Caleb's blog

Obama Volt 2012

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:45:35 +0000

He’s spent $38 in gas – in two months! (He’s home a lot these days.) See how, and see what Bob thinks of his new Volt, his fire insurance, and what it’s like to stay home most of the time!

The wondrous Chevy Volt, and the enlightened President Obama: that’s a team with the smallest amount of gas in the 2012 race. Check out their explosive new ad campaign at ObamaVolt2012.com

Daily Links – February 8, 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:00:49 +0000

I’m traveling today, so this will be a ‘light’ edition. Today is February 8th. On this date in 1936, the first NFL draft was held. The first player drafted was Jay Berwanger, to the Eagles. Berwanger is also the first winner of the Downtown Athletic Club Trophy the year before, an award known today as the Heisman Trophy. Berwanger, a halfback, is also known for his tackling future President Gerald Ford in 1934, leaving a scar beneath Ford’s left eye. The moral of the story is, if you scar Gerald Ford, they give you a trophy, and then a job.

Government Can’t Make Us Happy | John Stossel
“Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the right to pursue happiness has been perverted into a government-backed entitlement to happiness.”

Who is hurt most by rising energy costs? | Hot Air
“According to a new study, the hardest hit are precisely who you would expect. The poor and the elderly are having the biggest bite taken out of their checkbooks.”

Sue Myrick 15th House Republican member to retire | Human Events
“The decision of Myrick—a former Charlotte mayor who first came to Congress in the “Gingrich Class” of 1994—was somewhat of a surprise, in that she represents a district that has been in Republican hands without interruption since 1952 and continued re-election for her, as one local wag put it, ‘was the nearest thing to eternal life on earth.’”

Today’s Word of the Day comes from Dictionary.com.
piacular (pahy-AK-yuh-ler): adjective 1. Expiatory; atoning; reparatory. 2. Requiring expiation; sinful or wicked

“Let me go on. I’m not yielding my time.”

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:00:25 +0000

Renee Ellmers (R-NC), took on Henry Waxman (D-CA) in spectacular fashion today in a joint House-Senate hearing on the payroll tax cut extension.

“What you say is completely and totally incorrect.”

Unfortunately a transcript is not yet available, but Rep. Ellmers takes the whole committee to task on ineffectiveness, useless rhetoric, and grandstanding, in a classic rant. It is especially satisfying to hear someone in Congress call out Democrats on their use of “emergency” rhetoric after failing to take care of any of our economic problems, or even pass a budget, last year. More of this, please.

Daily Links – February 7, 2012

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:00:23 +0000

Today is February 7th. It is Laura Ingalls Wilder’s birthday. Wilder, born in 1867 in the “Big Woods” of Wisconsin, was the author of Little House on the Prairie, among other novels. She is best known for my being annoyed as a child, when my sister and mother wanted to watch the show based on the book. Also born on this date were: Frederick Douglass (1817), John Deere (1804), and Charles Dickens (1812). Each of whom annoyed me less. And least interestingly of all, on this date in 1943, the government announced there would be two days of shoe rationing. Many shoes starved to death.

Who’s progressive in Wisconsin | Washington Post

“The 2012 U.S. elections could be the most exciting and consequential in years. In Wisconsin, we might be looking at political Armageddon.”

Judge weighs PETA whale slavery lawsuit | U-T San Diego

“A federal judge appeared skeptical Monday of arguments that the killer whales that perform at SeaWorld are being held as slaves and that their confinement violates the constitutional ban on slavery.”

… APPEARED SKEPTICAL? YA THINK??

Update: Occupy plans mayhem for ‘dastardly’ CPAC | Washington Examiner

“Speakers will be physically assaulted, not just verbally confronted,” the source told Scribe in an email. Two Occupiers, who the source also identified as members of the New Black Panther Party, “said they would be disappointed if they didn’t get arrested and planned to ‘make it count.’”

Planned Parenthood’s Hostages | WSJ

“Faced with even the tiniest depletion in the massive river of funds Planned Parenthood receives yearly, the behemoth mobilized its enormous cultural, media, financial and political apparatus to attack the Komen Foundation in the press, on TV and through social media.”

Today’s Word of the Day comes from Merriam-Webster, and is awesome.
cacography (ka-KAH-gruh-fee): noun 1. bad spelling 2. bad handwriting

Open Thread: Sam’s Big Government Backpack

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:30:48 +0000

U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) explains how big government is making it harder for Americans to find jobs and more difficult for small businesses to succeed. When big government puts too many burdens on America’s economy, it forces jobs and investment overseas instead of here at home. It also makes it harder for middle class small business owners to compete against large corporations, discouraging real competition and job growth.

Here’s a list of some of the obstacles that big government has created that make it harder to achieve success in America:

- $1.75 trillion regulatory costs
- $15 trillion national debt
- $2 to $3 trillion in state and local debt (http://bit.ly/zQwqfb)
- $100 trillion unfunded liabilities for entitlement programs
- ObamaCare taxes and regulations
- More than 75,000 pages of IRS tax rules & regulations (http://bit.ly/ejX73Z)

Open Thread

Daily Links – February 6, 2012

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:45:44 +0000

Today is February 6th. It’s Ronald Reagan’s birthday, and on this date in 1987, he became the oldest President of the United States in history, at age 76. It was also on this date in 1998 that Washington National Airport was renamed in his honor. Today he would have been 101 years old. Happy Birthday, Mr. President. This country sure could use some Reagan 101 today.

A Time For Choosing | Ronald Reagan
Relevant then, relevant now.

Sharpton: Obama needs to dictate to the Catholic Church | Hot Air
“This is an absurd perversion of the concept of separation of church and state. When Thomas Jefferson wrote that (it’s not found in American law), he meant that the church should not dictate to the State on law — and that the state should not dictate to the church on doctrine.”

Occupy mudbowl: What’s left of McPherson Square | Washington Examiner
Before and after photos. Quite a difference. And note, the green pre-Occupy state was paid for with $400,000 in stimulus money.

Are You ‘Them!’? | Victor Davis Hanson
“This is proving to be a Manichean administration. It sees the world in terms dark and light, of us/them, and then must create the necessary binaries to divide and demonize—so strange given this was the narrative of the Obama campaign against Bush, not so strange given the Chicago origins.”

Today’s Word of the Day comes from Luciferous Logolepsy, and will no doubt enter your daily conversation.
ranarium: noun A place for rearing frogs.

Super Bowl Sunday Open Thread

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:54 +0000

This is it. It’s finally here. Super Bowl Sunday: literally the most important day in the history of life, the universe, and everything. The New England Patriots, forged in the fires of Mount Doom, depart Mordor to face off against the New York (New Jersey) Giants, a team constructed out of the remains of a UFO that crashed in 1936. This is Tom Brady versus Eli Manning people. It’s like clash of the titans, if the titans were two guys who play football and clash for money, and not ancient Greek deities, who clashed because there really wasn’t much else to do back then, what with the total lack of football and twitter. (Also not to be confused with the Tennessee Titans, who clash mainly for whiskey and terbacky.) As Barney Stinson would say, it’s going to be legen – wait for it – …

What will happen in this 2008 (2007 season) replay? Can Victor Cruz handle the pressure? Will Belichick come up with the zaniest play ever? Will Madonna have a wardrobe malfunction during the halftime show? I don’t know the answers, but I’m sure I speak for all of mankind when I say “sweet jumping Jehoshaphat I hope not” in answer to the last.

The greatest spectacle in sports (and advertising) kicks off at 6:30PM EST, following a mere, and surely inadequate, five hours of pregame. This is an open thread, so feel free to post your predictions, pick your players, or do even more things that start with the letter P.

For my part, I’ll just add that every time Tom Brady gets a Super Bowl ring, an angel gets eaten by a bear. Go Giants!

Oh yeah … DARY!

Daily Links – February 3, 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:15:17 +0000

Today is February 3rd. On this date in 2009, Eric Holder was sworn in as Attorney General. Sorry about that. Also on this date in 1815, the world’s first commercial cheese factory was established in Switzerland, laying the groundwork for annoying Packers fans the world over. On February 3rd in 1870, the 15th Amendment was ratified, establishing that the “right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” Good on ya, amenders. And on February 3rd in 1913, the 16th Amendment was ratified, establishing that “Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.” Way to follow a win with a loss, guys. Lastly, we’ll note that today is the anniversary of The Day The Music Died. So go listen.

Why the official 8.3 percent unemployment rate is a phony number | American Enterprise
“Even though the unemployment rate fell, so did the labor force participation rate (as more Americans became discouraged and gave up looking for work).”

McConnell: Obama is the most divisive president I’ve served with | Human Events
“‘Once they get the payroll tax holiday for another ten months, they basically don’t want to do anything else with us,’ said McConnell, referring to negotiations between Republican and Democrat lawmakers to extend tax cuts for the middle class.”

Obama’s the man leading the Occupy the Oval Office movement. | American Spectator
“By ineptness and, worse, by deliberate design, Barack Obama daily makes this nation weaker abroad, less free (and more authoritarian) at home, economically more feeble, and in the civic realm more bitterly divided than ever.”

Holder should walk the plank on ‘Fast and Furious’ | Washington Examiner
“A petulant, angry, and defiant Attorney General Eric Holder refused yesterday to take any responsibility for the growing scandal surrounding Operation Fast and Furious, the ill-conceived and incompetently managed program in which federal agents allowed thousands of guns to be purchased in the United States by known suppliers to Mexican drug cartels.”

Today’s Word of the Day comes from Wordsmith.org.
gradgrind (GRAD-grynd): noun Someone who is solely interested in cold, hard facts. Etymology: After Thomas Gradgrind, the utilitarian mill-owner in Charles Dickens’s novel Hard Times. Gradgrind runs a school with the idea that hard facts and rules are more important than love, emotions, and feelings. Earliest documented use: 1855.

Attention Registered RedState Members

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:06:12 +0000

If, when registering as a member, you opted into mailings, today you should have received an email offering you a discount rate to attend this year’s RedState Gathering. If you missed the email, please see below.

2012 RedState Gathering Registration is Open — Early Bird Special!

Dear member,

I’m thrilled to announce that registration for our 4th Annual RedState Gathering is officially open! I would like to extend exclusive, early bird registration and pricing to those who have attended the event in the past.

The 2011 RedState Gathering featured an all-star cast and schedule, highlighted by Governor Rick Perry announcing his Presidential campaign. Without a doubt, this year’s RedState Gathering — double the length of last year’s event and just weeks out from the Republican National Convention — will prove to be the best one yet.

The 2012 RedState Gathering will be held August 2-5 at the Omni Jacksonville Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida. With two full days of speakers and activities this year, the schedule will not disappoint. We will once again have an all-star lineup and I will share speaker commitments with you as soon as I am able.

One exciting announcement I am able to make is that Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal will be a keynote speaker.

As you know, Governor Jindal, the youngest serving Governor in the country, has made a swift and impressive impact on his state. Now, in his second term in office, Louisiana and the entire country believe in all Jindal has represented and accomplished.

His unprecedented primary landslide re-election just months ago further supported the frequency of his name coming up in the 2012 vice presidential discussion. We are thrilled to have him at the RedState podium this year.

With an all-star lineup just before the RNC and 2012 election, the 4th Annual RedState Gathering will once again be a must-attend conservative event.

Click here to learn more and register.

We look forward to seeing you again in August!

Sincerely,

Erick Erickson
Editor, RedState.com

Daily Links – February 2, 2012

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:30:35 +0000

Today is February 2nd. On this date in 1863, Mark Twain was “born.” Which is to say, Samuel Clemens (born November 30, 1835) used the pen name for the first time. Also on this date, Buenos Aires was founded, and New York City was incorporated (at the time named New Amsterdam), in 1536 and 1653 respectively. Today would also be Ayn Rand’s 107th birthday. If she weren’t dead. Which she is. Thanks a lot, OBAMA! And finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t note that today is Groundhog Day. And finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t note that today is Groundhog Day. And finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t note that today is Groundhog Day. Links, Open Thread, etc.

Mitt Makes Himself a Target Again | Rush Limbaugh
“But I even have a problem with this in context. ‘I’m not concerned about the very poor. We have a safety net there.’ The safety net is one of the biggest cultural problems we’ve got! We had better be worried about it …”

Calls Confirm Planned Parenthood Misleads on Offering Mammograms | LifeNews.com
“Every one of the Planned Parenthood centers admitted they could not do mammograms. Every Planned Parenthood, without exception, tells the women calling that they will have to go elsewhere for a mammogram, and many clinics admit that no Planned Parenthood clinics provide this breast cancer screening procedure.”

Indiana: the Nation’s 23rd Right to Work State | Hoosier Access
“After over 40 hours of testimony, debate, and discussion over the past year House Bill (HB) 1001, Employee’s Right to Work passed the Indiana House of Representatives last week and today passed the State Senate.”

Obama: Biblical principles prompted me to push for Dodd-Frank and Obamacare | Hot Air
I think I speak for everyone when I say … THEOCRAT!!!!11!!!!!

Today’s Word of the Day comes from Dictionary.com, and applies to so much in politics.
peroration (per-uh-REY-shuhn): noun 1. A long speech characterized by lofty and often pompous language. 2. Rhetoric The concluding part of a speech or discourse, in which the speaker or writer recapitulates the principal points and urges them with greater earnestness and force.

Krauthammer on Romney’s “very poor” phrasing.

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:30:23 +0000

In case you live under a rock, the back story is here. Via the Daily Caller, watch Charles Krauthammer blast Romney for failing to speak the conservative language.

“The idea that somehow we consign the poor to the safety net and we patch it, and dependency, is a liberal idea. It’s not our idea. And Romney is a guy who came late to his new ideology and he still can’t speak it very well.”

Krauthammer gets at what Mark Steyn was talking about earlier today. It’s not just that Mitt managed to deliver the Democrats the most awesome out of context sound byte ever, it’s that he clearly doesn’t even understand or know how to articulate a conservative position on the issue.

The State of the American Small Business

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:00:37 +0000

Today, the House Small Business Committee held a hearing “to examine obstacles to small business job creation and economic growth in America.” The below video highlights some excerpts from that meeting.

“I’ve never been more concerned with our prospects as a company than I am right now.” Last October, Gallup released a poll regarding the most significant challenges facing small businesses in America today. It is from that poll that the statistics in the opening of the video were taken. Listening to the video excerpts above, nothing has changed since October.

Best takeaway quote? “I can tell you exactly how many jobs were created on net by the stimulus, it was zero point zero zero zero. Because if you take a trillion dollars out of the economy, and spend a trillion dollars back into the economy, you haven’t done anything for the economy on net. It’s old-fashioned, out-dated, Keynesian economics, which is a proven failure.”

Consider this an Open Thread.

Daily Links – February 1, 2012

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:30:09 +0000

Today is February 1st. On this date, in 1896, Puccini’s La Bohème debuted in Turin, Italy. It would eventually become one of the most frequently performed operas in the world. Just 108 years later, on the same date, Justin Timberlake exposed Janet Jackson’s breast during their Super Bowl performance of “Rock Your Body”. Oh music. What happened to you? You used to be so nice! Then you started hanging around with the wrong crowd, and you got that tattoo, and now it’s all meat dresses and pierced … body parts. I’ve got half a mind to call your mother.

The truth about ‘electability’ | Daily Caller
“In exit polls yesterday, Florida Republicans revealed that their top reason for choosing their candidate was ‘electability.’ After screaming at my TV for 10 minutes, I had several drinks and sat down to write this column.”

Re: What is Wrong with This Guy? | Mark Steyn
“Romney’s is a benevolent patrician’s view of society: The poor are incorrigible, but let’s add a couple more groats to their food stamps and housing vouchers, and they’ll stay quiet.”

Obama’s Enemies List | Wall Street Journal
“Suppose also that the president’s surrogates and allies in the media regularly attacked you, sullied your reputation and questioned your integrity.”

Jan Brewer vs. Shoe-Tossing Journalist | Brent Bozell
“Worst ever? Unprecedented? Williams clearly doesn’t feel the need to do any research before making historical claims. He not only left out the Iraqi shoe-tosser in his historical ignorance. He left out…himself.”

Today’s word of the day comes from Wordsmith.org.
gamp: noun A large umbrella. etymology: After Sarah Gamp, a nurse in Charles Dickens’s novel Martin Chuzzlewit. She carries a large umbrella.

Daily Links – January 31, 2012

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:15:28 +0000

Today is January 31st. On this date in 1606, Guy Fawkes was executed. Fawkes, of course, was best known for being a mask. Today is also the 147th anniversary of the passing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States, by the House of Representatives. It was later ratified on December 6th of the same year. Today is also Phil Collins’ birthday, but as far as I know that didn’t abolish anything. He’s been waiting for this moment for all of his life. Oh Lawd.

Chris Matthews didn’t say Tea Partiers are violent, but he meant it at the time | Jim Treacher
“Listen as your pal and mine, Mary Katharine Ham, trips him up with some reality”

Oakland Mayor Says Occupy Protesters Using City As a “Playground” | Weasel Zippers
“Oakland Mayor Jean Quan said she has had it with a small, violent fringe element within the Occupy Oakland protests and claimed it is using the city as a ‘playground.’”

Obama to the nation: Onward civilian soldiers | George Will
“Progressive presidents use martial language as a way of encouraging Americans to confuse civilian politics with military exertions, thereby circumventing an impediment to progressive aspirations — the Constitution and the patience it demands.”

Video: Occupiers violently clash with NYPD last night | The Right Scoop
“I wish the Tea Party movement was as peaceful and respectful as the Occupy movement.”

Today’s Word of the Day comes from Wordsmith.org.
fagin (FAY-gin): noun One who trains others, especially children, in crime.

Daily Links – January 30, 2012

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:40:06 +0000

Today is January 30th. On this date in 1847, the city of Yerba Buena changed its name to San Francisco, stating that it was just more FAAABULOUS, then promptly banned Happy Meals. I think I speak for everyone when I say “hey, nice bridge!” Also on this date, in 1911, the first airplane rescue at sea was made by the U.S. Navy’s destroyer, “Terry”, prompting people the world over to exclaim “they have a destroyer named TERRY??!??” And finally, I’d like *pop* to take a *pop* moment to recognize “National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day” *pop*. Now, the links!

Meet our daughter Bella | Rick Santorum
Many of you may have already seen this video, but I had not before today. It’s a beautiful story about a beautiful little girl. The Santorums chose life, and were rewarded. Prayers for her continued health after this weekend’s events.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz wants Reince Priebus to apologize | Miami Herald
Schultz, who continues to blame the tea party for the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, accuses Priebus of “exploiting and making light of a tragedy for political purposes.” Read both links for a real head-spin. Folks, you just can’t make this stuff up.

Fast and Furious: Holder’s Perjury Defense Gets Shaky | Human Events
“But here we have emails clearly demonstrating that Holder’s aide, Monty Wilkinson, was fully aware of the Fast and Furious connection to Agent Terry’s murder on December 14, 2010 almost immediately.”

Racist Occupy Wall Street | Big Government
“Movement ‘Clearly’ Has Race Problems, Says Occupy Newark Leader”

Today’s Word of the Day comes via Wordsmith.org.
wellerism (WEL-uh-ri-zuhm): noun An expression involving a familiar proverb or quotation and its facetious sequel. It usually comprises three parts: statement, speaker, situation.
Example: “We’ll have to rehearse that,” said the undertaker as the coffin fell out of the car.

Open Thread: The Ben Howe Show

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:20:15 +0000

You can tune in now to listen to RedState contributor and annoying younger brother Ben Howe live at WBT News Talk 1110 in Charlotte, NC. You can also listen live online here. And if you want to call in and harass him, the number is 704-570-1110.

OPEN THREAD

Daily Links – January 27, 2012

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:45:10 +0000

Today is January 27th. On this date in 1756, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria, thereby laying the ground work for Falco to top the charts 230 years later. (Which I’m sure was his reasoning in being born.) Today is also the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by Soviet forces. I would also like to note that this week was National School Choice Week. I attended a school choice event here in Charlotte last night and will have a post up later today on that. As always, consider this an Open Thread.

Elliott Abrams Caught Misleading on Newt | American Spectator
“I can only say that what Elliott Abrams wrote in NRO about Newt Gingrich based on this long ago speech is not worthy of Elliott Abrams. Specifically, Abrams implies that Newt Gingrich was spewing mindless vitriol about Reagan on the House floor. Not only not so, it was quite to the contrary.”

Alternative Certification and ‘Colorblind Racism’ | WSJ
“So IQ tests are racist, except when they’re used to ‘prove’ that people with ‘socially conservative ideologies’ are racist and intellectually inferior.”

President Opts For Small-Ball Demagoguery | Charles Krauthammer
“This is redistribution for its own sake — the cost be damned. It took Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels about 30 seconds of his State of the Union rebuttal to demolish that idea.”

NYT Quotes ‘Retired Cuban Leader’ Castro on ‘Idiocy’ of GOP Field | Newsbusters
“They even suggested the dictator (who they merely called ‘the retired Cuban leader’) ‘had reason to be annoyed’ at threats voiced by Republican candidates Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney.”

Today’s word of the day comes from Wordsmith.org.
gascon (GAS-kuhn): noun A braggart. adjective Boastful.

Daily Links – January 26, 2012

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:00:59 +0000

Today is January 26th. On this date in 1837, Michigan became the 26th state to join the United States. Fast forward to this year, and “them people is living in ‘Mad Max’ times,” according to noted scholar Moe Syzlak. Also, on this date in 1969, after days of flooding and landslides, California was declared a disaster area. And nothing has changed since, amiright? Eh? Hey they can’t all be gems. These are my jokes, and I stand by them. Links!

Marine’s career threatened by controversial rules of engagement | Washington Examiner
“Waddell is just one of hundreds of cases of troops who have suffered under stringent rules of engagement, said Jeff Addicott, a former senior legal adviser to U.S. Army Special Forces.”

Reuters’ hit on Rubio contains errors | Matt Lewis
“Reuters is out with a tough story on Sen. Marco Rubio today, arguing that, the senator ‘has had significant financial problems that could keep him from passing any vetting process as a potential vice presidential choice…’ Unfortunately, it appears many of the facts are either wrong or exaggerated. By my count, there were at least 7 errors or exaggerations”

Fast and Furious: Issa calls for second prosecutor to testify | Hot Air
“Undaunted – and perhaps even spurred on – by recent charged developments, Rep. Darrell Issa, chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, today demanded that the Department of Justice make a key federal prosecutor available to testify before his Committee as a part of its investigation into the lethal gun-running program Operation Fast and Furious.”

Think Progress Scrubs Troubling Rhetoric from Website | Weekly Standard
“With the Center for American Progress’s Think Progress blog under scrutiny for publishing what some would consider borderline anti-Semitic content, it would seem likely that bloggers over there might be careful about the content.”

Today’s word of the day comes from Wordsmith.org.
sybarite (SIB-uh-ryt): noun A person devoted to luxury and pleasure.

1,000 Days

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:45:41 +0000

Today is the 1,000th day since the Senate passed a budget. That’s a long time. Heritage has put a video together to give some perspective on just how long:

The entire Lewis & Clark Expedition? Wow. To mark the occasion, House Republicans will be wearing red “1000 Days” buttons for tonight’s State of the Union address. Will the do-nothing, Democrat controlled Senate take note? My guess is: 1,000 nopes.

Daily Links – January 24, 2012

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:45:22 +0000

Today is January 24th. On this date in 1899, Humphrey O’Sullivan patented the rubber heel. I don’t really know what that is all about, but it sounds hilarious. Also on this date in AD 41, Roman Emperor Caligula was assassinated. Guy threw some serious parties, which likely would have been more fun without all the murdering. “Hey look, cake! Now I wish I hadn’t just stabbed Bob. Bob loved cake.” Therefore, it is with heavy hearts that we hereby dedicate today’s post to Bob. He loved cake. OPEN THREAD.

Huge Gingrich bounce in Florida | Unlikely Voter
“When word came out of InsiderAdvantage’s new Florida poll, I said to myself ‘I’ve heard this story before.’ Newt Gingrich shooting up like a rocket, but confirmation is needed.” (Note, this article is from prior to last night’s “debate”)

IMF to World: Gird Your Loins | RealClearWorld
“The International Monetary Fund is out with its latest forecast and it expects the global recovery to stall. The above video does a nice job summarizing the findings, but the nickle version is that it’s all Europe’s fault.”

‘A $1 million contract at Freddie was chump change.’ | Jim Geraghty
“A Morning Jolt reader who was a consultant for Freddie Mac offers a bit of perspective on what he saw there”

Obama the promise breaker | Washington Times
“2011 was no Sputnik moment, it was the president’s Solyndra moment”

Congressman grills Park Service on Occupy camping | Washington Examiner
“‘Let me tell my constituents who want to visit DC this summer that they can come to any park they want to as long as they say they are protesting.’ said Gowdy. ‘Can I tell them that?’”

Today’s word of the day comes from Merriam-Webster.
spathe: noun a sheathing bract or pair of bracts partly enclosing an inflorescence and especially a spadix on the same axis.

Thanks for clearing that up, dictionary. I think I understand the word even less now.