence was that Casey's announcement was in that very same Philly Inquirer??? Guess it is possible they all got the same fax from the PU Trust!

My New Favorite Comedy "The Colbert Report"

Have you seen this show? It is a spoof of Bill Oreilley's Factor and Colbert is the former sidekick of Jon Stewart. The Colbert Report is hilarious- he has to be one of the most talented comedians in the whole country.

on each of the last two shows, Colbert had a liberal guest. They were Keith Olberman and Al Franken. Both have been lampooned by and dissed by and are feuding with the real Bill O'Reilley. Colbert asked each about the feud and neither was able to make light of it. Both lashed out at Oreiley and were way too serious (unfunny). Btw, Colbert has nicknamed and refers to Oreilley as "Papa Bear".

Coincidentally, I happened to see Olberman a few nights before on C-Span with Brian Lamb. He was asked the same questions and answered identically and just as seriously! Guess it could be true when they say republicans are happier than democrats. Lastly, I'd love to see an interviewer ask Olberman about his show's dismal TV ratings! Oh and may as well ask Franken about Air America's poor ratings too.

Why Does Sirhan Deserve Even One Parole Hearing?

In 1968, Sirhan killed a candidate for president, RFK. The news reported he is about to have his 13th parole hearing. Why ? Just throw away the key on this guy.

http://www.news10.net/storyfull2.aspx?storyid=16471

Ten Winning Ideas (My Contract With America - Part One)

Always remember America is great because it strives to “Reward Hard Work, Offer Opportunity For All And Is Fair and Compassionate”. When I am Emperor, My Contract With America will encourage and support the following:

1. Every legislative proposal must clearly disclose the price or cost per citizen.


2. Mandatory term limits for state and federal elected officials.


3. Establishment of a standing education commission (like the census bureau) that will analyze and evaluate the cost to adequately educate a student, Publish a report that lays out its findings and mandate a minimum (or recommended) spending per student. School districts can continue to spend more than the recommended minimum per student because it is still a free country!


4. Outlaw gerrymandering of voting districts. It creates an unfair advantage for political parties and candidates and serves to disenfranchise the district’s citizens.


5. A uniform, nationwide voting period for all federal elections. The voting period will start at 10AM EST on a Tuesday and ends 24 hours later at 10AM EST Wednesday. And do away with the “big party lever”. Voters do not have a constitutional right to be able to cast a single vote for a party’s entire slate. If you support a candidate, find his name on the ballot and vote for him. If that is too difficult, remember I am Emperor. Every voter must present a valid government-issued photo ID before they will be allowed to vote.


6. Make Social Security Solvent. Under my plan, those over 45 years old will help by paying 2% more; 1% will be deducted from your paycheck and your employer will pay the other 1%. Their benefit plan will not be changed. Those under 45 will do their part by paying 1% more with ½% deducted from your paycheck and ½% paid by employers. Their benefit plan will be re-structured into a simpler, fairer plan called “The Yours, Mine & Ours Plan”. One-third of their money will go into the “Yours” pool and will be used to fund the cost of benefits for those who are disabled and their dependent children. One-third will go into the “Mine” pool. This is entirely your money, a type of personal savings account. You can bequeath this money to a beneficiary of your choice even if it’s a gay partner (just don’t disclose that part). One-third will go into an “Ours” pool. That money will be divided up among all those born in the same year. I will leave it to actuaries as to payouts but everyone will get exactly the same benefit amount from the “Ours” pool regardless of their lifetime earnings. You can opt out of paying into social security once your lifetime earnings have reached $5 Million. Does this plan sound fair and equitable to you? That’s what I thought.


7. Right size government. The state of Pennsylvania has way too many state legislators. Take my word for it. I say the state can be as effective and more economical to set a normative standard of one state senator for every federal congressman and three state representatives for every state senator. That would eliminate more than 100 current legislators and save taxpayers more than $25 Million a year. Replicate this idea in 50 states and the big cities and we could save billions. And the best part is no one would even notice they were gone!


8. Simplify all other retirement savings plans: Universal IRA, 401K plans, etc. Everyone is eligible. Eliminate every “if”, “and” or “but” from the current regulations. Keep it very simple.


9. Change the name of The Billionaires Club back to the U.S. Senate. We must put a limit on the amount a candidate can give to his own campaign. Aren’t you sick of all these billionaires self-funding their own campaigns? Is Jon Corzine’s political career that much different than the Outer Limits episode where the overgrown kid (on another planet) gets her father to travel to Earth so he can bring back a couple tiny humans for her dollhouse? Let’s face facts. About six years ago, Corzine tired of his Wall Street job and decided he’d like to buy a U.S. Senate seat. But he soon tired of that senate job and he decided he’d like to buy a state governor’s office. I say no candidate should be allowed to contribute more than one term’s salary to his own campaign. That may be unconstitutional but don’t forget I am Emperor! Let’s start with the senate and work our way down to the sheriff of Mayberry (you know he got filthy rich from the TV reruns, coffee mugs, theme park royalties, etc). And I suspect that’s how he kept those campaign coffers filled.


10. Form a commission to find ways to slow the increase in healthcare costs, make healthcare insurance more affordable, encourage and motivate citizens to get and stay in shape, mitigate the ties between healthcare coverage and one’s employment.

This Blogger Has Writing Talent But Thinks She Must Be Cruel to Succeed

Below is a link to a progressive blogger who wonders if Senator Specter's cancer has spread to his brain. That's nasty speculation even for a blogger. And I myself don't like Specter myself but she crosses the line. Read it yourself if you like.

http://susiemadrak.com/2006/03/13/20/49/the-excuse/#comments

Eagles Will Not Make Enough Big Free Agent Signings

Blogs are great for making predictions. So I predict the Eagles will not make sufficient free-agent signings to satisfy the average but skeptical Philly fan like me!

So far, I am right - they just signed a back-up tight end. Big Whoop!!?? I am not an LJ Smith fan - he will never be a Top Ten player (at his position) so they should have made a bigtime upgrade but they did not. Joe Banner, the Eagles salary cap genius and and former fantasy football geek is an idiot.

The Eagles missed out on the best free agent at center, Le Charles Bentley. And news reports seem to indicate the Eagles were blowing smoke about signing Bentley.

And what the hell kind of name is that for a football player?? Le Charles?? IMHO, he would not have fit in with grey-collar Eagles fans. But damn Bentley looked huge in the picture of him signing with the Browns. Usually, a player looks a little small in his jersey without shoulder pads but Bentley looked like he was actually stretching the jersey and did not need the pads to do so.

Last word- the Eagles missed their Super Bowl window of opportunity and unfortunatelly those only come around every 20 or 30 years.

Another Wishy Washy Democrat Caves In To Party Pressure

Here is a story about a typical career pol, Joe Hoeffel, who announced yesterday he was running for lieutenant governor but just TODAY said he changed his diaper (I mean his mind) after talking to Governor Fat Eddie (who supports even older and fatter Katherine Baker Knoll instead). It's so heartening to see how decisive and independent these drones are; they are generally scared shitless to go against the reigning governor. Here is the link to the new story if you want to read (but I can't imagine why you would).

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/14048380.htm

Happy Birthday!

You know who you are!

I Don't Know If Bonds Used But I Looked At His Stats

I don’t know if Bonds used steroids but I looked up his home run records back to 1990. He played in Pittsburgh from 1990-1992 then was traded to San Francisco in 1993.

1. He hit 33, 25 & 34 homers in 1990-1992. That is a total of 92 and a three-year average of 31 per year.


2. He hit 46, 37,33,42 & 40 homes from 1993-1997; that is a total of 198 and a five-year average of 40 per year.


3. He hit 37, 34 & 49 from 1998-2000. That is a total of 120 and a three-year average of 40 per year.


4. He hit 73 HOMERS in 2001. That 24 more than his previous career-high of 49!


5. He hit 46, 45 & 45 homers from 2002-2005. That is a total of 136 and a three-year average of 45 per year.

His average homers increased by nine from 31 to 40 when he moved to San Francisco in 1993. In 2002, his average jumped again to 45 per year. In his defense, Bonds was now playing in the extremely hitter-friendly Pac Bell and pitchers had started to avoid him. His walks zoomed up to record levels and he became a truly excellent hitter.

So, are these stats evidence Bonds used steroids? Maybe, but in 1993, he was in fact entering his prime age (mid to late 20’s) and now played in a more homer friendly ballpark and the number of home runs increased throughout baseball.

IMHO, home runs increased everywhere for several reasons including better player conditioning and weight training, better hitting coaching and techniques, smaller ballparks, perfected eye / laser surgeries (Mark McGwire is one beneficiary) and of course steroids.

Lastly, I did not consider partial seasons due injuries or strikes but was surprised that Bonds has has only one season with 50 or more homers (ala Hammering Hank).

Whatever Happened To The "20th Hijacker"?

I have noticed the MSM hardly ever refers to Mossaiui as the 20th hijacker. When did that start and why? I admit I have not paid much attention to his long trial and don't care either way if he gets life or death penalty. Death penalty cases become drawn out for years due to ability to make numerous court appeals.

But I am curious how virtually the entire MSM seems to use the same terminology or labels in stories. Do you think they hold a big conference call to discuss and agree that "we should no longer call him the 20th hijacker"??

Cause the odds of all using the exact terminology / labels are too high to be a coincidence.

Democrats Are Taking A Poll To Determine What They Think

Glanced at these choices for the Dems new election slogan. Have to say they are uninspiring and IMHO use the word "government" far too often as if Guvmint is the answer to our collective problems.

It's a shame they don't know what they feel or think. Maybe I should write it for them. If you are interested, below is the link:

http://www.ourtenwords.com/

"Dude- Where Is My Civil War"?

That's the title of Ralph Peter's latest column about the media almost gleefully predicting and reporting civil war in Iraq. But, Peters claims from his vantage point on the ground in Iraq, that he sees no substantive evidence of a civil war. (and btw the civil war was one of the main topics on the weeny Chris Matthews Show on this Sunday morning).

In his column, Peters takes a whack at the reporting methodology of the MSM. Here is a a great quote..."And the Iraqi stringers (working for the MSM) have cracked the code: The Americans (the MSM) don't pay for good news. So they (the stringers) exaggerate the bad."

Read the whole article, I provide the link below.

http://www.nypost.com//postopinion/opedcolumnists/64677.htm

Best Irish Joke Of 2005

Since it's only 14 days til St. Patrick's Day, let's kick it off with a damn fine joke:

John O'Reilly hoisted his beer and said: "Here's to spending the rest of me life, 'tween the legs of me wife!" That won him the top prize at the pub for the best toast of the night! He went home and told his wife, Mary, "I won the prize for the best toast of the night" She said, "Aye, did ye now? And what was yer toast?" John said, "Here's to spending the rest of me life, sitting in church beside me wife." "Oh, that is very nice indeed, John!" Mary said.

The next day, Mary ran into one of John's drinking buddies on the street corner. The man chuckled leeringly and said, "John won the prize the other night at the pub with a toast about you, Mary. "She said, "Aye, he told me, and I was a bit surprised meself. Ya know, he's only been there twice in the last four years. Once he fell asleep and the other time I had to pull him by the ears to make him come."

More Evidence of Greed & Arrogance In the Non-Profit Sector

Catch this article about the very, very well-paid president of the University of Miami and her 9,000 square foot house paid by the school? Her extravagant compensation is in stark contrast to the much lower paid janitors at the school. Have to say these non-profit execs make way too much money! It is getting to be rampant- wonder what the PU Foundation prez, Rebecca Rimel, makes? I'll guess more than $1MM but less than $2 Million. And here is the link to the story. Enjoy.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/columnists/13986000.htm