Today is February 13th. On this date in 1635, the first public school, the Boston Latin School, was established in what would later become the United States of America and, according to pamphlets recently distributed in Wisconsin, was promptly and viciously attacked by Scott Walker. The school later went on to educate five signers of the Declaration of Independence. Also, on this date in 1867, Johann Strauss’s Blue Danube waltz was performed in public for the first time in Vienna, Austria. Having initially received a tepid response, Strauss introduced a purely orchestral version at the Paris World’s Fair, also in 1867. It is this version that has become one of the most popular classical music pieces in modern times. And finally, I declare today to be National CPAC Plague day. Consider this an open thread, I’ve got to get some chicken soup.

Are earmarks returning? | Human Events
“This highway bill is putting us on the road to ruin, yet many members of both parties seem to care more about an earmarked bike path or a Bridge to Nowhere than about shrinking the federal government.”

Walker’s courageous conservatism | Washington Examiner
“The outcome of the recall election may very well be more important that the outcome of the GOP presidential primary.”

State House Republicans plan to take on HHS Monday | NH Journal
“New Hampshire’s House Republicans plan to take on the Obama administration’s Department of Health and Human Services Monday by passing a non-binding resolution condemning the department’s new rule mandating religious institutions provide health coverage that includes free birth control.”

What’s in Obama’s Budget? Solyndra 2.0 | PJ Tatler
“Also buried within the Obama budget, is a set of proposals to create the next round of Solyndra-style social engineering”

Today’s Word of the Day comes from Dictionary.com.
exoteric (ek-suh-TER-ik): adjective 1. Suitable for or communicated to the general public. 2. Not belonging, limited, or pertaining to the inner or select circle, as of disciples or intimates.