Happy new year

Let's hope '09 is better than '08 was. I'm not too hopeful though. Hamas and Israel are hammering each other. We get a new President soon (whoopie!) and the economy is looking bleak. If aliens came and offered to take me to a nice, uninhabited world, I'd have to consider it!

Chargers defense looks weak

The Carolina Panthers moved the ball well against them last week- well enough to pull off an upset win. The Chargers travel to division rival Denver this week. I don't like their chances for a win if they play like they did last week. Denver has a fair offense and plays well at Invesco field. I will obviously root for the Bolts to get things on track. LT has turf toe, but will still play. Merriman looks to be done for quite a while with his bad knee. Maybe having a HEALTHY guy playing end will improve the D. I hope so!

Kelleher wins state Republican primary for senate

Okay! Who among you voted for the eyebrows? It certainly wasn't me. I voted for Bushman.
This sure backs up my opinion that many voters go to the polls uninformed and unprepared. I can't find one person who will admit to voting for Bob. Fess up. Who was it?

I guess Max can save his money for the 2014 run.

Operation Chaos supported by Hammond report

Andy Hammond has tempted the ire of the left by coming out in support of Rush Limbaugh's "Operation Chaos". There have been many venomous comments left in response to his post. While I don't intend to participate myself (someone needs to chose OUR candidates for other offices), I must remind leftists that they have employed these tactics as well. Some liberal voters have been encouraged to vote for Romney before our Presidential contest was decided.

I don't feel great about the ethics of such maneuvers, but those who threaten legal action over this have little to go on. Montana has an open primary. I get both ballots before going into the booth to vote. Are you going to follow me in to see how I vote? Try it! We'll see who gets arrested.

Republican caucuses leave me cold

Here we are at "Super Tuesday" folks. Are you all as excited as I am? Maybe not. You see, regular voters like me who consider themselves Republicans get no vote this time around. Only Elected officeholders and party insiders get a voice. I can still vote in the primary, but the caucus results will be used no matter how the primary vote comes out.

Our beloved party switched to the early caucus because they failed to get the earlier primary they desired. It was more important to them that THEY be heard earlier in the process than for rank and file conservative voters to get that very vote. I'm not against an earlier primary, but I WANT A VOTE! Wyoming had caucuses even earlier in the year. I didn't see much attention coming their way. I know who won that one, but do you? Few do. If you know who won it, you know who I'm leaning toward supporting.

I intend to support ending caucuses in the future and return to a primary. If the party supports it, we can vote in February. I'd actually like to see a rotation of the order of the primaries. Let each state eventually get to be among the first. What's so great about Iowa and New Hampshire?

Chargers lead a division of losers

As of this posting, my Chargers are fresh off an undeserved win over the Colts. I still say they only won because I picked them to lose in the office pool. If it weren't for spectacular Sproles returning both a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns, the Bolts would have had no chance at all. Even with those gifts, they still had to get a missed chipshot field goal attempt at the end. Sheesh! Rivers is aweful and the running game isn't what I expect. LT can't run if there's no hole. He's good, but who's that good?

Since the Denver Donkeys beat the Chiefs at Arrowhead, the Chargers are in first. Big deal. Denver stinks and they ruined KC. Oakland is deserving the basement. None of them are going anywhere in the playoffs. Let me state what's obvious to any NFL fan. The Patriots are going to take it all. They're just too good.

It's almost that time of year!

Time to turn thoughts to another football season. May my Chargers go all the way this time. They certainly have the talent. I know there are many Denver Donkey fans out there who'd like to spoil things, but be prepared to get swept away. I think my boys have an excellent chance to win it all as long as Ladanian Tomlinson (quick prayer) stays healthy. The Chiefs are a minor threat and the Raiders seem to be a broken unit. I think the Colts are San Diego's biggest obstacle. Tom Brady & Co. are a concern as well.

Let's hear it for your team. Who's your money on? Who will improve the most? Who will be a disapointment?

The real inconvenient truth

Go to Craig's place and see this post by Gman on global warming:

http://www.mtpolitics.net/archives/5508-The-REAL-Inconvenient-Truth.html

Many of us agree the Earth is getting warmer. Some of us think it is a more natural thing than man made. The sun has a lot of input to this 'problem'. This piece also shows that a warmer planet causes higher CO2 levels- not the other way around. It's a long piece (presented by ACTUAL SCIENTISTS) but worth seeing if you really want to know what's going on. I'll warn you liberals that there are some 'inconvenient' facts included which will challenge your beliefs if you're honest with yourself.

Is Civility Dead?

I find the level of civility in discourse about politics to be falling into the gutter lately. It seems many are quite willing to belittle people who disagree with them and call them names. Both sides are quite willing to overlook facts if they are inconvenient and go for the throat of their political opponent. I'll not claim to be free of guilt on this point, but I try to avoid it and show at least a bit of respect for my opponent. My grandfather always told me to try to "be the better man" in an arguement. I try to remember that. Even if your opponent seems to deserve little respect, you'll feel better about yourself if you refrain from acting childish.
I'm not referring to any single person on this point. We need to debate positions and show each other courtesy. I find this lack of respect in a lot of places. Rush Limbaugh often disrespects people. He loses me when he stoops to that level. He's certainly not alone in doing this. Visit daily Kos and you'll find plenty there too. It alienates some and convinces few on the author's point. Unfortunately, it seems to be everywhere. It might help to admit when your debate opponent is right on some things instead of blindly ignoring their point while pursuing ideological superiority. That will lose you respect as well.
We have plenty of problems and concerns in our world today. Working toward coming together somewhere in the middle seems to be a better idea than the polarization that is happening now. Neither the "left" or "right" has all the answers. Most of us really aren't that extreme anyway. I agree with liberals on some points and conservatives on some others. It just seems counterproductive to fight each other so hard. We need each other if we are to do what needs to be done. Our nation would be better served if blatant partisanship died.

Missed Vacation!

Since I'm starting the new job with Century gaming, I felt I had to forego the planned family vacation to Puerto Vallarta and the five star Barcelo La Jolla hotel. My wife and son will enjoy the trip along with my sister-in-law. This place looks like a fabulous getaway. Too bad I have to miss it! I guess having the house to myself for a week will have to suffice. That will be nice in its own way. Maybe I can get a few rounds of golf in. Unfortunately, no local course will be as nice as the ones down there!

A wild couple of weeks for me!

Just last week I was informed that my employer, Fleetwood gaming's routes were going to be sold to Century gaming- its chief competitor. That meant my job was virtually eliminated after 15 years of service. Imagine my trepidation at what the future held for me. I was quite nervous and wondered at what a 46 year old man would do to pay the bills and support my family. While Fleetwood would continue as a gaming manufacturer, they would have no use for an account representative like me. My gut was being eaten full of holes!

This week I met with the nice folks at Century and they basically hired me on the spot. Not only would I get a job, but I would get paid at the same rate I had been used to and keep my seniority, vacation time, insurance and 401k. This was partly due to my former employer's input in actually giving a damn about his former employees. While I was sad to lose my position at Fleetwood, I am happy to give thanks to Jon Dehler and Fleetwood for going to bat for their people.

I have heard some say less than nice things about Jon when he donated money for Cobb field reconstruction. Some said he did it for publicity and naming rights only. I know he did it because he loves baseball and our fine community.

Thanks for a great job over the last 15 years Jon. May you continue to have success in the future. You were a great guy to work for. Thanks also to Steve and the gang at Century for giving me a shot. You won't be sorry.

I'm considering siding my house-

Any of you out there have a point of view on siding? Steel or vinyl? Is it expensive? If you recently did your house, may I ask what it ended up costing you? Just picking brains. I know many of you have good ones. Give me some input.

Weather finally turns to spring?

We finally had some decent temperatures here in Billings today. Damn am I tired of the gray, wet and cold! I guess it will be yard work time soon. I have done some spring clean up, but mowing will soon follow. I get to pawn that off on my 14 year old boy though. He should have an easy time of it since we bought a new self-propelled Craftsman today. We looked at Toros, but they have plastic gears these days. Did you know that? The Honda looks nice, but for $700 it should!

I've been guilty of not posting much lately. Nothing exciting to talk about. I'm tired of Anna Nicloe and Don Imus (Don Imuschmuck?) I see Rosie is still an ignorant bitch though. She suggests Bush blew up WTC7. Imus is stupid, but Rosie takes the cake!

Super Bowl should be good

Yea- My Chargers let me down. They dropped way too many balls to beat the Pats. That stunk, but I'm hopeful for better next year.

As for the big game- I'd put my money on the Colts but don't look for a big bet. It should be a fine matchup of a VERY capable offense vs. probably the best defense (sorry Raven fans) in the league. I'm going to lean toward Manning leading the Colts more steadily than Rex Grossman does the Bears. My wife will disagree as she is a long time Bears fan. Don't take my advice though. My pre-playoff picks for the Super bowl were San Diego and Philly. Shows you what I know. I'll say 34-27 Colts.

What's your pick?

Merry Christmas!

May you all have a fine holiday season, no matter what faith you might

follow. I hope you had a good 2006 and enjoy better in the year to come.

Enjoy precious time with those you love and think of those others whom

have nobody of their own. I encourage you to give at least one gift to

someone unfortunate who needs help. It'll make you feel more holiday

spirit. I guarantee it.

Note how good the Seahawks must feel. They gave

my Chargers a shot at home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

They backed in themselves anyway, so I bet they feel great! Donkeys

won on a lucky missed extra point. Damn Bengals!

Chargers slice & dice Broncos!

My boys clinched the AFC West and are in first place in the AFC. The Broncos were no match for them- especially with a rookie at QB. I think Shannahan has made the wrong move there, but Plummer is no prize either. Tomlinson, Rivers and Gates played well and the defense was competent, if not overwhelming. I guess you don't need a Bears style defense if the offense is going to put up 48. With the Colts getting stoned by Jacksonville, my guys have top billing in the playoffs. All they need to do is win at Seattle and cover at home for a couple they should (!) win.

In any case, to you Bronco fans...

Better luck next year... Not!

Chargers climb to 10-2.

My boys won a tight game against a good Bills team who have won their last few coming in. Tomlinson has been a stud all year. He only ran for over 170 yards and two scores. I'm so glad I have him on most fantasy teams- yes, many in first place, thankyou.
I've been taking a lot of crap from Denver fans for years. It would be nice to bury them next week and end all the chat! The Colts loss to the Titans makes it an even bigger game with home field playoff considerations in effect. With three of their last four at home, I expect a strong finish. You Donkey lovers can hope, but you won't catch us this year.

Sudan/Darfur needs world attention

Please go read about the problems between Chad and Sudan & the poor people being killed. We must not allow this barbarism to continue. This area could become a bigger problem than Iraq. Those whom believe we should bring all our troops home and hide our head in the ground need to think more about whether they are willing to stand aside and let poor innocents be murdered in ethnic cleansing. Like it or not, this kind of thing happens every day in our world. Death and destruction are not limited to Iraq. Other than my new favorite- Glenn Beck- I have seen very little in the press about this. Shame on them. We need to push world leaders to do something right now! Join me in demanding action.

New Montana blog

Our friend Shane Mason has started a new blog and welcomed me as a contributing author. The latter aside, stop in and give it a look. Most of the authors lean to the left, but this site is working to be a place of sane discussion of issues without the backbiting and name calling. It's about time we all come together somewhere without "sides" being taken, don't you think?

Vote on November 7th!

I also urge you to vote for conservative candidates. We must win the war on terrorism. The American public should not allow itself to be deterred from backing the effort against extremists who wish us dead. Democrats cry that we have no plan while they have no plan themselves. Sure, some things have been tough, but quickly exiting would be seen as a sign of weakness by the extremists. Not everything has been bad either. The Kurds are very thankful of us coming to free them. You won't see pictures of that in the liberal media, but I challenge anyone to prove it's not true. Some would have you only know the more sensational bad news. We need to support our troops AND their mission. Some people don't support their mission. What do these people think that mission is? I see us tring to help these people. What do liberals see? Rampant murder, rape and pillage by our guys? You know they are better than that. John Kerry seems to think only poor dumb souls would join to enter the fight. I have family in the service and I find that comment offensive. Our military personnel are the best. But even if they were less intelligent than John Kerry (I severely doubt it), why would anyone impugn the brave souls who volunteer to defend us? Kerry says he just botched a joke intended toward Bush. Last I checked, Bush got better grades than Kerry at the same school. Skull and bones anyone?

I also don't want my taxes raised. The economy is doing just fine. Leave it alone liberals!

I see Conrad Burns as an imperfect candidate. He talks without thinking sometimes, but he'll vote the way I want most of the time. John Tester might very well be the "nice guy" that David Crisp describes him as, but I doubt he'd vote with me. I have to go with Burns because of terrorists and taxes. Go ahead now libs- call me names.

Monica Lindeen went to the same school as I did. I'm sure she's still a standup person, but again, she won't vote my way. Denny has done a good job for us and deserves not to be replaced anyway.

I can't support raising the minimum wage. It will only be inflationary and is simply feel good politics. The free market pays more than that in a lot of places now anyway. Automatic adjustments tied to the CPI seems poorly considered as well.

Billings needs to support building a new ball park. Cobb field is a disaster waiting to happen. Which will hit first? Collapse or fire? Surely we have enough civic pride to build a better city. What if our forefathers had been too stingy to fund pools or parks and the like? Local businessmen are stepping up to donate to the cause. Surely the rest of us can chip in.

Athletic pool could be a casualty of any new Cobb. I understand that some people don't want to lose it, but it leaks anyway. I'd support building a new pool. Maybe we could build it away from 27th street too. I'd think that would be safer.

I have to begrudgingly support the safety levy. I don't like the way "cumulative and permanent" was conveniently overlooked, but I do like having sufficient police and fire protection.

In any case- VOTE! As they say, if you don't vote, don't bitch.