Come on, GoOPers, let’s talk deficits.
and, hey, Who Dat? Oh yeah, the guy that left New Orleans to drown.
From Black Water Dog at the DK
Now, who are the big spenders? Which one gave us a surplus? Which ones are Republicans? Which one is a Democrat? Simple quiz. Please answer.
AP photo.
First, she made a joke about not using a tele-prompter, ha! ha! ha! Then she segues into reading notes off the palm of her hand. What were those important, must not forget talking points written on her hand? Energy, tax cuts, and lift American spirits were the 3 must not forgets. Tax cuts originally said budget cuts but she crossed it off and replaced tax cuts. Note to self, Sarah: don’t bring up budget cuts because then there will be a follow up question of what programs specifically come to mind? And we know what that would be, but let’s hear it from her mouth: social security and medicare. Fortunately for Palin, not us, an advisor must have stopped her in the nick of time because she took the easy way out and replaced budget cuts with tax cuts. Surprise, surprise.
As Sam Seder twittered:
if Palin’s speech had aired & been covered like that on a weeknight- the generic democrat would have gained 5%
and
This has to be one of the least important most covered speeches in the history of american politics-
I’m sold. The best thing I can do for the democrats is to draft palin for every race in the country
From Huffington Post:
Here’s some more:
For once, there was something good that happened at the baggage claim area. A reader sent me this hilarious comment:
No surprise that two large bomb-shaped objects were able to get through security.
Too Cool. Way to go, Atlanta.
My poor birch tree survived all kinds of horribly hot summers only to get injured by ice. These trees thrive in colder climates, sadly, the ice is another matter.
Brrr…. my house is cold.
Tasha enjoys the snow, reminds her of her roots in Alaska.
Horse is okay
and then there is Buddy. He loves the water in any season.
After last week’s SCOTUS ruling, a new class joins the unemployment line. Here is what we can expect soon:
Hurray for Bullet Trains!
In last night’s SOTU address, Obama spoke about funding the needed high speed rail transportation for this country. Today, Obama and Biden will travel to Florida to meet with Gov. Crist and unveil the first bullet train project which will go from Tampa to Orlando. The top speeds will be only 168 mph (hope someday we will see faster speeds on longer routes), but this will suffice since Tampa to Orlando is a relatively short distance.
There is a second segment Orlando to Miami
of the plan which will be completed in 2017. This is exciting. Here are the details from the White House:
Tampa – Orlando: This investment will initiate the development of the Tampa to Orlando segment, with speeds reaching 168mph and 16 round trips per day on brand new track dedicated solely to high-speed rail. Trip time between the two cities on the new line will be less than one hour, compared to around 90 minutes by car. is project will create jobs and generate economic activity as 84 miles of track are constructed, stations are built or enhanced, and equipment is purchased. Completion of this phase is anticipated in 2014.
Orlando – Miami: Scheduled for completion in 2017, the 230-mile Orlando to Miami line is expected to operate at speeds up to 186mph, reducing travel time between these two cities to approximately two hours, or roughly half as long as it takes to drive the same route. Ultimately, 20 round trips per day between Orlando and Miami are planned. Although no ARRA funding will be used for this segment, significant planning activities are on-going to prepare for this second phase of Florida’s high-speed rail vision.
Today’s NYT:
Mr. Ford’s interest in the race is triggering a growing sense of alarm within the Gillibrand camp, which has quickly sought to portray him as out of step with New York Democratic voters and, through supporters like Senator Charles E. Schumer, tried to dissuade him from entering the race.
A spokesman for Mr. Ford issued a pungent statement defending his interest in the Senate race and rebutting criticisms of his record.
“It’s good to have credible candidates explore this race. So what are they afraid of?” began the statement, from Mr. Ford’s spokesman, Davidson Goldin.
Good for him. I am still not over the terrible treatment of Caroline Kennedy last year. I am not fond of Gillibrand, so a healthy primary would make both candidates stronger and more progressive, something they both could use. Gillibrand is better now that she is a Senator than she was in Congress, but she remains unpopular. A primary could help both candidates with visibility and issues, just like the contentious Clinton and Obama primary did. Ford, who ran as a Blue Dog in Tennessee, will have to change to gold colors in order to win; and, Gillibrand will have a chance to show voters who she is. May the best Yellow dog win. In all it will be fun to watch. Make sure you have plenty of popcorn.
Today’s economic times are trying for everyone, but especially for folks under 30, so it is good to see an old favorite in Florida being used by many today. The “blue haired specials” – a term used to describe Floridian diners who eat out between 4 -5:30 because the inexpensive menu- is gaining popularity with the under 30 ages and young families. It is refreshing to see the new frugality that is taking place in Florida. I hope restaurants around here will pay attention to this trend.
From the New York Times
Many restaurant owners, on Florida’s east and west coasts, now report seeing behavioral changes that remind them of the generation that survived the Depression. In addition to coming in early for specials, they said, more customers have been using coupons, sitting down only after studying the menu and wasting less food.
This is a win for everyone. Restaurants need the business. Younger people need to socialize without spending too much money. Plus, it is good to see generations come together. Plenty of rewards for everyone in being frugal.
I like this photo the New York Times took of a restaurant in Miami. It shows a healthy business for restaurants and a diversity of people by going to Early Bird Specials.
Please read the news blips at the bottom of the t.v. screen too, they are just as funny as this video. Enjoy.
Zombie Reagan Raised From Grave To Lead GOP
From New York Times:
Mr. Ford, 39, who moved to New York three years ago, has told friends that he will decide whether to run in the next 45 days. The discussions between Mr. Ford and top Democratic donors reflect the dissatisfaction of some prominent party members with Ms. Gillibrand, who has yet to win over key constituencies, especially in New York City.
After the 2006 ugly Senate race in Tennessee, Ford moved to New York. Ford works for Merrill Lynch and is frequently on MSNBC as a political pundit. The New York Times added the Conservative Southern Democrat will likely “tweak” his positions to appeal to voters in New York.
I wish Ford would come back to Tennessee instead of following Hillary’s footsteps and become a New Yorker. New York is a Democratic stronghold, it is easy to win there. Ford came within 40,000 votes of winning Tennessee’s Senate race. Corker and the RNC stopped at nothing to win it. The shameful, racist ads cinched the deal for them (but barely).
Welcome! I'm Sandy. Please come in and sit a spell!