MSNBC Democratic Debate Thoughts

I enjoyed watching the Democratic debate last night. Even as a Republican, I thought it was entertaining and informative. It was a good event for introducing our country to the candidates. MSNBC did a nice job of keeping the discussion moving and asking relevant questions.

As to my reactions to specific candidates. I believe that the biggest loser last night was Bill Richardson. I had thought that he would be a good candidate for the Democrats who could bridge the party and country back to the Clinton years without having all the negative baggage that Hillary Clinton has. But Richardson looked tired and unmotivated last night. He did not look like someone who would be a legitimate presidential nominee. I’m not saying this ended his presidential run, but he needs to turn around his campaign after that poor performance last night. I thought the wisest answers came from Joe Biden and Dennis Kucinich. Biden did a good job of answering the questions that were asked of him, but didn’t feel like he had to fill his 1 minute of allotted time. If the answer to a question took him 45 seconds, he ended there. If it could be answered in a sentence, then he ended there. Dennis Kucinich’s answers were the most well thought out and consistent with what he professes and is know to believe. (Except his assertion that he is the known for being a healer. Has anyone ever heard of him being someone who can bring people of different points of view together for the common good?)
Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama each did fine, but neither were fantastic. The one thing I would have liked to have seen out of Obama is for him to have a moment where he was inspiring. That is his reported strength and last night, he was not able to come across as inspiring. Chris Dodd did a nice job and his best statement, which should become his theme, was “We don’t need another President who needs years of on the job training.” Mike Gravel played an important American political role. He was decidedly politically left of everyone else on stage, but he is a true believer who is consistent in his ideology. He is a good tool for the other Democratic presidential candidates to use to sharpen their own words and positions as they react to his. Gravel did come off as “not mainstream” enough to be a serious contender, but that is not his role. John Edwards did fine, but did nothing to distinguish himself from the other candidates.

Tune in to MSNBC next Thursday to see the Republican candidates for President.

Dumb Criminals

Are you one of those people who loves the dumb criminal books and TV shows? Well while looking at my local TV stations website I saw an article where a thief tried to trade in a car he stole at the same dealership that he had stolen it from a month earlier. You can't make this stuff up.

Funny

1986 Mets meet Nintendo

This is just too Cool. Someone created the bottom of the 10th inning of game six of the 1986 World Series using the original RBI baseball for the Nintendo.

Foxtrot Politics

Tower of Death

I took this picture while doing a service call at a local University. It was in a little accessed tower of an old building on campus.



Sometimes, found nature is the most interesting kind.

Speed Bump Addresses New Religions in Old Testiment Times

Looking for a Cool Baseball Game?

Looking for a cool game? I recently got Baseball Mogul 2007 for the PC. It is a baseball simulation that uses real players from 1900-present. You can start in any year and take that team of lovable Losers and turn them into perennial winners. I have become addicted to this game and when I sit down to play it I can't stop. The people who make it are offering a free download of their 2006 version until June 30th. So, if you have always dreamed of controlling the destiny of multimillionaire, then I suggest that you try this game.

iFruit+Windows=Zombies

I think this may be many Mom's reactions to the news that you can now load Windows XP on new Mac computers.

Kirk Comes Back

Ever wonder what happened to Kirk Franklin? Well he is back with a new album. He talks about some personal struggles and his vision for the future in this article.

Goodbye Super Mario

Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins is going to retire today. Lemieux is 2nd best hockey player I ever saw. (Behind Wayne Gretsky.) Although I am a Rangers fan, I have always enjoyed watching Lemieux play and will miss having that opportunity in the future. I hope he is able to enjoy his retirement and I wish him the best.

Kobe Scores 81

Whether you like him or hate him, we need to recognize the great performance that Kobe Bryant put on last night. He scored 81 points in a game against the Toronto Raptors. That is the second highest individual point total in NBA history. The first is still Wilt Chamberlain's 100 points. Kobe has had ups and downs in recent years, but this year he has had many 40 point games and now has done something that Michael Jordan has not done. We should congratulate Kobe for his great day.

Foolishness

Why are the young so foolish? Marcus Vick (age 21), the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick, was arrested yesterday for pointing a gun at 3 people outside a restaurant. The day before he had declared his intentions to enter the 2006 NFL Draft after being kicked off of the Virginia Tech football team for repeated rule and legal problems. Vick was the ACC's top quarterback this year and with a famous brother would have been sure to be drafted this year by a NFL team. Now, it looks like he may be lucky to get an invitation to training camp. It is too bad that no one has been able to come along side and help Marcus Vick control his actions. Lets hope that he is able to turn his life around before we hear about him really hurting someone.

Happy Day Before Christmas

Where's Waldo?

Happy Thanksgiving

Let it Snow

I saw Snow on my way into work this morning. This cartoon seemed appropriate.

Foxtrot on God and man

Stolen Memories

CNN has published my favorite list from the National Insurance Crime Bureau of the year...the most stolen cars. The winner (or Loser) for 2004 was the 1995 Honda Civic. Remember to check these lists when choosing which car to buy and park in front of your downtown apartment building.

Cry a Tear for New York

New York has lost and icon. No, not a major building or political leader, but a great man who has had an effect on New York Sports since 1930. Wellington Mara the Owner of the New York Giants (Football) died today. Mr. Mara had owned the Giants since his Father game them to he and his brother in 1930. Wellington Mara was perhaps the most respected owner in professional football and always was a voice of reason. I am a Jets fan, but will miss Mr. Marra very much.