Spent the afternoon grading my first batch of papers.  Half were pretty good.  They were well presented, covered the topic, addressed the issue correctly with only a minor omission here or there.  Another third had one one major issue.  Perhaps it was presentation (handwritten - I gave the option and suggested if I couldn't read it I couldn't grade it), only used three elements when the assignment called for four, or perhaps erred in the interpretation of one of the elements. 

Then there were the others.  Unsigned.  Disorganized.  One student misspelled her own name!  No reference to any of the elements requested.  And I wonder how that happens.  Obviously if MOST of the students get MOST of the assignment right I've doen a DECENT job of setting ot the project.  How did these 4-5 miss EVERYTHING so glaringly?  

I used the phrase "magic words" on several occassions in class, referring to terms of art.  They're usually in bold print in the text.  I went over them each multiple times.  Some of the students from whom I expected pedestrian work did not dissapoint: their work was very simple.  Item 1: magic word, followed by trextbook descrition working the theme (chosen by them) into the sentance.  Item 2:  same thing, etc.  But it's at least correct.  I have no idea how you can miss using ANY of the "magice words" ANYWHERE in the paper.

<sigh>

don't be surprised if several of the next few day's entries aren't really timely ... I may be going back through some notes and fleshing out some thoughts from some of my autumnal drives

On Fifth .....went last night ..... very nice layout.....friendly and attractive staff ....GREAT beer selection....although they could do a little better with the local brews - ANYBODY with Old Speckled Hen gets major props ..... menu was good if surprisingly eclectic.  I expected solid stereotypical Irish - American pub fare but got some odd items ... quesadillas ....Greek Fries (yummy) etc., fruit cup (@!?) or slaw (and not very good slaw either), good homemade chips.  I had the Western BBQ Burger.  Nice but pre-made patty, avg cheddar with a splash of BBQ sauce.  Nothing to make me sit up and take notice.

Drinks were well made, food price was good, atmosphere was about 7% darker than I wanted last night but on almost any other occassion it'd be nice ....noise level was moderate.

Bottom line - i'd be comfortable going back and if I was single it might make a nice date site .... but it won't be a"destination" due to it's location (or rather MY location)

Massachusetts .... Virginia ..... New Jersey ..... Copenhagen ..... the Olympics.  Not exactly a stellar record.  So much of what his opponents claimed abot him keeps appearing to be bourne out.  Usually a massive shift in the polictal landscape is marked by a decade or so of dominance before the shift back.  1963.  1994.  2008?  Not so much. 

The Democrats (remember the "Reality based community"?) have created a reality that it is becoming increasingly difficult to kludge into the actual political landscape.  Tone deafness,percieved infallability, an air of entitlement have ALL made it difficult for the power gained in 06 and increased in 08 to be actually brought to bear on actual problems.  Von Clauswitz ably observed "The first and most important rule to observe...is to use our entire forces with the utmost energy. The second rule is to concentrate our power as much as possible against that section where the chief blows are to be delivered and to incur disadvantages elsewhere, so that our chances of success may increase at the decisive point. The third rule is never to waste time. Unless important advantages are to be gained from hesitation, it is necessary to set to work at once. By this speed a hundred enemy measures are nipped in the bud, and public opinion is won most rapidly. Finally, the fourth rule is to follow up our successes with the utmost energy. Only pursuit of the beaten enemy gives the fruits of victory."

First Rule violated:  utmost energy?  Perhaps, but the failed Stimulus package was probably NOT the best use of power.  

Second Rule violated:  Concentration of power?  Cash for clunkers, health care, GM takeover, bank bailout, cap and trade,  and a host of other issues large and small. 

Third Rule violated: Never waste time?  We can go three directions here.  One would be to point out the plethora of highly publicized dates with Michelle, more gold outings in eight months than President Bush took in eight year, and the prolonged taxpayer funded vacation to a luxury resort in Hawai.  The SECOND waste of time comes about by consitantly nominating seriously flawed candidates for many high ranking positions.  That cause time to be wasted defending the flawed candidate AND lost time because when a qualified candidate WAS found they were weeks or even months behind schedule.  The THIRD waste of time?  You've got a 60 vote, veto proof majority running both houses.  You can (and often DO) do almost anything you want.  And yet you didn't.  Constant haggling on HC caused public opinion to tank and has eventually led to the dissapation of that 60 vote juggernaut.

Fourth Rule violated: Follow up successes immediately.  The closest thing the administration has had to a victory is the winning of the Nobel Peace Prize.  Which was followed up  by the Olympics debacle.  

Instead, in 12 short months we have seen the GOP go from being largely a regional (Southern) party with a few bitter clingers to being able to challenge in VERY Blue coastal states.  We have seen HC go from a big winner for the Dons to being the issue that may cost many of them thier job.  And we've seen the Elphs rally around a moderate instead of drumming them out of the party which the DMC has been insisting is the case.

A little long here.  Perhaps a trend?

1.  Upholding the Constitution is NOT judicial activism.

2.  What part of "Congress shall make no law ... " does The Left not understand?

3.  NEW YORK TIMES: Corporations shouldn’t have free speech rights, unless they’re us.

4.   From Matt Welch:

You don’t have to be a First Amendment purist to intuit that political speech was, if anything, the most urgent subcategory covered by the First Amendment’s “Congress shall pass no law” restrictions. And you don’t have to be a Hillary-hater to imagine the shoe on the other foot. What if MoveOn.org’s 501(c)(4), Campaign to Defend America, had been blocked by George W. Bush’s Federal Elections Commission from broadcasting “McCain: The Movie”? Wouldn’t that stink, too?

5.  If you get a chance, read some of the oral arguement in the case.  The Gubmint Atty actually advicated book banning if a book so much as mentioned a candidate in the final paragrpah.

Remember when we were all losing our rights and freedom during the Bush adminstration?  When the "chill winds" was blowing?  Getta loada this

One year into the Obama presidency and America is no longer classified as having a “free” economy, according to the 16th annual Index of Economic Freedom, a joint report by the The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal.

Feeling better already, aren't you?  Want a little more?

Now ranking as just the 8th freest nation in the world, the United States saw scores decline in seven of the 10 measured categories, including government spending, property rights and business freedom....

and finally THIS inexplicable line that I REALLY want one of my lib friends or readers to explain:  President Obama tried to explain away Scott Brown’s win in Massachusett’s by saying, “the same thing that swept Scott Brown into office swept me into office.”  He thinks voters elected Scott Brown because they hate Bush.  Really!  But the voters know what the evidence has affirmed: under the watch of Barack Obama, America is not only becoming less prosperous, but also less free. 

<edited 1/24 @ 3:08 to remove a name by request>

So MANY things this past week  -  Brown's win, first amendment win, defenistration from the Left ...... here's a few odds and ends to get you started this weekend ...

first from a regular reader we have the following links:

http://blogs.investors.com/capitalhill/index.php/home/35-politics/1206-moderate-dems-already-eye-health-care-exit

Another prediction, one that I can agree with:

http://blogs.investors.com/capitalhill/index.php/home/35-politics/1205-brown-seated-by-friday

and the observation on Wednesday morning: This.  Is a very.  GOOD. DAY.

The left woke up with a headache .... and it's having an effect

Dan McLaughlin: Seven Lessons of the Brown Bombshell

WSJ: Obama Scales Back Health Care Plans

Paul Krugman: Obama Wasn’t The One We’ve Been Waiting For

and all of this on or about the anniversary of the inauguration ....

Bernanke could be latest victim of Massachusetts Miracle

takeway line: One year in: No HC reform, cap-and-trade dead, card check dead, lost Kennedy seat, and House Dems looking to keep Bush tax cuts

Let's start with LAST week:  I had the Raven's over the Colts.  Almost 200 yards of BLOWN field due to fumbles and penalties cost the Ravens dearly.  I had the Vikes in a squeaker.  I honestly think the game was a bit closer than the score suggested, the Boys just folded late in the third quarter when still withing two scores.  I never thought the SD kicker would miss THREE figgies in a playoff game.  That boy's gonna hafta re-earn his job.  And i DID call the Saints in a blowout.  Whereinthehell has Kim Karashian been keeping THIS Reggie Bush for the last 3-4 years.?

Which brings us to this week's games.  

Rematch of SB III:  Jets who shouldn't even BE there vs the Colts who let them in.  Jets are the better team right now and D Revis is gonna scare the bejeebus outta the IND WRs.  But in the long run the Colts will prevail by 3 or less.

In the Archie Bowl (yes, he finished his career in MIN) I gotta go with the Saints and not just becasue I'm a long term fan.  I honest;y don't think I can STAND the 2 weeks before the SB if/when they're in.  I think this'll be the best of the 10 playoff games.  Saints by a solid figgie.  They've proven the D can stop the run, and if they pound 4 like they pounded Warner he won't finish the game.  He's ALREAY played half a dozen more games than I thought he would this season.  The new and improved Reggie Bush, along with Colston, Meachem, Henderson and whoever they run in at TW will give a VERY good MN D too much to think about.  AP will play well but it won't be enough.  he'll turn it over at LEAST once.  And Favre will have more picks than TD's.  Vikes will be playing out of a hole alot, thus nullfying their good running game.  And the Dome will be ROCKIN!!!!!!

Saints vs Colts .... too bad they aren't both 18-0.  Saints by 1+

but it's been a wild week around here ...... landed a new gig that was S'POSED to start monday....then they added a second gig and changed the start dae to about 12 hours from when they told me about it.  FWIW I'm now the Ethics teacher at 150 year old Miami Jacobs CC!  I had 12 hours (from 9pm to 9am) to put together a syllabus and first day lesson plan.  Here I sit after 6 hours of class time - lectures, discussions and housekeeping - zonked but VERY pleased.  Hope I can stay on there.  Word is I'll be picking up some additional duties in the future.  A VERY pleasant career change, if I do say so myself.

Remy and D returned from Egypt - VERY tired but VERY happy.  And Remy returned to Chicago about 24 hours later.  Won't see him again until he turns 21 ...may be going to Nawlin's to celebrate.

And the production of Li'l Abner has fallen apart .... only got about half as many folks as i needed and 10% of them weren't castable.  Very dissapointing but I advised LTOB a year ago that going up against Gallary/Company, ECP/Rent and Pleasure Guild/Music Man was probably a bad idea.

Look for posting to resume this afternoon - lot's going on, MUCH of it related to "The Scott Heard 'Round the World"

last weekend .... had Ravens over the Colts .... lots of turnovers that didn't count.....Ravens lost almost 200 yards due to penalties and fumbles.  Saints got the blowout... Vikes blew out the Cowboys (note to Dallas: if you want the other team to call off the dogs, don't be taking timeouts as they drive) ... And the Jets are the luckiest team on the planet - kicker kryptonite.

Colts host the Jets and are probably regretting letting them in in the first place.  I like the Colts by a FG but those have been VERY hard to come by against the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS.  And if they beat the Colts, the Texans and Steelers will be cheering loud and long.

Saints used the week off VERY well and looked like the team from September-October instead of the December duds.  Reggie Bush actually looked like a stud NFL running back.  Wonder i Kim went Lysistrada on him?  And now they get to face ANOTHER geriatric QB.  Note 1: after ticky tacky roughing the QB call, Saints, within the rules, showed Mr. Warner what roughing the QB REALLY feels like.  Note 2:  Vikes game, MN lineman twitched, flags flew, whistles blew, DAL DT charged through the line and BURIED  Mr. Favre.  No call.  WHY NOT???  Back to the prediction - IF the Saints are truley back they win by a FG.  If last week was just rah rah and a week off .... the Vikes edge them out.  If the Saints get to favre the way they got to Warner he doesn't finish the game.  I'm amazed he's finished the SEASON!  And my preseason prediction had the Saints going to Minnie Ha Ha and topping the Vikes when Favre throws four INT's.  Darren Sharper looks ready to make that happen in the Dome.

WHOOOO DAT!

haven't seen this in ages .... written by Dean Alfange, a copy of it used to hang in my father's office .... and it sez as much about Libertarianism, Objectivism, and the current political mood of the country as anything else I've stumbled across lately. 

It is known simply as “My Creed.”

I do not choose to be a common man.

It is my right to be uncommon—if I can.

I seek opportunity—not security.

I do not wish to be a kept citizen,

Humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk,

To dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole.

I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed

existence,

The thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence

Or my dignity for a handout.

I will never cower before any master

nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud,

And unafraid, to think and act for myself,

Enjoy the benefits of my creations

And to face the world boldly and say, this I have done.

All this is what it means to be an American.