Awesome Weatherman!

Why can’t the local St. Louis weather people do the weather report like this?  This would really inject some excitement into the weather report.  Hat’s off to Accu-Weather Dude Jim Kosek.  Awesome.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

The Green Police Live Inside of My Head….

I thought this ad was both hilarious and scary.  I’m sure the enviros saw this ad as a call to arms. 

(If you don’t get the title of the post, see The Dream Police by Cheap Trick.)

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Tebow Super Bowl Ad – What is the Big Deal?

The most highly anticipated Super Bowl ad prior to the big game was the Focus on the Family clip that included Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow and his mom.  For weeks, all the talk has been that this is a Pro-Life ad and that CBS is negligent in allowing the ad to run.  Now that the ad has run, I really don’t see the problem.  My wife and I looked at each other last night and almost in unison said, “What’s the big deal?”  You can judge for yourself.

Planned Parenthood decided to create their own ad with a couple of athletes.  I have no idea if they actually saw the ad (Tebow ad) before it aired, but their ad seems a little out of sorts, in my opinion, but everyone has the opportunity to create their own ad and post it on Youtube.

If Planned Parenthood really wanted to diminish the value of the ad they would have just let it run.  By focusing attention on the ad they guaranteed that millions would be sure to watch it, just to see what all the hubbub was about.  I would say that Focus on the Family really got their money’s worth in advance publicity and continued exposure of the ad on Youtube with over 120,000 hits since yesterday.  Gloria Allred will also push the ad to epic status.  I’m not sure that was what she was going for, but it’s all publicity for her.

An article from Elizabeth Hovde in the opinion page of the The Oregonian newspaper ran last week outlining the “controversy.”  Here is a snippet:

The idea that a mom of a famous athlete is going to be in an ad praising her choice to carry her child to full term has wrongly infuriated some people, including Gloria Allred. The pro-choice heroine and lawyer is busy trying to paint Pam Tebow a liar, saying because the Philippines outlaws abortion, she finds it hard to believe that doctors would recommend the procedure. (Never mind that Pam Tebow was an American who knew that in her home country abortions were routine procedures in 1987. And never mind that plenty of women had abortions in America long before they became legal. Has Allred forgotten her own arguments for and our own nation’s history with abortion? Abortions can be obtained, regardless of the law.)

Allred is threatening to file a complaint with the FTC and the FCC if the ad airs without disclosing that abortions were illegal in the Philippines at the time Pam Tebow made her choice. She is making a huge mistake attacking a woman for making statements that Allred can’t possibly disprove. And she’s revealing herself to be anti-choice in deciding that Pam Tebow’s choice isn’t worth hearing. 

I for one am all for ads just like this one that are tastefully done.  No where in the ad was there some call to action or chiding others for having abortions.  CBS has discretion to accept or reject whatever ad they choose.  They are a somewhat left leaning network in their news division but the marketing people obviously know the makeup of the country and decided to let this ad run.  By rejecting an ad from a gay dating site they also revealed that they knew this would cause problems.  I’d say they made a smart business decision but we’ll see when the ratings come in. 

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

The Drinkingstein Game: Just In Time For The “Big Game”

I’m not really much of a drinker but my brother-in-law developed a creative drinking game just in time for the Super Bowl (or whatever the No Fun League allows us to call it.)  He was listening to the Scott Van Pelt Show on ESPN who evidently issued a challenge to come up with a creative drinking game for the big game.  It’s seems that they were worried with the typical take a drink when they mention “Manning” or “Dynasty” or something close to that.  I doubt anyone participating would make it to the awesome half-time show featuring The Who.

I thought this was creative enough to publish.  I dubbed it “The Drinkingstein Game” since those who participate will probably be talking like the famed monster by the end of the evening.  Here’s the conversion chart for those who plan to play along:

1 Drink   = Mentioning Kardashian
2 Drinks = Mentioning Katrina (As in Hurricane)
3 Drinks = Mentioning Favre
4 Drinks = Mentioning Archie (Manning)
5 Drinks = Mentioning Bruce Jenner

Be sure to let me know if you survive the game. 

Of course, it’s just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

It’s Gettin, It’s Gettin, It’s Gettin Kind of Hectic…in Massachusetts

It’s always fun when there is a special election.  Doubly fun when it’s a national election.  This is the case in Massachusetts.

On Tuesday, January 19, Massachusetts voters will go to the polls to choose a senator to replace Ted Kennedy.  Ted Kennedy held this spot for 46 years until his death last August. 

There is a real dog fight in a very liberal state between Democrat Marth Coakley and Republican Scott Brown.  Below is an ad in support of Scott Brown.

Here is an ad from the DNCC in support of Martha Coakley.  Michelle Malkin reported that the ad has been pulled from the air.

President Obama flew into Massachusetts to try and help the sinking ship named the Martha Coakley, but I’m guessing it won’t fill the holes in the hull. 

I really can’t wait to see the election returns on Tuesday night.  What will happen if a Republican wins Ted Kennedy’s seat.  I guess the super majority will be quashed and the Democrats will actually have to start talking with the Republicans.  I’m sure Harry Reid can’t wait!

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Ed Koch: Not Every Muslim Is A Terrorist ‘But There Are Hundreds Of Millions Who Are’

I don’t always agree with Ed Koch, but I liked his views espoused on Neil Cavuto’s show on Fox News.  He was commenting on that the President has refused to call the foiled Christmas day airplane attack as an act of terrorism.  No surprise that he is being totally PC and seems to have an aversion to creating any waves with radical muslims.

Ed tells it like it is:

Exactly.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Matt Holliday: Cardinal For Life

As a Cardinal fan, I’m keenly interested in the type of players my team acquires and keeps.  Earlier today, the Cardinals signed OF Matt Holliday to a 7-year – 120 million dollar deal.  I’ve seen the team spend very little (relatively by baseball standards) on their players opting to build from their farm club and picking up fixer-uppers to mold them in the Cardinal way.  This has been a decent strategy, but they were obviously in need of some additional power at the plate.  I am hoping that Holliday will continue to deliver as a back up for Pujols in the #4 spot.  Only time will tell if the trend of signing the big contract will ultimately diminish his performance.  This seems to happen to so many players.

The other issue at hand is resigning Pujols (and Wainwright and Carpenter, and Ludwick, etc.)   He is up for a new contract in a couple of years.  His current salary gives him around $14+ million a year (He’ll actually be making less than Holliday for a couple of years.)  This amount seems paltry, but five years ago when the deal was struck it seemed somewhat high for a young player.  I think that money has paid off with endless sellouts in Busch Stadium, gobs of Pujols merchandise, an NL pennant in 2004 and a World Championship in 2006. 

Some of the sports talking heads wonder if the Cardinals can actually afford to pay the going rate for a player like Pujols when his contract comes up for negotiation.  Looking at the salary level of the team, it’s pretty low when compared to many other teams.  Pujols will demand serious money, probably upwards of $30 million a year, and he’ll get it from someone.  Whether it’s the Cardinals or the Yankees, he’ll get the cash.  For a player of his ability any team would love to have him on their roster.  Not bad for a 13th round pick out of a Juco in KC. 

Let’s hope the Cardinals will take care of the Pujols thing sooner than later.  Putting a two-time MVP with his fabulous numbers on the open market could get extremely ugly, and Pujols knows it.  Don’t expect a “hometown discount” this time. 

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Gibbs: We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Transparency!

I just love to watch Robert Gibbs.  What an inept example of the Obama White House.  I just have to assume they keep him around to elevate everyone else by comparison.  Just a guess on my part.

I wish I could use that excuse with people in my office.  “Excuse me Mr. VP, I answered that question yesterday, please don’t ask me to answer it again.  Please go back and read your notes from the meeting.”  Yeah, I’m sure that would work out great.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Red Eye Robot Theatre Features Media Matters

I found this funny.   Anything making fun of Media Matters is funny to me.  You be the judge.

The “I’ll leave an anonymous comment on a blog” really typifies the blogosphere.   I can’t seem to get the “shave my back” comment out of my mind.  Oh the horror.

  [in robot tone] I must go now, I have a date with Michelle Malkin.   I love her work in Culture of Corruption.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Religious Bias at Google?

I found this graphic at a great site called AtlasShrugs.com.  Pamela Geller does some great work and research on a variety of issues including the exposing of radical Muslims for the wackos that they are.  

The article that goes along with the graphic explains the inherit bias built into Google.com.  It is no secret that the Google company has a leftist point of view.  That really doesn’t bother me – it’s a free country (for now) – you can believe what you want.  Where I do have a problem is te systematic exclusion of information that conflicts with their thoughts and ideals.  In this instance, Ms. Geller did a quick test to see what would happen if she typed in several terms including Christianity is, Judaism is, Buddhism is, etc.  The last part of the graphic shows what happened when you type in Islam is.  Nothing, Zilch, Nada.

Evidently Google indicates that this is an error and they are working on it.  Right.  I believe that. 

 

Here is the post from Atlas Shrugs:

CENSORSHIP: Google Blocking “Negative” Searches Related to Islam

Google is blocking “negative” searches related to Islam. Free thought, free will, free men? Only for left-o-fascists. Notice how quick Google is to scrub jihad websites, videos, and incitement to violence? Of course you haven’t, because they don’t. Google-owned you tube runs all the jihad porn, but if patriots get out of line, their vids are deleted and accounts suspended.

Google proudly endorsed Obama and was banning anti-Obama blogs during the election like clockwork.

The leftist Islamic alliance is hard at work. Evil makes for strange bedfellows.

Google’s conduct in all things jihad has been unconscionable.

From the Next Web.

Google Blocking Negative Search Recommendations On Islam – Why? (hat tip Joe)

When you search for the major religions of the world, the monotheistic faiths for example, Google serves up suggestions for the search “Christianity is” such as, “a lie,” or false.” Try it on a a number of faiths, and then Islam.

Notice any difference?

Google is systematically blocking, it seems, all search suggestions for Islam. Why? To remove the chance of an adherent of the faith from being offended by a perhaps severe search suggestion? Why not treat all search terms equally?

Given the complete lack of suggestions, not just terms that could be perceived as negative, it seems that Google is covering its, well, behind.

I tried this little experiment for my self and came up with the same result.  Interesting.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Twas the Night Before Christmas, Roland Burris Style

I like living in Illinois for several reasons, but Roland Burris is not one of them.  It is appalling that he was the best replacement that the democratic party had to fill the vacant seat once held by President Obama.

He decided to use some time in the Senate to pen his own version of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”  Good thing he’ll be up for election soon.

Merry Christmas!

 

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Detroit: The Armpit of America

I have traveled to Detroit numerous times on my way to western Ontario.  The best view of Detroit, in my opinion, is from Windsor, Ontario looking across the water.  As you will see in the video from Steven Crowder, Detroit is really the “Armpit of America” brought to you by the UAW and liberal politicians. 

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Man’s Best Friend is Killing the Planet

In all the frenzy of Climate Change, Global Warming, Global Cooling, Kyoto, Copenhagen (the city not the snuff), etc. etc., evidently your lovable dog is killing the planet.  No, I’m not exaggerating. 

In an article from France entitled, “Polluting pets: the devastating impact of man’s best friend,” the author expounds on how detrimental dogs are to the planet.  I decided to reprint the whole article as I find it rather humorous.

PARIS (AFP) – Man’s best friend could be one of the environment’s worst enemies, according to a new study which says the carbon pawprint of a pet dog is more than double that of a gas-guzzling sports utility vehicle.

But the revelation in the book “Time to Eat the Dog: The Real Guide to Sustainable Living” by New Zealanders Robert and Brenda Vale has angered pet owners who feel they are being singled out as troublemakers.

The Vales, specialists in sustainable living at Victoria University of Wellington, analysed popular brands of pet food and calculated that a medium-sized dog eats around 164 kilos (360 pounds) of meat and 95 kilos of cereal a year.

Combine the land required to generate its food and a “medium” sized dog has an annual footprint of 0.84 hectares (2.07 acres) — around twice the 0.41 hectares required by a 4×4 driving 10,000 kilometres (6,200 miles) a year, including energy to build the car.

To confirm the results, the New Scientist magazine asked John Barrett at the Stockholm Environment Institute in York, Britain, to calculate eco-pawprints based on his own data. The results were essentially the same.

“Owning a dog really is quite an extravagance, mainly because of the carbon footprint of meat,” Barrett said.

Other animals aren’t much better for the environment, the Vales say.

Cats have an eco-footprint of about 0.15 hectares, slightly less than driving a Volkswagen Golf for a year, while two hamsters equates to a plasma television and even the humble goldfish burns energy equivalent to two mobile telephones.

But Reha Huttin, president of France’s 30 Million Friends animal rights foundation says the human impact of eliminating pets would be equally devastating.

“Pets are anti-depressants, they help us cope with stress, they are good for the elderly,” Huttin told AFP.

“Everyone should work out their own environmental impact. I should be allowed to say that I walk instead of using my car and that I don’t eat meat, so why shouldn’t I be allowed to have a little cat to alleviate my loneliness?”

Sylvie Comont, proud owner of seven cats and two dogs — the environmental equivalent of a small fleet of cars — says defiantly, “Our animals give us so much that I don’t feel like a polluter at all.

“I think the love we have for our animals and what they contribute to our lives outweighs the environmental considerations.

“I don’t want a life without animals,” she told AFP.

And pets’ environmental impact is not limited to their carbon footprint, as cats and dogs devastate wildlife, spread disease and pollute waterways, the Vales say.

With a total 7.7 million cats in Britain, more than 188 million wild animals are hunted, killed and eaten by feline predators per year, or an average 25 birds, mammals and frogs per cat, according to figures in the New Scientist.

Likewise, dogs decrease biodiversity in areas they are walked, while their faeces cause high bacterial levels in rivers and streams, making the water unsafe to drink, starving waterways of oxygen and killing aquatic life.

And cat poo can be even more toxic than doggy doo — owners who flush their litter down the toilet ultimately infect sea otters and other animals with toxoplasma gondii, which causes a killer brain disease.

But despite the apocalyptic visions of domesticated animals’ environmental impact, solutions exist, including reducing pets’ protein-rich meat intake.

“If pussy is scoffing ‘Fancy Feast’ — or some other food made from choice cuts of meat — then the relative impact is likely to be high,” said Robert Vale.

“If, on the other hand, the cat is fed on fish heads and other leftovers from the fishmonger, the impact will be lower.”

Other potential positive steps include avoiding walking your dog in wildlife-rich areas and keeping your cat indoors at night when it has a particular thirst for other, smaller animals’ blood.

As with buying a car, humans are also encouraged to take the environmental impact of their future possession/companion into account.

But the best way of compensating for that paw or clawprint is to make sure your animal is dual purpose, the Vales urge. Get a hen, which offsets its impact by laying edible eggs, or a rabbit, prepared to make the ultimate environmental sacrifice by ending up on the dinner table.

“Rabbits are good, provided you eat them,” said Robert Vale.

 

So not only are cows and volcanoes bad for the environment, but I guess we can add dogs and other domesticated animals to the mix.  I wonder how long it will be before we start to get rid of the humans.  Next step: Soylent Green.  I’m just sayin.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Don’t Like The President’s Plan for America? Maybe You’re Part of a Hate Group!

Well, I don’t fit into any of those groups but maybe I’m a fanatic.  Not sure on that one.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a democrat from Rhode Island, made some interesting comments on the floor of the Senate as well as a more interesting denial.

I’m betting heavily that there are groups like the Aryan groups, birthers, etc. who do not stand behind the President and his proposals.  What I heard in the entire speech was anyone who has a problem with any of the President’s proposals is somehow compared to hate groups.   Maybe I’m reading too much into his comments.  So just so I’m clear here, when democrats opposed proposals from President Bush, they should have been compared to hate groups?  OK, I get it now.

Either way, it’s an interesting speech.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Senator Claire McCaskill as The Joker

Being from the St. Louis region, I found this picture funny from the Gateway Pundit.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant