Saturday, June 7, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
WHO IS JACK SCHITT?
WHO IS JACK SCHITT?
For some time many of us have wondered just who is Jack Schitt?
We find ourselves at a loss when someone says, 'You don't know Jack Schitt!'
Well, thanks to my genealogy efforts, you can now respond in an Intellectual way.
Jack Schitt is the only son of Awe Schitt. Awe Schitt, the fertilizer magnate, married O. Schitt, the owner of Needeep N. Schitt, Inc. They had one son, Jack.
In turn, Jack Schitt married Noe Schitt. The deeply religious couple produced six children: Holie Schitt, Giva Schitt, Fulla Schitt, Bull Schitt, and the twins Deep Schitt and Dip Schitt.
Against her parents objections, Deep Schitt married Dumb Schitt, a high school dropout. After being married 15 years, Jack and Noe Schitt divorced.
Noe Schitt later married Ted Sherlock, and because her kids were living with them, she wanted to keep her previous name. She was then known as Noe Schitt Sherlock.
Meanwhile, Dip Schitt married Loda Schitt and they produced a son with a rather nervous disposition named Chicken Schitt. Two of the other six children, Fulla Schitt and Giva Schitt, were inseparable throughout childhood and subsequently married the Happens brothers in a dual ceremony. The wedding announcement in the newspaper announced the Schitt-Happens nuptials. The Schitt-Happens children were Dawg, Byrd and Horse.
Bull Schitt, the prodigal son, left home to tour the world. He recently returned from Italy with his new Italian bride, Pisa Schitt.
Now when someone says, 'You don't know Jack Schitt' you can correct them.
Sincerely,
Crock O. Schitt
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The Last Season by Phil Jackson
Exerctps from Phil Jackson's book, "The Last Season". Very interesting ideas portrayed here from the 2004 season. Analysis by the Sports Guy.
1. "Last spring, during a particularly acrimonious team meeting, Rick Fox complained to Kobe and Shaq. 'The thing that hurts about this season,' Fox said, 'is that you have both acted like you're apart from us, and that we're not any good.' ... Shaq, clearly affected, began to respond when Kobe cut him off. 'Quit your crying,' Kobe said. I then jumped in. 'Kobe, you're as much to blame as Shaq is, if not more.' "
2. "After the gun sounded, Kobe went over to Devean, berating him for not calling timeout when the play broke down. Kobe was right, but he was wrong to reprimand his teammate on the court, in front of the crowd and cameras."
3. "The woman who answered the phone at [Kobe's] home in Newport Beach said he was resting. Privately, the Laker organization, which includes myself, was furious. This was not the way for a professional athlete to behave."
4. "Despite our recurring conflicts over our four years together, I was genuinely concerned for [Kobe], concerned about how this young man could, in the soul-consuming NBA world, become a mature adult. "
5. "I recognized how easily the whole situation could escalate. [Kobe] rebels against authority. With the new, powerful authority figures in his life -- the police, the prosecutors, etc. -- I was quite certain he would look for a way to rebel more than ever, doing and saying things that would not be in his interest."
6. "[Trainer Gary] Vitti told us that Kobe has been threatening again to opt out of his contract, vowing 'to take Slava with me.' Slava. Was this an indication of Kobe's being totally out of touch with reality?"
7. "'You're not gonna believe this,' [Mitch Kupchak] said, telling me about Kobe and the rape allegations in Colorado. Was I surprised? Yes, but not entirely. Kobe can be consumed with surprising anger, which he's displayed toward me and his teammates."
8. "'You can't make that pass,' I told Kobe when he came off the court on the next timeout. 'Well, you better teach those motherf------ how to run the offense,' he said. I sat him down on the spot. 'Watch your mouth,' I said."
9. "The fact that the alleged incident took place in Colorado heightened my level of concern. Here was one state in the union where 'no' definitely meant 'no.'"
10. "Why don't the two get along? I have my theories, one of which is that Shaquille is making the type of money -- about $25 million a year -- that Kobe will never earn due to the changes in the league's collective bargaining agreement. No matter how many MVP trophies he might collect in the decade ahead, there is nothing he can do about this discrepancy. In fact, the word I got was that Kobe was the only player in the entire league who voted against the agreement because of the cap it puts on salaries."
11. "'I'm not afraid to go against Shaq this year,' Kobe blurted out. 'If he started saying things in the press, I'll fire back. I'm not afraid to go against him. I've had it.'"
12. "We convened in the locker room, everyone on time except for Kobe, who, when he did arrive, began to fiddle with the mobile phone in his locker. ... When I asked Kobe to stop his habit of screaming at his teammates on the court because it creates insecurity, he came right back at me. 'That's bulls---,' he said. 'You're the one that's causing them to be anxious.'"
13. "If a player tries to score every time he touches the ball, the system will break down. Success depends on everyone, at one time or another, accepting, if not embracing, the role of playmaker."
14. "Granted, every player would like to win a title, but only if it doesn't threaten his more pressing individual needs. In the 1960s and '70s, players asked: 'Where do I fit in? How can I help this team win?' Now they ask: 'How can I get what I want?' Given this selfish mindset, it's remarkable, actually, that teams play with any cohesiveness."
15. "I still sense a lack of cohesiveness, the oneness every team requires to win a title. There are always signs -- anticipating when a teammate will be beat on defense, trusting someone will be in a designated spot, displaying an unwillingness to lose. So far, I haven't seen any of these, and time is running out. Achieving oneness does not guarantee success, but it greatly increases a team's chances."
16. "We have agreed ... to cover a percentage of [Kobe's] private plane expenses to and from Colorado for court hearings. This will cost thousands of dollars. Kobe was unhappy with the type of plane that was selected; he wanted one with higher status. He should feel fortunate he's not footing the whole bill himself."
17. "This is another example of the basic difference between [Shaq] and Kobe. Ask Shaq to do something and he'll say: 'No, I don't want to do that.' But after a little pouting, he will do it. Ask Kobe and he'll say, 'OK,' and then he will do whatever he wants."
18. "A part of Kobe desperately wants to be in the group, to enjoy the camaraderie of his teammates, basketball serving as his only true escape. But there is another part of Kobe which often wins out, a part that wants, perhaps needs, to be isolated from the group. To have it both ways is simply impossible. One can be the leader of the group but one must be inside the circle."
19. "Kobe knows how to [play basketball] the right way. So why does he insist on playing the game his way? My theory is that every time a fearless defender, such as Ruben Patterson or Bruce Bowen, vows to shut him down, Kobe needs to prove him wrong, as if his manhood was on the line."
20. "The subject changed to one that could not be avoided, Kobe Bryant. 'You gave the kid a lot of room the last couple of years,' [Shaq] said. 'You stayed off his back and let him try to work things out for himself. I just don't understand why he didn't recognize that. I don't understand why he was unhappy.'"
21. "Kobe scored 25, but needed 27 field-goal attempts. Instead of driving to the hoop, Kobe settled for difficult shots with Prince in his face. He simply didn't know how to attack the kid."
22. "'Are you feeling like you're coming back to the team next season?' Jeanie asked me. 'Well, not if Kobe Bryant is on the team next year,' I told her. 'He's too complex of a person. I don't need this.'"
23. "I did hear of one meeting that made quite an impression on players. During a West Coast trip, Jack McMahon, who coached the Cincinnati Royals in the 1960s, called a meeting in his hotel to restore order. The players dreaded it, but according to my former Knicks teammate, Jerry Lucas, they were greeted with two cases of beer, four quarts of whiskey and three hookers. 'Guys, you figure this out,' McMahon said before leaving the room. The Royals figured it out, all right, going on a long winning streak.
24. "Now I was the one who was angry. I went upstairs to see Mitch in his office. Wasting no time, I went off on a tirade about the need to deal Kobe before the trading deadline in mid-February. 'I won't coach this team next year if he's still here,' I said emphatically. 'He won't listen to anyone. I've had it with this kid.'"
25. "I knew precisely what I would say: 'Kobe, you're not a positive element with the team anymore. You can't have these kinds of anger situations in front of your teammates because it's destructive to the balance that needs to be maintained.'"
26. "[Kobe] was angry about the allowances the Lakers afford Shaq, failing to note the hypocrisy in his accusation. Nobody this year, or any year I've coached, has received more 'allowances' than Kobe Bryant."
27. "Kobe finished with eight points, his lowest total ever in a game in which he played at least 40 minutes. The theory being tossed around is that Kobe, stung by criticism for his shot selection in recent games, decided to show the Lakers how stagnant the offense can become when he doesn't asset himself. 'I don't know how we can forgive him,' one anonymous teammate was quoted as saying in today's Times."
28. "Moments later a cell phone went off, a clear violation of team policy. ... The phone that was ringing belonged to Kobe. I couldn't believe it. Worse yet I couldn't believe he answered it and started talking in a hushed voice. We were about to go on the court for our most important game of the year, and Kobe was allowing himself to be distracted by a phone call. I didn't ask who he was talking to and I didn't care. He shouldn't have been talking to anyone."
29. "'Will Shaq's presence on this team color your decision to come back or not?'" I asked him.
'Yes, it does,' he said.
'I meant what I said the other night after the [final] game, that the two of you could co-exist and play well together,' I went on.
'There's no doubt about that,' he said. 'I've done that for eight years with him, but I'm tired of being a sidekick.'"
30. "Today at practice, Kobe went from player to player, shoving the article with the anonymous quote in their faces. I have rarely seen him that incensed. 'Did you say this?' he demanded of each player. ... Nobody said a word, until Karl [Malone] finally broke the silence. 'Obviously, Kobe, no one said it or wants to admit they said it,' Karl said. 'You've just got to let it go now.' Karl and Kobe, who have become buddies, launched into a shouting match that I had to stop."
31. "'It's not that I'm enamored with Kobe's character,' [Dr. Jerry Buss] said. 'But he is 26 in August. The seven years ahead are the prime years of his career.' Of course, neither of us brought up the possibility of those years being spent in prison. 'Besides,' Dr. Buss added, 'aren't all superstars like that?'
'No,' I told him. 'Not all of them.'"
32. "Kobe is missing out by not finding a way to become part of a system that involves giving something larger than himself. He could have been heir apparent to MJ and maybe won as many championships. He may still win a championship or two, but the boyish hero image has been replaced by that of a callous gunslinger."
33. "Tex [Winter], who is definitely no Buddhist, has a saying that I've grown to love: 'You are only a success at the moment that you do a successful act.' You can't be a success the next moment because you have already moved onto something else, even if it's accepting an award for the successful moment that just passed. That is why I've always told my players the glorification comes from the journey, not the outcome."
1. "Last spring, during a particularly acrimonious team meeting, Rick Fox complained to Kobe and Shaq. 'The thing that hurts about this season,' Fox said, 'is that you have both acted like you're apart from us, and that we're not any good.' ... Shaq, clearly affected, began to respond when Kobe cut him off. 'Quit your crying,' Kobe said. I then jumped in. 'Kobe, you're as much to blame as Shaq is, if not more.' "
2. "After the gun sounded, Kobe went over to Devean, berating him for not calling timeout when the play broke down. Kobe was right, but he was wrong to reprimand his teammate on the court, in front of the crowd and cameras."
3. "The woman who answered the phone at [Kobe's] home in Newport Beach said he was resting. Privately, the Laker organization, which includes myself, was furious. This was not the way for a professional athlete to behave."
4. "Despite our recurring conflicts over our four years together, I was genuinely concerned for [Kobe], concerned about how this young man could, in the soul-consuming NBA world, become a mature adult. "
5. "I recognized how easily the whole situation could escalate. [Kobe] rebels against authority. With the new, powerful authority figures in his life -- the police, the prosecutors, etc. -- I was quite certain he would look for a way to rebel more than ever, doing and saying things that would not be in his interest."
6. "[Trainer Gary] Vitti told us that Kobe has been threatening again to opt out of his contract, vowing 'to take Slava with me.' Slava. Was this an indication of Kobe's being totally out of touch with reality?"
7. "'You're not gonna believe this,' [Mitch Kupchak] said, telling me about Kobe and the rape allegations in Colorado. Was I surprised? Yes, but not entirely. Kobe can be consumed with surprising anger, which he's displayed toward me and his teammates."
8. "'You can't make that pass,' I told Kobe when he came off the court on the next timeout. 'Well, you better teach those motherf------ how to run the offense,' he said. I sat him down on the spot. 'Watch your mouth,' I said."
9. "The fact that the alleged incident took place in Colorado heightened my level of concern. Here was one state in the union where 'no' definitely meant 'no.'"
10. "Why don't the two get along? I have my theories, one of which is that Shaquille is making the type of money -- about $25 million a year -- that Kobe will never earn due to the changes in the league's collective bargaining agreement. No matter how many MVP trophies he might collect in the decade ahead, there is nothing he can do about this discrepancy. In fact, the word I got was that Kobe was the only player in the entire league who voted against the agreement because of the cap it puts on salaries."
11. "'I'm not afraid to go against Shaq this year,' Kobe blurted out. 'If he started saying things in the press, I'll fire back. I'm not afraid to go against him. I've had it.'"
12. "We convened in the locker room, everyone on time except for Kobe, who, when he did arrive, began to fiddle with the mobile phone in his locker. ... When I asked Kobe to stop his habit of screaming at his teammates on the court because it creates insecurity, he came right back at me. 'That's bulls---,' he said. 'You're the one that's causing them to be anxious.'"
13. "If a player tries to score every time he touches the ball, the system will break down. Success depends on everyone, at one time or another, accepting, if not embracing, the role of playmaker."
14. "Granted, every player would like to win a title, but only if it doesn't threaten his more pressing individual needs. In the 1960s and '70s, players asked: 'Where do I fit in? How can I help this team win?' Now they ask: 'How can I get what I want?' Given this selfish mindset, it's remarkable, actually, that teams play with any cohesiveness."
15. "I still sense a lack of cohesiveness, the oneness every team requires to win a title. There are always signs -- anticipating when a teammate will be beat on defense, trusting someone will be in a designated spot, displaying an unwillingness to lose. So far, I haven't seen any of these, and time is running out. Achieving oneness does not guarantee success, but it greatly increases a team's chances."
16. "We have agreed ... to cover a percentage of [Kobe's] private plane expenses to and from Colorado for court hearings. This will cost thousands of dollars. Kobe was unhappy with the type of plane that was selected; he wanted one with higher status. He should feel fortunate he's not footing the whole bill himself."
17. "This is another example of the basic difference between [Shaq] and Kobe. Ask Shaq to do something and he'll say: 'No, I don't want to do that.' But after a little pouting, he will do it. Ask Kobe and he'll say, 'OK,' and then he will do whatever he wants."
18. "A part of Kobe desperately wants to be in the group, to enjoy the camaraderie of his teammates, basketball serving as his only true escape. But there is another part of Kobe which often wins out, a part that wants, perhaps needs, to be isolated from the group. To have it both ways is simply impossible. One can be the leader of the group but one must be inside the circle."
19. "Kobe knows how to [play basketball] the right way. So why does he insist on playing the game his way? My theory is that every time a fearless defender, such as Ruben Patterson or Bruce Bowen, vows to shut him down, Kobe needs to prove him wrong, as if his manhood was on the line."
20. "The subject changed to one that could not be avoided, Kobe Bryant. 'You gave the kid a lot of room the last couple of years,' [Shaq] said. 'You stayed off his back and let him try to work things out for himself. I just don't understand why he didn't recognize that. I don't understand why he was unhappy.'"
21. "Kobe scored 25, but needed 27 field-goal attempts. Instead of driving to the hoop, Kobe settled for difficult shots with Prince in his face. He simply didn't know how to attack the kid."
22. "'Are you feeling like you're coming back to the team next season?' Jeanie asked me. 'Well, not if Kobe Bryant is on the team next year,' I told her. 'He's too complex of a person. I don't need this.'"
23. "I did hear of one meeting that made quite an impression on players. During a West Coast trip, Jack McMahon, who coached the Cincinnati Royals in the 1960s, called a meeting in his hotel to restore order. The players dreaded it, but according to my former Knicks teammate, Jerry Lucas, they were greeted with two cases of beer, four quarts of whiskey and three hookers. 'Guys, you figure this out,' McMahon said before leaving the room. The Royals figured it out, all right, going on a long winning streak.
24. "Now I was the one who was angry. I went upstairs to see Mitch in his office. Wasting no time, I went off on a tirade about the need to deal Kobe before the trading deadline in mid-February. 'I won't coach this team next year if he's still here,' I said emphatically. 'He won't listen to anyone. I've had it with this kid.'"
25. "I knew precisely what I would say: 'Kobe, you're not a positive element with the team anymore. You can't have these kinds of anger situations in front of your teammates because it's destructive to the balance that needs to be maintained.'"
26. "[Kobe] was angry about the allowances the Lakers afford Shaq, failing to note the hypocrisy in his accusation. Nobody this year, or any year I've coached, has received more 'allowances' than Kobe Bryant."
27. "Kobe finished with eight points, his lowest total ever in a game in which he played at least 40 minutes. The theory being tossed around is that Kobe, stung by criticism for his shot selection in recent games, decided to show the Lakers how stagnant the offense can become when he doesn't asset himself. 'I don't know how we can forgive him,' one anonymous teammate was quoted as saying in today's Times."
28. "Moments later a cell phone went off, a clear violation of team policy. ... The phone that was ringing belonged to Kobe. I couldn't believe it. Worse yet I couldn't believe he answered it and started talking in a hushed voice. We were about to go on the court for our most important game of the year, and Kobe was allowing himself to be distracted by a phone call. I didn't ask who he was talking to and I didn't care. He shouldn't have been talking to anyone."
29. "'Will Shaq's presence on this team color your decision to come back or not?'" I asked him.
'Yes, it does,' he said.
'I meant what I said the other night after the [final] game, that the two of you could co-exist and play well together,' I went on.
'There's no doubt about that,' he said. 'I've done that for eight years with him, but I'm tired of being a sidekick.'"
30. "Today at practice, Kobe went from player to player, shoving the article with the anonymous quote in their faces. I have rarely seen him that incensed. 'Did you say this?' he demanded of each player. ... Nobody said a word, until Karl [Malone] finally broke the silence. 'Obviously, Kobe, no one said it or wants to admit they said it,' Karl said. 'You've just got to let it go now.' Karl and Kobe, who have become buddies, launched into a shouting match that I had to stop."
31. "'It's not that I'm enamored with Kobe's character,' [Dr. Jerry Buss] said. 'But he is 26 in August. The seven years ahead are the prime years of his career.' Of course, neither of us brought up the possibility of those years being spent in prison. 'Besides,' Dr. Buss added, 'aren't all superstars like that?'
'No,' I told him. 'Not all of them.'"
32. "Kobe is missing out by not finding a way to become part of a system that involves giving something larger than himself. He could have been heir apparent to MJ and maybe won as many championships. He may still win a championship or two, but the boyish hero image has been replaced by that of a callous gunslinger."
33. "Tex [Winter], who is definitely no Buddhist, has a saying that I've grown to love: 'You are only a success at the moment that you do a successful act.' You can't be a success the next moment because you have already moved onto something else, even if it's accepting an award for the successful moment that just passed. That is why I've always told my players the glorification comes from the journey, not the outcome."
Hyprocrisy at it's best
This is the statement issued by Bob "I got money" Johnson, founder and CEO of BET.
Billionaire businessman Bob Johnson, a close Clinton adviser and friend, said on CNN's "American Morning" on Wednesday that Obama could best forge party unity by offering Clinton the vice presidential slot.
A day after the final two primaries in South Dakota and Montana, Johnson sent a letter to House Majority Whip James Clyburn to lobby the Congressional Black Caucus to endorse Clinton as Obama's running mate. Saying Clinton would "entertain the idea if it's offered," Johnson said, "This is Sen. Obama's decision. If the Congress members can come together and agree as I do that it would be in the best interest of the party to have Sen. Clinton on the ticket, they carry that petition to Sen. Obama." "This is not a pressure. This is elected officials giving their best judgment," said Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television.
Johnson's letter to Clyburn says, "You know as well as I the deep affection that millions of African-Americans hold for both Senator Clinton and President Clinton."
It continues, "But most important, we need to have the certainty of winning; and, I believe, without question, that Barack Obama as president and Hillary Clinton as vice president bring that certainty to the ticket."
I find it ironic that now, after the Clintons and "The Black Caucus" have gotten their butts whipped, they expect full cooperation from Obama and his camp. This is the same Bob Johnson that:
1. Insinuated that Obama was a drug dealer of some sort.
2. Called him an uncle tom: Johnson went on: “That kind of campaign behavior does not resonate with me, for a guy who says, ‘I want to be a reasonable, likable, Sidney Poitier ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.’ And I’m thinking, I’m thinking to myself, 'This ain’t a movie, Sidney. This is real life.'"
3. Said Obama was only in his position because he was black.
4. Is this the same guy that held a closed door meeting to try to sway "The Black Caucus" to switch to Republican alliances in order to better the "Black" community?
My problems with Bob Johnson and BET and the Black Caucus.
Bob Johnson - Please don't tell me that you are in tune with the Black community. There are very few billionaires that I would say fully understand the "Black" experience today. That is not to say that they have not struggled or overcome to get to where they are at, but it is a new day with a whole new set of problems.
BET - If you want to do something, stop showing music videos and re-runs for 16 hours of the day. What happened to the BET Nightly News, Tavis Smiley? Give me a political show on BET regardless of if the network takes a hit on ratings. Then I would believe that you are about change and not just about making some change (dollars).
The Black Caucus - This election will be interesting. The Black Caucus when I use the phrase refers to the "Old" Black leaders whom are supposed to lead us to the promise land but seem to be so tied to "Old" White leaders (CLintons for example) that they seem to miss the boat. Jesse Jackson, Sharpton and the like need to be progressive in their attacks, not just the same old fight.
So if I am Obama - I say hell no to a Clinon VP. Who wants the 3am Lady in the background saying no do it this way, or promoting her own agenda. Could this be the winning ticket because of the Black Caucus ties to Clintons? Possibly. But this can't be the only winning formula. If it is, Obama better run for this hills if someone yells..."Get your hand outta my pocket."
Billionaire businessman Bob Johnson, a close Clinton adviser and friend, said on CNN's "American Morning" on Wednesday that Obama could best forge party unity by offering Clinton the vice presidential slot.
A day after the final two primaries in South Dakota and Montana, Johnson sent a letter to House Majority Whip James Clyburn to lobby the Congressional Black Caucus to endorse Clinton as Obama's running mate. Saying Clinton would "entertain the idea if it's offered," Johnson said, "This is Sen. Obama's decision. If the Congress members can come together and agree as I do that it would be in the best interest of the party to have Sen. Clinton on the ticket, they carry that petition to Sen. Obama." "This is not a pressure. This is elected officials giving their best judgment," said Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television.
Johnson's letter to Clyburn says, "You know as well as I the deep affection that millions of African-Americans hold for both Senator Clinton and President Clinton."
It continues, "But most important, we need to have the certainty of winning; and, I believe, without question, that Barack Obama as president and Hillary Clinton as vice president bring that certainty to the ticket."
I find it ironic that now, after the Clintons and "The Black Caucus" have gotten their butts whipped, they expect full cooperation from Obama and his camp. This is the same Bob Johnson that:
1. Insinuated that Obama was a drug dealer of some sort.
2. Called him an uncle tom: Johnson went on: “That kind of campaign behavior does not resonate with me, for a guy who says, ‘I want to be a reasonable, likable, Sidney Poitier ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.’ And I’m thinking, I’m thinking to myself, 'This ain’t a movie, Sidney. This is real life.'"
3. Said Obama was only in his position because he was black.
4. Is this the same guy that held a closed door meeting to try to sway "The Black Caucus" to switch to Republican alliances in order to better the "Black" community?
My problems with Bob Johnson and BET and the Black Caucus.
Bob Johnson - Please don't tell me that you are in tune with the Black community. There are very few billionaires that I would say fully understand the "Black" experience today. That is not to say that they have not struggled or overcome to get to where they are at, but it is a new day with a whole new set of problems.
BET - If you want to do something, stop showing music videos and re-runs for 16 hours of the day. What happened to the BET Nightly News, Tavis Smiley? Give me a political show on BET regardless of if the network takes a hit on ratings. Then I would believe that you are about change and not just about making some change (dollars).
The Black Caucus - This election will be interesting. The Black Caucus when I use the phrase refers to the "Old" Black leaders whom are supposed to lead us to the promise land but seem to be so tied to "Old" White leaders (CLintons for example) that they seem to miss the boat. Jesse Jackson, Sharpton and the like need to be progressive in their attacks, not just the same old fight.
So if I am Obama - I say hell no to a Clinon VP. Who wants the 3am Lady in the background saying no do it this way, or promoting her own agenda. Could this be the winning ticket because of the Black Caucus ties to Clintons? Possibly. But this can't be the only winning formula. If it is, Obama better run for this hills if someone yells..."Get your hand outta my pocket."
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
McCain's Potential Vice Presidential Candidates
McCain is in the process of selecting someone to join his ticket
By Jill Konieczko
Sen. John McCain disclosed that he is in the "embryonic stages" of selecting a running mate, whom he hopes to introduce at the Republican National Convention. While he refused to disclose any names, McCain told reporters that the list is about 20 deep. Here are names we've identified in media reports (we'll update the list as we hear of more):
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour
North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist
Former Arkansas Gov. and former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee
Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.
Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty
Former Ohio Rep. and former Director of the Office of Management and Budget Rob Portman
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Former Massachusetts Gov. and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney
Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford
FedEx CEO Frederick Smith
GOPAC Chair Michael Steele
By Jill Konieczko
Sen. John McCain disclosed that he is in the "embryonic stages" of selecting a running mate, whom he hopes to introduce at the Republican National Convention. While he refused to disclose any names, McCain told reporters that the list is about 20 deep. Here are names we've identified in media reports (we'll update the list as we hear of more):
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour
North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist
Former Arkansas Gov. and former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee
Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.
Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty
Former Ohio Rep. and former Director of the Office of Management and Budget Rob Portman
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Former Massachusetts Gov. and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney
Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford
FedEx CEO Frederick Smith
GOPAC Chair Michael Steele
Obama Vice President Picks: Who Are The Frontrunners?
Obama Vice President Picks: Who Are The Frontrunners?
by Will Thomas
With the Democratic nomination now in its endgame, it's time to speculate on that question that makes politicos weak at the knees: who will be tapped to be vice president? Unlike the top job, there is no election here, and it's the first big choice that we get to see the candidate make about his cabinet.
So, who will Obama pick? Will he favor someone with experience like Joe Biden? A Western governor like Janet Napolitano? Or will he satisfy the media's desire for a dream team and try for the Obama/Clinton ticket?
We've identified 10 possible VP choices for Obama, as well as the general criteria that might guide his decision. Think we're missing someone? Let us know in the comments section. And be sure to register your favorite on HuffPost's Vice President poll.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A VEEP
Location, location, location: A VP who is popular at home can help land a win in a tossup state. It's one reason why someone like Sherrod Brown (OH) could be a good pick. Of course, location isn't everything; Cheney, after all, is from Wyoming.
Strong anti-war record: It's not a requirement that someone be against the war to run on an Obama ticket, but they will have to have a good track record explaining why they changed their mind. Otherwise, expect all those comments about Hillary Clinton to come up, as well as one word: "opportunist."
Post-partisan record: If you're running to overcome the divided state of politics, you probably won't inspire confidence by picking Sen. Russ Feingold as your running mate. Sen. Jim Webb (a former Republican) or Gov. Schweitzer (picked a Republican as his Lieutenant General) are good examples.
Complementing record: On the one hand, a VP can balance a candidate's weaknesses. On the other hand, they can magnify those shortcomings. Richardson and Biden, for example, have long resumes that let them go toe-to-toe with McCain, but it could remind voters of Obama's inexperience.
THE TOP TIER
Jim Webb
Webb is the closest thing to a frontrunner for Obama's VP these days. A former Republican, he served as Secretary of the Navy for Ronald Reagan. Webb defeated George "Macaca" Allen to become a junior senator in Virginia.
Pro: Webb is a good foil for Obama's post-partisan message, and he's got the military credentials to match up with John McCain. He's good at playing the attack dog, which will let Obama take the high road. And he's from trending-blue Virginia, which would be a great pickup in November for Democrats. He's also pro-guns.
Con: Webb can be a little out-of-control as attack dogs go.
Hillary Clinton
This ticket is either a dream or a nightmare. Some see it as the only way to reunite the Democrats in time for November. Other see it as the fastest way to destroy the Obama brand.
Pro: Strong appeal with working class voters and women.
Con: See Iraq War vote, 3AM phone call, Bill Clinton in South Carolina, and the month of March.
Bill Richardson
You know him, you love him; he's the New Mexico governor with a heart of gold, a kickin' mustache, and -- thanks to James Carville -- a new nickname.
Pro: You've heard them all before. A foreign policy resume a mile long, executive experience, and a lock with Hispanic voters. And he picked Obama, despite his Clinton ties.
Con: Did you watch any of the debates?
Joe Biden
He is Mr. Foreign Policy. He also claims the best line of the primary season thus far. Too bad no one told Iowans he was running for President.
Pro: He trumps any foreign policy claims that McCain brings to the table. He can hit McCain hard.
Con: He tends to hit everyone hard. And he's a Washington figure, which could hurt a campaign running against Washington.
Brian Schwietzer
Never heard of him? You should. Schweitzer has been Montana's governor since 2005, and is currently one of the most popular governors in the country.
Pro: In addition to his executive experience, Schweitzer has spent a good amount of time around the world (including the Middle East) in his former life as an irrigation developer. His popularity and his pro-gun stance could help Obama in the Mountain West area. He also refused PAC and special interest money during his 2004 campaign. He's also criticized the economic consequences of the Iraq War, an approach that Obama has recently adopted.
Con: Despite his travels, he has no official foreign policy experience. He also doesn't bring in any delegates from his own state (though that could be offset if he helps in places like North Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado).
WORTH WATCHING
Janet Napolitano
Another popular Western governor, Napolitano has settled into a second term in McCain's very red home state. She also backed Obama early in the race.
Pros: She has proven her executive capacity in Republican territory, as well as the Southwest, which will help sway Obamicans. A female candidate could also help reunite the Democrats.
Con: Her stance on immigration could prove costly among Hispanic voters.
Sherrod Brown
Brown is a favorite among progressives for his economic populism and outspoken criticism of the war.
Pro: Could help deliver an important swing state.
Con: Doesn't really satisfy the idea of a unity ticket.
Chuck Hagel
A Republican senator who has fought with Bush tooth and nail over the Iraq war, Hagel is one of three Republicans who voted with the Democrats over a withdrawal plan. He also has served on the Banking, Foreign Relations and Intelligence Committees. Hagel has also said he's considering endorsing Sen. Obama.
Pro: Broad Senate experience. A living embodiment of Obama's commitment to work with like-minded Republicans. Also is a veteran with experience in Reagan's administration
Con: He is still a Republican (especially on abortion and health care), which would not sit well with a lot of Democrats.
Wesley Clark
Rhodes Scholar turned four-star general and once-presidential candidate. A star resource for Democrats on military affairs.
Pro: John McCain would have to salute him. And he has Southern appeal.
Con: Backed Clinton early and has been a very active surrogate. Not always the best politician on a national stage.
Kathleen Sebelius
Talk about reaching across the aisle. This Kansas governor convinced a Republican to leave his party, become a Democrat, and run as her lieutenant governor. Kansas is rife with stories of Republicans undergoing conversions, and Sebelius gets a good amount of credit for this.
Pro: Another Red-state governor with an excellent post-partisan record. Having a female VP could be a strong ticket.
Con: Sebelius didn't wow anyone with her response to the State of the Union, which raises questions about how she would do on the national stage. And her location in Kansas doesn't add much that Obama doesn't already get from Illinois.
Tom Daschle
The former South Dakota senator, Daschle has been a strong supporter of Obama's campaign; he's a national co-chair and is rumored to play a big part in the campaign strategy.
Pro: Can bring in votes from his home state.
Con: Weak campaigner: he lost his Senate seat while he was the sitting Majority Leader.
HONORABLE MENTION
Mike Bloomberg
Sure, most voters have never heard of him. And sure, he's never been a national player. But the current mayor of New York has been a darling of the media, as they spent months seeing if he would get into the Presidential race. Coupled with some private conversations with Obama that caused a tizzy in the fall, a Bloomberg candidacy could cause some media attention that would rival that of even John McCain.
Pros: Excellent economic record. Interested in policy minutiae. Post-partisan (former Republican switched to Independent). Media darling.
Cons: Unheard of outside his home state. It's tough not to seem like an elitist when the world 'billionaire' applies to you.
Wal-Mart throws in $100 gift card with Blu-ray player purchase
Wal-Mart throws in $100 gift card with Blu-ray player purchase
06-03-2008
[I need to get another stimulus so I can finally get me one]
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Sports Ticker
Baseball
Interesting facts about Baseball so far in 2008:
A 2nd baseman, Chase Utley is leading the majors in HR. He, along with about 5-6 other hitters, could potentially hit 50 hrs or more. Are we sure the problem was "steroids" and not the balls being juiced?
Cubs in first place in June for first time since slavery. Not really slavery but definitely since apartheid and Jim Crow.
Basketball
Finals start Thursday night. Lakers will win the series unless Bill Russell takes over as player coach of the Celtics.
Flip got Flipped. Out as Detroit Pistons Head Coach, replaced by Michael Curry (no relation to Stephen Curry).
Other Coaching News - Nellie re-ups with Golden State. But what does that mean for Baron Davis?
Vacancies - Phoenix, Chicago (Reported that Doug Collins would be reincarnated), Boston (after Finals)
While you are talking about Chicago - check out their homepage and "Riding with Larry Hughes". Mean car collection. All murdered out.
Interesting facts about Baseball so far in 2008:
A 2nd baseman, Chase Utley is leading the majors in HR. He, along with about 5-6 other hitters, could potentially hit 50 hrs or more. Are we sure the problem was "steroids" and not the balls being juiced?
Cubs in first place in June for first time since slavery. Not really slavery but definitely since apartheid and Jim Crow.
Basketball
Finals start Thursday night. Lakers will win the series unless Bill Russell takes over as player coach of the Celtics.
Flip got Flipped. Out as Detroit Pistons Head Coach, replaced by Michael Curry (no relation to Stephen Curry).
Other Coaching News - Nellie re-ups with Golden State. But what does that mean for Baron Davis?
Vacancies - Phoenix, Chicago (Reported that Doug Collins would be reincarnated), Boston (after Finals)
While you are talking about Chicago - check out their homepage and "Riding with Larry Hughes". Mean car collection. All murdered out.
Halle Berry Strikes Again
No not really, but this guy must have went to defensive driving school to wipe out a whole marathon of bike riders. The driver was apparently drunk and fell asleep at the wheel pummelling riders at a bike race along the Mexican-American border.
Alcoholic Ice Cream?
Frost on the Vine, a Chesterfield ice cream and gourmet foods store, was selling wine ice cream.
It was cold, creamy — and 5 percent alcohol content.
"Eat an ice cream, catch a buzz," joked Blase Bottcher, of St. Louis, just after tasting a spoonful. "What a deal, huh?"
Bobby Watson, a co-owner of Frost on the Vine, has sold the wine ice cream — made by Mercer's, based in upstate New York — for a year.
"It's the only ice cream we're aware of that you have to be 21 to eat it," Watson said.
A pint of the wine ice cream is equal in alcohol content to a glass of wine, Watson said. It sold Sunday for $2.50 a scoop — and a sign at the booth notified customers that proper identification was required.
Delycia Daggs of Ferguson, who enjoys an occasional drink, preferred the Red Raspberry Chardonnay. "It's got a little tang to it," she said. "And when it melts in your mouth, you can taste the liquor."
Daggs' mother, Vee Lee of Jennings, isn't big on alcohol. But at her daughter's urging, she tried a scoop. She could taste the wine in the ice cream. And she liked it.
"This is my first time" to Taste of Clayton, Lee said. "And what a way to start it off."
It was cold, creamy — and 5 percent alcohol content.
"Eat an ice cream, catch a buzz," joked Blase Bottcher, of St. Louis, just after tasting a spoonful. "What a deal, huh?"
Bobby Watson, a co-owner of Frost on the Vine, has sold the wine ice cream — made by Mercer's, based in upstate New York — for a year.
"It's the only ice cream we're aware of that you have to be 21 to eat it," Watson said.
A pint of the wine ice cream is equal in alcohol content to a glass of wine, Watson said. It sold Sunday for $2.50 a scoop — and a sign at the booth notified customers that proper identification was required.
Delycia Daggs of Ferguson, who enjoys an occasional drink, preferred the Red Raspberry Chardonnay. "It's got a little tang to it," she said. "And when it melts in your mouth, you can taste the liquor."
Daggs' mother, Vee Lee of Jennings, isn't big on alcohol. But at her daughter's urging, she tried a scoop. She could taste the wine in the ice cream. And she liked it.
"This is my first time" to Taste of Clayton, Lee said. "And what a way to start it off."
Obama: Yes He Can
According to the AP, Barack "The Obamanator" Obama officially clinches the title of Free World Leader of the Democratic National Convention (I wanted to make it sound more interesting than what it is). With this announcement, there has yet to be an official bowing down from Hilary "The Pants Suit" Clinton.
So the stage should be officially set between Obama and John "The American Hero" McCain.
So the stage should be officially set between Obama and John "The American Hero" McCain.
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