The Castillo Chronicles

Sat Sighting: Montanore Mining Permits

2012-01-28T00:00:00.003-05:00

Go here to see the bookcase of documents needed to obtain a 'government permit' to mine in Libby, Montana (in the Cabinet Mountains). This economically-depressed area could certainly use the jobs that such a monumental natural resources project would generate.

HT: Ken Miller

When Push Comes to Shove

2012-01-28T00:00:00.002-05:00

Anonymous men have to rescue the important lady leaders.

Story about the photo of Aussie Prime Minister Julia Gillard being escorted to safety by body guardians.

Will the real isolationists please stand out?

2012-01-27T06:14:00.012-05:00

In the last two GOP presidential debates, the topic of Cuba and the Castro regime have come up. A little variety in the discussion is certainly welcome ... and revealing. In general, the three neocons - Mitt, Newt, Rick - support the trade and travel sanctions. But 'the old guy' who is frequently derided as an isolationist, by his opponents and the establishment conservative media, says the Cold War is over; Cuba is not going to attack the United States.

Goodbye embargo. Hello vacations in Havana. If only ...

A majority of Americans, including Latinos, also want to normalize relations with Cuba, but South Florida's powerful, Old Guard anti-Castro lobby gets to have the last word on this issue ... for now.

Que lastima.

Fri. Fun: Contra the Callista Gingrich Mannequin Look

2012-01-27T00:01:00.006-05:00

Ruche's modern vintage clothing line is as suitable for a think-out-of-the-box twenty-something as it is for an adventuresome sixty-something. Comfortable, affordable choices for a fashionista on a budget.

The Facebook page for Ruche is here.

Of Hooters and a Paradox

2012-01-27T00:00:00.006-05:00

There's a "surplus" of snowy owls in the North Country. As a result, some of these elegant-looking feathery friends are also starving.

'Mother Nature' is cruel and beautiful.

Homeschoolers & NRA Youth Hunter Events

2012-01-26T11:30:00.005-05:00

In Missouri and in Oklahoma.

New England's One Percent

2012-01-26T00:05:00.001-05:00

I visited Massachusetts this past weekend. One observation: The dead of winter makes New England feel bleak in a way that northern Michigan does not (even in the dead of winter).

Maybe the bleakness is spiritual.

HT: Melanie

Man of Words 'Inspires' Wordsmiths

2012-01-26T00:00:00.003-05:00

I'll say this for Newt Gingrich (who I interviewed in person back when he was a congresscritter): He's a muse, of sorts. Newt's foibles makes for forthright and interesting commentary.

Example 1. R. Emmett Tyrrell Jr. compares: "Newt Gingrich is conservatism's Bill Clinton, but without the charm. He has acquired wit, but he has all the charm of barbed wire."

And this: "After Newt's and Bill's disastrous experiences in government, both went on to create empires — Bill in philanthropy and cheap thought, Newt in public policy and cheap thought."

Example 2. James Kirkpatrick opines: "Now the official Movement intelligentsia is beginning to panic at the prospect of Gingrich. Reportedly, a lot of this is personal—they know Newt and just can’t stand him.

But, on substance, it’s hard to see why they’re so worried. In Gingrich, they have someone who makes the right noises to the rubes but then carries out the cheap labor agenda of the corporate elite. The rubes have the words, but no action. They have the rhetoric of resistance, but the substance of surrender."

He's Toast, er, Tostada

2012-01-25T13:33:00.011-05:00

Thanks to Joe H. for passing along this clip of Mayor Joe "I might have tacos tonight" Maturo of East Haven, CT.

+ =

Event Features Jihadist Turned Whistleblower

2012-01-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

FYI in you live in northern Michigan (or even if you do not) ...

- Protecting our U.S. Constitution from All Threats Foreign and Domestic
- Friday, January 27, 2012
- The Streeters Center,1669 South Garfield Ave., Traverse City

Social Hour: 6 to 7 pm
Speakers: 7 to 9 pm

This informational event will feature three speakers: former jihadist and Christian convert Kamal Saleem, the Hon. Dave Agema, MI-74th, and Allegan County Commissioner Bill Sage. “Protecting Our Constitution” is sponsored by a coalition of concerned citizen groups.

Kamal Saleem, author of The Blood of Lambs, will be the featured guest to talk about his experiences growing up in an Islamic community and will speak about his former life as a hired terrorist against the United States. He aimed to glorify Allah through “hot war” terror cells as well as the “cold war” tactics of demographic and cultural jihad – ironically exploiting First Amendment liberties to gut American freedoms of religion, speech, and the press.

Ad Nauseum

2012-01-24T10:48:00.006-05:00

The formidable Richard Keefe has written another great post about how the SPLC doesn't practice what it preaches. Consistently, so.

He writes, "The Southern Poverty Law Center has got to be one of the most ironic places on the planet. It’s incredible enough that not one of 'the nation’s leading civil rights organization’s' top executives is a minority, and that this deplorable situation has existed for the entire 40-year history of the SPLC, so it’s probably not much of a shock to learn that the SPLC’s 'educational outreach' division has been led by 'whites only' for 19 of its 20-year history too.

'Teaching Tolerance' created in 1991 'is dedicated to reducing prejudice, improving intergroup relations and supporting equitable school experiences for our nation’s children,' according to the current TT web site."

See the photos at his post!

Weekend in New England

2012-01-20T00:00:00.003-05:00

Taking a few days off from blogging as I am traveling and tending to family matters.

Let the Interviews Begin

2012-01-19T09:05:00.000-05:00

Politico has complied a "Top 10 most competitive contests for the 2011-12 cycle."

Montana's gubernatorial race holds the numero uno spot on this list.

To that end, I'm going to be interviewing all the candidates in that race. My first Q&A is with Ken Miller, a Laurel businessman and former state senator, and a former rodeo competitor. Go here. Yeehaw.

Pastor Voddie Supports Ron Paul

2012-01-18T00:00:00.004-05:00

Eschewing the clique mentality of the professional Religious Right-Wingers who endorsed Rick Santorum, Pastor Voddie (a conservative Baptist) explains why he will be voting for the Doc.

Below is his lively 2008 exchange, about McCain-Palin, with a pair of relentless feminists.

Sidebar: Defending the first-class tickets.

Occupy Rick Snyder's Neighborhood

2012-01-17T14:01:00.006-05:00

The 99% marched to the Michigan governor's subdivision in Superior Township. (Snyder lives in a gated community, not the gov's mansion.)

Here's the vid:

Occupy, Church Groups March on Gov. Snyder's House: MyFoxDETROIT.com

The hundreds (!) were protesting Michigan's Emergency Manager Law.

What a thankless job to have Detroit under your jurisdiction.

Opportunity for Environmental Entrepreneurs

2012-01-17T00:00:00.003-05:00

This just in: "Applications are now being considered for 16 Enviropreneur Institute fellowships sponsored by the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC). This annual, two-week training for conservationists will be held in Bozeman, Montana, from June 24 - July 6, 2012.

The mission of PERC's Enviropreneur Institute (PEI) is to empower environmental entrepreneurs in the application of property, contracts, and markets to enhance environmental assets. The program features lectures by experts in the fields of economics, business planning, marketing, and project management. Discussion sessions, lectures, field trips, and individual mentoring with PEI faculty and alumni highlight the experience and give fellows an opportunity to develop business plans linking economic opportunity with environmental quality."

Newbie entrepreneurs welcome.

For more information: 888.406.9532, perc@perc.org

Social Safari to Bay Harbor

2012-01-16T00:00:00.002-05:00

The Village at Bay Harbor is a northern Michigan enclave where the 1% live, part-time. The homes, apartments, yachts, shops, sights, and amenities are both splendid and over-the-top.

Bay Harbor's Ice & Spice Festival took place this weekend. Ice carvings and a chili cookoff were the featured events. Some photos:

This pretty ice sculpture lists this event's sponsors. Mitt Romney would approve of this tribute to venture, crony, vulture, and no-adjective-to- describe-it capitalism.

The s'more-roasting pit.

A griffin or a phoenix. I get those two mixed up.

One of the palatial multi-million dollar seasonal homes ...

... that faces Bay Harbor.

Bill Belichick 2012

2012-01-15T10:01:00.020-05:00

In which a Flyover Country team enters the liberal northeast matrix and learns that Morpheus is an unflappable Patriot: "As far as they went this season, the 45-10 whipping the Broncos received on a bitter cold Saturday night from ruthless coach Bill Belichick and his world-class New England Patriots proved the Broncos still have a long, long, long way to go."

A somewhat bumbling, but very funny attempt, to explain why Coach B. should be president of the United States. (Note: A few naughty words.)

One More Time for North Dakota

2012-01-14T00:05:00.000-05:00

My New American Q&A with Charlene Nelson, homeschool mom, municipal judge, and property-rights advocate.

Nuevo Bethany, Oklahoma

2012-01-14T00:00:00.008-05:00

A bizarre, gruesome, and tragic story was sent to me by Carol Helm of I.R.O.N.: "Bethany, OK - On December 21, Bethany Police Chief announced the arrest of Francisco Gomez, 31, who has been charged with multiple drug trafficking charges and is believed to have knowledge of the grisly murder of 19-year-old Carina Saunders (pictured, right).

Gomez’ co-defendant, Jimmy Lee Massey (aka “Big Country”), 33, was already in custody. Both are allegedly members of a drug/sex trafficking ring operating in Oklahoma.

According to an affidavit, Massey has admitted to kidnapping another woman and forcing her to watch as Saunders was tortured to death on October 9, 2011. Massey also told investigators how the young woman’s body was then dismembered.

On October 13, Saunders’ remains were discovered inside a duffel bag behind the Homeland grocery store at NW 23 and Rockwell Avenue. She had been beheaded and could only be indentified through dental records."

Also from the same Examiner article: "Chief Cole expects more arrests in the case. Many of those now under investigation are said to be Mexican nationals and the drug/sex trafficking ring is reportedly directly connected to one of the cartels."

I'm very familiar with Bethany, as I almost bought a house there several years ago. It's shocking that this type of 'cartel violence' would occur in a community with two Christian colleges, conservative churches, and a fine hospital for children. Carol is disturbed at the Sooner State media blackout on the particulars of this crime, and asks, with great concern, "Whose daughter will be killed next ‘to send a message?’"

Related: Selwyn's "What Ann Coulter and the GOP Dare Not Say About Immigration." Update: In this blog entry, about unemployment, David Frum calls for a moratorium on immigration.

Friday Fun: Going Nuts

2012-01-13T00:00:00.006-05:00

We are not bakers or a large family or survivalists or subscribe to a faith that encourages food stockpiling, and Santa Claus has come and gone. So how did 25 lbs of roasted, salted, mixed nuts sneak into my kitchen?

Cookie Girlcott

2012-01-12T19:40:00.003-05:00

Brava!

Michael Moore & Occupy Traverse City: What a Joke!

2012-01-12T00:00:00.019-05:00

"Capitalism, in the last year, has proven that it's failed." Michael Moore, in 2009

Documentary filmmaker Michael "1%" Moore recently addressed Occupy "99%" Traverse City (MI). His credentials/expertise to do so? He owns a massive vacation home near TC.

Among the advice he dispensed to those gathered at a (pro-capitalism) bookstore: "Most people can’t pitch a tent or do civil disobedience. So one thing that we’re trying to do now across the country is, there are these yard signs, like campaign yard signs, that say, 'We Are The 99 Percent.'

And the idea is to get this in as many yards and as many neighborhoods across the entire country and this is really starting to grow now. Maybe you’ve seen pictures on the Internet. It’s really cool. You just drive down street after street and it just says 'We Are the 99 Percent,' 'We Are the 99 Percent,' 'We Are the 99 Percent.' "

The local icon, I assume, didn't personally run with his own ho-hum suggestion (although how hilarious would that have been if he did).

How out-of-place, after all, would a lone '99%' sign look to recreational boaters (the only folks that might see it), at his bodacious $2 million home (photo below) located on tony and very white (not due to lake-effect snow) Torch Lake.

click on it

This is a small photo of Moore speaking to the Occupy Traverse City crowd. If you click here, you'll see, up close, that this crowd doesn't appear down-n-out. Maybe some of these liberals, also, own homes on Torch Lake. Maybe the liberals who 'reported' this story could act less like breathless stenographers and more like reporters.

Searching for a 'Vampire': Moises Ramirez-Matias

2012-01-11T00:00:00.007-05:00

Twilight is set in Forks, Washington. As almost everyone knows it is a quirky romance tale whose protagonist is an ancient vampire who falls for a mortal teenage girl.

Alas. A real-life drama - a terrible one - has occurred in this rainiest of cities, also featuring a teen in a relationship gone awry. KOMO reports: "A search is on for a man suspected in the stabbing death of an 18-year-old Forks mother who died after a domestic violence incident early Sunday morning, police said.

Moises Ramirez-Matias (pictured) is sought in connection with the death of his girlfriend, Laranda Konopaski, said Forks Police Sgt. Ed Klahn.

Konopaski's 4-year-old daughter called 911 just after 5 a.m. Sunday to report her mom was hurt, Klahn said. Medics rushed to the Rainforest Mobile Home Park where they found Konopaski suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was taken to Forks Community Hospital where she was pronounced dead."

I can't imagine a little child having to make this call. Very brave and very smart but how utterly awful.

The suspected perp, who is Guatemalan, hasn't been caught yet, but the U.S. Border Patrol is investigating his immigration status given that he also goes by the names Dario Ramirez Moises and Jose Luis Ramirez Pablo. (Forks' not-small illegal alien population mostly 'work' as leaf harvesters for the floral industry.)

My question: Can the American public, who cares about this law-and-order issue, trust Mitt Romney to be the nation's Sheriff Arpaio? Because it's high noon in the U.S.A.

Update: Alleged killer is still at-large. More about the victim, Laranda, who became a mom at age 14 and hoped to have a nursing career.

Another update: The alleged killer - Moises - is in custody. He is an illegal, and he returned to the U.S. after being deported once before. Incredible.

Fred Karger? Who dat?

2012-01-10T09:50:00.011-05:00

New Hampshire primary: County by county results here.

The angry little attack muffin's last name was misspelled - oh-oh. 6 pm update: Typo fixed by the website admin.

Update: For those who don't reside in N.H. but would still like to vote, the Drudge Report 'primary' is now open for business.

Bureaucrats Gone Windy

2012-01-09T13:04:00.007-05:00

Thanks to Mrs. S., for passing along this story about the shady machinations by the powers-that-be, in a rural Wisconsin community, to create a controversial wind policy.

Who knew that wind turbines could cause so much drama? It's like something out of a Jack Reacher novel set in the Midwest or the Northern Plains.

I've always found the subsidized 'windmill farms' (like I've seen in Wyoming) surrealistic-looking. A jarring sight, physically and philosophically speaking.

Vermin Supreme: Truly a Pest

2012-01-09T11:33:00.007-05:00

Friendlier moment in 2008 in NH: Ron Paul actually shook hands with the grimy-looking performance artist (the 2:29 mark). The Doc is braver than I thought.

Update: Santorum and his ties to another vermin.

Sorry, Troy Polamalu

2012-01-08T20:13:00.006-05:00

Photo finish (80 yard pass!) in overtime for Timmy and the Broncos!

Ward Hines was "stunned." Love it!

Sunday Inspiration: Collin Klein

2012-01-08T10:40:00.004-05:00

Overall, a very touching article, from the MSM, about one of those isolationist homeschoolers.

Young Mr. Klein (pictured, right) is a mandolin player, the Kansas State QB, and a true leader.

Of his educational/familial/meager 'foreign intervention' experience, he gratefully says, "It was a huge blessing. I wouldn’t trade it.”

Saturday Sighting: Yo-Yo Quilts

2012-01-07T09:04:00.003-05:00

This video explains how to sew circles into yo-yos. Scraps are most welcome.

The Chameleon: Mitt Romney

2012-01-07T08:16:00.013-05:00

Such fun! A collection of assorted video clips noting Monsieur Romney's support for abortion rights, gun control, illegal immigration, individual mandates, and much more.

Here's a sample, from the files, with a youthful Romney sounding more convincing, more vigorous as a liberal than he has as a milquetoast social conservative.

Here's another where he goes into dodgy mode.

Update: My friend, Jeanne Traester of Amherst, MA, was a huge supporter of Gov. Romney. Now? Not as much.

More lighthearted times: This is a photo I snapped of James Traester, Jeanne's son, with you-know-who. Mr. Mitt spoke to James and his classmates about the Olympics. He was a hit with the students, and he looked presidential.

RedState Busts Santorum

2012-01-07T00:00:00.003-05:00

Look at the devastating, comprehensive list that Erick Erickson (pictured, left), of the popular right-wing* website RedState, has put together of Rick Santorum's voting record.

This is not a compassionate record, nor is it a conservative one. Bottom line: It's hardly an exaggeration to say that Rick Santorum votes like a northeast liberal, à la the late Ted Kennedy.

*leans neo-con

Students For Life of Michigan

2012-01-06T16:26:00.008-05:00

Christen Houck
If you are a Mitten State college student and would like to join SFLM on their annual trip, to participate in the National March for Life on January 23rd in Washington, D.C., please contact them at sflmichigan@gmail.com.

Their Facebook page is here.

The current president of Students for Life of Michigan is Christen Houck. She is studying political science at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and has been involved with the pro-life cause, since she was in high school.

"I have always had a deep-seated sorrow regarding abortion and consider it my calling to prevent it from happening," says Christen. "Wherever that takes me, I am willing to go."

Friday Fun: Gold Standard (Trump Penthouse)

2012-01-06T00:00:00.003-05:00

C'mon. You know you're curious.

Click here to see how the ostentatious lavishly live.

Hint: More of a museum than a home if the statue (from the Trump apartment) in the photo tells you anything.

True Grit: From Young Widow to Crimefighting Momma

2012-01-05T00:00:00.005-05:00

A teenage mom and real-life Mattie Ross has become a heroine for exercising her right to defend her home and child: "Just days after a widow laid her husband to rest, she's forced to shoot a pair of intruders who showed up to her Blanchard (Oklahoma) home, threatening her and her 3-month-old baby.

One of the alleged burglars was killed in the gunfire.

Now, individuals are calling the Blanchard police, anxious to help the young woman and her baby.

They say an Oklahoma City law firm and a gun rights group have called to give financially.

Many others have stepped up to start funds and even give long-term support for the two.

Sarah McKinley, 18, (pictured) welcomed detectives in her home once again.

This time, it wasn't to collect evidence or to ask her questions about the recent shooting at her house.

Instead, it's to give her bags of gifts for her 3-month-old son."

Go Castle Doctrine!

More here and here.

Truckers Can No Longer Use Cell Phones

2012-01-04T16:27:00.010-05:00

And bus drivers: "A new federal rule that bans truckers and bus drivers from using handheld cellphones took effect Tuesday, triggering the prospect of thousands of dollars in fines for drivers caught using their mobile phones.

The ban announced in late November calls for penalties of up to $2,750 against drivers caught talking on their handheld phones, and fines as high as $11,000 against their employers."

Three thoughts: 1. Outrageous fines!

2. Bluetooth-type manufacturers stand to make an even greater profit from this new law.

3. Why are only truckers and bus drivers being singled out?

Religious Right Grand Poohbah Emergency Meeting

2012-01-04T14:57:00.007-05:00

The evanjellos, of course, will pick Santorum as their pool boy.

They are as stuck in the George W. Bush era of politics as is Rick.

The Day After the Caucuses

2012-01-04T09:40:00.009-05:00

Well at least some Iowans took my advice. :>) Will New Hampshire voters 'just say no' to the chickenhawks now flopping and flapping into their great state?

In the photo: Some of Petoskey's youthful Ron Paul supporters.

Update: Business Insider reports that the Doc may have "secretly won" the Iowa caucuses.

See the Returns

2012-01-03T21:13:00.000-05:00

Here!

He's Supporting Ron, over Uncle Rick

2012-01-03T16:09:00.011-05:00

John Garver (pictured) is a 19-year-old college student whose uncle is Rick Santorum.

His short op-ed about why he is supporting Congressman Paul for prez, over his relative, appears, today, at the Daily Caller.

The nephew writes, "My Uncle Rick cannot fathom a society in which people cooperate and work with each other freely. When Republicans were spending so much money under President Bush, my uncle was right there along with them as a senator."

Honest kid, but ouch.

I'm trying to decide if this is a tacky move, on his part, or a brave one.

Rick's wife is the former Karen Garver.

Update: I decided. Brave!

Britain's Immigration Enablers: Out of Control

2012-01-03T10:13:00.007-05:00

In the Daily Mail, Brit blogger Richard Littlejohn offers yet another outrageous anecdote about the 'rights' of immigrants. He writes, "The paying public is sick of the abuse of the immigration and asylum system. The camel’s back is close to breaking point.

Now we learn that a Bangladeshi trainee accountant called Abdullah Munawar, who was refused permission to stay in Britain, has won his appeal against deportation because he has a right to a ‘private life’ under Article Eight of the European Convention.

This is because he has made friends here and plays cricket. It’s not as if they’re short of cricket pitches in Bangladesh.

If you stay here long enough, you’re bound to make some friends, but that is irrelevant.

He should have gone home when his student visa expired. If playing cricket is now a legitimate basis for flouting the immigration process, then the game is well and truly up."

Just Cause: The Workforce Fairness Institute

2012-01-03T00:00:00.001-05:00

A site dedicated to equity in the workplace and a watchdog of Big Labor.

Here's Barbara Comstock, of the WFI, talking about union bosses who live large (and look large).

Buddy Roemer? Who dat?

2012-01-02T10:20:00.013-05:00

From the Public Policy Polling report that Drudge linked to: "The Republican caucus in Iowa is headed for a photo finish, with the three leading contenders all within two points of each other. Ron Paul is at 20%, MittRomney at 19%, and Rick Santorum at 18%. Rounding out the field are Newt Gingrich at 14%, Rick Perry at 10%, Michele Bachmann at 8%, Jon Huntsman at 4%, and Buddy Roemer at 2%.

The momentum in the race is completely on Santorum's side."

A pity given that Santorum is Gingrich lite.

In the photo: Rick chillaxing with U2's Bono, pow-wowing about a redistribute-your-wealth scheme known as The Global Fund.

"The Problem with Rick Santorum" was published in 2005, but it remains prescient.

Update: Senator Rand Paul on Rick S.: "He voted to double the size of the Department of Education. He voted to expand Medicare and add free drugs for senior citizens and he has voted for foreign aid. Those are not conservative principles. Seventy-seven percent of the American people are opposed to foreign aid and Rick Santorum has voted for it every time it's come down."

Like a Psychic Hotline

2012-01-02T10:05:00.008-05:00

A so-called A-list blogger named Penelope Trunk makes some remarkably silly predictions about homeschooling, Generation Z, college, feminism, and the e-workplace.

Saturday Sighting: Last Day of the Year

2011-12-31T00:04:00.009-05:00

Phew! 2011 went by super fast.

Now onto the Next Big Thing - 2012.

Thank you to those who read TCC, commented, sent news tips, or agreed to an interview.

Happy New Year!

Independent of Barnes County

2011-12-31T00:00:00.003-05:00

Open publication - Free publishing

My 'ax the property tax' column was republished in this ND publication on page 10. The free-thinking publisher is Nikki Laine Zinke.

Friday Fun: Homes of the GOP Candidates

2011-12-30T00:05:00.002-05:00

Naturally, they all live very well.

Naturally, Ron Paul's home, near Houston, is the most modest one of the bunch.

And it's for sale! (According to the Daily Mail.)

Casa Paul Pool

Friday Fun: Free Wallpaper from RMEF

2011-12-30T00:05:00.001-05:00

Elk!

Friday Fun: Boho Chic Baby

2011-12-30T00:00:00.004-05:00

My friend Bonnie's little angel, Aftasie.

Mama, who is a nursing student in Oregon, is having a good time dressing up her baby girl.

Ron Paul: This is how a 'kook' acts

2011-12-29T10:05:00.006-05:00

Mr. Williams seems like a plain-spoken, decent man. I'm glad he elected to do this video.

Update: Beautifully put. Soldiers for Ron.

Yes, Ann, You are a Hackette

2011-12-29T00:00:00.007-05:00

I know many of us are a little desperate to 'fire' Barack, but only a fool would trust Marxachusetts Mitt (over Michele Bachmann) to do the right thing on illegal immigration and to repeal ObamaCare.

Look at the pair of amnesty cheerleaders he goes to for a consult.

And ObamaCare was inspired by RomneyCare.

Ann Coulter: Always sticking up for the 'electable' big government, liberal instead of standing up for constitutional principles or constitutionalists.

Update: Another overpaid shill for BigGov thinks Ron Paul is running for dictator.

Hello Joseph McQuaid?! What part of checks and balances don't you get?

'Nother update: Fascinating reactions, at Politico.com, to McQuaid's 'dangerous' critique.

Last update: How the Union Leader went from Buchananite to Bush Lite.

When Two Smart Men Chat

2011-12-28T09:37:00.012-05:00

I spoke with Mr. Mike Cutler, yesterday, about his recent exchange with Mr. Neil Cavuto (on his Fox show). He raved about Neil's graciousness.

Mike did a fab job. I especially enjoyed his verbal smackdown of this wonk's* argument that Fedgov should tweak its immigration policy to further increase the number of high-skilled foreign workers it allows into the U.S.

Please, take a listen, amigas and amigos.

*From the Independent Institute, although he wasn't mentioned, per se

Of White Wedding Zinnias & Goldetti Squash

2011-12-28T00:00:00.009-05:00

Yesterday the mailperson brought the 2012 Burpee catalog to our box. It contains ooohh and aahhh quality photos of flowers, veggies, and fruits.

It's way too early, for me, to think about outdoor gardening, given the 'hardiness zone' I live in, but it may not be too early for you, if you live in, like, Florida.

However, with the right window or with grow lamps, indoor container gardening is doable all-year round. Since the fall, I've been successfully growing violas on a south windowsill. They are even blooming, even though the weather is brrrrr.

The pretty catalog is also available online if you want to peek at all the varieties of sunflowers or tomatoes pictured, or chuckle at the creative names Burpee's marketing department dreams up for the seed packets.

The Poised Alpha Male

2011-12-27T00:00:00.004-05:00

This is Milo. My neighbor's huskie. I think he's movie-star handsome.

He rarely barks, and he can strike a pose. Milo is the strong, silent type. Sigh.

Believe it or not, he's still a puppy.

So when he plays ... well, he can play like a pup.

Ruff, ruff.

Survivor GOP: Who will be voted off the island?

2011-12-26T10:00:00.006-05:00

If you are following the Republican presidential race, you will be very interested in this handy list that was originally posted by Mike McCarville.

Jan. 3 — Iowa holds the first-in-the-nation caucuses
Jan. 10 — New Hampshire holds the first-in-the-nation primary
Jan. 21 — South Carolina holds its Republican presidential primary
Jan. 31 — Florida's holds its presidential primary
Feb. 4 — Nevada holds its Republican caucuses

Feb. 22 — GOP presidential candidates debate in Arizona

Feb. 28 — Arizona and Michigan hold their presidential primaries

March 1 — The GOP presidential candidates debate in Georgia

March 6 — Super Tuesday: The first day that states not designated as early states by the national parties are allowed to hold their primary contests without penalty. Georgia, Massachusetts, Vermont, Virginia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Ohio and Texas will hold primaries, and North Dakota, Colorado and Idaho will hold Republican caucuses

"El Comandante" - Mascot for Liberals

2011-12-26T00:00:00.011-05:00

Available from Che Mart. (Caveat: Some of the material is spot on, some too naughty for my taste.)

From Humberto Fontova's exposé on Ernesto: "Fidel Castro's henchman whose face adorns hipsters' T-shirts, posters, and ad campaigns - are based on a murderous communist regime's outright lies."

Even at small and remote North Central Michigan College, I've spotted stickers of his militant mug on a professorette's door. Ugh.

Feliz Navidad!

2011-12-25T11:29:00.003-05:00

Mary did you know ...

That your baby boy

Will one day rule the nations.

Where in the World is Santa?

2011-12-24T17:20:00.002-05:00

The Norad tracker

Tiny Tim: God Bless Us, Every One

2011-12-24T10:25:00.001-05:00

'Twas the Newt Before Christmas by Barack O.

2011-12-24T00:00:00.004-05:00

My 'poem' appeared at the Daily Caller.

Thanks to Tucker for tweeting it, also.

Here's how it begins:

" ’Twas the night before the Holiday, when all through the White House,
Not a liberal was social networking — no one was clicking a mouse.
The Jimmy Choos were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that Newt Gingrinch soon would be there.

The Occupy protesters were nestled all snug in their street beds,
While redistributionist schemes danced in their (air)heads.
And Michelle in her snuggie, and I with my Chicago Bulls cap,
Had just settled down for a climate-change nap."

Ho ho ho, and Merry Christmas.

Remembering the Imprisoned at Christmas

2011-12-23T09:39:00.007-05:00

Writing in the American Spectator, Doug Bandow, a champion of religious liberty, opines about the persecution of Christians in the DPRK (North Korea). It's an extremely unsettling article (as it should be).

Here's some stats: "Some 150,000 to 200,000 people are believed to be imprisoned in abysmal conditions. Of those, between 40,000 and 70,000 are said to be held for religious reasons -- principally for Christian worship and evangelism. ICC figures that number may be even higher, perhaps 100,000, though no one really knows. Reports circulate of the execution of believers, especially leaders like pastors and Bible smugglers."

Doug advises those of us in the West to, at least, pray for the persecuted and also lists several organizations that attempt to expose this darkest of regimes.

TCC Interview: Tiffany Dortignac Weathers

2011-12-23T00:00:00.004-05:00

Described as hard-working, yet laid back Tiffany is married to Nathan who works for JDC Contracting. They live in SoCal and are blessed with two beautiful children, Caleb and Julia. She's also an accomplished piano teacher and savvy cultural observer with a fine sense of humor. Tiffany writes on her blog, "I grew up in one of those Judeo-Christian homes that apparently strike terror in the hearts of the likes of Betty Friedan."

Her homeschooling parents, Michelle and Jack Dortignac, are the parents of 14 children. Tiff, as I call her, is the first born.

TCC: What's it like to go from living with a family of 16 to being a family of four?

Tiff: I get more sleep now. I also get more down time. I am more rested, which I’m enjoying very much. Living with a family of sixteen was excellent preparation for marriage and parenting, because I was never used to having everything go my way.

TCC: I bet! Now that you are so well rested, please complete this sentence. Barack Obama is ______________.

Tiff: Confused. I think he really is trying to do right, but he has a completely distorted view of what right and wrong are.

TCC: What's one question that you would ask the GOP presidential candidates?

Tiff: I would ask how they would deal with the federal debt problem. No one gets out of debt by just eliminating a deficit. We need to pay that mess down, and we don’t need to start by raising taxes.

TCC: Favorite type of music?

Tiff: I like to listen to music that is soothing, calms nerves, and is not at all showy, like The Living Room Sessions, by Chris Rice.

TCC: And you are probably the definition of a soothing mommy. Thanks for sharing!

In the photo: Mr. and Mrs. Weathers on their wedding day in December of 2008.

No Respect

2011-12-22T12:21:00.005-05:00

Click on the photo to better see the sign
From FIRE: "Auburn University has ordered a Ron Paul for President campaign banner removed from the inside of a dorm room window while allowing students to display numerous other banners, stickers, and flags. Student Eric Philips, who was ordered to remove his sign last month ... "

The whole report, about the censorship incident, is here.

Mini Poinsettas

2011-12-22T00:00:00.006-05:00

Christmas usually means vibrant, hardy, and entirely affordable poinsettas. The more the merrier!

But the minis, sometimes available in grocery stores, are in a class by themselves. Even online buyers sell the adorable little plants fast. I think these make for unique hostess gifts.

Wise Words about Family

2011-12-22T00:00:00.003-05:00

"The way you help heal the world is you start with your own family."
~ Mother Teresa

Tonight: Obama Immigration Decision Discussion

2011-12-21T15:14:00.007-05:00

From Mikey Cutler: "This evening, I will be a guest on Neil Cavuto’s program, on the Fox Business Network that airs from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. We will be discussing the administration’s decision to cut back on the National Guard troops that have been assigned to the US/Mexican border and the impact this is likely to have on jobs and national security."

This should be a good segment as Neil (pictured, right) is respectful to his guests and asks intelligent questions.

Update: Neil being fair and balanced.

Santa, Please Bring This Man a Tundra

2011-12-21T00:05:00.010-05:00

Move over, Bruce Willis! Make room for Wid Lyman.

(The Ironman, also known as The Count, appears in the beginning of this Toyota commercial for the Fernelius dealership of Cheboygan, MI.)

In the 'Shadows'

2011-12-21T00:00:00.002-05:00

Don't Mess with Texas ... or Baby Jesus

2011-12-20T10:13:00.008-05:00

My latest column at the Belgrade News begins like this: "Tra la la la. Tis’ the season to censor Christians in the public square. La la la la."

I mention the Madison, Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation, a group of atheists who are busy little grinches this time of the year.

FFRFers made a fuss over a nativity scene located outside the Athens, Texas county courthouse.

The photo is of the crowd (5000!) that came to a rally in Athens in support of the crèche.

Update: Franking rule gets rescinded.

Visual Satire

2011-12-20T00:00:00.001-05:00

Oh to have a job as a political cartoonist ...

Better Than That Tacky SNL Skit*

2011-12-19T19:07:00.001-05:00

*Bah.

Current Favorite App

2011-12-19T10:27:00.003-05:00

Sunday Inspiration: Danny Woodhead

2011-12-18T09:56:00.015-05:00

For a professional football player, Danny is tiny. He's a five-foot-eight running back for the New England Patriots (who, by the way, will be playing the Denver Broncos today). But Number 39 has become a fan favorite, because he plays with heart and speed.

As SI notes: "It's only on a football field where Danny Woodhead weekly stands out as the most unlikely of highlighters, etched against a panorama of enlarged NFL humanoids. Where he regularly ducks beneath the swat of defensive linemen, a foot taller and 100 pounds heavier, to churn out a few more yards. Where blitzers don't even see him until he blocks them to the ground. Where he skirts out of the backfield, outruns a linebacker, jukes a cornerback, and gains another 10 yards."

Danny has also been described as "grounded" or an "everyman." At 26 years old, he's married to his high school sweetheart and was homeschooled through high school in his native Nebraska, the product of a close-knit, blue-collar religious family.

This article and this article explain the source of his drive and his fearlesness.

This commercial plays up his likeable ordinariness.

Sat. Sighting: National TV Time for ND's Property Rights Crusade

2011-12-17T19:14:00.004-05:00

Charlene Nelson, of Empower the Taxpayer, gets interviewed by Stuart Varney of Fox Business News.

Prole Nation: Key to Happy-Smiley Femmes

2011-12-17T10:02:00.007-05:00

Based on the study's twisted conclusions, why bother to have children?

So would yesteryear's art masters be inspired to paint portraits of botoxed women sitting at nondescript desks fiddling with their computers?

Rock on, Thomas Edison, Rock on!

2011-12-16T14:42:00.005-05:00

Ye Modest Stockpile

Enlightening news and welcome news: "Congressional negotiators struck a deal Thursday that overturns the new rules that were to have banned sales of traditional incandescent light bulbs beginning next year.

That agreement is tucked inside the massive 1,200-page spending bill that funds the government through the rest of this fiscal year, and which both houses of Congress will vote on Friday. Mr. Obama is expected to sign the bill, which heads off a looming government shutdown.

Congressional Republicans dropped almost all of the policy restrictions they tried to attach to the bill, but won inclusion of the light bulb provision, which prevents the Obama administration from carrying through a 2007 law that would have set energy efficiency standards that effectively made the traditional light bulb obsolete.

Stopping the bulb ban was a chief GOP priority coming into this year, with all of the candidates seeking to become chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee saying they would push through a repeal. That bill cleared the House but Democrats blocked its consideration in the Senate.

House Republicans then insisted on adding a provision into the year-end spending bill, and it was one of the last major sticking-points in the negotiations.

The spending bill doesn’t actually amend the 2007 law, but does prohibit the administration from spending any money to carry out the light bulb standards — which amounts to at least a temporary reprieve."

Hurrah! (But how absurd it has come to this - the federal government interfering with the marketplace and the choices of consumers to this extreme extent.)

WaPo: You got game

2011-12-16T11:13:00.004-05:00

Not worth nitpicking; this succinct analysis of last night's debate is just about right, even down to the Tebowing reference. Go here

Fri. Fun: The Lady Gaga of Poli Sci Profs

2011-12-16T00:00:00.001-05:00

The bellicose young woman in the video below, who specializes in Twaddle 101, is an Occidental College academic. Her name is Caroline Heldman, and, among other things, thinks voter fraud is not a problem and doesn't have much use for the Tenth Amendment. Dr. Heldman ardently opposes state laws which require photo IDs to vote because "some poor people can't get an ID card and 11% of the American public doesn't have it."

This blogger put together a state-by-state list of what such state IDs cost. Spoiler alert: Affordable they are ... even for so-called poor people.

If you watch, be prepared to cover your ears.

Marmite: Banned in Denmark

2011-12-15T13:58:00.005-05:00

But not in Petoskey. Not yet, at least. I found this litte jar of Marmite at a local foodie store.

The Danes banished the yeast spread, because it contains "too many vitamins."

One British expat living in Copenhagen declared: "But if they want to take my Marmite off me, they'll have to wrench it from my cold dead hands."

Is Ron Paul the Tim Tebow of National Politics?

2011-12-15T10:27:00.011-05:00

Bigtime blogger Andrew Sullivan pays Ron Paul a few compliments: "He would never take $1.8 million from Freddie Mac. He would never disown Reagan, as Romney once did. He would never speak of lynching Bernanke, as Perry threatened. When he answers a question, you can see that he is genuinely listening to it and responding - rather than searching, Bachmann-like, for the one-liner to rouse the base. He is, in other words, a decent fellow, and that's an adjective I don't use lightly. We need more decency among Republicans."

This is similar to the observation by an Iowa voter named Susan Davidson: "He doesn't think he's better than any of us. You can tell by the way he speaks to us. He seems very genuine and plain. He doesn't embellish."

"He's an extremely brave man to be able to speak his mind so simply but eloquently in the face of all the big stars and heroes in Congress. He's not afraid of them."

P.S. The Fox News GOP Presidential Debate is tonight at 9:00 PM, ET.

Sidebar: A hysterical intellectual - Rabbi Joshua Hammerman - needs a time out.

In a hateful screed, he had this to say: “If Tebow wins the Super Bowl, against all odds, it will buoy his faithful, and emboldened faithful can do insane things, like burning mosques, bashing gays and indiscriminately banishing immigrants. While America has become more inclusive since Jerry Falwell’s first political forays, a Tebow triumph could set those efforts back considerably.”

This is the same kind of ugly, disrespectful, hyper-bombastic rhetoric that others resort to when talking about the Doc (who, like, Tim nevah evah stoops to childish name calling) and his supporters. Today's useful idiot, writing for the Daily Beast, called him a "pestilential little locust."

Meanwhile the grating Mark Levin, the supposedly conservative radio talk show host, called Ron Paul supporters "monkeys."

No class, no manners, no charisma.

Es Amnistía, Mr. Know-Poquito

2011-12-14T00:00:00.005-05:00

Remember the intemperate statement made by Newt Gingrich, about illegal aliens, at a recent debate: “If you've been here 25 years and you got three kids and two grandkids, you've been paying taxes and obeying the law, you belong to a local church, I don't think we're going to separate you from your family, uproot you forcefully and kick you out.”

Rick Oltman (pictured, right) reminds Newt: "The illegal aliens that you mentioned who have been working here for 25 years have committed at least two felonies in obtaining those jobs." Ouch.

Now check out this video of Mr. Know-Poquito* apologizing in Spanish for intemperate remarks he made. (Muy divertido = very amusing.)

*"Poquito" is the Spanish word for little

Update: On the 'comprehensive' immigration issue, Latino Fox News continues to act as an arm of La Raza. Go here. Mrs. Santana, thanks for sending the link.

Northern Plains Property Rights Revolution

2011-12-13T09:42:00.001-05:00

My latest column on North Dakota's Measure 2 (which if it passes would abolish the property tax) is available at the Daily Caller. Go here.

Just Furious!

2011-12-12T10:25:00.006-05:00

Señor Wall writes about the federal Department of Justice's gun running scandal known as "Fast and Furious." Go here.

An interview with Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) on the topic.

Will the capo di tutti capi of the Justice Department - Eric Holder - resign?

Oklahoma's Rand-Ron Paul Potential Duo

2011-12-11T23:54:00.009-05:00

Fantastic news for those who live in central Oklahoma and aren't fond of RINOs. Homeschooling dad, Wayne Murphey of Guthrie, has thrown his hat in the political ring.

Look how strong he is on the issues that are near and dear to devotees of small government: "Conservative Republican Wayne Murphey requests your vote for the open Senate District 20 seat representing Kingfisher, Logan, Noble and Pawnee counties.

Wayne is pro-life, committed to eliminating the state income tax, consolidating state agencies, defending our 2nd amendment rights and asserting Oklahoma’s 10th amendment rights.

Wayne supports comprehensive property tax reform, will defend traditional values, and will not accept gifts or contributions from lobbyists or groups that hire lobbyists.

If elected, he will join his son, State Representative Jason Murphey, as the only other lawmaker to refuse lobbyist money."

(Here's a past blog entry, I wrote, about Jason.)

Wayne and Jason

Tebow 7:1

2011-12-11T19:20:00.010-05:00

Amazing grace ... that saved a team like the Denver Broncos.

Maybe the most amazing win of all.

Wow.

Just wow.

Broncos Coach John Fox keeps thanking the 'good Lord,' and he doesn't seem like the sort that normally makes this sort of gesture. Good for him!

Sidebar: Business Insider comes up with a National Enquirer-like headline: "TIM TEBOW: How He Went From A Homeschooled Kid To The Most Popular Face In The NFL."

Update: Wayne passes along this WSJ piece - "Denver's New Favorite Mensch."

Sunday Inspiration: Spurgeon on Crusoe

2011-12-11T00:00:00.003-05:00

Back in 1885, British author Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" (published in the early 1700s) inspired the take-no-prisoners preacher Charles Spurgeon to put together this sermon.

Here's how Spurgeon, also a Brit, starts: "Robinson Crusoe has been shipwrecked. Sick, feverish and miserable, he is left on the desert island alone. He has no one to help him—none even to bring him a drink of cold water. Accustomed to sin, he had all the vices of a sailor; but his troubles now prompt him to seek help from the God he had ignored.... He finds a Bible in a chest he had rescued, and he discovers this passage:

'Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.' Psalm 50:15

That night he prayed for the first time in his life, and ever after there was in him a hope in God ... "

What a difference a sincere plea/prayer can make for a castaway.

Spurgeon's ending is also preachy but edifying.

Sidebar: Robinson Crusoe describes his education, at the beginning of the story, thusly: "My father, who was very ancient, had given me a competent share of learning ... " A very early form of homeschooling, no?

In the photo: Crusoe statue in Lower Largo, Fife, Scotland

GOP Iowa Debate Tonight at Drake University

2011-12-10T15:13:00.005-05:00

Sponsored by ABC News, at 9:00 PM, East Coast time, in Des Moines.

More information here. Debate hashtag.

Update: Ron and the two Ricks did better than usual. Gingrich had the upper hand over Romney, but he was insufferable, attitude wise.

Disrespectful to Sister Denise's* Memory

2011-12-10T00:00:00.006-05:00

Yesterday the Des Moines Register reported about an unusual campaign spearheaded by nuns. The gist: "Catholic sisters from ten religious communities in Iowa and neighboring states will kick off a campaign on Monday that ties the words of Jesus to a more open view on immigration.

Media for the campaign will come in the form of posters and billboards across the state featuring a Bible verse, or at least a modern take on one."

The story also explains that the campaign is a “ 'direct response' to Secure Communities, a deportation program coordinated at local, state and federal levels that enlists law enforcement officials in identifying and removing illegal immigrants."

Sample of the Sisters propaganda:

This slick pseudo-spiritual campaign is flat-out dishonest. First, of all the United States does welcome immigrants. In fact, we are the most welcoming and generous country in the world when it comes to reaching out (and providing unconstitutional funds) to foreign nations and the foreign born.

Second, 'stranger' isn't the same as 'criminal illegal alien.' The Ten Commandments commands folks to not steal. Breaking and entering into another country, without going through the appropriate channels, is a form of theft.

Third, it's wrong to politicize and manipulate Jesus' words.

Whatever happened to nuns being known for their good deeds, as opposed to championing anarchy?

*Sister Denise Mosier was killed by an illegal in an automobile accident.

Sat. Sighting: Like a Pencil

2011-12-10T00:00:00.005-05:00

Before

After

The cozy, on the tower, was made entirely of yarn by artist Robyn Love and a team of adventuresome knitters.

The skinny on why a water tower in SoHo rated such a transformation.

(My knitting projects are infinitely more modest, but just as rewarding.)

Friday Fun: Christmas Bubble Lights

2011-12-09T00:00:00.005-05:00

Talk about giving your tree a one-of-a-kind glow!

The retro bubble lights are cheery, colorful holiday decorations; a real conversation piece. They come in sets of 7 or as a single night light.

Own them while you can, as, in the near future, some government grinch will probably decide to ban them.

Paul: Small-government conservative, not a single-issue candidate

2011-12-08T00:00:00.014-05:00

In the video below, Michelle Fields, a reporter with the Daily Caller, politely puts a spokesperson from the Republican Jewish Coalition on the spot. You may recall the RJC pointedly excluded Ron Paul from their GOP presidential candidates debate which took place yesterday in Mordor.*

Here's the statement the RJC put out explaining why they dissed the Doc.

It's the RJC's prerogative to run a debate however they please even if it makes them look like ridiculous and censorous. However it's childish and dishonest of them to say that the Doc is "an extremist who is far outside the mainstream." As Ms. Fields notes, Congressman Paul is polling extraordinarily well in Iowa. (And the GOP grassroots, in the Hawkeye State, is dominated by evangelical Christians who are fervent supporters of the Jewish state.)

Pray, tell, how could he have been elected to Congress - eleven times - in conservative Texas if he is such an "extremist"?

Related: Ron Paul does a Q&A with Doug Wead explaining how the U.S. should be a friend to the nation of Israel. Go here. It's spot on!

*Washington, D.C.

Breathtaking Details

2011-12-08T00:00:00.009-05:00

I recently discovered this enthralling painting by Jan van Kessel, a Flemish artist who was born in the 1600s. The title is: "Noah's Family Assembling Animals before the Ark."

Click it on it, and study it for a few minutes.

Beyond the Border: Visa Overstayers

2011-12-07T00:00:00.013-05:00

It doesn't take much political courage or imagination for a candidate to say they support securing the border. It would be equally as appropriate for a presidential contender to complain that we have a massive illegal immigration problem because so many visitors overstay their visas, (but the topic hardly ever comes up).

Now note this bombshell from one of the more credible entities - the GAO - in Fedgov: "A new study by the Government Accountability Office, released by Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Ranking Member Susan Collins (R-ME) on May 3, said almost half of all illegal immigrants in the U.S. entered the country legally and then remained here after their visas had expired. The Department of Homeland Security’s ability to track those immigrants who stay past their visa expiration date is severely limited and the program meant to do the job is not up to the task, they said.

Between 40-45 percent of the total population of illegal immigrants, between four and five million people, stayed past their visa expiration dates, the study said. DHS’s biometric U.S. VISIT program which compares entry and exit information to keep track of visa overstays can’t keep up with the huge numbers, said Lieberman and Collins."

Heads should be rolling over this national security breach. What say you Mr. Gingrich, Romney, Paul? Ms. Bachmann? Mr. Santorum, Huntsman, Perry?

HT: DIS blog

Elitist Citizen Warren in NoHo

2011-12-06T13:07:00.005-05:00

Of U.S. senate candidate Elizabeth Warren's visit to western Massachusetts, Larry writes, "And what's up with Ms. Warren's glitzy wine-and-cheese $1,000 per (platinum) plate affair in Hamp? Oh, she who fights against the economic inequality from fat cat Wall Street investors and claims to have spearheaded the Occupy movement ... "

Liz with what's her face

That Northern Plains Property Rights Revolution

2011-12-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

I have put together another column about North Dakota's Measure 2 that, if it passes, would nix property taxes. It's been published by the Daily Caller. Go here.

The Blair Political Activism Project, Part 2

2011-12-06T00:00:00.001-05:00

My latest newsfeed notes that the caller, behind the threatening voice mails left to Pastor Paul Blair (pictured, left) and his church, has been identified by the Edmond, Oklahoma police.

You may recall that the calls occurred the day after Blair testified at a contentious Oklahoma City city council meeting regarding adding the category of sexual orientation to the city's nondiscrimination employment policy.

If that wasn't enough 'excitement' for one month, Pastor Blair has also decided to run for a seat in the Sooner State legislature.

Teiro Cuccinelli: Mom!

2011-12-05T00:00:00.011-05:00

Earlier this year, a CBS affiliate reported about Virginia AG Ken Cuccinelli's home life. (The Washington Post has described the attorney general as a "Mr. Smith for the right wing.")

The video featured Teiro (pronounced TEE-row), Ken's wife. She is a stay-at-home mom, and is homeschooling the seven children through the first six grades.

Check it out:

Related: The Suburban CEO. Go here.

Sidebar: A woman who works from her home (writing about Hollyweirdos) and has kids, but does not view herself as a stay-at-home mom. Go here.

Update: Upbeat article about young women embracing domestic life with a vigor. Go here, and thanks to Ann for sending this one.

Tebow 6:1 & The Year of the Horse

2011-12-04T16:34:00.004-05:00

Tim does it again. This is getting boring - NOT!

In the photo: Tebowing at Occupy Wall Street.

Mike and the AGs: The Debate That Rocked

2011-12-04T14:30:00.003-05:00

Last night's presidential candidates Fox News forum, hosted by Mike Huckabee, was excellent. Due, in no small part, to the tough, interesting questions posed by Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt and Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (in the photo). Florida AG Pam Bondi, also participated. She was lively but not as formidable as Ken and Scott. Mike H. was a very gracious moderator.

The video of that entire forum is here.

Chia Obama? Are you kidding me?

2011-12-04T00:00:00.004-05:00

I couldn't stop laughing: "Representing peace, hope, and prosperity."

Order a couple of these and give them to your liberal friends as Christmas gifts.

There's also a Chia Washington and Chia Lincoln - the epitome of kitsch.