I hope you all had a happy halloween! We had a great time following Boo around and trying to keep him from diving at every candy bowl he saw with two hands. . .

Anyway, this post is meant to make you smile. But also: I'm looking for some advice!

I would like to have put this picture up bigger and with better resolution. But even cut down to 280 pixel width and degraded to 66% quality as a JPEG, it still has a load time of 2 seconds.

I see large, clear pictures on other sites. But I can't find any info on how to do that and keep my load time down.

For example: look down at the post on the football championship. Those pictures had so much detail in them that they were showing load times of over 10 seconds. So that's why they look so terrible -- I had to just keep making them smaller and cutting the quality to get them anywhere near tolerable load times.

I use Macromedia's Fireworks to edit and compress the pics. I've tried compressing in the Microsoft Office Picture Manager program, but don't get any better results there.

Can anyone help?

Posted at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Posted at 10:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (2)

"Off the Record. Deep Background. Not for Attribution." These phrases usually will protect a source. But always?

The recent indictment of Scooter Libby reminded Your Business Blogger that there is one thing you will never get from a reporter.

Loyalty.

The reason anyone would talk with the press is to advance an agenda. The source will tell his story; the reporter will write his story and seldom will they be same.

Most of the time, it is in the interest of the reporter to protect a source.

But don't bet on it. If you have anything -- anything that would make a story, you will be compromised.

The most dangerous spot to be is between a reporter and a Pulitzer.

Ben Bradlee

For example, would you sell out the American soldier for a Pulitzer Prize? No? Ben Bradlee would.

My friend Gary Bauer tells this story:

A number of years ago at the National Press Club I had the opportunity to ask Ben Bradlee, then executive editor of The Washington Post, what he would have done if he found out ahead of time about the D-Day invasion to liberate Europe.

Would the Post have printed the story?

Bradlee's answer took a while, but the bottom line was . . .

"yes."

Now most of what we communicate will not rise above compromising anyone. But take no chances, because the reporter will take no prisoners.

Of course not all reporters are monsters. Some of my best friends are journalists.

But remember reporter Ben Bradlee. Would he compromise his country?

Yes. For a story.

If a reporter cannot be loyal to his country, he will not be loyal to you.

Was this helpful? Do comment.

Thank you (foot)notes:

Mudville Gazette has Open Post.

Basil's Blog has open trackbacks and a new look.

Outside the Beltway has Traffic Jam.

Stupid and Dangerous has Scooter as criminally stupid.

Guide to Midwestern Culture suggests Libby is more like Clinton than Bush.

The Passenger has more on media.

Don Surber has open post.

Posted at 9:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (1)

Charmaine Yoest will be on ABC News Now at 1:35 talking with Sam Donaldson about the Alito nomination. You can watch streaming video live online here.

Tune in and comment on content and style.

Posted at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

I'll be on ABC News Now at 1:35 talking with Sam Donaldson about the Alito nomination. You can watch streaming video live online here.

Posted at 11:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

The President with Judge Alito
AP Photo

The President nominated Judge Samuel Alito for the vacancy on the Supreme Court at 8:00 this morning.

Americablog already has a post up that says "It's War." Then Rob asks: "Ready for hand-to-hand combat?"

That's the subject of my next post: what does it mean to go to war politically? Coming up shortly.

Posted at 8:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Pop Warner Football
We won!! The Laurel Hurricanes won the Maryland State Championship and will be advancing to the Regional competition next week in Pennsylvania. The goal -- on to the Superbowl at Disneyworld in December!

In fact, the celebration tonight was tinged with a timeline. "I love you guys," said Coach Bell, "but only 'till Tuesday. Then it's back to work." Tonight was a fantastic win, but these kids have been dreaming of -- no, really working toward -- making it to Florida all season long.

State Champions!!

Though it was hard to say who was happier, the kids or the coaches tonight. They both earned it. It's a privilege to be on this team, and really interesting to watch how these coaches have negotiated between giving each kid a pat on the back when he deserves it -- and a kick in the backside when needed. . . they are ten years old after all.

We asked Coach Bell what he did to produce such winners year after year.

"Discipline," said Bell, a former Marine. "[We] teach the boys to listen and learn on the field and listen and learn in the classroom."

He also teaches them to win.

Laurel Hurricanes, Maryland

But teamwork starts with fun. To begin the pattern of listening and learning as a team, Coach Bell taught the boys the Hurricane's post-game celebration chant. The Breakdown.

And here it is. Courtesy of the Dreamer, we've got a 0.41 second clip of the Hurricanes doin' the Breakdown.

Did I mention: the State Champion Hurricanes??!!

Julius Weems and Bob Washington

Mom and Dad at the game

Posted at 1:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Pop Warner Football
We won!! The Laurel Hurricanes won the Maryland State Championship and will be advancing to the Regional competition next week in Pennsylvania. The goal -- on to the Superbowl at Disneyworld in December!

In fact, the celebration tonight was tinged with a timeline. "I love you guys," said Coach Bell, "but only 'till Tuesday. Then it's back to work." Tonight was a fantastic win, but these kids have been dreaming of -- no, really working toward -- making it to Florida all season long.

State Champions!!

Though it was hard to say who was happier, the kids or the coaches tonight. They both earned it. It's a privilege to be on this team, and really interesting to watch how these coaches have negotiated between giving each kid a pat on the back when he deserves it -- and a kick in the backside when needed. . . they are ten years old after all.

We asked Coach Bell what he did to produce such winners year after year.

"Discipline," said Bell, a former Marine. "[We] teach the boys to listen and learn on the field and listen and learn in the classroom."

He also teaches them to win.

Laurel Hurricanes, Maryland

But teamwork starts with fun. To begin the pattern of listening and learning as a team, Coach Bell taught the boys the Hurricane's post-game celebration chant. The Breakdown.

And here it is. Courtesy of the Dreamer, we've got a 0.41 second clip of the Hurricanes doin' the Breakdown.

Did I mention: the State Champion Hurricanes??!!

Julius Weems and Bob Washington

Mom and Dad at the game

Was this helpful? Do comment.

Thank you (foot)notes:

Also posted at Reasoned Audacity as you might have guessed.

Posted at 10:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Roger NadeauBeethoven once said, "Man has no nobler or more valuable possession than time..." Your Business Blogger was reminded of this yesterday. Major General Roger A. Nadeau gave a briefing on his portfolio to business leaders. I asked him his greatest challenge in running a large organization:

Managing time. The time to put resources to where my people need them -- or me...My office is BWI Airport.

Nadeau is the Commanding General, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command. Nadeau runs, or today, flys to the sound of the guns. General Nadeau was an Armor Officer, before general's stars removed branch designations.

He manages by 'walking (or flying) around.' What was impressive was not his modeling the Army's new stylish combat fatigues, pictured above. It was his emphasis on generating discretionary management time to visit, to counsel, to lead, face-to-face. He manages to make time to do this. He commands and controls his own time.

Ludwig van Beethoven by
Joseph Karl Stieler (1820)Beethoven's quote continues, "...never put off till tomorrow what you can do today." The Army gets it right: Proper management of time can give anyone more of the music of this "valuable possession."

This is your most valuable asset: discretionary time.

Bookmark this site to learn more on getting these time skills.

Was this helpful? Email me.

Thank you (foot)notes:

Mudville Gazette has Open Post.

Common Sense Runs Wild has trackbacks.

Posted at 7:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (1)

So says Red State.

(JRB still ahead here at Reasoned Audacity -- Be sure to VOTE in the poll on the left side-bar!)

LATE-AFTERNOON SCUTTLEBUT UPDATE: Luttig gaining. With some Chris Cox thrown in for good measure.

JRB still way out ahead here, though, with almostover 1,000 votes now cast.

Posted at 1:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

According to his critics, Bush is stubborn. So stubborn that he will never admit to a mistake and change course.

But is he?

The withdrawal of the Miers' nomination proves his critics at least half wrong. And there is a nearly endless trail of instances where they haven't admitted their own far more egregious obdurance -- such as their opposition to Reagan's defeat of the Russians without firing a shot. Likewise the liberals will never admit that Bush's persistence in pursuing the War on Terror in Iraq is not a matter of obstinancy, but one of courage, determination, principle, and, not least of all, a keen understanding of what is at stake if we cut and run.

Stubborn, with those stakes, ain't so bad.

Call it resolute. It's a quality he needs for the days ahead.

The President has been attempting to avoid a head-on confrontation with Senate Democrats over the Supreme Court. With good reason. But if my mail today over the poll on the next nominee is any indication, the President's supporters want to see a little stubborn.

There's a time for strategery. And a time for diggin' in.

Now is the time for stubborn.

Posted at 1:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The five-count indictment includes: obstruction of justice, making a false statement and perjury.

He has resigned his position as Vice President Cheney's Chief of Staff.

Posted at 1:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Jack has a post up about the latest hit job on WalMart. . .

Posted at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

NOTE: Updates added, please scroll.

Who's next? Take a minute and VOTE! Look left (on the sidebar); Vote right.

Ironically, the President this next time needs to nominate a divisive figure: someone, that is, who is drawing fire from the right quarters.

Or actually the Left quarters.

Someone whose name is not anywhere near Harry Reid's short list.

Janice Rogers Brown
Someone like Judge Janice Rogers Brown. People for the American Way hate her. Need I say more? This would be what someone referred to as a "bench-clearing fight." Bring it on.

Ted Olson
Or, someone like Ted Olson. I sat next to Ted at a luncheon honoring his wife, Barbara, shortly after she died on 9/11. He is such a gracious gentleman. I realize that has little to do with qualifications for the Supreme Court. (Or does it?) But there's plenty more that does. The Left hates him too.

Edith Jones
Or, someone like Edith Jones. "I am hopeful that with the debacles of the twentieth century ... we can recover the original intentions of the founders of the Constitution," Jones said in a speech at the University of Texas. She thinks Roe v. Wade was an exercise in "raw judicial power."

More coming. . .

Or someone like Alice Batchelder.

Alice Batchelder

Not sure who she is? Christopher Flannery, from Claremont, makes the case for her.

Michael Luttig

Or, Michael Luttig. Graduated from UVA, worked for Reagan and clerked for Scalia. A triple-threat. And upheld the constitutionality of a partial-birth abortion ban. [corrected] That should be a no-brainer, but in these judicial times, that makes you pretty gutsy.

Michael McConnell

And Michael McConnell. Talk about guts -- and intellectual honesty: he's on the record calling Roe "an embarrassment to those who take consitutional law seriously." PFAW hates "strongly opposes" him too. Still, like John Roberts, even many on the Left concede that he is "one of America's most distinguished constitutional scholars."

Samuel Alito

And finally, Samuel Alito. Another Reaganite who is on the Left's hit list for a ruling in an abortion case. Alito was the sole dissenter in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, in the Third Circuit, arguing in favor of a Pennsylvania law that required wives to notify their husband's prior to an abortion. Again, not exactly, a wild-eyed idea, but enough to get him in trouble.

* * *

UPDATE: For the POLL, use the comments, or email me, with your write-in candidates. . . I will tally and add these in with a final report.

FRIDAY UPDATE: Welcome Powerline readers (Thanks John!) And welcome Captain's Quarters readers; thanks Ed.

Chris Cox

Lowell Brown wrote and reminded me of Chris Cox. At the Hedgehog Blog Lowell makes the case for Chris. As does Quin Hilyer at NRO.

Lee Jenkins writes in with Karen Williams.

MORE WRITE-INS: (The complete list -- links to follow)
Chris Cox



Maureen Mahoney (Background post from law-blogger, A3G)


Karen Williams


Alex Kozinski, 9th Circuit (1995 George magazine profile, via A3G)
Judge Roy Moore
Miguel Estrada


Diane Sykes, 7th Circuit
Richard Posner (A blogger on the Supreme Court!)
Emilio Garza, 5th Circuit
. . . and John Cornyn

And note to the White House: the ultimate stealth strategy is floated in the comments -- both Ann Coulter and Laura Ingraham are attorneys. Turn one of them loose on the Judiciary Committee.

* * *

Here are profiles of Samuel Alito, Janice Rogers Brown and others from WaPo.

Confirm Them has profile links down the right sidebar.

Thanks to Mudville's Open Post. Hey, milbloggers: take a minute and VOTE!

Captain Ed says this is "No Time to Celebrate." He also has a whole post on Maureen Mahoney -- the Drill Sergeant brings up her name in the comments below as well.

GOPUSA did an overnight poll, Bobby Eberle at the Loft reports, of 1,000 conservative Republicans and found the majority felt the Miers withdrawal was the right thing. Who did they want as the next nominee? Janice Rogers Brown.

The Washington Post has an overview of possible candidates this morning.

Posted at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (33) | TrackBacks (10)

She's just withdrawn her nomination, and they are saying that it is because Senators wanted to see papers from her work at the White House.

An attempt at face-saving.

It was the handwriting on the wall that she couldn't avoid. The Indefensible Speech finished her.

Posted at 9:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (4)

The UnHappy Face of the
'Dark Side of
"everyday low prices"'
The November issue of Fast Company tells us that Wal-Mart incarcerates the night shift in some of its stores -- byline Charles Fishman:

We've read that in 10% of its stores, Wal-Mart locks its employees inside overnight, making it difficult even for people who are sick or injured to get out.

We've read? Mr. Fishman, read? You, ace journalist from Fast Company must use a secondary source? You can't pick up the phone, make a long distance call to Bentonville, Arkansas and ask for a comment, a reaction?

Even a supermarket tabloid would call Wal-Mart.

Or a blogger.

So I called Marty Heires, a company spokesman. He picked up the phone -- that's his job, answering calls from journalists bloggers -- and explained the lockdown:

For stores that are not open 24 hours, it is a normal thing to lock entrances for the protection of the associates. We don't want people to walk in [attracted by unattended] by the cash registers. The stores are locked from the inside and the managers have the keys.

Safety? Every Wal-Mart building is subject to, and in compliance with local fire regulations. Employees can get out; rescue can get in.

Please pardon the exasperation of Your Business Blogger. I am disappointed that Fast Company has now become, and is now behaving, like main stream media. Note the childlike scare quotes of "everyday low prices" that would not even be seen in a low-volume blog.

The Fast Company hit piece continued, insulting the Wal-Mart patron:

Shoppers, whether enthusiastic...or just uninformed, continue to buy what Wal-Mart is selling.

And just who would be the "uninformed" [stupid] shopper?

That would be me, Your Business Blogger. Kids, conservative, SUV and a belief in the right-to-work and wealth-creation capitalism.

Not Fast Company. The recent issue of Fast Company looks back to a decade-old cover about a Wal-Mart rant, "The Wal-Mart You Don't Know." The lefty-edgey mag cares little for the big retailer.

In an earlier post, "Why Elites Hate WalMart," I detailed 5 reasons for the discontent, but I left out technology elites in the Fast Company masthead and market segment in New York City.

Fast Company seems to be disappointed that Wal-Mart profits are up. Way up -- 30% in the past two years. Sales increased by a jaw-dropping $56 billion.

I asked Marty, the Wal-Mart spokesman, "Do people buy what Wal-Mart is selling?"

"They certainly do."

Selling at "everyday low prices" -- so low they are scary.

Thank you (foot)notes:

Full Disclosure: I am a Sam's Club Business Member. And you should be one too.

Don Suber has Wal-Mart wanting protection.

Pekin has Econ 101.

Penn doesn't shop at Wal-Mart.

Republic of Heaven wants Wal-Mart to do abortions.

The Merchant Account Blog has law suits.

Mudville Gazette has Open Post.

Outside the Beltway has Traffic Jam.

Basil's Blog has covered dish trackbacks.

Insults Unpunished explains why Wal-Mart wants increase in minimum wage.

Posted at 8:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBacks (1)

"Hello Mr. Journalist from the main stream media, I'm glad you called. Am I a target or a source?" Your Business Blogger has had the misfortune of being both.

But not at the same time, like Karl Rove.

Charmaine, The Dreamer,
Jack, c.1995

In any conversation with a reporter you are either Richard Nixon, or Deep Throat -- a target or a source. You are not a friend.

Repeat after me: not a friend.

And it is often difficult to determine hidden agendas. But you can be prepared by knowing what kind of person is on the other end of the phone.

Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC's Hardball, named his show after his book (for which he received a well deserved $75k book advance). Chris tells us how most reporters get started in their careers.

Their entry-level job begins with covering the police blotter on the night shift. This is where journalists become inhuman.

Whenever there is a tragedy -- a death, a dismemberment, anything that bleeds -- the cub reporter is dispatched to the home of the grieving family.

He knocks on the door of the home of the dead one and secures a picture of the recently deceased from the crying mother/father/widow/spouse/sibling.

"I'm sorry about your dead daughter. Can I have a picture or two of your girl for gawkers and trolls?"

Thank you for the picture. Have a nice day.

Three days later the girl's face in the newspaper looks up from the bottom of a bird cage.

The reporter on the other end of the phone does this for a living. He does not care about you -- only the story -- the journalist soon becomes calloused and cynical. And look for blood even if they have to do the cutting.

Which is (one reason) why the mainstream media hates Karl Rove. He won't bleed.

And reporters hate bloggers: we still have our humanity.

Thank you (foot)notes:

Chris Matthews

Mahablog has updates.

Betsy's Page rightly asks why?

Pundit Guy also has questions.

Outside the Beltway has Traffic Jam.

Basil's Blog has Matthews praising Fox.

Mudville Gazette has Open Post. And while you're there visit Chromed Curses with Casualty Notification Officer. A positive reverse image of a journalist.

WizBang has more links.

Adam's Blog has trackbacks.

The Political Teen has Open Trackbacks.

Stop the ACLU has mid-week party.

(Something good from print media: Don Suber) writes on perjury.

The Heretic has cat rove.

Legal Fiction has view from the Left.

Sic Semper Tyrannis says indictments are coming -- Richard Sale is a vector for a source.

Best of Me Symphony has the best blogs.

Continue Reading »

Posted at 9:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Harriet Miers

In 1993, Harriet Miers gave a speech to the Executive Women of Dallas. The Washington Post reported this morning that she referenced abortion.

Here's the relevant passage:

The ongoing debate continues surrounding the attempt to once again criminalize abortions or to once and for all guarantee the freedom of the individual women's right to decide for herself whether she will have an abortion.

Read for yourself the whole speech.

More later.

* * *

Meanwhile, take a second to VOTE in the Reasoned Audacity Miers poll on the left sidebar. . .

And here's the longer question I'm interested in. Drop me a note in the comments: does this speech Miers gave influence your opinion?

* * *

UPDATE: How explosive was this speech? The big news of the day was the Ed Whelan piece on NRO in which he called for Miers' withdrawal after holding a neutral stance. This was followed late in the day by a press release from Concerned Women for America, joining the Withdraw Miers coalition.

And now, an interesting development at Powerline. Earlier today, Paul Mirengoff responded to Ed by saying (loosely quoting here), "Hey, the speech is 12 years old, give the lady a break." He has now updated that post, after reading the speech carefully, and he, too, is calling for Miers to withdraw.

I've also been curious to see how Hugh Hewitt would respond. The speech is "a mess" he concedes, while still maintaining that "under no circumstances" should Miers resign.

Read the speech.

Posted at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (7)

Patrick Fitzgerald,
Special Prosecutor
Steve Clemons of the Washington Note says that sealed indictments will be filed tomorrow, with a press conference to come on Thursday. His commenters are wishing each other "Happy Fitzmas." Via Fishbowl DC.

But hey, note to lefties: don't count your Fitzmas presents till they, um, hatch.

Erick, at RedState, says it (looks increasingly likely, maybe, possibly) won't be Rove.

Posted at 10:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Baltimore/Washington
Corridor
Chamber of Commerce
Your Business Blogger has been on both sides of the table as buyer and seller in government procurement. Today I worked with a client selling to the public sector, working at the Baltimore/Washington Area Government Procurement Fair.

Follow-up and persistence is key for selling in any market. But are the rules different in government sales? In particular, when are you making a pest of yourself?

Gloria Berthold, President of TargetGov gave a compelling presentation, reminding small business owners that some government selling has lengthy, challenging sales cycles. What is needed?

"Persistence, Persistence, Persistence," she says.

Gloria reminds us that sales reps often quit too soon. They will bail out before they get tossed out.

Persistence. I was fortunate to have a trainer over two decades ago who taught how to measure persistence. In the high-pressure elite cadre of medical sales:

If you're not getting thrown out of an account once a month, you're not working hard enough.

This is always a challenge: balancing being nice, with being good . . .and persistent.

Sorry. Being nice is over-rated. Your Business Blogger always recommends being good.

Email me and let me know what worked for you. Nice gets nothing. Good gets the gold.

Thank you (foot)notes:

Mudville Gazette has Open Post.

Stop the ACLU has a trackback party.

Cao's Blog has trackbacks.

The Political Teen has Open Trackbacks.

Posted at 9:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I took a week off from Hillary 2008 Commander-in-Chief live-blogging, and I was roundly chastised. So, in just over an hour, come on back and join us for the Collagen Commander in action.

Tonight, according to the website: "Mac is caught off guard by breaking news of a terrorist smuggling explosives across the Canadian border." Oooh. Good opportunity to show how tough Hillary, sorry, I meant "a woman president" would be on terrorists. Bilaterally though of course.

9:00 One thing we haven't talked about yet: they hired SANDY BERGER as a consultant on this show. Seriously. That's amazing.

9:02 Nice suit. Maybe Geena Davis and I can work together on bringing back the long skirt suit.

9:03 Terrorist coming across the Canadian border. (Hey, those are my glasses, too. I'm liking this show better. Kidding.)

9:07 Commercial break. So back to the Sandy Berger thing. What DO you have to do -- if you're a Democrat -- to lose the lucrative TV gig??

Continue Reading »

Posted at 7:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Cotillion Carnival is up, thanks to the good work of Girl on the Right(for Girls with Pearls).

And the suspense is over: the King of the Cotillion has been named over at My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy, and the winner is. . .

Posted at 7:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Greyhawk posts today results from a survey of Utah's National Guard reporting why they are reenlisting, or not.

Why are you staying in? Here's the one answer that really got me:

"Lisa."

Posted at 7:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

John Hawkins polled 200 conservative bloggers and asked them who should rule the world. Today, he posts the top 15 from the 38 bloggers who responded.

Here's one interesting part: Condi is number ONE. While her boss is, well, further down the list.

Okay readers! I want to know what you think. Give us your list in the comments, or send it to me.

This is the list I sent to John:

Todd and Carol Bassett: Commanders of the Salvation Army -- they do everything the Red Cross does, better, without the overhead.

Joe Gibbs: He takes a bunch of unruly guys guys, melds them into a team and turns them into Superbowl Champions. Then turns his attention to Nascar racing and wins there too. This is a man who understands organizational dynamics and using them to win. The world needs that.

Victor Davis Hansen: In order to influence the future, you need to understand history.

Margaret Thatcher: Hey, she's still alive!

Gilbert Crouse: My dad. The wisest man I know.

Luis Palau: World-wide evangelist

S. Truett Cathy: Founder and Chairman of Chick-fil-A. An honest businessman who closes his stores on Sunday. "Nearly every moment of every day we have the opportunity to give something to someone else-our time, our love, our resources. I have always found more joy in giving when I did not expect anything in return."

Lee Scott: CEO, WalMart. #1 company in the Fortune 500. "Every day low prices."

* * *

UPDATE: From reader Chuck Bloomer, suggestions that just beg to be posted!

My choices to rule the entire world.: My wife, Connie -- the smartest woman I know. Plus, she rules my world and does a great job of it.

Mona Charen -- another smartest woman I know.

Laura Ingraham -- another smartest woman I know (but haven't actually met yet)

You -- obviously smart since you have a Ph.D., plus I met you and you are a nice person.

[Wait a minute! So far my list only has women. Hmmm -- gotta think of a guy.]

Sen George Allen -- a tough yet personable conservative.

John Kerry -- Just kidding! I threw that in there to see if you were paying attention. (Did you know he served in Viet Nam?)

Posted at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Lyndon LaPlante
The good that comes out of Texas: George Bush, Friday Night Lights and now, coach Kevin Atkinson. The Dallas Morning News reports:

Keller Senior with Down Syndrome Fulfills Dream

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

By TIM MacMAHON / The Dallas Morning News

The home crowd at Keller ISD Stadium rose to its feet as soon as Lyndon LaPlante jogged onto the field during the fourth quarter Friday night.

The fans went wild during LaPlante's 99-yard touchdown run, which ended with him being mobbed in the end zone by his Keller teammates.

Never mind that the pre-arranged play didn't count. It fulfilled a dream for LaPlante, a senior who has . . .

Update: Sept 9, 2008, Watch the video clip here.

Continue Reading »

Posted at 10:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Do you live near a sex offender? This database is amazing: just type in your zip code and you get a MAP of where the registered sex offenders live near you.

Plus their names and pictures.

And the crime for which they were convicted.

Big thanks to Jay Tea at Wizbang.

Some of Jay's commenters object to the listings. Not me.

Though I will give it to one commenter, Synova, who wrote:

I *do* have children and quite frankly, I don't trust *anyone*. The people I've known who have been abused have been abused strictly by people in positions of trust. Not strangers.

Good point.

Nevertheless, I like the fact that moving in this direction -- publically identifying sex offenders -- takes seriously the problem of high levels of recidivism for these kinds of crimes.

Posted at 8:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (1)

A new book from Texas judge Janice Law argues that Lawrence v. Texas, the landmark Supreme Court case that declared anti-sodomy laws unconstitutional, was a staged set-up. . .

This you've got to read. I always wondered about the factual details behind that case. It never made sense to me.

Turns out that's because there were no real facts. And it didn't make sense.

Posted at 2:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Ben Bernanke

Posted at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dr. James Dobson

Senator Specter said on Face the Nation yesterday that he will probably summon Dr. Dobson to testify to the Judiciary Committee about his conversations with the White House about the Miers nomination.

Posted at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

George Will

Yesterday, George Will intensified the drumbeat against Miers with "Defending the Indefensible."

Here's the bare-knuckled conclusion:

. . .any Republican senator who supinely acquiesces in President Bush's reckless abuse of presidential discretion -- or who does not recognize the Miers nomination as such -- can never be considered presidential material. . .

While getting to that conclusion, he made a point that I think is essential to emphasize. Liberals who make this confirmation debate All-About-Roe are being far too simplistic, and seriously misunderstand conservative reasoning:

Thoughtful conservatives' highest aim is not to achieve this or that particular outcome concerning this or that controversy. Rather, their aim for the Supreme Court is to replace semi-legislative reasoning with genuine constitutional reasoning about the Constitution's meaning as derived from close consideration of its text and structure. Such conservatives understand that how you get to a result is as important as the result.

Now. While I found Will's piece to be typically sharp and bracing, others read something else entirely. Over at Big Lizard, Dafyyd thought it was "yawn-inducing" and evidence that Will has entered his "dotage," arguing that, "This column is a sad chapter in the long twilight denouement of George Will's career."

Via John at Powerline, who thinks Dafyyd sends Will's column to "the trash heap of history."

Posted at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Dude with Coach Giddy

The score yesterday was 24-0. We're headed to the 'ship! As in champion-ship.

But from the coaches' post-game fire-and-brimstone lecture, an onlooker would have thought we had lost.

A part of me wonders if they are being too hard on the boys. Another part of me remembers the gut-wrenching loss from last year. After an undefeated season, watching nine-year-old boys walk off the field in tears, the trophy eluding them.

And as I watch some of the other teams wander onto the field, while ours marches out crisply, I see that the emphasis our coaches put on discipline makes a crucial difference. Maybe the fundamental difference.

Win or lose, that's a lesson that translates to life.

A win in this coming Saturday's game gives us a ticket to the regional brackets. . . the prize at the end of our trek through the Eastern Region of Pennyslvania, NJ and New York, is a berth to the Pop Warner Superbowl at Disneyworld the first week in December.

The boys are talking about sunscreen; some of the parents are singing "M.I.C. . K.E.Y. . ."

But what does it take to get there?

I'll let you know what I find out.

Posted at 9:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Seth Godin's
Purple Cow
In his bestseller, Purple Cow, Seth Godin says that your marketing campaign must stand out from the herd of common "brown cows" to be noticed.

A "Purple Cow" would be eye-catching.

Today's products and services must "be different, remarkable, extraordinary, exciting...challenging" to standout. To succeed.

So how would you know if you got it right?

Seth Godin reminds us that:

For decades, mass marketing through television worked wonders and it sold billions of dollars worth of products. It even worked for the internet...for awhile.

But no longer. Seth, once the President of Direct Marketing for Yahoo, gives a number of benchmarks for success today. One that caught my attention was parody.

An advertising and marketing program might be labeled a success when it is cited as comedy or satire. If Saturday Night Live makes fun of your brand -- you've got a winner. Seth writes:

If you can show up in a parody, it means you've got something unique, something worth poking fun at.

It means there's a Purple Cow at work.

By this parody definition, Your Business Blogger has become a "success." And wife Charmaine. We got hit by Tbogg.

Quite an honor. I think.

Tbogg, was the winner of the 2003 Koufax Most Humorous Award for left/liberal blogs. He gets over 7,900 visits daily. (And to his credit he unmasks his sitemeter.)

A link from Tbogg is almost as good as an insta-launch from Glenn Reynolds in the blogosphere.

The anonymous Tbogg described one of my posts as paste-eating stupid and Charmaine as a fat drunken cow. Funny.

It'd be funnier if Tbogg called her a purple fat cow.

Later, Tbogg criticises Charmaine's spelling. For comparison, Michelle Malkin is merely a crazy-a** bi*ch.

Parody, as I think Seth would correctly describe, is a bit different from being the butt of a joke.

But it sure feels the same. In any event, Seth is right: Sales and marketing and advertising these days requires being a Purple Cow, with a thick hide.

Thank you (foot)notes:

Seth's Blog has more with his new book, The Big Moo. Good reviews from readers. I will be joining fellow Seth supporters and reviewing also.

Mudville Gazette is running a test on Open Post.

More Than Fire has more on Cow and Moo.

Outside the Beltway has Traffic Jam.

The Indepundit has Liberty Call.

Posted at 7:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (6)

"Safety First" is a slogan in Your Business Blogger's household. Which made the trade show hosted by the Georgia Department of Labor on Safety, Health and Environment actually fun.

Being in Savannah helped.

The first goal of the conference was to:

To provide a quality, comprehensive and convenient forum for the education, training and empowerment of those entrusted with the welfare and safety of Georgia's workforce.

One of my favorite speakers was Ron Newton who runs Peak Training who begins with, "What do you want from people in supervisory positions in your company?"

Ron outlines the basics:

Correct

Knows the rules, follows the rules, skills

Consistent

Does it time and again, a known value

Complementary

A team player, not a loose cannon.

Safety, just like quality and sales is the result of managing behaviors not numbers. Those behaviors, those people skills are seldom taught.

Ron continues:

Nearly all managers and supervisory personnel come up through the ranks of most organizations. The process of on-the-job training is a long accepted business practice that transcends industry bounds.

More often than not...an organization will look to an employee who has tenure, has a good attendance record, and perhaps has demonstrated some leadership skills.

This individual is given a "white hat," put in charge, and sent out in the organization with instructions to make things happen. What "tools" have these individuals been provided to insure he or she will be a good manager?

Far too often the first line manager has not the knowledge, skills or abilities to perform.

Educators like Ron Newton are filling the gap.

What this helpful? Please comment.

Don Stuber has Cute Puppy trackbacks. Five, count 'em, 5.

Outside the Beltway has Traffic Jam.

Mudville Gazette has Open Post.

Posted at 9:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cafe du MondeOn a recent trip across country with wife and Penta Posse we evaluated restaurants on kid-friendly accomodations. Five kids can trash up an eatery in a hurry.

New Orleans, in a city where anything goes, kids can come. Cafe Du Monde was one of the most kid-friendly.

What child in any of us could turn down the beignets and the chicory- laced coffee?

Good news. The Wall Street Journal reports that the outdoor cafe opens today.

Posted at 7:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

James and JohnYour Business Blogger is on assignment with a client in Savannah, Georgia.

The Equipment Manager is also on the job.

Please forgive the "day in the life" posting. Self-promotion, blog braggin': but I got the best kids in the world.

Even when I'm not home.

Thank you (foot)notes:

Accidental Verbosity is making the world a better place.

Right Wing News has an authentic observation about kids. In the perfect venue: Wal*Mart.

Posted at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The picture gives away the punchline, but let's do review the outlines of this story. Work with me here, and pretend for a moment you don't know who they are:

A middle-aged man who is handsome (I guess), wealthy (in the extreme) and powerful begins dating a fresh-faced, virginal young woman, 17 years his junior. She hero-worships him.

This man has as part of his personal history two failed marriages. The end of both previous marriages is universally acknowledged to have been at his instigation.

CREDIT: LIMELIGHT
via People

Barely six months after the man and the young woman begin dating, she turns up in public, visibly pregnant.

A spokesperson says that "no wedding date has been set." Oh, and yes, the couple "is very excited."

In another era, this couple would have gotten married quietly. And the community would have raised their collective eyebrows and studiously avoided publicly noting how robust the baby appeared when it arrived "prematurely" six, or seven months later.

My critics will race forward to say that in that bygone era the "community" would have made our erstwhile couple feel downright uncomfortable in public. They will point out that "shotgun weddings" might not always have been best for everyone involved.

They will say I'm being judgmental.

Well, so be it.

Let me be clear: I'm not necessarily arguing for a return to shame and stigma full stop. But there is a Shame Continuum.

We may not want to visit Stigma on their heads . . . but must we celebrate them on the cover of People Magazine?

Posted at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | TrackBacks (7)

Apocalyptic, misleading, headlines: U.S. Soldiers Burned Bodies of Taliban Fighters, Taunted Villagers.

The full story.

Via Beth, My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy.

Posted at 9:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (5)

Charmaine has a piece in the Weekly Standard reviewing a book by Kent Greenawalt, Does God Belong in Public Schools?

Good stuff.

Posted at 11:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Put Me in Coach!

8:30 at night. Practicing under the lights. The winner of Saturday's game plays in the State Championship.

I remember vividly the day three years ago that "my baby" walked in the kitchen with his dad and announced -- with such excitement: We got me signed up for tackle football.

I looked at my little will-o-the-wisp boy, and tried to share his enthusiasm. I glared at his father.

Now I'm busy studying Football for Dummies, and he's turned into the Dude and worries about making weight.

Tonight, I went to pick him up and they were still practicing, late into the night. Coach Bell was drinking a Coke. As I stepped onto the field, heard the crunch of the pads, the surreal glow of the lights with the generator hum in the background, I felt a palpable thrill of excitement.

The state championship. In our sights.

Prayer Huddle

Last year, this same team was undefeated in the regular season. Had not even been scored against. We lost in the playoffs by one touchdown.

Any Given Sunday -- Any team can win. Or lose.

You can see it in the coachs' eyes; their taut intensity: not going to happen this year.

"You just play this next game. Let us worry about the one after that."

The Equipment Manager

Posted at 11:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (2)

David Gergen

Once people start laughing at you, how does one get them to stop? This is the challenge Harriet Miers now faces. What can she do? What would you do?

David Gergen was speaking to the Women and Power program at the JFK School of Government at Harvard and was asked about a similiar conundrum.

Gergen replied, "First, find a Rabbi."

The former presidential advisor was saying to find a wise old friend who could offer advice and support and guidance.

This is what Miers -- or anyone who has become the butt of jokes -- now needs.

Harriet Miers now has limited options. But not the rest of us.

If people are laughing at you, here's what you can, and what you cannot do.

First, you cannot not do something. In the old days, before bloggers, a public figure could stonewall, hunker down and ride out the storm.

Run silent/run deep.

Not today. Silence will be replaced with daily dug-up dirt. Passed around online.

The best course of action to mute laughter is to be seen, and embraced publicly, by People Who Matter.

(Like Glenn Reynolds.)

You cannot talk your way off the laugh track. You cannot talk publicly to the masses. You can only talk quietly to a bosom buddy, preferably One Who Matters. Not to CNN.

If you are being laughed at "find a friend." Someone to introduce you to a Person Who Matters, who will speak up and speak often and speak everywhere on your behalf.

If you are the victim or the joke target you have three options. Your Business Blogger (as your unordained Rabbi) advises:

Option 1) Reach up -- President/celebrities
Option 2) Reach across -- Peers/companions
Option 3) Reach down -- Peeps/co-workers

Option 1 is best for most of us in the laughter bull's-eye. Unfortunately, Harriet Miers cannot reach up to President Bush. Their relationship brought the "cronyism" punchline and is part of the underlying problem.

The White House then turned to the "celebrity" endorsement of Laura Bush . . . which only reinforced the "friendship."

So Option 2: Peers. Miers needed to establish some serious peer cred. She should have done lunch with Bob Bork. Discussion of penumbras with the pasta. Judicial intimacy. Like minds thinking.

Looks like it's too late to recruit Bork.

Other "peers"? For Harriet Miers a stage managed photo with Sandra Day O'Connor. Unfortunately some "equals" who might silence the laughs for Miers would further anger the base and Senate support. No go for Miers.

Companions? The one who came forward most publicly for Miers turned out to be a former, or current, boyfriend. Not a strategy to imitate.

Option 3 would use your peeps -- the people who love you. This is audience participation. In our Miers case study this would be another class picture of Harriet hobknobbing with the Appellate Judges whom she leapfrogged. The reach down to peeps is not, for Miers, an option either.

Miers' best course of action is a stellar performance at the hearings. Where she will do okay.

And be confirmed. Maybe.

But no matter how she votes, or what she writes, her work will be intensely scrutinized and met with a collective eye-roll.

Why would she still want the job?

Which brings us mortals to the real decision that real people have when we are laughed at or not taken seriously. If the three paths above don't work, the rest of us still have an option remaining. You are not married to your job or your city.

You can quit.

Thank you (foot)notes:

Volokh has Miers commas.

ProfessorBainbridge has details. Details.

Outside the Beltway has real conservatism.

Michelle Malkin has trouble with Harriet.

The Conglomerate says withdraw.

Posted at 3:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Harriet Miers

Hearings to start November 7.

Posted at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Daniel Drezner

The University of Chicago has denied good-guy blogger, Daniel Drezner, tenure. Jack has a post on how Drezner could have handled his research differently to achieve aclaim in the academy. . .

(Warning: prurient pictures. . .in his defense, they do make a point. It's one of those, you have to see it to believe it things.)

Posted at 7:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Pictured in
The Chronicle of Higher Education
To follow up yesterday's post, I was researching "Butt of Jokes" and got distracted. Alert readers will notice that this is not the post I promised.

Tomorrow, I will publish how to get off the laugh track when you become the butt of jokes, the challenge Harriet Miers now faces.

But for now let me observe that it is never good to have your name come up in a Google search that includes ladies with dollar bills lovingly inserted into a g-string. Go ahead: Look up 'Harriet Miers' and 'butt of jokes.' I'll take the hit(s).

Anyway, the pictures above and below are from a story in the newspaper of record for the Academy, the Chronicle of Higher Education.

From a sociologist. His academic research. I didn't read the article. I go to Playboy for the articles.

Better writing.

And today we learn that Daniel Drezner has been denied tenure by the University of Chicago. ProbablyMaybe because of his blog. He should have been doing work that Institutions of Higher Learning would appreciate. Advising students. Writing books. And advancing scholarship. . .

Like taking pictures of girls' derrieres.

Tomorrow I shall return to the serious business of advising on public relations disasters.

After I finish this stack of Chronicles.

The End

Thank you (foot)notes:

Full Disclosure: My wife has been quoted in The Chronicle, but never photographed.

[And she insists that I add this disclaimer: the Playboy line is a joke.]

Mudville Gazette with Open Post.

Brad DeLong has a Free Country.

Wizbang has Miers SlumLord report.

Point of Law has Miers and judicial activism.

Washington Post has Miers and abortion reporting.

Volokh has Drezner and tenure.

Disembedded has academic facade.

Capt Ed has Miers 2.0.

Patterico has predictions.

Brian's Study Breaks defends tenure.

A Typical Joe says it's not the Blog.

Cao's Blog has open trackbacks.

Mark My Words has an interesting poll.

Posted at 5:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Lots of shenanigans ongoing at the Cotillion -- Beth is hosting a runoff vote for King of the Cotillion!

Thunder 6
I have been staying out of this, because we are serious around here, . . .but I do feel compelled to note that one of the nominees has been featured previously in these pages as an "American Knight."

So promotion to King seems only natural.

Not that I'd want to influence your vote.

# # #

Cotillion Carnival up today, too, over at TFS Magnum by Zendo Deb.

UPDATE: You know, you gotta love a guy who has "Plan of Salvation" at the top of his blog. Plus, for you single girls, he's cute. And a military guy who used to play in a band. (Hey, Em! Heads up!)

You've only got a few more days to vote!

Posted at 4:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Bruce Bartlett

Bruce Bartlett says George Bush has never been a conservative.

At best, conservatives were naive about Bush. At worst, they sold out much of what they claim to believe in.

Tell us what you really think Bruce.

He says that the reason the Miers nomination has turned so ugly between Bush and conservative intellectuals is because it is "the last straw," coming from a "conservative" president who has expanded, and expanded, and expanded the government.

But wait. The plot thickens.

Speaking of conservative politics, Bartlett, who worked in the White House under Reagan, and who has spent the last ten years as a fellow with the National Center for Policy Analysis in Dallas was fired yesterday because of a soon-to-be-released book critical of President Bush.

Politics ain't beanbag. No indeed.

UPDATE: Hat tip to the Captain!

Posted at 1:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From Concurring Opinions. Funny.

Posted at 1:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Jimmy Durante
The fabled comedian Jimmy Durante once said, "I don't care if you're laughing with me or at me, as long as you're laughing. Conversely, Jack Welsh said, "Never be a victim."

Who's right?

Let's review three examples: Harriet Miers, Dan Quayle, and the Jihadists.

Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers is now the butt of late night jokes.

The Washington Post reports:

"The tipping point in Washington is when you go from being a subject of caricature to the subject of laughter," said Bruce Fein, ...who served in the Reagan administration's Justice Department.... "She's in danger of becoming the subject of laughter."

Quayle's misspell, misstep
Vice President Dan Quayle, once one of the most promising senators on the GOP bench, was derided for misspelling potato in a classroom photo-op in 1992.

The Trentonian reports from Quayle's autobiography:

It was a defining moment of the worst kind imaginable. Politicians live and die by the symbolic sound bite.

And finally the Jihadists, whose only real weapon is strapping bombs under the garments of little girls and boys, are now the subject of jokes.

Short video clip: The Bomber and the Cafe

Why is this funny? Because we are winning. Underlying the laugh track is the sure knowledge that the good-guys are winning. Winners do the laughing.

Each of these examples show that laughter is a leading indicator of failure. No matter how good or effective the candidate, the person, or the method.

A reputation, a brand name, a cause, can survive many setbacks, but being a joke's punch line is the hardest.

Jack Welsh is right: Never be a victim.

Tomorrow's post will deal with what to do when you make it onto the Letterman show (in the top ten list).

Was this helpful? Do comment.

Thank you footnotes:

Captain Ed says the White House wants a do-over.

Betsy's Page has analysis on why conservatives are uneasy over Miers.

John Hawkins says no to Miers.

California Conservative is neutral on Miers.

Outside the Beltway has Traffic Jam.

Basil's Blog is doing dessert backtracks.

The Political Teen Has Tuesday Trackbacks.

Posted at 6:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (1)

I've got a piece in the Weekly Standard reviewing a book by Kent Greenawalt, Does God Belong in Public Schools?

Posted at 12:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Posted at 12:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (1)

Well worth the LAX to DC red-eye! Only two more games till the state championship. . . And on to Orlando!

/br>

Yeah, that's my sweet baby boy pummelling the kid in blue. Football is so primal. . . I'm amused when I hear these otherwise ladylike mothers at the games screaming to their sons: "C'mon and hit somebody!"

Posted at 12:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

M551 Sheridan Ft. Knox, c. 1978
Me neither. But we tried. You'd think for being such an odd duck the thing could float. But not quite. More in a bit.

The contest was to guess the vehicle ID with the Penta-Posse a-top.

We have two winners: The Drill SGT and Fred Boness.

The Drill SGT sends this shot and writes:

M551 Sheridan

I think the shot is of an M551. If I need to get more specific, I think it is NOT an M551A1, but rather an M551 plain. here is the best comparable photo You likely took the photo at Aberdeen or Knox. Do I get a bonus if I can tell you which track they are sitting on and where it is? BTW: the overexposure on that shot is gonna make it tough for most folks The Drill SGT

The Drill SGT got extra credit for guessing Knox. Contest Picture was from the Patton Museum.

Fred Boness is also a winner sending this shot and making points on style:

One of those awkward in between things, the M551 Sheridan. Too heavy to be a sportscar, too light to be a tank. Fred Boness

Awkward indeed. Designed to launch missiles and fire conventional rounds down the same tube; armored and airdroppable . Traverse land, lake and air!

The first picture at top of the page was of one of my 551's about to go seaborne. The front floatation panel collapsed, the ship sank, nobody hurt. I don't know how the driver got out. We then had an instructive vehicle recovery operation.

And I didn't get fired. The swimming exercises were quietly discontinued.

Sometimes technology doesn't solve everything. But the designers of the XM551 in the 60's tried.

The missile was excellent for killing tanks, but was not armed/stable inside 800 meters. Ergo the gun -- a monster 152 mm cannon. But the recoil would rock(et) the Sheridan back lifting the first two road wheels off the ground -- knocking the bejeebers out of the missile electronics. So the missiles never worked anyway.

Younger, smarter MilBloggers from the 82d: do tell me if the problems were ever really solved.

The lesson would be from WWII armor: 20,000 simple-light Shermans beat 500 complex-heavy Tigers.

A final note on the contest -- lest You, Gentle Reader think that I have lost all my female readers (both of them) -- an interesting entry was from Jane Lathem who writes:

I think it is an army tank!

A good simple answer to what was complicated mission creep.

Thank you (foot)notes:

Salute to Mudville Gazette with Open Post, and while there see Eagle Speak -- has more big guns at Heavy Cruiser.

Hooah.net has sense of humor.

Basil'e Blog has trackbacks.

Outside The Beltway has Traffic Jam.

California Conservative has Tuesday Open Trackbacks.

Posted at 10:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Just a few more pictures, and some links to some new friends. One issue discussed at the convention was the importance of community -- blogging provides both possibilities. . . and limitations . . . for furthering vital connections among people.

You can make some really terrific friends through blogging, without ever meeting in person, because the relationship is forged through common interests. (Or at least friendly disagreement!) But it is still nice to meet the old-fashioned way: in real life!

So, here are a few more of the fun folks I enjoyed meeting -- take a minute to stop by and say hello to them.

Mike LaPrarie
Mike's Noise

Christy Lynn Wilson

This is Christy Lynn Wilson, PR Director for the DeMoss Group, who also blogs at B Relevant. Christy is working right now on promoting a program that will air on PBS in February/March called "Walking the Bible." She says it will be good; I'll let you know after I preview the DVD she's going to send me!

I love this view of the patio where everyone was hanging out, listening to Hugh Hewitt's show on the loudspeakers, and catching up on blogging in the gorgeous 90 degree California sunshine!

Meeting Stacy Harp

Here I'm meeting Stacy Harp for the first time. She's the wonder woman behind Mind and Media. She has also started a new blog on the persecuted church.

The Dreamer
My Photographer!

Here's my baby listening to Hugh's live broadcast. She took a lot of these pics. She's going to be launching a blog, Saltwater Indigo, as soon as her mother gets it together and gets the tech details working.

Andy Jackson

This is Dr. Andrew Jackson during the plenary session with David and Joe. Andy is a pastor who founded SmartChristian.com and also blogs there. He's got a fantastic round-up of blog reax to the convention.

Peter Shinn

And this is Peter Shinn who heads up the March Together against abortion. He also got my email working -- thanks Peter! That's bloggers for you.

Posted at 9:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (1)

The Hurricanes are two games away from winning the Pop Warner Maryland state football championship.

So it was the redeye from LAX to DCA for the Dreamer and me last night!

Practically the minute the wheels touched the tarmac at Reagan National, my phone rang.

"Hi, Mom!" It was the Dude, making sure I had made it in time for The Big Game. "It's 10:30 exactly, are you here?"

You betcha.

But before we completely shift gears, here are some photo highlights of the GodBlogCon.

David Wayne and Joe Carter
Before their Plenary Presentation

With Steve Adams
Assoc. Editor, Citizen Magazine
and Trophy Husband

Hugh Hewitt
Broadcasting Live from
the GodBlogCon

Joe and David
On Air with Hugh

Posted at 1:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (2)

Charmaine Yoest, Ph.D.
credit: Mike's Noise

Charmaine and The Dreamer flew out cross country from Your Nation's Capital to LA for the GodBlog meet-up hosted by Hugh Hewitt. See her live postings at Reasoned Audacity and her take on female bloggers. Even young females:

Charmaine, center;
The Dreamer, right
credit: Mike's Noise

The event had lively panel discussions on the features, advantages and benefits of blogging for both sides of enternity.

Thank you (foot)notes:

Joe Carter has more.

David Wayne has the Fox News Link at his post.

LaShawn Barber has analysis.

It Takes a Church has more live blogging.

See Hugh Hewitt.

Pastor Mark casts a critical eye, but no stones.

Sarcasmagorical has well flowing live blogging.

Posted at 9:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hugh Hewitt

Hugh Hewitt is moderating a panel of Tod Bolsinger of It Takes a Church, pastor of San Clemente Presbyterian Church; Mark Roberts, pastor of Canal Street Presbyterian Church in New Orleans, and John Mark Reynolds, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Biola who blogs at Eidos talking about how they got involved in blogging. . . and, more importantly, why.

How: Hugh Hewitt's influence. Why? The blogosphere needs the Christian voice.

Hugh, as moderator, directs the audience to www.MarkDRoberts.com to see today's post Mark put up about "Are There Contradictions in the Gospel?"

John Mark says there will be a GodBlogCon II this coming summer and that everyone is welcome. Apparently there was a certain amount of controversy around some liberal Christian bloggers feeling (alleging?) unwelcome at this event. John Mark wanting to dispel this misimpression.

John Mark cautioning that blogging follows you around through the Google cache. He's glad blogging wasn't around when he was in college. He says he spend most of his time online reading people who disagree with him.

John Mark saying he built his audience by doing short linky pieces. . . then purposefully stepped back and started writing longer essays that he knows most blog readers won't finish. Thinks we don't need a God Blog version of Drudge.

Hugh says: beyondthenews.com is a portal for political bloggers.

Hugh now asking: what historical figure would you like to have seen as a blogger -- he suggests Cromwell. Much laughter.

Mark Roberts -- what I've given up to blog? Yes, it's a harsh mistress. Some not too hard. Some television. But other times I come up with huge ideas . . . family lets him know when he is spending too much time. Used to frame it as a "hobby" but now his wife corrects him that it is not a hobby -- lay ministry. Service to the community.

Tod Bolsinger -- learning curve the hardest. More and more blogging is integrated into his life as a pastor. For example email blast to the church every Thursday telling the church about what's going on on the blog. Constant reference back to the blog as place of discussion. Multi-venue writing. Blog as place for people in the church to get to know him. Authenticity that doesn't come through sermons.

John Mark -- what are the ethics of ghost-blogging? Hugh replies that he knows one major pastor who has someone writing up his thoughts and that it works okay in his opinion.

Hugh asking: dangers of blogging??

Mark Roberts -- blogging in anger. . .glue on the computer screen "Speaking the Truth in Love."

Tod Holsinger -- heady moment in realizing that people read what you've written. Temptation to see an opportunity to "strike a blow for truth (?). . " but any time you're thinking of "striking a blow" you're off track.

John Mark -- must develop a thick skin. Avoid the temptation to self-justify in response to criticism . . . your critic may be your best friend.

Lengthy discussion of ego temptations of blogging.

Mark: you shouldn't blog -- 1) to escape painful things in your life; 2) your family has a particular need for you at this time; 3) you have problems with anger; 4) if you're a perfectionist; and 5) if you really don't care about words and grammar

Tod: story about a young Princetonian who asked Dr. Bruce (?)Metzger about the ONE book he needed for seminary -- Strunk and White, Elements of Style! (Yes! I was the one person in the audience who clapped at this! I love that book -- used to put it on my syllabi at UVA.)

Blogging should be an element of Christian community -- need for accountability.

Hugh asking about pastors and politics. . .

Mark -- I must be a pastor first and foremost and so avoid taking stands on specific political candidates. But each pastor must think this issue through carefully.

Tod -- part of the reason he set up his website separate from the church site was to keep a measure of separation between his personal views and the church stance.

Hugh -- someone you've encouraged to start blogging? Or someone you'd like to see blog?

Tod -- DimeStore Guru, a political liberal

John Mark -- would like to see more traditionalist Muslims like his friend Mustafa who writes the White Path.

Hugh: bringing back up the historical question. (I love this question!)

John Mark -- Joan of Arc. Charles Stewart, King and Martyr, disastrous king but good guy.

Mark -- Luther pretty much was a blogger. The Apostle Paul -- he was really doing with letters what we are doing. Short letters, using the medium of his culture to transform the culture. Calvin -- I found him very hard to read in the form he wrote.

Tod -- Jurgen Multman. . . (sorry, Hugh asked who in the world this is, and I missed it!) Audience member says he was the "orginal milblogger!) World War II era. Here he is: Jurgen Moltmann.

Hugh just asked me and Stacy Harp if we feel that the blogosphere is hostile to women.

I responded that I have felt very supported in the blogosphere, as a woman per se; the criticism I get is based on my political opinions.

Stacy, and another woman in the back, said they felt positive about the blogosphere. (She was Lores Rizkalla of JustaWoman.org)

Interesting discussion of collegial blogs - this is a theme that Joe Carter started earlier in the day as a way of developing more community, increasing quality, and balancing the "all about me" factor. Hugh warns that making a blog too big loses personality and that it can be like a college roommate situation where if one person is a skunk at the picnic, it can be a problem.

# # #

Note: Brant deBow also liveblogging (his notes are terrific)

Pastor Mark also liveblogging. . .

LaShawn, too. . .

Posted at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (1)

4:00 AM O-Dark-Thirty. Headed to LA for the GodBlogCon. The Dreamer is going with me and we're tired as we head out, but excited to see some blogging friends and meet new friends.

Dreamer At the Gate

9:00ish

Flying over the Rockies. Sitting in air-conditioned comfort, above the clouds, it's surreal to look down at such majestic mountains, and remember the people who came across on foot. . .

11:15 Strange things happen when I travel. We made it safely to LA. But. Long, long line at Hertz Rent-a-Car, with everyone staring, bored, at "Breaking News" on CNN. A mysterious red backpack on a train platform in Norwalk, California was becoming a major issue.

"Were we near Norwalk?" I asked.

No. Great, that was good news, because now they were announcing that Highways 105 and 605 were CLOSED.

Thought I ought to check our driving directions. Just in case.

The very first words on the directions page: "Take 105 East to 605 South . . ."

No. Way. I kid you not.

I go to Scotland and land in the midst of a terrorist attack in London; I try to get to the GodBlogCon and land in the midst of a backpack attack. . .

Finally, we get to the counter and the Hertz lady hands us our contract: "And here you go. You can pick up your car in parking space 911."

Getting There is Half the Battle
Traffic in LA after the 105 and 605 shut down

More to come in a bit: We did finally make it and there are terrific bloggers here. And Hugh Hewitt broadcasting from the GodBlogCon!

Posted at 6:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

The Diva & Jennifer O'Neill
Your Business Blogger recently attended the annual fund raiser for the Baltimore Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPC). The event was flawless (or made to appear so, which is even more impressive).

When planning your next event or evaluating a get-together, consider this four part test which every good, SAFE party has: speaker, audience, food, entertainment.

1. Speaker. The keynoter is key to success and the bottomline. In today's case study Jennifer O'Neill was on target and on fire. Summer of '42, Rio Lobo with John Wayne, Cover Girl. Standing O at the end.


Jennifer O'Neill

Our favorite family motto is delectare et docere, to please and to instruct. A great keynote does both. Jennifer O'Neill delivered.

Remember speaker honorariums and speaking personalities are part of the event experience. I served on two boards where we hosted two contrasting events: one where Steve Forbes, who donated his fee and Bill Bennett, who didn't. Dr. Bennett's $40,000 speaking charge generated marginal returns on our investment. His subsequent gambling away (of my money!) was not helpful.

The Bible says that a workman is worthy of his wages -- honorariums should always be offered.

2. Audience. The people attending usually will be familiar with each other. If not, provide some mixer or movement to trigger circulation. This CPC event used a silent auction where lines formed -- a queue for conversation. Assertive staff made introductions -- good staff introductions are micro warm-up acts.

Use a professional photographer who will create forced group shots. I find a snarky photographer bully the best. Everyone smiles; no one refuses.

The audience was also packed in. Adjust room size to have every table filled. Rub elbows, knocking about. This is most important and difficult for outdoor events. See audience below.

3. Food. Will your event be remembered as another rubber chicken dinner? This CPC avoided this with an excellent roast beef entree and an outstanding wait staff/attendee ratio for the experience.

4. Entertainment. The CPC event continued its perfection. We live in a sight and sound generation where people expect to see movement. The Maryland Boys Choir provided the music, the motion. God Fearing Gospel struck a cord with this audience. [cliche and pun combo] The 90 young men brought the house down pleasing the packed crowd.

'Packed' being key. This can be a challenge to manage in some venues where the sardine packing is not possible. For example, comedians will not perform at outdoor events because there may be gaps too large between the attendees.

Laughter and entertainment and germs spread best in tight groups.

At your next gathering look around and see if it passes the SAFE test.

Was this helpful? Please comment.

Full Disclosure: My business partner, Tom Bury, provided consulting and imprinted tokens for each attendee. Did I mention the evening was perfect...?

Thank you (foot)notes:

Outside The Beltway has Traffic Jam(aica).

Michael Schick contributed to this article 20 years ago. I don't think would remember, though.

Basil's Blog has Dessert.

Washington Post has Holiday Event Planning.

The Political Teen has Open TrackBacks.

Jo's Cafe has track back specials.

California Conservative has TGIF Open Trackbacks.

See Cao's Friday Open Track back party. Planned right.

Cafe Oregano has Thursday Specials.

My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy has trackback whoring.

MacStansbury has open trackbacks.

Random Numbers has weekend trackbacks.

Big Dog has open weekend trackbacks.

Indepundit has open post.

Carnival of the Capitalists at Accidental Verbosity.

Posted at 3:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (1)

Houston, we've got a problem. Or, rather, Harriet Miers does.

Remember how much trouble John Roberts got into for being a member of the Federalist Society?

That's nothing compared to the trouble Harriet Miers is going to be in for NOT being a member.

According to the Drudge Report, based on a transcript of sworn tesimony Miers gave in 1990 in a voting rights case, she testified that she would not belong to the Federalist Society because it was "too politically charged."

Well, how 'bout the NAACP? They asked her: Is it "too politically charged?"

No.

So.

Wonder who the President's next nominee will be?

Posted at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I'm packing my bags and headed to LA in the morning (with the Dreamer!) for the GodBlogCon 2005 . . .

The brainchild of Hugh Hewitt, the conference is designed as an opportunity for Christian bloggers to get together and talk about, well, blogging.

I'm sorry I can't be there tonight for the opening festivities -- dinner and a special showing of the movie Elizabethtown -- but I'm looking forward to meeting everyone tomorrow. The schedule includes talks by David Wayne (my pastor!) of Jollyblogger, Joe Carter of Evangelical Outpost, and LaShawn Barber.

Dinner Friday night includes a panel discussion with Hugh Hewitt. If you are in the LA area, or can get there, come on by and join the fun.

Of course, if you can't come, stop on by here for on-the-scene reports. . .

Posted at 10:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jack & Charmaine with
Dr. Dobson & Mrs. Dobson
On his radio program this morning, Dr. James Dobson said that he feels confident about Miers' future performance on the Supreme Court and that she should be hired confirmed.

His outspoken confidence in her competence has reassured some of those concerned about installing Miers.

This is in stark contrast to hiring an employee where Your Business Blogger learned a painful lesson.

I had given approval to an international sales manager to interview candidates with a particular language skill. We evaluated a woman who claimed to have competency in speaking Mandarin Chinese.

The hiring manager spoke Cantonese and knew enough Mandarin to be dangerous. He tested her. She passed. She was selected.

But the manager was not as enthusiastic at the end of the selection process as I would have thought. There is usually some relief about getting a hiring decision completed. But not this time. The hiring manager's body language was odd; he avoided eye contact. His lack of satisfaction in a job well done should have been a red flag, but we were under other pressures -- the urgent pushing out the important as always.

Nevertheless, she was hired and brought on my payroll.

Mistake.

We quickly noticed her skills were sub par and I released her before too much damage was done. But considerable discretionary management time was consumed because we assumed, to my great embarrassment.

(This is a mistake which You, Gentle Reader would never make -- I merely provide the chance for mature readers of this column to gloat.)

This is the contrast between Dr. Dobson and my sales manager.

Dr. Dobson is providing the vocal and unequivocal endorsement of Miers that all new hires should have. New team members should be enthusiastically backed, and promoted, and celebrated.

My sales manager did not have Dr. Dobson's vocal enthusiasm for his candidate.

If my sales manager had wholeheartedly endorsed his recommendation with the same gusto as Dr. Dobson's support for Miers -- and likewise placed his reputation on the line -- I would have felt much better.

The business lesson is that any new addition to the team must have a champion willing to support and defend the new guy without hesitation. Press Release! Huzzahs! Round of applause for the FNG! (F-in' New Guy)

If not, stop and ask why.

No happiness at hire? Maybe I have the wrong hire, or the wrong manager.

Thank you (foot)notes:

Mudville Gazette has Open Posts. And visit My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy with more on the Miers conflict. Thank you to Soldiers' Angels.

See Basil's Blog with dessert.

Michelle Malkin has the best updates as always.

The Moderate Voice details the vetting process.

Charmaine has the political angle.

QandO has given up on Bush.

Posted at 1:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Check out Ipso Facto!

Posted at 9:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Judge Janice Rogers Brown

I spoke too soon when I noted last week that the debate over Harriet Miers had focused on her qualifications, not her sex. Like a bad penny, here comes the sexism argument, with the White House claiming that the oposition is rooted in sexism and elitism.

Is it?

You can judge for yourself. With thanks to an anonymous source, following is a list of the names that have become so familiar in recent months: a partial conservative Supreme Court wish-list, with their undergraduate and graduate institutions.

Janice Rogers Brown: Cal State, UCLA -- woman, not Ivy League

Michael Luttig, Washington and Lee, U. Va -- man, not Ivy League

Alice Batchelder: Ohio Wesleyan, Akron -- woman, not Ivy League

Priscilla Owen, Baylor, Baylor --- woman, not Ivy League

Edith Clement, Alabama, Tulane --- woman, not Ivy League

Edith Jones, Cornell, University of Texas --- woman, not Ivy League law school

Posted at 8:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (2)

Harriet Miers

Focus on the Family has just released the transcripts of Dr. James Dobson's radio program which will air tomorrow morning. (Dobson is a child psychologist who has a daily radio program on 3,000 stations nationwide and another 5,000 internationally.) Dr. Dobson has been one of Harriet Miers' most vocal supporters, but comments he has made about knowing something that he "couldn't talk about" and "maybe shouldn't even know" have generated considerable controversy.

Dr. James Dobson

This weekend the Democrats began serious talk about asking Dobson to testify during the confirmation hearings about what he knows about Miers.

In response, Dobson taped a radio program to address the question.

Preview: no really big bombshells. But some interesting information, two things in particular I want to address.

So here are some excerpts from the transcripts, with my commentary interspersed.

Dr. Dobson begins by saying that he has two reasons for supporting Miers:

First, because Karl Rove had shared with me her judicial philosophy which was consistent with the promises that President Bush had made when he was campaigning. . .the President promised to appoint people who would uphold the Constitution and not use their powers to advance their own political agenda. Now, Mr. Rove assured me in that telephone conversation that Harriet Miers fit that description and that the President knew her well enough to say so with complete confidence.

This is good that he starts out with the Constitutional issue. Because he has also addressed her religiosity as a positive (and he does in the broadcast, too), some have accused him of applying a "religious test." I hope in follow-up interviews he will underscore the point that this Constitutional issue was the key one for him -- that's how I read it and I think that's true, but he does need to emphasize that more.

He then goes on to his second point which was that he talked directly with friends of Miers in Texas. I believe that was already common knowledge. He mentions specifically "a federal judge in Texas," Ed Kinkeade, and a Texas Supreme Court justice, Nathan Hecht. No news there. Hecht in particular has been all over the media talking about Miers.

Then Dobson goes on to address the question about what he knew that he characterized as something he shouldn't have known:

Some of the other candidates who had been on that short list, and that many conservatives are now upset about were highly qualified individuals that had been passed over. Well, what Karl told me is that some of those individuals took themselves off that list and they would not allow their names to be considered, because the process has become so vicious and so vitriolic and so bitter, that they didn't want to subject themselves or the members of their families to it.

I don't know if I'm buying this. I believe this is what Rove told Dobson, but come on: what does "some" mean? How many? And who? You mean to tell me Janice Rogers Brown took her name off the list? Call me skeptical on this one.

It's certainly an important point -- that the political process involved in getting appointed to any high-level position these days is fraught with incredible stress, unjustifiably so. But to use that as excuse reason for nominating Miers?

But then, here comes the kicker. Dobson goes on to say that Rove made another point about the Miers selection:

The Women's Chair?
Courtesy Waco Kid!

He also made it clear that the President was looking for a certain kind of candidate, namely a woman to replace Justice O'Connor.

No, no, no! Come on. Mr. President! I thought we'd already settled this "no women's chair" issue!

I'm very, very disappointed that Rove would make caving into gender politics so explicit.

Then Dobson goes on to address Miers being a Christian, and a member of a pro-life church -- he says these were also issues that he was initially hesitant to address because he knew them prior to these facts becoming common knowledge.

So there are no bombshells here. Those looking for the other shoe to drop will be disappointed.

But I predict the Democrats will still bring Dobson up to testify.

Just for the media circus.

Posted at 10:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (4)

On Sunday funeral services were held for another American service member killed in combat in Iraq. Another female in uniform. According to the Air Force, Elizabeth Jacobsen was an airman first class who was killed by an IED (improvised explosive device) while providing convoy security.

The continuing battle to put women in combat has a disturbing legacy, with supporters in the Pentagon itself.

Elaine Donnelly from the Center for Military Readiness argues that Harriet Miers is part of continuing this legacy:

As White House Counsel, Ms. Miers either approved of the Defense Department's illicit assignments of women to units required to be all-male, without prior notice to Congress as required by law, or she was unaware of the long-term legal consequences of those improper assignments, or she gave sound advice that the president did not heed.

Following is background from Your Business Blogger in an article published just after 9.11. Things have changed since then. A little.

Booby traps at the Pentagon: Charmaine and Jack Yoest introduce you to the Pentagon's babes in arms. What do they want? An "open dialogue" on breastfeeding.(Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services)

Originally published in The Women's Quarterly; January 01, 2002;


Pentagon attack
ON SEPTEMBER 10TH, [2001] the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services, the group most responsible for promoting women in combat, gathered in Pentagon Conference Room 5C1042. This civilian advisory committee, whose members have the protocol status of three-star generals, monitors the concerns of women in uniform. And what was the topic on the eve of the worst attack in U.S. history?

After briefings from representatives of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, DACOWITS, as the committee is known, issued a formal request for more information on what they deemed a matter of paramount military significance: breast-feeding.

As the terrorists prepared to hit the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon itself, our military leaders were directed "to engage in open dialogue" on lactation tactics.

The Defense Advisory Committee on Women celebrated its fiftieth anniversary last April. At the birthday party, President Bush's deputy secretary of defense, Paul Wolfowitz, a man well regarded for his level-headed and conservative approach to military issues, lauded DACOWITS in his address as an outstanding organization" and told the

Continue Reading »

Posted at 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)

I will be debating the social and economic rationale behind Mayor Ray Nagin's proposal to advance gambling in New Orleans. This is his idea of a solution to New Orlean's problems in the Hurricane Katrina aftermath.

Short answer: Bad idea. Really bad.

Tonight on CNBC's On The Money around 7pm.

Let me know what you think.

Posted at 5:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Charmaine Yoest, Ph.D.
at last year's
CMR Celebration
with 101st hat
This is an invitation to attend The Center For Military Readiness annual celebration, hosted by Elaine Donnelly. Charmaine Yoest, wife of Your Business Blogger will be the Mistress of Ceremonies.

Terry Jeffrey, Human Events

Continue Reading »

Posted at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

John Hawkins of Rightwing News polled 200 right-of-center bloggers, including Reasoned Audacity, about the Miers nomination and got 79 responses. He found bad news for the White House:

Of course, we probably should concede that bloggers are not terribly representative of the general public -- more politically interested, more informed, more opinionated. . .

But still. I'd argue that bloggers are also a "leading indicator" of sorts that give a pulse check, if you will. And my sense, from talking with "normal" people outside the political bubble this weekend is that these results may, in fact, reflect wider public opinion as well.

My sense, from my years living and working in Washington D.C. is that this is the way the end begins. . .

First rule of politics: protect your base.

Posted at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (1)

David Crouse runs a terrific concrete company in Kentucky. And tells the story of getting in trouble -- and out of trouble -- by "finding a friend."

Finding friends just as Haley Barbour did after Hurricane Katrina.

David was driving his new Lincoln out-of-state and bending the speedometer needle past 100 hurrying home. His passenger was The Judge. They were stopped by the state police and issued a citation with a required court appearance.

David didn't mind the fine but he couldn't show up in court: he had concrete to pour. But it was the weekend and all official offices were closed. What to do?

The Judge says, "Stop at the next town; we gotta find a friend."

So they stopped at the State Farm Insurance office on Main Street, made introductions to the agent on duty and told their dilemma. Of course they quickly established rapport and mutual friends -- six degrees of separation and all.

The insurance agent knew the local law enforcement (his brother, I believe); invited him over. David confessed, paid the fine and returned to his business.

In trouble? Need to make a sale? Run a big project? Clean up a hurricane?

Find a Friend.

Just like Governor Haley Barbour running Mississippi in the Katrina Aftermath.

Haley Barbour
Mississippi Governor

Barbour called on his network of contacts and friends and came up with satellite phones, helicopters, money and more. He knows where every dollar is hidden in Jackson and in Washington, DC. Barbour made calls and the calls were returned. He didn't whine.

Here's the key:

"Haley's got more friends than anyone I know," says lobbyist Don Fierce.

Future posts will review the single best place to start building your own network of contacts and friends.

Thank you (foot)notes:

Full Disclosure: I married into the Crouse Clan, as in Charmaine Crouse Yoest. This is an unpaid endorsement. I've paid a few speeding tickets for her too. Maybe it's the Kentucky race-horse culture? I'm trying to get her to slow down.

Morgan Freeman helps.

Veritas points us to MississippiRenewal.

Bill Karl has Katrina politicalization.

Parrot Cage doesn't care for Barbour.

The Harpist has quotes.

Posted at 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Spent Thursday night at the 25th anniversary gala for National Review.

The talk, of course, was Harriet Miers. I did my own informal poll on how it's trending for her.

One conservative commentator I asked immediately launched into a fairly detailed, and plausible, scenario which results in the end of her nomination.

The next one shrugged and dismissively insisted she would be confirmed easily. He wasn't even particularly interested in alternative scenarios.

Meanwhile, Charles Krauthammer has come out against her, calling her nomination "scandalous."

And Judge Bork, calling it a "disaster on every level."

They were both at the gala. As was George Will, who is also opposing Miers.

Facing that kind of high-level criticism from leaders of conservative thought, I wondered what Vice President Cheney, who was listed as a speaker in the program, would say.

But he didn't say anything.

He didn't even come.

A ballroom full of your most prominent critics -- a target-rich environment, if you will. And he punted.

Interesting political strategery.

# # #

Jack has more, and the pictures.

Open Post at Beth's Vast Right Wing Conspiracy, as well as why Miers might actually be the best nominee.

Kevin at Wizbang has Carnival of the Trackbacks. . .

And Mrs. Greyhawk is hosting Open Post this weekend, too.

Continue Reading »

Posted at 12:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (1)

This piece by Jollyblogger is one of my favorites that I've seen on the Mier's nomination. He addresses the question of how Christians ought to be responding to this nomination.

Go read it, and you'll see why, after discovering his blog, Jack and I went to visit David Wayne's church. And stayed.

Posted at 12:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

First, let me just state, that an extremely high percentage of the lingerie that I own has a Victoria's Secret label in it. I hesitate to reveal something so personal, but it's not exactly a news flash: Victoria's Secret is the lingerie colossus. They cornered the market on nice, but sexy underwear for American women.

So why go slutty? This picture (courtesy Andrea Lafferty) is from the window of a new Victoria's Secret in Tyson's Corner mall in Virginia. According to the Washington Post, this is part of a new national marketing campaign.

I'm very, very disappointed to see VS caving in to crudity. It's just too easy to go sleazy.

But it's a bad move for them. Competitors are easy to find.

Posted at 11:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Charmaine, Buckley
Your Business Blogger and Charmaine attended National Review's 50th Anniversary Gala in Washington DC Thursday night with 998 other dear friends. A celebration of a half century of journalism and innovation and wit.

The Evening's black tie event was perfect save for a single point. Which provides us with a business lesson.


Rush holding court
Security was subdued as we walked in. But President George Bush was rumored to pop in and surprise. The President did meet Buckley earlier in the day. Dick Cheney was on the agenda.

But something was a-miss. No metal detectors. Still, rumors persisted.

A video tribute was narrated by Rush Limbaugh. He reviewed NR's history and demonstrated, I would say, that the publication was the true forerunner of today's blogs.


Jack, Orrin Hatch,
Charmaine
Years ago NR proved conservatives had good, clean fun. When describing a paeon in a paragraph's first sentence, the piece closed suggesting that readers should instead pee on the subject... The National Review opined. In print.

Still. Cheney was nowhere to be seen. Was President Bush behind the 8 story shear drapes?


Mari Will,
Reagan Alums
with Charmaine,
George Will
The program continued.

NR also publishes National Review Online, NRO, brainchild of the young, talented Rich Lowry. (Age 30 when taking the helm. Buckley was 29 when he founded National Review.)

NRO's The Corner is a regular must read. Everyone loves K-Lo.

Readers know that NR has been critical of President Bush's nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court. Rush Limbaugh on his program asked Dick Cheney some very direct questions. George Will's op-ed cut like a saber.

Many conservatives are concerned.

Dick Cheney, one might expect, would appear and talk with his old friends.

The Vice President didn't show.

A NR senior editor told me that the VP's office cited scheduling challenges. After the evening's program was printed up and distributed.

The point of this post is to reinforce the old business adage to always 'under-promise and over-deliver.' Vice versa is not good.

It doesn't matter where fault, if any, can be pinned.

Nevertheless, expectations must always be managed.

Professional sales reps and top managers know how to maintain this delicate balance of delivering and not allowing clients -- or an audience -- to misunderstand or to experience an underwhelming outcome.

Clear communication is the responsibility of the salesman. Not the customer.

It's just good business. And politics.

Continue Reading »

Posted at 7:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (1)

Charmaine Yoest at Reasoned Audacity has a graphic with the Penta-Posse a-top a USA tracked vehicle. Bottom of main page.

What is it?

Winners will be judged on accuracy and style.

Winners will receive a "I think, therefore I blog" T-shirt.

credit: JollyBlogger

click for larger image

Winners announced next week. Email your guesses.

Open trackbacks at Everyman's Chronicles.

The Political Teen has open trackbacks.

Cao's Blog has trackbacks.

Posted at 11:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

8 Simple Rules
Around 1999 or so I wrote an essay Dating Our Daughters based on materiel that made the web rounds sans copyright. Later I posted the piece to my static website. I credited Anonymous.

Anonymous no more, as many would recognize. 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter is the intellectual property of W. Bruce Cameron.

As penance, I bought his book (new!). And so should you.

This posting is an unforced error correction with no admission of guilt. (Well, some guilt: I was raised Catholic.)

Thank you (foot)notes:

See a credited version at Reasoned Audacity.

Update: 12 Oct 2005 Grow a Brain was very gracious in providing a link to the old page.

12 Oct 2005 Blazer Blog has a similar version.

12 Oct Jamey Ragle has it too.

12 Oct Decadent Grace has a very kind link.

12 Oct Bits and Pieces also linked. I am honored. I wish I could take credit.

Posted at 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (21)

...More than babies.

Now she also delivers Content and the next Contest.

Charmaine at Reasoned Audacity crossed 100,000 visits at 8:11:29 last nite with a reader in Fairfax, Virginia. If that's you, email and she'll send you your "I Think, Therefore I Blog" t-shirt.

credit: JollyBlogger

Here's the next Reasoned Audacity Contest. At the bottom of Charmaine's main page is the Penta Posse a-top an "armored" USA tracked vehicle. It was an outstanding replacement for horses -- except horses could swim better.

What is it?

Prizes will be awarded on correct answer and wit next week. Identification might be a challenge even for MilBloggers. Snark counts too.

Thank you for reading Reasoned Audacity!

(Yes, I married way over my head.)

Posted at 7:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (1)

We crossed 100,000 at 8:11:29 tonight with a reader in Fairfax, Virginia. If that's you, shoot me an email at charmaine-at-yoest-dot-org and I'll send you your "I Think, Therefore I Blog" t-shirt!

Hey, thanks for reading Reasoned Audacity!

Cross posted at Jack Yoest.

Posted at 11:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (3)

We're at 99,973 -- we'll hit 100,000 some time this evening. Come on back and see if it's you!

Remember: the 100,000th visitor gets an "I Think, Therefore I Blog" t-shirt.

Thanks for reading Reasoned Audacity!

Posted at 7:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Harriet Miers

So here's the good news: the argument against Harriet Miers is that she is a Presidential "crony."

Well, at least that's one of the arguments. Conservatives are most specifically angry that the President didn't pick someone more demonstrably a jurist who subscribes to originalism. The real argument about her nomination centers on her credentials.

No one -- and I mean no one -- is talking about her being a woman.

And the feminist women's groups have all come out opposing her.

Of course one of the reasons the President selected her is that she has the right chromosomal makeup. But notice how quickly that became a moot point.

No one really cares. Instead they are focused on the President elevating to the High Court a good 'ole boy. Except that she happens to be a woman.

That's good news for gender politics.

Posted at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (2)

Napoleon was looking to fill a vacant general officer slot. His adjutant reviewed the candidate pool and reported on their knowledge, skills and abilities. Napoleon was not interested in curriculum vitas. He was interested in something immeasurable. He said:

"Give me lucky generals."

Your Business Blogger wrote recently on character and how character is identified in the hiring process. The decision maker needs to know about future performance based on more than past accomplishments.

Let us examine a case study of the 35th Chief of Staff, United States Army: General Peter J. Schoomaker.

Is this a man we would hire?

Following is a review of some of General Schoomaker's career highlights.

Desert One, Schoomaker

Schoomaker was a Major in Desert One in Iran under President Carter. He commanded a Squadron in the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment in the botched rescue attempt of embassy hostages in Iran, 1980.

Special Forces has a rather unforgiving policy for failure: one strike and you're out. This was not enforced for Schoomaker.

Waco, Schoomaker

Next stop, Waco, Texas. Working with General Wesley Clark as his Assistant Division Commander, Schoomaker met with Janet Reno, allowing the FBI use of Fort Hood. The tracked vehicles and military personnel present at the conflagration were Schoomaker's. Posse Comitatus? Promoted by Bill Clinton.

Women in Combat, Schoomaker

Schoomaker has implemented an unusual interpretation of President Bush's directive, and Congressional prohibitions, that women will not be placed in combat. Schoomaker circumvents the Commander in Chief and Congress by placing women in combat support positions in Forward Support Companies. Female truck drivers and Military Police are now in harm's way.

9.11, Able Danger, Schoomaker

And now, the latest chapter. Able Danger, and more burning buildings. Able Danger is the code name for a covert military intelligence operation. It succeeded. The 9/11 hijackers were identified before 9/11. Schoomaker was briefed. He knew. He said nothing. Schoomaker adhered to the the strictest interpretation of Executive directives and may not have informed the FBI of Jihadist threats.

Ed Morrissey, from Captain's Quarter's reports:

...the Pentagon has the most to lose if speculation that it deliberately withheld cooperation from the FBI when it could have stopped 9/11 is true, and that it has to answer for the destruction of the materials if the witnesses testify as expected.

Those decisions could involve high-ranking brass, such as Hugh Shelton (ret.) and Pete Schoomaker, and perhaps even Donald Rumsfeld.

Or perhaps they just involve second-tier leadership - which is why the Pentagon decided to reverse itself after seeing the public reaction to the aborted hearing Wednesday.

October 5th should be pretty interesting.

It matters little what Schoomaker's resume says. It contains much commendable, as his awards and citations prove:

General Schoomaker's awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two Army Distinguished Service Medals, four Defense Superior Service Medals, three Legions of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge and HALO Wings, the Special Forces Tab, and the Ranger Tab.

In the end, it is his track record that matters. Would you follow that man out of a burning building?

Schoomaker, Peter J. is not a lucky general.

The Schoomaker career advance would be a case study on continued promotion in spite of these unusual setbacks. His life's work is an inspiration on success following continued failure and missteps.

General Schoomaker is a vignette on making a hiring decision -- evaluating what cannot be seen, and what can be seen all too clearly.

Every manager wants passion. Every manager looks to hire fire in the belly. Not buildings on fire.

Do not ignore red flags. No matter what the rank.

Managers, in the next interview you conduct, ask yourself this question with the candidate before you:

"Is this man lucky?"

TopDog08 has details of Able Danger.

Discerning Texan has conclusions.

The Strata Sphere has round-up.

Captain Ed has a detailed analysis at Captain's Quarters at Able Danger Foxtrot.

LawHawk has Able Danger: We deserve better.

TapScott's Copy Desk has What's Going On?

QT Monster's Place has videos.

Hack N Flack wrote on Able Danger -- including Human Events On Line.

Baldilocks has a number of postings.

MacsMind says the Matrix applies.

Washington Post has more.

California Conservative has Open Trackbacks.

Stop the ACLU has Open Trackbacks.

Cafe Oregano has open trackbacks.

bRight and Early has open trackbacks.

Jo's Cafe has open tracks.

Open Post at Mudville Gazette.

Posted at 7:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Wow. George Will says that, "[I]t is not important that [Miers] be confirmed. . .it might be very important that she not be."The White House should be worried about this.

Via Drudge.

Posted at 10:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Recently, Commentary magazine featured a piece (subscription only) by Charles Murray with a thesis that women and men are different from each other.

But to talk about differences is now taboo.

The differences between men and women are in no greater conflict than seen in the US military. Your Business Blogger wrote on this for the Independent Women's Forum a few years ago. Co-authored with wife Charmaine.

G.I. Jane at VMI

Charmaine and Jack Yoest explain why female "Brother Rats" may have a rough time at the nation's oldest military college. A harbinger of things to come?

AFTER SPENDING $10 million to ready the campus for a siege by women, the Virginia Military Institute, the oldest military college in the U.S., in August 1997 reluctantly accepted its first female "Brother Rat."

Last May, [2001]in a much-publicized ceremony, a bevy of thirteen female cadets received their diplomas, tossing their gloves toward the high ceilings of VMI's Cameron Hall, joining the ranks of the "citizen-soldiers," the brotherhood, that the famous college has been turning out since 1839.

Still, the year had been, in some respects, a decidedly rocky one for the school General George C. Marshall attended. There had been a first of some considerable notoriety: VMI's first pregnant cadet. She opted to remain in the barracks through her second trimester.

Other female cadets apparently had no such desire to linger. The usual graduation euphoria had a particular edge--one of the female graduates, Cadet Maria Vasile, was not nostalgic; she told a reporter for the Associated Press, "I just want to get out of here." Similarly, Cadet Kelly K. Sullivan, though effusive in her praise for VMI discipline, hoped her next bivouac would be cushier. Sullivan noted to a reporter covering the graduation ceremony that at VMI there is "a lot of stuff you have to deal with that you won't have to deal with in the civilian world."



VMI
Of course some of the "stuff you have to deal with" at VMI is rooted in its famous "adversative" system of military discipline, which is intended to build unit cohesion as combat preparation. A poignant reminder of this mission sits at the center of campus:

Continue Reading »

Posted at 10:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Somebody's got to do it: Commander-in-Chief got huge ratings last week. Tonight. 9:00. Live-blogging here. Come on by and join in!

8:54 I'm asking myself: why bother with this silly show? The answer is that first, the show won its time slot last week. So there are a lot of people interested in, I'm guessing, the premise. A woman president. And that's my second answer -- this is an important topic. If they are going to do a show about female leadership, they ought to get it right.

9:03 Given the events of this week -- it's very interesting to see the Speaker of the House handing his suggestions for VP to the Chief of Staff. . .

9:04 Sniper on the roof. That's real.

9:05 "First Gentleman" -- I hope they don't play his role for laughs the whole time. Such great serious possibilities.

9:13 So the Democrats are the majority in the Senate, huh? Funny.

9:14 He won a war without losing a single American life? (Her preferred Vice Presidential pick.) Good one.

9:43 Be sure to follow the comments with great observations from the Drill Sergeant!

9:48 It strikes me that a theme running through this show is a lack of professionalism. The Press Secretary is struggling. And the Chief of Staff just yelled at the President? Never. Ever. Not going to happen.

The collagen lips are still terribly distracting, but the Mackenzie Allen character is better than last week.

9:54 Hah. So now we get to have Wesley Clark as Vice President. It is interesting to see Hollywood dream.

9:58 I don't think that actor is believable as a general. Looks a little lightweight.

The Speaker of the House says the General "will never be confirmed." So they're setting up a confirmation battle to parallel real life. Clever.

Posted at 4:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

Reasoned Audacity is quickly approaching a major milestone: the 100,000th visitor!

Right now the sitemeter is reading 99,555. Less than 500 visitors more . . . we need a cyber-celebration!

I really want to thank all of you who stop by here regularly, even those of you who disagree (yes, you, Eric!)

So here's the plan -- when we hit 100,000, I'll let you know the city and state of that visitor, and if you want to claim the distinction of being that person, I'll send you one of the in-demand "I Think Therefore I Blog" t-shirts!

Thanks for reading!

Posted at 4:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Harriet Miers

Have the Democrats hit on a new, sooper-dooper seekrit strategy for killing the Miers nomination? By supporting her?

When the President first nominated John Roberts to the Supreme Court, conservative commentator Ann Coulter came out swinging hard.

Playing a favorite political game -- Read the Tea Leaves -- much of Washington swung into speculation. Was Ann really opposed to Roberts . . . or was she playing a strategy game trying to give Roberts cover by using her opposition to make him look more moderate?

Fast forward. Now, Harriet Miers has the opposite problem.

Harry Reid

Harriet has Harry in her corner. That would be Harry Reid. The Democratic Leader in the Senate.

Miers was on a short list of potential candidates Reid sent to the White House. Here's what Jeralyn Merritt reported last week:

I was on a blogger conference call a few hours ago with Sen. Harry Reid, and he said that he would like to see Ms. Miers get the nod.

And now Reid has made some fairly effusive statements to greet her nomination:

I have to say without any qualification that I am very happy that we have someone like her. . .

So conservatives are left with some nagging questions:

Why was Miers on Reid's short list?
What does "someone like her" mean?
And finally, if Reid is "very happy," should we be?

On to the hearings.

Posted at 10:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (4)

With Charmaine and Dr. Palau
Your Business Blogger met Luis Palau as he was giving a talk on the DC Festival coming up this weekend in the Nation's Capital on October 8 & 9. The expected attendance is 100,000.

"What was the biggest logistical challenge of having the Festival here in Washington, DC?" I asked Dr. Palau.

I was thinking of security, or porta-potties, parking or potable water.

Or first aid. Or coordinating 900 churches.

Communications, stage management. Who speaks how long. (Ego management.)

Nope.

Luis Palau in Portland, OR

No, I was wrong.

I forgot about the bureaucracy in Your Nation's Capital.

Dr. Palau's biggest challenge was not as pastor sheparding his flock, but as master politician sheparding a parade permit.

1 permit; 82 agencies.

82 sign-offs.

He had to get 82 signatures on the permit.

This is why his organization uses a two-year lead time to conduct the Festivals.

The next time you get push-back on a capital budget request, remember Luis Palau's staff standing in the lines of 82 department of motor vehicle-like government agencies.

You might appreciate even the "inefficiency" of your company's approval process.

DC Festival is free on The National Mall. Recent Festivals have attracted 850,000 in Buenos Aires and 300,000 in Fort Lauderdale.

Luis Palau began his ministry as an interpreter for Billy Graham. His evangelical events feature Christian entertainment, Gospel music and extreme sports(!).

President Bush is scheduled to deliver a video greeting.

Eric Baldwin will be on video introducing his brother, Stephen Baldwin.

Entertainment includes: Steven Curtis Chapman, CeCe Winans, Yuri, Dave Lubben, TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, Third Day, Jumps, Jaci Velasquez, Kutless, Tye Tribbett & Ga..

Full Disclosure: My wife Charmaine met Luis Palau three decades ago in Korea -- one of her clients is a sponsor of DC Festival.

This is an unpaid endorsement.

Thank you (foot)notes:

Mudville Gazette for Open Post.

Visit Traffic Jam at Outside the Beltway.

See Basil's Blog for Picnic Lunch.

Posted at 4:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Have you heard that your Teflon-coated frying pan is dangerous to your health?

It's not.

But some attorneys in Florida are trying to extort $5 billion -- yes, billion -- from Dupont by alleging that it is. . .

Terrence Scanlon, former head of the Consumer Products Safety Commission, has the full story.

The kitchen can be a dangerous place, as I quickly found when I served as chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Hot toasters that could burn children. Deep-fat fryers that could tip over and scald cooks.

But by far the biggest danger was, and remains, unattended cooking fires. As one expert notes, most of these fires start when someone begins cooking with oil or fat, then leaves the kitchen and forgets about it. As the saying goes, "When the fat hits the fire," bad things happen, and people can die.

These are the kinds of hazards that need our attention in the kitchen. Yet two Florida law firms are focusing their attention -- and, unfortunately, consumers' attention -- on nonstick cookware. That's right. The same cookware that creates healthier foods and can actually cut down on fires in the kitchen.

With much media fanfare, the lawyers announced this month that they've filed a $5-billion class-action against DuPont, the maker of Teflon.

The lawsuit claims that DuPont failed to warn consumers about the "dangers" of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) - a chemical that is supposedly in Teflon. The lawyers want DuPont to pay for tens of thousands of replacement frying pans and "create a fund for ongoing medical monitoring of consumers" who used nonstick cookware, according to the firms' breathless news release.

"The class of potential plaintiffs could well contain almost every American that has purchased a pot or pan coated with DuPont's nonstick coating, popularly known as Teflon," plaintiff's lawyer Alan Kluger stated.

The lawsuit left consumers worrying about their frying pans, wondering whether their kitchen harbored a set of deadly utensils.

Continue Reading »

Posted at 9:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (1)

Paris Hilton bites beef

Your Business Blogger once had the assignment of getting more efficiency from a department's supply chain during a tour of duty in government.

My public sector experience was somewhat different from the recent initiatives by Ford and Hardee's to improve operating margins by reducing the number of suppliers.

Andy Puzder, Hardee's incoming new CEO saw that he had a complex business that needed to be streamlined:

Hardee's 50-item menu, ... was a mess of complexity... and stocking all that stuff was a supply-chain nightmare.

Hardee's Puzder was able to reduce his restaurants' offerings, gain efficiency and improve operating income.

The Ford Motor Company has a similar supply problem.

Ford assembly line 1914

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Ford is looking for savings by revamping their supply system, Sept 29, 2005. The auto manufacturer is looking to reduce their 2,500 suppliers down to 1,000.

Ford's only real challenge is not in the change in the number of suppliers but with changing its purchasing department corporate culture: beating up suppliers on price.

Ford looks for efficiencies by managing a fewer number of vendors.

A few years ago I tried the same thing in the public sector. It didn't work.

I started by reviewing the vendors for this $400 million department. It had over 11,000 suppliers.

---Easy MBA 101 stuff---

So I directed the staff to report on the number of vendors that did most of the business with us, say 80-90% of the dollar volume.

---More high-priced MBA inquiries---

To no one's shock and awe, save mine, we learned that 900 vendors did 90% of the business with my government agency.

I addressed the staff. "You mean," says I, Your world-wise Business Blogger, "We have to manage over 10,000 vendors to deliver 10% of our purchase orders?" My chin thrust with smug incredulousness.

"So?" the staff asked as one man.

---Shortly, smug MBA would meet political realities---

I strongly suggested that we should look to consolidate some vendors and look at ways to reduce the number of transactions and paper work.

The team jumped to it.

In mere hours the calls came in. No, not from disgruntled vendors, but from locally elected officials representing the disgruntled vendors.

No one was happy that rice bowels were going to be broken.

And the fact that this all took less than a day alerted me that back channels were working at the speed of light.

The vendors and the politicians were aided and abetted by the army of bureaucrats that pushed all that paper around.

The politicos clamored for efficient government as long as suppliers in someone else's district were cut.

I didn't have a chance. Nor did the citizens' tax dollars.

This was my first rude lesson in 'multiple points of accountability.' In government a civil servant answers to his boss, of course. But he also must be mindful of other politicians, the press, the public, the unions, the lobbyists and peers making a grab for his budget.

The supply chain efficiency fight wasn't worth the political capital necessary to win.

(Bureaucrats can be managed. But there are real reasons why governments are seen to be so inefficient: as in Katrina and the military base closings' commission.)

My lesson learned, I quickly moved on to other battles where I had half a chance.

Thank you (foot)notes:

Blawgreview is hosting Carnival of the Capitalists this week.

Posted at 8:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (2)