Tag Archives: Blogosphere

UPDATED: Around The Horn Friday: Copeland, Shock the World Edition

Windpower has again dominated the week in the Delaware blogosphere. […and someone who totally kicked ass on that issue was Maria Evans at WGMD who put Charlie “who me?” Copeland in a tough spot.] The legislature is in session and that means that there is always movement, although some is hidden. The usual suspects have been posting on the issue and they know so much that they have to reveal it in installments. Tommywonk has revealed his truth in a series of posts on the economics of windpower (Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3). Meanwhile, Kavips has been trying to give us the lowdown by borrowing the “For Dummies” method (Ch. 1, Ch. 2). I can only assume that the reason that the Dummies model was used was to convince Art Downs. Yeah, Art, I’m looking at you! If only Charlie Copeland would shock the world and come out for windpower.

Other interesting coverage that we saw this week was Kilroy’s post on HB 302 that aims to get at your still-warm organs when you are gone. Steve Newton had a post on this practice in England. Good on both of you.

Nancy has post on some of the machinations and intrigue in the leg this week.

Possible-gubernatorial-candidate-Dave-Burris and his good friend Dana have been hammering away at each other all week. The issue is the prevailing wage. Dave wants it gone, Dana asks Dave if he holds Mike Castle to the same standard. Personally, I’m just glad that Dana is hammering on the right side this time.

Speaking of Mike Castle, R Smitty has a post on Christopher Bullock challenging Castle in November. Smitty thinks that we should be annoyed at Bullock’s invoking of God in his announcement. I’ll address the issue as soon as work and home slows down sufficiently (might be when the kids move out in 12 years…).

Proving that a stopped clock is right twice a day, Paul Smith and I finally agree on something.

I have doubts about our youth when I see posts like this from Ryan S. He still believes that Saddam would be fine if he had just come clean about not having WMD’s. I have to go check, but I do seem to remember that Saddam said he didn’t have them…

Hube has a post on Dennis Kucinich’s dropping from the Presidential race. I’ll miss his wife.

Over at Down with Absolutes, Discourse has posted an analysis on the sub-prime mortgage debacle. He also has a pickup on the money race in the gubernatorial contest.

Over at FSP, Feroce (GRRRR) has a pretty funny prediction about the Democratic convention. Meanwhile, mynym has a post on being mean. Feroce should look into this…

Ryan at LiberalDelight has a post on the politics of balancing your budget on the backs of illegal parkers.

Back to Kavips for a moment, he has a touching reflection on a funeral and the speed of our return to the earth.

Duffy is having sleep-deprivation issues. Honestly, I have enough experience in this realm to know that Duffy is in a world of hurt. Hang in there and share the burden however you can.

Mike Mahaffie has a little post on the Colbert portrait hanging in the National Portrait Gallery. Bottom line is that you might want to consider going to the bathroom before you get to the gallery.

I’m heading out for some winter camping this weekend on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Whatever you do, take some time to consider the men and women of our military that are stuck in the dumb war in Iraq. Over 3,931 of them have been killed in addition to the over 80,625 Iraqis that have perished in George Bush’s war of vengeance (for his Father’s failures). Keep in mind we are averaging 18 soldier deaths a day this month. So, between now and Monday, 54 more soldiers will die. Chew on that.

Around The Horn Friday: The OOGA, OOGA Edition

Sorry that I haven’t done an Around the Horn for a while. Last week I was too tired because of staying up late watching Iowa on Thursday night. This week has been one of the best for bloggers in a long time. I think the highlight was the amazing opening day of the legislature. Jason gets inked, and Venables appeals to God for protection from the bloggers. We got ’em, ladies and gentlemen, we got ’em. Below is some of the best of the blogging in Delaware this week.

The prayer for protection from bloggers by Venables was covered by Delaware Watch along with great OOGA coverage. Kavips returns the favor and offers prayers for Thurman Adams.

Among the huge issues to be fought out in this session is windpower. Of course, Tommywonk is all over it. He has a “What if” letter, an unloading on Cathcart, and a letter from Pete Schwartzkopf calling for some honest dealing. Delaware Watch is practically overflowing with disgust for the closed door sessions that tabled the Bluewater proposal.

The other big news is in the Gubernatorial primary race. No, Alan Levine hasn’t made a decision yet. Jack Markell showed his big, manly fundraising skillz. Nancy has the release. Ryan at Liberal Delight wonders what silence from Carney means. Mat Marshall debunks the only noise coming out of Carney’s campaign. And Delaware Watch debunks a common Markell misconception. On the other side, Kilroy takes on Protack in a comment rescue.

On the right hand side of the blogosphere, new contributer John Feroce at FSP is piling on because of Kerry’s endorsement of Obama. Welcome to the Delaware blogosphere, John (Grrrr!). And Hube has a post on the Voter ID law hearing in Indiana.

Some of those guys have no sense of humor. Specifically, Dana Pico at Common Sense Political Thought, is mad about a Katrina-related lawsuit. One person is looking for 3 quadrillion dollars. Ha!

Oh by the way, this week is the birthday of the surge. Nancy shows how little has changed in public opinion. Ryan S. is salivating over how well the year has gone.

I have to admit that I love reading Delaware Libertarian. We don’t always agree, but Steve is a pretty smart guy. He has a post about same-sex marriage in Maryland. He also has a post on a case of “forced euthanasia” in Canada. It’s a good idea so long as I get to pick the patients.

Over at Gazizza, Paul Smith is pushing for Fred. My favorite line is this one: That leaves only three candidates with a realistic shot at winning in SC; Huckabee, McCain, and Thompson.

Joe M at MBA has a great link to some writing that makes me feel like Dostoevsky. Mike Mahaffie has a post about a copyright issue raised by a Fox sports gaffe.

Finally, it looks like Duffy is feeling a little down. Pop over there and give him some comment love to make him feel better.

I should have no problem with Around the Horn next week, but if you ever miss one of my weekly forays, take a look at Kavips for an excellent round up every week. I am always thankful for Kavips’ blogging.

One year after the surge, we are still in the quagmire that is Iraq. There still is no strong government, the military is still only operational because we are there, and we still cannot keep the power on. Doesn’t sound like success to me… Keep up the pressure to end this war. 3,921 American soldiers have died in Iraq and the Iraq Body Count estimates over 80,419 Iraqi deaths and the WHO estimates that the real number could be double that. Damn, I wish it was over.

The Protack Express is a Train Wreck

Oh my.  I cannot believe the kind of crap that Protack gets himself into.  Now it’s the issue of the unpaid staff from his last campaign.  This comes after a foiled astroturfing of the local blogosphere and the failure to pay his consultants for the last campaign.

The details are really starting to crystallize over at DWA, creating a picture of Protack that is at once despised, incompetent and deceitful.  He is also stupid for letting things go this far.  He ignores these people’s requests for money that he owes them, then disparages them and their work and/or denies that he knows them.  WTF?

The guy may have good ideas, but his execution is juvenile, at best.  I think a fair question was raised at DWA, how many times does Protack’s goose need to be cooked?  If nothing else, I think this gives us a taste of what a Protack Governorship would look like; confused, conflicted and likely a disgrace that will make people pine for the heady days of Minner.

Around the Horn Friday: What Election? Edition

Man, I can’t believe that we are at another special election already. I am getting special election fatigue. And then we have the primaries and caucuses. Damn, I just want to get through Christmas.

Kavips hits the issue in the wonderful Around the Horn competitor, Outside the Perimeter. Speaking of Kavips, I cannot get enough of him these days. From a Washington Post smackdown to kudos for Dana’s NIE prowess to a nice post poking fun at the DE blogosphere. Rock on, Kavips.

The NIE was the big story this week, but of course it had mixed reaction.  Tommywonk had news of the cancellation of WW3 Ryan S and Dana Pico claim that the invasion of Iraq has all of the bad guys scared straight.   Steve Newton has some of the nuts and bolts of the NIE.

Looks like HB4 is back in the news.  Kilroy posts the 14 sponsors of the bill.  While Nancy has an announcement of what you can do to help get it passed.  Dana challenges Copeland on his support of open government.

On the environmental front, Tommywonk has a post about how to conserve energy by staying married.  Hube is still blaming sunspots and angry that people fly to conferences to discuss the climate.  Meanwhile, the weather is wreaking havoc on Mike’s house in Lewes.

Over at DWA, Mike Matthews has been pretty quiet.  In his stead, Mat Marshall has posted a follow-up on his Mother’s departure from the Democratic Party.  Another contributor, Discourse, has a post reminding us that this Christmas, people around the world will be getting water-boarding in their stockings.

Staying with the holiday theme, Joe M has a link to where presents come from (perhaps Santa).  Duffy wants beer for Christmas.  But it is really good beer.

Steve Newton has an excellent post on the literal interpretation of the Bible.  Tommywonk expounds on how Christian his name is in the shadow of a an anonymous poster’s attempt to trash Obama.  In the meantime, mynym has a rant on the scientific processes inability to address religion.  Our most prolific religious writer has a good post on why Kucinich is finally right.  This is the biggest reason that I can see to support Kucinich.

Kilroy is frustrated by the inability to get info about Red Clay from the recovery team. Jud over at FSP is railing against developers that try to get waivers for forested buffers in new subdivisions in Sussex County.

And if you are looking for something to do, KarmicJay has a non-review of Bolivia, a foreign film from Argentina.

Have a good weekend and remember to think about the dead and wounded soldiers that we have sent to Afghanistan and Iraq.

Around the Horn Friday: Mmmmm, Uterus Edition

Please let me thank donviti for a tour de force two weeks ago.  I, like most of you laughed my ass off.  Good show, my friend.

Speaking of things that made me laugh, the whole Tommy Little/Frank Sims/IPOD debacle sank even deeper into the gutter last weekend with aTommy Little interview on WGMD.  You gotta check out the audio montage at DWA or listen to the whole thing at Delaware Watch.  My favorite part inspired the title of this post.  There are indeed some freaks out there.

Meanwhile the local blogging universe continues its consolidation as Mat Marshall begins cross-posting at DWA and The Soapbox.  I think the quality of blogging has risen as this consolidation progresses.

Speaking of the local blogosphere, at least two bloggers have decided that they are done with this blog, Duffy and Hube.  This will not prevent me from linking to them and I hope that they can see beyond their offended sense of patriotism and come back to read us soon.

Duffy has a great video that really made me crack up.  Bollywood is so … foreign. 🙂

Felix over at The Colossus of Rhodey has a catch on a Hitler comparison.  This time bloggers are pamphleteers that Hitler would have eliminated.  Bill Conlin, you are a fat, ugly crusher of office chairs.

Tommywonk and DWA both have posts highlighting Al Gore’s visit to the White House.  7 years too late.

Also Kilroy and Delaware Libertarian have excellent coverage of the sneaky tactics of Vision 2015 and their quite cozy relationship with DPPI.

We lost (or almost lost) a few prominent Republicans this week.  Merit Bound Alley tells us that Dick Cheney had heart problems.  JttR tells us that Trent Lott has resigned from the Senate.  And Henry Hyde’s passing is noted over at Gazizza.

The always insightful Kavips has coverage of the most religious segment of American demographics.  And they vote for Democrats primarily.

Over at FSP, Dave is rolling out the English-only BS for Christmas.  Feliz Navidad, yo!

Nancy reports on some good press for brother Joe on the lefty blogs this week.  Rudy is an excellent target.  Keep on him Joe.

Common Sense Political Thought has the story for us of the Briton in Sudan that almost got 40 lashes for insulting Islam (by naming a Teddy Bear Muhammed).

Stephen Crockett over at Delaware Watch has a suggestion to get a handle on price-gouging.  Someone’s been out Christmas shopping lately.

The last of the heavy topics is a post at “Into Good and Evil” about the multiverse.  I’m going to read it after I get a good nights sleep.

Mike Mahaffie is published in the old media.  Nice job.

KarmicJay has a “not a review” for the movie Outsourced.  Ahhh, I miss the movies.  Anyone out there want to babysit?

Finally, we come back to a rare second link to Gazizza with Paul Smith’s post about Nerd Pickup Lines.  Funny stuff.

It looks like I am going to have some pretty crappy weather for my Eagles tailgating this Sunday.  I will be thinking about our troops in harms way on Sunday during the singing of the National Anthem at the game.  Please find some time to think of them and the 3,880 American soldiers killed in Iraq and the 77,572 Iraqis that have been killed since we invaded under false pretenses.  Have a good weekend.

Around the Horn Friday: Escheat Shuffle Edition

I have to say that I am pretty saddened by the whole Lofink story.  I remember when Vince won his first election, because one of his sons was a student of mine.  I  hope that  the whole thing works out as fairly as possible.  I was pretty happy that with just a few exceptions, the blogosphere has been pretty tame.  Delaware Dem takes a cold, hard look at the likelihood of a Dem pickup in light of the developments.  Over at DWA, Mike was teasing us with the identity and I suspect is sorry that he didn’t break the story a month ago.

I don’t want to lose sight of the fact that this is, yet another pivotal week in the progress toward wind power in Delaware.  Tommy has a post about what you can do to make windpower a reality here.  Kavips has a post about Carney and Markell both making faux pas with regard to high density power transmission lines.

On the Presidential race front, the unlikely contenders are getting some press.  Ryan S, thinks Ron Paul will remember, remember the fifth of November.  And over at the misnamed Common Sense Political Thought, Dana Pico compares Howard Dean and Dennis Kucinich.  In my mind, Kucinich gets the edge just with his wife.

There was some coverage of the waterboarding that a Bush admin official underwent.  Mat Marshall uses it as a spring board to call Rudy on his stupidity. The best speaker on the subject has been Olbermann.  Dana had the scoop on the video.

And in other Bush news, a veto was finally overturned!

Did I mention that Bruce Ennis won the special election on Saturday?  Now the mail carriers are out to get Dave Burris and Company.

In a sign of what great things will come when we get open government, Dana’s best buddy Nancy has a post on the way that FOIA is screwing up Wilmington’s evil plans (bwuhahaha!).

Kilroy has a post on the “Red Clay Star Chamber” and some serious comment rescuing.

In International stuff, KarmicJay has a post on what’s happening in Pakistan.  He’s right.  We haven’t kept our powder dry and it is costing us stability.  Meanwhile, Paul Smith is trying to be flippant about the anti-war movement that America has taken hold.

I’d like to welcome some new additions to Around the Horn.  I mentioned Common Sense Political Thought already.  Hube pointed out the new Delaware Libertarian.  He has a great post on a cloning bill’s insidious hidden trap.  And hopefully we will get a few posts from mhomewood over at Woody Solutions.

I am glad that Duffy is back in the posting mood.  This week, he posted a “Nerd Test” that Hube and I took.  Duffy and Hube are Nerd Kings, while I am a Kind of Dorky Nerd King.

Speaking of Hube, he has a post that gives an interesting view into 1970’s comic book publisher mores.  I was born in 1970 and it really is amazing how far we have come in 37 years.

And finally Mike Mahaffie has a post that tickles my fancy.  He took a walk on the beach at Reboboth.  I have just finalized plans for a nice weekend in Lewes for January and I can’t wait.

Please keep our soldiers in your thoughts.  3,859 of them have been killed so far, and the end is nowhere in sight.  At least 76,241 Iraqis have been killed since Bush decided his Daddy need to be avenged.

Action’s speak louder than words

They have to over at First state politics too be totally honest with ya.   When they aren’t turning off the comments On a ridiculous 9/11 commemorative post by their own version of a blathering idiot

They are accusing criminal behavior and allowing no one to comment or defend themselves or point out the obvious staginess of the photo. The post just sits out there for all to see like a noose on a tree.

It is a simple action that speaks volumes about Dave Burrus and the De. GOP doesn’t it. I mean here was a guy that was a Sussex County Republican Chairman Can you imagine? Good lord, what a sad state of affairs for those shaping party thoughts and ideas in De. What a disgusting action that typifies the First States Republican leadership and the countries GOP leadership as well.

It seems to be a pattern that fits doesn’t it?  If we don’t like what you will say, we don’t listen.  We stage events where only believers can attend, only people with tickets can get in, where we can block you with our rally squads, throw you out if you don’t dress the way we want.

At a time when branches of our own national Government are giving fake press conferences Dave’s small action is a unflattering wart on the nose of the GOP.  Staged press events are episodes that have happened several times in the past mind you.

Do we really need to prop up local “leaders” (term used loosely) That see fit to make accusations then not allow for comments?  Is the De GOP really proud to have had him lead them?  Is this the action of a free speech supporter?  Of a person that seeks outside opinion?

It’s sad, pathetic and all too telling of you and your party.  Dave burris your actions speak louder than your words. You have a blog my friend and you can do whatever you want with it.  But, these small choices you make reflect a much greater belief you have.  This belief will no doubt be reflected in the Party you wield influence in, it already does.

FEEL FREE TO COMMENT DAVE…..you always can over here.

Around the Horn Friday (err…Saturday): Freddie to the Rescue Edition

Well this week we saw another Republican joker enter the fray. At least he did it on Leno, where jokes are acceptable. Turns out his given name is really Freddie. I Freddie Thompson do solemnly swear… Nice.  Nancy and Dana both call him out.  Frank Knotts can’t be happier.

On the local scene I think I should wade into the murky waters that are DMA/DSEA. Kilroy has been bleating about it all week. MOT Newbie MOTSmitty Rsmitty over at FSP has been bitching too. I have a few links to DMA and was a member of DSEA for a while. The question revolves around how to tax people for charter schools. I find it amusing that we are having this debate here in Delaware while in New York, conservatives are crying that an Arab school is a Madrassa. Suffice to say, I am not in the Smitty/Kilroy camp on this issue.

Next week is the vaunted report on the surge. Nancy has a post about the events of Sept 15th. Kavips has coverage of the report and its implications. Tommywonk rounds out the skeptics side with coverage of how the White House has been muting the importance of the report. The bloggers on the right have been mostly silent on the issue.

Speaking of Tommywonk, Tom has an excellent post about Jack Markell and the deal between DNREC and NRG.

Mat Marshall has taken some time out of his studies to blast the DMCA and Comcast.

Dana is on a “Republican Pentagon” kick and covers two big botch jobs this week.

I was intrigued by the post “that’s all I know about shrimp” and the geopolitical ramifications of the Chinese love of shrimp.  Oh, and it makes me think of Bubba.

Hube takes issue with national services proposals by Democratic candidates.  I particularly like how he lumps Obama in with Edwards and Dodd, saying that they all are compulsory, while even his description of the Obama program says no such thing…

Over at DWA, Mike is still under-employed so he is sponsoring a caption contest to amuse/deprecate himself.

Ryan Mc has a review of the CNN special “God’s Warriors.”  Good stuff.

Mike Mahaffie has a follow-up post on the lighthouse that was up for sale in the middle of the Delaware Bay.  I thought it was a bargain at 40K, but at 200K, not so much.

Duffy thinks that it is OK to compare Osama bin Laden to DKos, HuffPo, and DelawareLiberal readers/commenters.  Where is my handy-dandy Bush-Hitler reference guide?

Over at Gazizza, Paul Smith has a great clip of McCain joking with some students.

Into Good an Evil is making a comeback with two posts this week.  My head is spinning from this one.

Jokers to the Right has a hero/hack that I finally agree with.

Well back to my weekend.  KarmicJay suggests going to the Newark Film Festival.  I’m gonna try.  But for now, I’m going back to making chili outside in my Dutch Oven, cowboy style.

Speaking of cowboys, the one appointed President has gotten at least 71,302 Iraqi civilians and 3,760 American soldiers killed in his little cattle drive for freedom.  Giddie up!

Around the Horn Friday: Outside the Perimeter Edition

The following is a guest post from a fellow blogger that wishes to remain nameless (although if you are paying attention, I bet you can figure it out). I am deeply appreciative for the break and happy with the results.

No one can take the place of Around the Horn. It is a classic. Just in case it doesn’t materialize, I am humbly offering this for future historians to know what went on this week. Quite possibly, depending of course on upcoming events, many future historians may look backwards to this week as being the first week of blogging under FULL SURVEILLANCE. Was there a change? You be the judge…….

The king this week was DelawareLiberal. After an exhaustive count, they led Delaware in the number of postings, again. Five posts of the first twelve, focus on you know who.………How long till mainstream gets the point? As if on point, the fourth amendment is posted here. No doubt a reminder for those reading this at Fort Myers: remember who you work for; We the people……..

Someone else who has something to fear, is that Mitt lover over at FSP. Glowing like a crabcake he is, over the Iowa straw poll. Huckabee at a second, well there is always hope. However in the department of breaking news, one of FSP’s bank of posters is flying to Iraq with Beau. Knowing how bad things have gotten lately, both of them are in our prayers, I hope, along with every other serviceman whose duty and courage makes us proud.

Dana at Delaware Watch has found some cheap hamburgers. Check out the picture. But on a more serious note he has scooped another French controversy. But far more important is the announcement that some of the mainstream politicians are coming out in public to back the Americans Against the Escalation in Iraq. Three cheers for Chris Bullock. (Wasn’t he recently a Republican?) Just ten more days till August 28th. Keep the pressure on.

The Digital Federalist, in true libertarian fashion, has become a Republican for the sole reason to nudge Ron Paul forward. If there ever was a good reason besides this for becoming a Republican, Ron Paul is it……..

DWA has a copy of Protack’s latest. The consensus is that, despite coming from a pilot, it does not fly. Better is the inside track on Minner vrs the Psyche community. Something funny is going on…………And lest one forget Joe Henry. The length of this post speaks volumes of Mike’s enthusiasm. It is one of his longest in recent memory.

Karmically speaking is taking a well deserved break. But he left us with a quote and inspirational photograph……to ponder.

Liberal Delight has an interesting take on the three outside candidates. I would have added Gravel. That video still haunts me, but sure, I would vote for Peter Pan…….especially if I could cuddle with Wendy while he fights Cap’n Hook………..

The Soapbox has probably the highlight of the week. Even though it was posted last week the Manifesto is one piece of work that needs to make its way into the next Democratic National Convention. Hell, it needs to make its way into the next Republican Convention. It needs to get noticed. If linking to it one more time does the trick, here it is. Hopefully his “box” is up and running full time now……

Only on Merit Bound Alley can you find a moment of silence, 300 dollars in make up, followed by sex in the back of a Ford Escort. That non sequitur was too good to pass up. Click here for more details.

From the Delaware Way comes an awesome compilation of deep sleuthing. Want to know the facts. They are here….. Some may call them partisan, others may call them the truth. In fourteen full length posts over the last two days, there is a lot of territory covered. But sometimes such volume allows us to see trends. And the trend she shows, is that open government, like open space in Delaware, is rapidly disappearing…………What happens after the FISA change, scary thought, remains to be seen……….

Delaware is fortunate to have Mike’s Musings. Not only does he give insight into great family vacations spots………but his pictures ground each and every one of us as to why we fight to better this state like we do. It is truly a diamond. Moving on…His take on Jon Stewart’s show was well done. I missed the show and am fortunate, because hearing it first from Mike, was inspirational, at least.

From Citizens for a Better Sussex comes the wake up call.

The Beach Life of many Delawareans and for many visitors to one of the great resort areas of the U.S., gives an illusion of health that is not deserved by the State of Delaware. The First State must become the First State in Health, not one of the last.

For the full report, click here.

Duffy now understands that Soccer is a contact sport. Sharing the same affliction, my advice is rather sobering. It never goes away. Free advice: you will have to change your behavior and never lift the arm high enough to pop out…….
But this commentary on the de-evolution of news is dead on. Dead on. This may be one of the best pieces of writing coming out of Delaware this week. Does anyone else out there not read papers anymore, unless they happen to click on a link? Are papers dead? Should trees rejoice?

Talk about throwing the baby out with the bathwater…….Protack uses one example to trumpet the need for health care. When is he going to challenge Castle? That would work. Unless Castle changes tack very soon, 95 % of Delawareans would agree that such a substitution would truly be a “better deal for Delaware.”

The Colossus of Rhody (Hube is the author) brings up the over emphasis on minorities in textbooks. As a parent, I have often been appalled at what our kids don’t know, and appalled at what they do know…….Hube points out that textbook committees, of which he has had experience, are well meaning, but not the experts needed to correctly interpret history. Often the amount of space devoted to triviality eats up more important information necessary for understanding the world as we know it today. Fourth Amendment? “WTF is that? Ask me who is Bruce Grooms?……….There is a link that every dad needs to read...(moms too)….It has something every Dad wants to say to his kids sometime in their lives……

In a must see, Jokers to the Right, by their own admission, has become Clowns to the Left. In a truly bipartisan vacation substitution that, in true openness, seems to function fine, a liberal Mike McKain has taken over JTTR. History has been made. In his guest role he writes of Heros/Hacks, Ducks, and Toys

Kilroy’s Delaware, beside some great pictures, has a tragedy occurring within the Kilroy household. Hopefully no one intercedes on HIS wireless. But he is at his best on educational issues. Here he reminds us that the Neighborhood schools Act was passed without the required impact study. Had a study been done, perhaps legislators would have realized this act, though well intentioned, was another unfunded mandate forced on districts underfunded already….

And finally, to put all things in perspective……Tommywonk beats us all. While we are blogging and pasting links, he is out in the summer sun listening to awesome music……..For Tommywonk it is off to the Philly Folk Festival this weekend, sponsored in part by WXPN……..Closest thing to the real Woodstock it is…………Fill us in when you get back……

Around the Horn Friday: Cranky Republicans Edition

This was a big week on the other side of the aisle.  We thought the race for the Democratic Gubernatorial candidacy was going to be interesting.  The Republicans are doing one better.  I’ll not get too deep into it, but make yourself a nice drink and wear comfortable clothes when you go over to FSP to read the most frequently-commented-upon post in recent memory in the Delaware Blogosphere.  You should plan on 30 minutes of reading.  Personally, I am glad that I can actually put my geekiness to use, although Protack has started to talk lawyers, so don’t tell my wife.

The Protack story has garnered a lot of posts from the likes of Dana, Mike Matthews, Mat Marshall and Hube.

Tommywonk has a synopsis of the Time article about Katrina and the Army Corps of Engineers two years hence.  Don’t those guys control our canal bridges???

Dana wants to make the case for Kucinich to be the progressive candidate.  Oh, and Kucinich’s wife is so hot, I might just vote for him to look at her for 4 years.

Mike at DWA shows that Millsboro is a cross between Mayberry and Twin Peaks.

Kavips is sounding the mortgage rate alarm bell.  Lock ’em if ya got ’em.

Nancy is talking about the latest hate crime in Delaware.  This time in South Bowers Beach.

Mat at the Soapbox has a Liberal Manifesto for your perusal.

Ryan Mc has been hanging with the old people down at the beach recovering your lost wedding ring.

Sanjay at Karmic Musings has a story of how Bush treats reporters that he doesn’t like.  529 days to go…

Mike Mahaffie has a story on how the “beach area” is expanding.  Soon Millsboro will qualify… God help us.

It’s a slow week for Duffy, he only has a blogging virus to talk about.

Over at FSP, Dave is also annoyed that smokers are quitting so that they don’t have to be taxed.  I thought that was part of the plan… Of course, Dave still ignores the fact that Delaware is still the lowest taxed cigarettes in the area.  Don’t worry, Dave, the degenerates will be streaming in here to buy cigarettes and bet on sports in no time.

Paul Smith muses about what things will be like when he is a dictator.  That should be fun.

JttR has some interesting coverage of the battle brewing in the Arctic.

Kilroy is talking about unfunded mandates, specifically DART Sunday service.

Finally, Hube has a story of McDonalds being sued for putting cheese on a hamburger.  The horror.

Speaking of horror, at least 69,045 Iraqis have been killed since our illegal invasion.  Another 3,683 Americans have died in their service to this country.  Let’s bring the rest home alive.

Around the Horn Friday: Vulgarity Rules Edition

Big shout out to Jason for doing ATHF last week. I had a birthday party for my son that kept me from having access for a long period of time. The good news is that it was indoctrination quality time for us. And now on to the news…

Oh my, the Oberle story in the snooze journal caused a big ruckus in the tubes we call the Internet this week. FSP took umbrage at the journal’s slander and innuendo. But Nancy threw in some personal tidbits. Dave called her on it and the two of them aren’t talking anymore.

Also this week, Common Cause has had drama. Drama, I tell you. DWA covers it. Nancy has a post about an upcoming meeting. Sounds like a humdinger.

At Tommywonk, we have some sad news on how poorly the Bluewater negotiations are going. Don’t any of you conservatives out there have pull with big business to get this done?

Over at Delaware Watch, Dana has stayed on Walker International and their labor issues. Good thing no one around here ever pissed him off…

I have to give props to DWA for the best Minner picture of the week…Yikes.

Kavips has a post that puts another hurtin’ on the BushCo war machine. I love the Biden quote.

KarmicJay has a post on a photo essay on Iraq. Looks interesting.

Ryan Mc over at Liberal Delight has a post that starts to get at why I don’t support Hillary, even a little, for the nomination.

Joe at MeritBoundAlley has one of the few posts I saw about the passing of Mr. Wizard. I too only got to see the second coming of the man on Nickelodeon. Supposedly he was even cooler in his first run on TV.

Over at Mike’s Musings, Mike has passed 77,777 on his hybrid. Congrats on that. You may catch my hybrid (currently at 103,000) yet.

Duffy has a post about the worst. weekend. ever. Hope this one is better, dude.

FSP is calling out Jason on why Castle isn’t bringing home the bacon. 🙂

Gazizza (I must be coming down with something) has a post about how annoying it is when people try to control the language that frames a debate. Paybacks are a bitch. You think Fox hasn’t been doing this for years?

Ryan S. wants to parlay poor approval ratings of Congress into Republican votes. I don’t think it’s going to come down that way.

Kilroy has coverage of the Red Clay Community Financial Advisory Board. It would be good to have some skeptics in there to see what these districts have to go through and speak out when there is a turd in the financial pool.

Oh, and click on this link before it gets taken down! Hube said something nice about Jimmy Carter!

65,880 Iraqis have been killed by our nation-building.  It has also cost the lives of 3,546 members of our military.

Around The Horn Friday: Jack’s All In Edition

Well the big news this week was that Jack Markell has announced that he is running for Guv’ner. This will potentially set up the best campaign that we have seen in this state since I’ve been of voting age. All over it this week was Tommywonk with the pre-announcement and then the announcement coverage. More coverage at Liberal Delight, Kavips, and DWA here, here and here. Nancy is in also. Over at FSP they are trying to put on a brave face.

Speaking of FSP, there are some weird things going on and MOTSmitty has come out of the shadows to post on it. It looks like some angry Republican has an ax to grind and they are doing it with postcards mailed to the delegates. The first was posted on DWA last Friday.

FSP is also starting to feel the heat that is the DelawareLiberal.net radiator. According to technorati, FSP is worth more than Our Humble Blog. Methinks the County Chair doth protest too much. Plus Mitt is probably pouring money into their operation…

Congrats go out to the bloggers that had a hand in killing HB 161, including Dana and the Irish Phone Boy. Looks like we can finally have tax increases in Wilmington to fix the sidewalks!!! 🙂

On Bills that we should support, CBS has a call to action to support a bill to be introduced by Smitty’s and my rep, Dick Cathcart. Looks like the goal is to keep poop out of Lums Pond. Sounds good to me.

Kavips wants us to stop looking our local gift horse in the mouth. Seabiscuit starring Joe Biden. OK, I get it, it’s a horse race. We have some strong starters and Richardson is fading. Joe could be #4. Dennis McGlynn is just trying to figure out how he can make money betting on it.

Nationally, Ryan at Liberal Delight points out that Wyoming Senator Craig Thomas passed away this week. In Wyoming, if the Senator is a different party than the Governor, the Senator’s party nominates 3 people for the Governor to select to finish the term. The result? We don’t have the sort of vulture mentality we had when Tim Johnson had a stroke. We should look into that…

Ever vigilant, Tommywonk fills us in on another hurdle that Bluewater has gotten past.

Mike Mahaffie has a poll that he wants us to take about the readership of state-level political blogs like this one.

Merit-bound-alley has returned with a killer post about Politics and Religion.

Duffy at Pencader Days has a post about how even Peggy Noonan has given up on Mr. 32%.

MOTNewbie has officially hung up his “CLOSED” sign. I’ll probably drop his blog from the blogroll next week, but you can expect to see him posting over at FSP as MOTSmitty until Dave kicks him to the curb. I may do the same for the Liberalgeek blog.

KarmicJay has thankfully gotten back to full blogging strength. He has a great reason why you should buy your food from the local farmer.

Protack has a post on the problem with tax rebates in Brandywine.

Over at FSP, Dave is giving his O-face over Frank Luntz’s analysis of the Republic debate. I was struck by the part at the end of the clip when Luntz talked about how neither side is listening to the other. It doesn’t really bode well for Democracy, if you ask me.

Gazizza has a post about the Catholics Against Rudy website going up. Now I have a reason to root for Rudy.

Over at JttR, it is the return of the inane. Things That Are Bad is back, new and improved. Ryan laments the lack of international soccer on TV. Dude, If we had more soccer on TV, when would we have time to show Dancing with the Survivor All-Stars Idol?

Kilroy seems to be the only one talking about the smackdown delivered to Christina this week. Go get ’em Kilroy.

Hube administers a smackdown of his own on Fulcher and Jensen and their tin foil hats.

That’s all for this installment. We have passed the 3,500 Americans soldiers dead mark and at least 64,879 Iraqis have been killed. Bush is giving Merkel a backrub at a resort in Germany.