Senator Santorum... please don't leave us.

You may have lost this election, but I dare say you are more popular in other parts of the nation then you are in that flaky, ungrateful state you've worked so hard to represent.

Please consider a national run. Our country needs you.

By the way... where in the heck has Arlen Spector been??? Remember how Sen. Santorum loyally stood by Spector when he faced a very tough primary bid two years ago? Don't we think Spector's support of Santorum could have made SOME difference in this campaign? Yet I never heard a peep from the good Senator. Anyone seen Arlen around??

Updates.... Good News is found in the Bad News

According to Hugh Hewitt Ohio has gone to the Dems. This was not unexpected... the good news is it is looking MUCH closer than any of the polls suggested. If this is indicitive of faulty polls across the board, then all of those "too close to call" races (MD, VA, MO, MT) should be safe seats for the GOP.

As for the OC Chronicle staff, we cast our sure-win votes for Rep. Miller (unopposed)and Gov. Arnold (virtually un-opposed). But our real thrill was voting for Tom McClintock for Lt. Gov. and AGAINST Jerry Brown for Att. Gen. How great would it be for the Golden State to start looking a little more red with some diversity in the state-wide seats?

1st good news of the night...

From Drudge: (as of 8:21 EST)

DEMS NEED: +6 TO TAKE SENATE
DEMS NEED: +14 TO TAKE HOUSE

VA SEN [41.14% IN]
ALLEN 453,055 50.60%
WEBB 431,308 48.17%



If this is a "wave" you dudes back east need to come out to Huntington Beach and see some REAL waves!

Wolverines... get to the polls!

PoliPundit has more interesting takes on the polling in Michigan...

Get out there and vote Wolverines!!!

NEVER SAY DIE!

Rove on Michigan...

We have many readers in Michigan. Check-out Karl Rove on the GOP late surge in the Wolverine State: (From yesterday's Hugh Hewitt Show)

And then there’s something odd going on in Michigan. There has been, over the last week, a strong push for the Republicans in Michigan. There’s a pollster named Steve Mitchell, who does polling almost exclusively in Michigan, the Epic Poll, and he called the 2000 Presidential race on the button, he called the 2002 gubernatorial race on the button. He called the 2004 Presidential race on the button. And he’s shown in the last week a dramatic close by the Republican candidates for both governor and Senator. Gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos is down only two, and Michael Bouchard down, as I believe, three points in the Senatorial race, which are dramatic cuts in the Democrat lead.

Michigan continues roll toward Hewitt's Buckeyes

As the Trojan's whimper home from Corvallis, OR with teir first loss of the seson to the mighty Beavers of OSU, we all wait with anticipation for the big Michigan/Ohio State game scheduled for November 18th. We all have to prepare for the insufferable Buckeye fans behaving like the Big 10 title is their birth right.


#1 Buckeye Weasel: Hugh Hewitt.

OC Chronicle heads out for annual retreat.

Our parent company, Innovative Diverse Entertainment Associates, LLC (IDEA)is holding its annual retreat in Palm Desert this week. Topics of discussion include:

1. Expansion of our youth theatre program
2. Creation of our new, LED distribution subsidiary
3. Expansion of our blogging efforts to include multi-media, video blogging, expanded topics, increased contributors and possibly a new location (Townhall???)

We'll be posting from the desert for the next week.

Ham Nation Video Blog...

Just discovered Mary Katherine Ham's VideoBlog: Ham Nation.



I've always enjoyed her writing, it's nice to see her flexing her communication muscles... pretty slickly done Ham! "Drums... DRUMS I TELL YOU!"

Stem cell Electioneering

We've all read about or seen the Michael J. Fox campaign ad regarding embryonic stem cell research. He's recently jumped into the hotly contested Maryland senate race where he slams Michael Steele.

Steele's campaign has responded with what must be one of the most brilliant ads I've seen in a long time. Watch it here and then come right back... PROMISE ME!

So... pretty good, right? I'd like to make a point about the Michael J. Fox ad which, I don't think has been made:

Michael J. Fox has accused Michael Steele of wanting to "put limits on the most promising stem cell research." Here, watch it yourself:


Did you catch that? "MOST PROMISING STEM CELL RESEARCH". You know, of course, that Mr. Steele DOES support stem cell research, just not federal funding for EMBRYONIC stem cell research. So, what is Mr. Fox' point when he accuses Mr. Steele of standing in the way of "the most promising stem cell research"? Well, Mr. Fox means EMBRYONIC stem cell research. But, it's curious, he doesn't SAY embryonic, does he? Why not?

You know why not. Because no ordinary American can see Mr. Fox, trembling from his Parkinson's disease, asking for support for the most promising research and feel anything but compassion for him and anger at anyone not willing to pursue "the most promising" research to help find a cure for his disease.

But... what if Mr. Fox said: "Mr. Steele wants to put limits on dissecting five-year-old children, which happens to be the most promising research."???

How about: "Mr. Steele wants to put limits on burning alive furry little kittens, which happens to be the most promising research"???

OK... those are a little extreme... how about: "Mr. Steele would put limits on embryonic stem cell research..."? The fact is, many Americans flinch at that statement, and actually agree with Mr. Steele. And Mr. Fox' disingenuous approach in trying to affect this campaign is a shame and should be noted.

Mr. Steele's response is full of class, dignity and intelligence, and he deserves to be a US Senator.

The Lynn Cheney lie perpetuates...

I was just driving home from the office and heard some guy filling in for Al Rantel on KABC in Los Angeles. He was trying to discuss the Jim Webb book issue (I say trying because, jeez! some of these fill-in radio guys are really not that good... I should give it a try one of these days, seriously) and he threw an off-hand remark like this: "After all, what's the big deal? Lynn Cheney wrote a book that had GRAPHIC LESBIAN SEX SCENES IN IT!"

Oh boy did he have the wrong listener sitting in my car tonight! I immediately called and got on the air with him after the break. I asked him:

"Please, elaborate on the point,"
"What's the name of the book (he couldn't find it)"
"Did you read the graphic passage you are referring to?" (He claimed he read about it in the Washington Post but he had not read any actual passage)

I calmly told him that he is an embarrassment to KABC for just repeating complete unsubstantiated lies that he either picked up from a news source or from a DNC talking point (since this info is on their web site as some kind of excuse and response to the Webb issue).

I also explained that little old me, Joe normal guy, heard about this thing, went to Google, and within 2 minutes had the scene in question right in front of me. WHY COULDN'T HE DO THAT??? Especially before broadcasting this LIE to the LA radio market???

Amateurs!

Wolf can't research Dem Talking Points? Dude, google it, will ya?

Welcome Hugh Hewitt listeners/Blog Readers! -While you're here, take a look at my kids... aren't they ADORABLE???

This is the extent of the "Explicit Steamy Lesbian" scene from Lynn Cheney's "Sisters":

The women who embraced in the wagon were Adam and Eve crossing a dark cathedral stage -- no, Eve and Eve, loving one another as they would not be able to once they ate of the fruit and knew themselves as they truly were. She felt curiously moved, curiously envious of them. She had never to this moment thought Eden a particularly attractive paradise, based as it was on naiveté, but she saw that the women in the cart had a passionate, loving intimacy forever closed to her. How strong it made them. What comfort it gave.

It took me all of 2 minutes to find this from a website called "Bella OnLine".

Now if it was that easy for little old me, why couldn't Big Bad Wolf Blitzer do the same before he embarrassed himself in his interview of Mrs. Cheney today?


UPDATE: Here is a link to a pdf which puports to be the full trascript of "Sisters". Given the nature of the webpage referenced above, it is safe to assume that if they could have found a more explicit, lesbian scene, they would have reproduced it.

MORE HERE!!! THEY JUST WON'T QUIT!

Fake Foley Blogger Found

Turns out the "Blogger" credited with first publicizing the Foley e-mails was a field operative for HRC (Human Rights Campaign) in Michigan. Read Blog P. I. for more.

The genius who uncovered all of this is a blogger himself and is found at Stop October Surprises!!! (Brilliant)

They say the Lord moves in mysterious ways...

This may be one of those times. About ten days ago, out of the blue, I decided to start running as if I were training for a marathon.

Realistically, I would not be capable of running a marathon for at least six - nine months as I have never had any kind of running program as part of my exercise routine... in fact... I've never really had an eercise routine! So I wasn't really sure WHAT I was training for, I just had in my mind that I wanted to be CAPABLE of running a marathon by next June (when I turn 40).

So I started a routine of mileage build-up a described here.

I even started logging my runs around the beautiful hills of La Habra Heights at this website.

So this afternoon, I'm doing a 3-mile run, listening to Hugh Hewitt, and he has two Orange County bloggers talking about the "Red County Half-marathon" in December!

So, I guess now I know what I'm training for! This is perfect... I'm going from a non-runner to a half-marathoner in the next 2 1/2 months!

I'll try to log my progress here as well... Thanks Hugh!

Peggy Fox, prophetic words indeed:

Virginia Tech Magazine Feature: "Fox is not one to get a swelled head about her glamorous job. Sure, she got to wear Princess Diana's $35,000 jeweled dress for a feature a few weeks ago, but 'it's just a job,' she says. 'On television, you're always one word away from getting fired. If you slip and say something stupid on the air, it's all over.'"

Well Peggy, IT'S OVER!

As noted by Dean Barrett in today's Hugh Hewitt Blog:

"One of the panelists, a woman named Peggy Fox, asked Allen, "It has been reported your grandfather Felix, whom you were given your middle name for, was Jewish. Could you please tell us whether your forebears include Jews and, if so, at which point Jewish identity might have ended?"

The crowd booed, and rightly so. Allen responded with angry indignation, again rightly so. And, I must say, he looked good doing so. The problem with a politician as programmed as George Allen is he often appears phony. This question showed the real man, and it was the best I've seen him look during the campaign.

A few quick points of personal analysis. As a Jew, I found Fox's question profoundly offensive. Trust me, the wounded minority card is not one that I play with much frequency. But the attempt to 'tar' Allen as a Jew in a southern state was at the very least disturbing, and I actually consider it sickening. Furthermore, I think asking the question was a hanging offense professionally, and I hope whoever employs Peggy Fox has seen enough of her judgment to deeply ponder severing their relationship with her."

How can this woman keep her job?

Her bio page at the web site for the station she works for, suggests that you "Send Peggy an Email". I suggest you do so as well!

And the #1 thing you do not want to see in the sky on the 9/11 anniversary is...

KING5 Seattle News | KING5 Local News:

"Federal Aviation Administration officials in Western Washington said the light was a high-altitude jet that was leaving a contrail behind it. FAA officials say the sun was at just the right angle before sunset to reflect off the jet and create the illusion of smoke and fire. "

Seriously... enough of the Katrina stories!

CNN.com - A year later, recovery in New Orleans not easy - Aug 30, 2006: "After months of rebuilding, Henry and Flora Hamilton's house doesn't look like it was sitting in 7 feet of water a year ago. The same can't be said for most of their neighbors' homes."

Is it me or have we seen more "reports" on CNN on the anniversary of Katrina than we did on the anniversary of 9/11?

About that trade deadline...

In case anyone out there was wondering (and something tells me somebody might have been):

The trade deadline has come and gone, but trades can still be made, though players must clear waivers first. How does the process work? The Globe's Gordon Edes gives us a quick primer on the waivers process:

You're going to hear of many players put on waivers between now and the end of August. If a player clears waivers, that is, doesn't get claimed by any team, he can be traded to any team. If he gets claimed by one team, he can only be traded to the team that claimed him. If he gets claimed by more than one team, he goes to the team with the worst record in his league that claimed him, and can only be traded to that team. If he's claimed by teams in the other league, he goes to the team with the worst record, and can only be traded to that team. Of course, not trading the player remains an option. He can be pulled back from waivers once in August. If he is placed on waivers again before September, he can't be recalled a second time. Or, if a team is just hoping to dump a player's salary, it can simply allow a team that claimed that player to have him for a small waiver fee.

Personal update from O'Connor in the OC

It's been a while since OC Chronicle has had a personal post regarding a family update. Niece Kate (15 now!) was justout for the annual visit and took a heck of a great picture of the clan... so now you know how the munchkins are doing.

Bronx Bombers Battle over Botched Ball

Steve Lombardi has a nice breakdown on the latest drama with the Yankees. Most baseball fans not inclined to root for the Yanks have been waiting patiently for A-Rod and Jeter to come to blows... looks like the wait might soon be over. WasWatching.com: The Pop-Up:

"In the YES replays, you clearly see Jeter moving his mouth when the pop is in the air. It appears that he's saying 'I got it!' a few times. In the same replays, you never see A-Rod open his mouth, at all.
Rodriguez was clearly planted under the ball. He was in perfect position to catch it. Jeter had to range to his right to get towards the ball. I would offer that Derek had to move around 10 feet, away from his position on the pitch, towards the foul line, to get to where the ball was going to land.
Jeter went behind A-Rod and their gloves bumped as they both reached up for the ball. That appeared to be the only serious contact between the two players. It seemed as if their gloves met just as the ball was going into the pocket of A-Rod's mitt - and that knocked the ball loose.
After this happened, Jeter stood behind A-Rod for about 6 seconds with a stone-cold expression on his face. The only way I can describe the look is to say it's the same type of look that a husband gets from his wife when he says 'I think your hair looks fine.' It's the are-you-eff'ing-kidding-me and/or are-you-that-clueless look of disapproval.
While I could not see A-Rod's expression when this happened (or, maybe I missed it?), I can say that YES had Jeter and Rodriguez on a split screen after the miscue (and the subsequent replays) and, while Jeter still had the same all-the-nerves-in-my-face-are-dead expression, Alex Rodriguez had a semi-giggle smile on his face. It appeared to be a not-knowing-what-else-to-do nervous type reaction. I think A-Rod's facial reaction could be filed under 'Smile, because it rains on you everyday, anyway.'"

Workers who make iPods can't afford to buy one.

Apple invetigates accusations of forced labor at their iPod manufacturing locations and publicizes that they found no such thing. However, buried int he article is this little passage
:

"The probe found the workers assembling iPods were paid at least the minimum wage, with more than half earning more than minimum wage, excluding bonuses. Minimum wage for Shenzhen in southern China, where the factory is thought to be located, is about 800 yuan ($100) a month."

No, I don't have an iPod but I have great admration for Apple. Here's my issue... On the whole, the people who use Apple products or are iPod afficianados are, in general, the types of people who think they are "counter-culture", or free-thinking individualists fighting against the "mainstream".

Look at how Apple has positioned their brand for the past 2 decades.. going all the way back to the famous "1984" commercial for Macintosh. It implied that if you use a PC, you are part of Big Brother, the establishment. Their current campaign for their computers shows a hip, trendy, cool dude (a liberal)representing the Mac and a stuffy, boring guy in a suit and tie (conservative) as representing the PC. And, of course, the iPod commercials feature hip music and dancing and position the brand as something to appeal to young, hip and creative types.

What's the point? Well, clearly, the demographic of people most likely to buy Apple products is close to the demographics of those who are most likely to listen to Air America, Blog for Howard Dean and maybe even protest the World Trade Organization. So when do they start boycotting Apple products for utilizing this kind of labor to make their products?

Look at me... I'm holding my breath!