tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119061952024-03-13T15:49:37.133-05:00Les Enfants TerribleTeapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.comBlogger1428125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-2415259808352675112011-02-07T10:22:00.004-06:002011-02-07T10:31:08.620-06:00It's time for another installment......of "<a href="http://lesenfantterrible.blogspot.com/search/label/idiot%20pop%20singers%20who%20crap%20on%20the%20anthem">idiot pop singers who crap on the anthem</a>." It's been awhile, but <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVukuhvdOxY">Christina Aguilera's performance</a> at the Super Bowl may rise to the level of worst ever, and not because she blew the words:<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oVukuhvdOxY?rel=0" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe><br /><br />"Worst ever" is a title she takes from<a href="http://lesenfantterrible.blogspot.com/2008/09/and-homeof-bra-e-ay-e-ay-e-ay-e-ave-ii.html"> Kat DeLuna</a>, who has held it since September of 2008. Not a bad run.<br /><br />In fact, after watching the train wreck that was the Black Eyed Peas - who sounded a lot like the band at my high school prom - I would venture to say that this was the worst Super Bowl music ever.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-19394835262440665692011-01-19T21:04:00.002-06:002011-01-19T21:12:30.877-06:00Well, that didn't last long<a href="http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2011/01/abc-news-jonathan-karl-reports-the-newfound-civility-didnt-last-long-political-rhetoric-in-congress-doesnt-get-much.html">The House</a> repealed Obamacare today:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In an extraordinary outburst on the House floor, Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) invoked the Holocaust to attack Republicans on health care and compared rhetoric on the issue to the work of infamous Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“They say it's a government takeover of health care, a big lie just like Goebbels," Cohen said.</span><br /><br />There was<a href="http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2011/01/abc-news-jonathan-karl-reports-the-newfound-civility-didnt-last-long-political-rhetoric-in-congress-doesnt-get-much.html"> more</a>.<br /><br />Republicans = Nazis.<br /><br /><a href="http://nation.foxnews.com/rep-sheila-jackson-lee/2011/01/19/sheila-jackson-lee-repealing-obamacare-killing-americans">In other news</a>:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Frankly, I would just say to you, this is about saving lives. Jobs are very important; we created jobs," Jackson Lee said. "But even the title of their legislation, H.R. 2, 'job-killing' — </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">this is killing Americans </span><span style="font-style: italic;">if we take this away, if we repeal this bill."</span><br /><br />Republicans = murderers.<br /><br />We went from "can't we all just get along" to calling Republicans murdering Nazis in one week. Gosh, I hope no insane loners get the wrong idea.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-61141368165555628762011-01-12T20:26:00.003-06:002011-01-12T21:01:20.079-06:00The latest sad chapterI am as fired up as any time I can remember over the conduct of Democrats and their <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/10/opinion/10krugman.html?_r=2">sock puppets </a>during the aftermath of the Arizona shootings. The enthusiasm with which Democrats have attempted to profit politically from the tragedy is as sick as their attempts to gain from body counts in Iraq.<br /><br />Old habits die hard, I guess.<br /><br />Krugman, the idiot, personifies the twisted logic that no tragedy should pass without trying to pin it on Republicans:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Where’s that toxic rhetoric coming from? Let’s not make a false pretense of balance: it’s coming, overwhelmingly, from the right. </span><br /><br />He has got to be fucking kidding, right? Krugman isn't just stupid and greedy, he's evil. Sometimes I wonder if he isn't actually a conservative mole with the sole purpose of making Democrats look cheap and sleazy. If so, well done, sir. Not that I needed a reminder, but I'm a believer.<br /><a href="http://michellemalkin.com/2011/01/10/the-progressive-climate-of-hate-an-illustrated-primer-2000-2010/"><br />Super compiler Michelle Malkin</a> can take you down the Bush assassination porn, gang rape Palin!, violence frenzy the left has been engaged in since 2000. Krugman, of course, is either blissfully unaware of his own party's filth or chooses to ignore it. Either way, shameful for a nationally syndicated author in an industry that is supposed to strive for truth. If you're looking for something more recent, check the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxgJKNpjSNI&feature=player_embedded">four minutes of Palin assassination fantasy tweets</a> from this week.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.commentarymagazine.com/blogs/index.php/gordon/386308">Contentions says</a> this is the tipping point in Krugman's embarrassing career. I remember being that naive and hopeful. I commend his sense of hope but there is no chance Krugman's shameful behavior will be anything but a footnote. Not in this world, where all sins against the right are easily forgotten or even celebrated. No doubt there is a standing ovation for Krugman out there somewhere just waiting for him to appear.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/11/AR2011011106068.html">Krauthammer</a> - someone who actually knows something about mental illness - offers some explanation of Loughner, the shooter, but even he can't explain Krugman.<br /><br />For myself, this week brings back memories of watching anti-war protesters advocating violence against soldiers and attacking recruiting offices, abortion supporters destroying memorials, and the with-each-day-comes-more-violent-speech-against-Bush we lived for eight years. All the while I waited for someone of the left to say <span style="font-style: italic;">something</span>. Never once.<br /><br />To hear them now, so concerned with the future of the nation, reminds me not that "we are all Americans." It reminds me nothing is sacred to left-Americans when it comes to smearing Republicans. A dead body is an opportunity to them, not a tragedy.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_congresswoman_shot_obama">Obama wants us all to take a step back and treat each other better</a>. If he had said that four years ago, I would have had great respect for his courage, but he was right there with the hate-mongers then. He might be more subtle, but he sounds like just another of the weasels, waking up to the barn long after the cattle is gone.<br /><br />For eight years I, and conservatives in general, were treated like baby killing scum by the left. Any action against conservatives was "justifiable" for the good of the planet and society. Death was wished upon many, and<a href="http://serr8d.blogspot.com/2008/07/daily-kos-commentors-trash-tony-snow.html"> celebrated when it occurred</a>.<br /><br />I didn't always hate the left, I just disagreed with them. Their beneath contempt behavior during the Bush years made me actually hate. This last week has served as a stark reminder why.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-25321370023178314572010-12-24T13:27:00.000-06:002010-12-24T13:29:40.208-06:00You and yoursMerry Christmas everyone.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-9228828220719451012010-11-22T18:35:00.004-06:002010-11-22T18:44:31.576-06:00Favre has to go<a href="http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/109908409.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aU1yDEmP:QMDCinchO7DU">Sigh</a>.<br /><br />It's probably not popular to say, but I am not a huge fan of the Childress firing. Then again, when your players decide they aren't going to play for you anymore - like on Sunday - there really isn't much choice.<br /><br />But it wasn't Childress who threw 17 interceptions this season, it was Favre.<br /><br />It wasn't Childress playing half ass on the D line, that was Jared Allen.<br /><br />And on, and on.<br /><br />Childress brought the Vikings from 6-10 to the NFC championship game in three years. He brought in a ton of great talent, from AP to Percy Harvin, Hutch, Jared Allen, the Williamses, and more. He turned the Love Boat into a respectable franchise. Sure he's made mistakes, but nothing that deserves firing.<br /><br />C'est la vie. What's done is done.<br /><br />What's really disappointing is Frazier's announcement today that Favre is his guy. This season's over, it's time to start working on next season. We need to know what we have so we know what we need. Favre ain't it. He's over the hill, done, out of gas, with barely enough left in his arm to hold his phone/camera for a close up of his johnson.<br /><br />It's time to sit him down. If Childress has to lose his job, its only fair that the player most responsible for the disaster this season be put on the bench or forced into retirement.<br /><br />I had hoped Frazier would get off to a better start; have something to offer than more of the same.<br /><br />Again: sigh.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-71803009331882447572010-10-13T20:57:00.002-05:002010-10-13T21:06:59.479-05:00The highest quality fidelityScroo-Loo had a nice surprise for me last night; she purchased<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118749/"> Boogie Nights</a> from Amazon. I hadn't seen it since our VHS player went on the fritz for the last time. Check out that <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118749/fullcredits#cast">cast list</a>.<br /><br />If you're looking for a great movie and you can handle the...ahem...rather adult content, check it out. Here's some of the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118749/quotes">more memorable quotes</a>.<br /><br />Great soundtrack, great story, and some truly superb acting from Don Cheadle, Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, and especially <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0725894/">Robert Ridgley</a> (RIP) as the Colonel; the jail scene between him and Burt Reynolds will make your skin crawl.<br /><br />This is a truly great film that I don't think ever got the attention it deserved.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-48358489289262645472010-10-01T12:50:00.002-05:002010-10-01T12:55:14.922-05:0022<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_392X27diH2w/TB0v7KY3cvI/AAAAAAAAAWE/YVN7_IJ8DEI/s1600/Photo1084.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_392X27diH2w/TB0v7KY3cvI/AAAAAAAAAWE/YVN7_IJ8DEI/s400/Photo1084.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484592614654571250" border="0" /></a><br />I don't have a way with words<a href="http://befuddledlouie.blogspot.com/2010/09/to-my-best-friend.html"> like she does</a>, but that don't make me any less lucky. Happy anniversary to Scroo-Loo; she's gorgeous, smart, funny, and the best friend a man could have. Did I mention she can fish circles around most people? Ya, that too. It's 22 years today and it has flown by.<br /><br />Happy anniversary babe. You are everything I could have ever wanted. Love you.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-36209787347255706212010-09-10T06:17:00.000-05:002010-09-10T11:31:41.772-05:00Mickey Mouse careThis was delivered to my e-mail:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Effective January 1, 2011, for all Health Flexible Spending Accounts</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">As a result of the new Health Care Reform Bill, reimbursements for drugs or medicines are only eligible “...if such medicine or drug is a prescribed drug (determined without regard to whether such drug is available without a prescription) or is insulin.” This change means that </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">all over-the-counter drugs and medicines are no longer eligible for reimbursement unless you purchased the drug or medicine (except insulin) as a result of receiving a prescription from your doctor.</span><br /><br />That, folks, is an added tax for people responsible enough to maintain health care. I wonder how many people with flex accounts will now go to the doctor every time they have a headache or heartburn, so they can get prescriptions instead of purchasing medicine over the counter. That, of course, will add far more to the overall cost of health care than the taxes generated through this Mickey Mouse interference with private health care.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-54565638248024977302010-07-29T07:28:00.001-05:002010-07-29T11:31:32.164-05:00Let the demise commence alreadyWe've been <a href="http://lesenfantterrible.blogspot.com/2008/12/bold-upon-bold.html">predicting it since 2008</a>; its nice to see <a href="http://www.forbes.com/2010/07/28/climate-change-movement-harry-reid-opinions-columnists-shikha-dalmia.html?boxes=opinionschannellatest">we're not the only ones anymore</a>:<div><br /></div><i>Future historians will pinpoint Democratic Sen. Harry Reid's energy legislation, released Tuesday, as the moment that the political movement of global warming entered an irreversible death spiral. It is kaput! Finito! Done! </i><div><br /></div><div>Let's hope they mean it this time.</div>Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-12730778357935728592010-07-14T21:29:00.004-05:002010-07-14T21:39:02.052-05:00Signage backfire<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/signs-stimulus/story?id=11163180">ABC is reporting</a> that $20 million has been spent on stimulus signage:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) has joined the chorus of Republican outrage over stimulus signs and claims at least $20 million has been spent on them. He told ABC News, "I think it's a bit of an oxymoron to spend tens of millions of dollars of taxpayer money, borrowed money, on a bunch of signs to tell them how we are spending their taxpayer money." </span><br /><br />I have noted the unseemly nature of taking credit for projects paid for by tax dollars. But perhaps the most significant aspect of that is I'm thinking that while I'm stuck in traffic caused by the project the sign represents.<br /><br />It occurred to me a few months ago that all those cars sitting still on roads daily may not be too appreciative of the extra gas and time they are burning, broiling in the summer heat. The signs provide a timely reminder why they are wasting so much time in construction.<br /><br />The Obama administration certainly thought they found a clever way to spend taxpayer money on what are essentially political campaign signs. While that is inherently wrong and shows raw disdain for the taxpayer, it may also backfire as more and more people are reminded who is responsible for out of control spending in D.C., and the gridlock that is making everyone's lives miserable this summer, across the state.<br /><br />So the next time you are roasting on a Minnesota freeway, moving five miles an hour, remember that it is stimulus dollars that put you there. And if you forget, don't sweat it; there is certain to be a sign coming up soon.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-46370781134922043882010-07-10T22:17:00.001-05:002010-07-10T22:18:49.904-05:00Final updateAnd...she's home, safe and sound, and pretty much back to her old self. Thanks for the calls and concern.<br /><br />Now we can get some sleep.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-47577776973286939182010-07-06T06:16:00.000-05:002010-07-06T08:19:34.759-05:00An update....Mother Teaparty is improving very nicely. She remains in transitional care but we are hopeful she can come home in a matter of days. Thanks for all the calls and well wishes.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-21315930478680346182010-06-30T22:29:00.002-05:002010-06-30T22:39:07.631-05:00Tough times....It's been a pretty rough few days. Mother Teaparty took a bad fall and got a nasty gash on her head, complete with a concussion and some minor bleeding in her brain. Her age and other health concerns are causing complications.<br /><br />This happened Monday evening and today she started showing some very promising signs of improvement. She was even allowed to leave the ICU. We're hoping to have her back home within the week.<br /><br />Haven't done much sleeping and the commutes to the city, downtown driving, parking ramps, lack of meals, crisis management, and so on are taking a toll. Hopefully tomorrow will bring another round of improvements.<br /><br />At times like these I have to be thankful for Scroo-Loo. She is a rock without whom this would be unbearable.<br /><br />If I don't make it back soon, have a great "fourth;" thoughts and prayers are always appreciated.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-65799432927009330192010-06-24T06:58:00.000-05:002010-06-24T10:07:56.691-05:00At least I know I'm not the only one...It was of relief to discover this morning that I am not alone in my fascination with Whale Wars. Sisyphus at Fraters Libertas<a href="http://www.fraterslibertas.com/2010/06/all-gilligans-no-professor.html"> sums up why the show commands my attention</a>:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“Whale Wars” produces comedy based on the formula:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(unbounded self-righteousness + self-delusion) * extreme incompetence = comedy gold!</span><br /><br />I have yet to see the crew actually save a whale, despite spending millions of dollars in donations. Contrary to the show's obvious desire to paint the crew as heroes to the whales, the effort is best described in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S3esTUL4ug&feature=related">the show's theme song</a>, "despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage."Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-71540172555765141802010-06-18T22:10:00.006-05:002010-06-19T16:02:54.612-05:00Bragging rightsIt started with Louie catching a 4 1/2 pound largemouth. Boz matched it a few weeks ago, his biggest fish ever. Louie topped it last weekend with a 4 3/4 pound fish. GD4 was briefly in the lead this evening with a 5 pounder (pictured below), until I caught this monster, ending weeks of whining that I never get to catch a big fish:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_392X27diH2w/TBw3sCCwdqI/AAAAAAAAAV0/6b46TGTcUZM/s1600/6.5+pounds.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 395px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_392X27diH2w/TBw3sCCwdqI/AAAAAAAAAV0/6b46TGTcUZM/s400/6.5+pounds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484319675832628898" border="0" /></a><br />This 6 1/2 pound, 21-inch behemoth was caught on a five-inch black and white sparkle Slurpie worm.<a href="http://lesenfantterrible.blogspot.com/2010/05/trust-but-verify.html"> Purple Glory</a> was rock solid, as was the 20-pound test braided line, but the No. 5 hook was twisted all to hell when it was over. It is also the biggest bass I have ever caught. It's less than three pounds and two and a half inches short of the <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish/bass/largemouth/index.html">state record</a>.<br /><br />Credit where it is due, Louie - beside being gorgeous, super cool, and the best friend anybody could ever hope for - really knows how to pick a fishing spot. We were getting pretty much skunked all afternoon until she pointed and said "That looks like it might be a good spot." Five minutes later what had been a very disappointing day had suddenly become epic. It is but one of the innumerable reasons why I love her.<br /><br />Below is GD4's five-pounder, and that smile was all about knowing he owned "biggest fish of the season." I wiped that smile right off his face seconds later. Someone once said that true joy is watching your children succeed. <span style="font-style: italic;">Nonsense!</span> Real happiness is achieved when you steal their most glorious moments for yourself.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_392X27diH2w/TBw3tbjBgQI/AAAAAAAAAV8/5-g1S3y7dbw/s1600/5+pounds.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_392X27diH2w/TBw3tbjBgQI/AAAAAAAAAV8/5-g1S3y7dbw/s400/5+pounds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484319699858718978" border="0" /></a><br />I'm going to go out on a limb and predict right now that the behemoth is going to hold up for the rest of the summer. And it's mine...all mine.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">UPDATED:</span> It really wasn't nice of me, neglecting to post Louie's 4 3/4 pounder - currently in the freezer awaiting the taxidermist (unavoidable - hooked in a bad spot). So here it is, and in any case, it gives a frame of reference for how much bigger mine is:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_392X27diH2w/TB0v7KY3cvI/AAAAAAAAAWE/YVN7_IJ8DEI/s1600/Photo1084.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_392X27diH2w/TB0v7KY3cvI/AAAAAAAAAWE/YVN7_IJ8DEI/s400/Photo1084.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484592614654571250" border="0" /></a>Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-65770826798337249632010-06-15T17:03:00.003-05:002010-06-15T17:09:28.539-05:00Steamy propogandaApparently making propaganda together <a href="http://www.starmagazine.com/al_gore_laurie_david_affair/news/16986">creates a lot of heat</a>:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">...Al and Tipper's breakup didn't come as much of a surprise to one Hollywood player — Laurie David. Star has learned that Al has been having an affair with Laurie, who divorced Seinfeld creator and Curb Your Enthusiasm star Larry David in 2007 amidst reports she was cheating with the caretaker of their Martha's Vineyard summer home.</span><br /><br />Here's the<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/06/15/2010-06-15_al_gore_had_affair_with_larry_davids_exwife_an_inconvenient_truth_producer_lauri.html"> obligatory denial</a>.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-4729111361037255882010-05-23T15:01:00.004-05:002010-05-23T15:04:13.514-05:00'When I lay my vengeance upon thee..."Combining two of my favorite things, hockey and Pulp Fiction, I give you Pulp Fiction Hockey....<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bYsbRBB3Dqs&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bYsbRBB3Dqs&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />"Give 'em the gourmet shot." Sweet.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-42153077164888677082010-05-04T07:17:00.000-05:002010-05-04T10:01:09.805-05:00Trust but verify<a href="http://www.nps.gov/sacn/planyourvisit/fishing.htm">Filed under</a>, "I was not aware of that, but intend to verify at my earliest convenience:"<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The St. Croix River is a warm water habitat. The stretch from Danbury down stream to St. Croix Falls is recognized as </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">one of the finest smallmouth bass fisheries in the country</span><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span><br /><br />Interestingly enough, I first heard the river north of the dam was "filthy" with smallmouths from a completely crocked barfly at about 12:30 a.m. a few months ago. I wasn't sure I believed him or if he was just trying to score the sweet "St. Croix Rods" hat I was wearing at the time (a free gift with my recent purchase of a <a href="http://www.stcroixrods.com/product/mojo-bass">7-foot Mojo Bass rod</a>).<br /><br />We've been talking about exploring the river for bronzebacks since late last fall. <a href="http://www.riverbassin.com/site/2009/03/smallmouth-bass/">Here's why</a>:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Smallmouth bass</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> are known as the pound for pound strongest fighters in the black bass </span><em style="font-style: italic;">genus </em><span style="font-style: italic;">(micropterus), of the sunfish family. They are aggressive in nature and, once hooked, their aerial displays rival </span><em style="font-style: italic;">Shamu the killer whale</em><span style="font-style: italic;">. </span><br /><br />With Johnson in ship shape, there is nothing to stop us.<br /><br />Twenty-five more days.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-72715426971248062052010-04-29T16:44:00.003-05:002010-04-29T17:16:11.900-05:00Blog: A love storyFor those who may not pay very close attention (everybody), April marks five years and roughly 45,000 visits at this site. This is post number 1,433.<br /><br />Even without recent slowdowns, this site had given me far more than I have given in that time. There has been some great moments, like <a href="http://lesenfantterrible.blogspot.com/2007/02/public-indoctrination.html">a certain homework assignment</a> and subsequent <a href="http://lesenfantterrible.blogspot.com/2007/03/tim-blair-blog-viagra.html">Blair-a-lanche</a>. But this blog turned into much greater things for me. It taught me to articulate and debate, and gave me great confidence in my abilities to publish online.<br /><br />Back in the old days of Blogger, a working knowledge of HTML code was necessary, and I spent hours learning the language so my site wouldn't look just like the template. I read incessantly looking for new material, and learned everything I could about subjects so I wouldn't look like a idiot when I put something out there.<br /><br />I credited this blog for making the difference in a 2005 job interview; I was certain my confidence running web sites was the difference between myself and other candidates.<br /><br />Now, five years later, I work as a communications specialist and manage a massive web portal. I help shape decisions that affect people's lives on a daily basis, and am responsible for the communications and image of a massive organization. I'm not trying to brag, there are certainly far more important jobs; I just find myself stunned at times what's happened since I signed up for a Blogger account.<br /><br />For that, I am in debt to <a href="http://lesenfantterrible.blogspot.com/search?q=tom+d">Tom D.</a> (happy birthday Heath!), who was a first generation blog reader and convinced me I would enjoy it. Among many others, he introduced me to <a href="http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/timblair/">Blair</a>, <a href="http://www.powerlineblog.com/">Powerline</a>, and <a href="http://iowahawk.typepad.com/">Iowahawk</a>. He has been a devoted reader all this time, and provided plenty of material as well (click link under his name).<br /><br />The last five years have been quite a ride, and I owe a lot of that ride to this insignificant web site which, as it turns out, appears to have had great significance.<br /><br />Thanks to all for sticking with it over the years. Though I can't claim more than a handful of fans, I can certainly claim the most loyal fans in the sphere.<br /><br />Cheers to you!Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-73457946783900852582010-04-28T22:49:00.003-05:002010-04-28T22:58:17.652-05:00Anything but this...Brett Favre can retire, Obama can be re-elected, <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2951855/Nasa-Evidence-of-life-on-mars.html">life could be discovered on Mars</a>, I don't care. But Steve Carell cannot, must not, <a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/36837588/ns/today-entertainment/">leave The Office</a>.<br /><br />Is there no God? And, if there is, in what world is this just?Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-65011514193544980762010-04-17T14:20:00.002-05:002010-04-17T14:24:01.268-05:00Barrett for representativeScroo-Loo and I attended the GOP endorsing convention this morning and I am happy to report that <a href="http://lesenfantterrible.blogspot.com/2010/02/weve-had-teaparty-since-2005.html">Bob Barrett</a> won the party nomination for district 17B. Don Taylor and Russ Goudge were gracious enough to throw their support to Bob, which put him over the top against Sheldon Anderson.<br /><br />It was a good learning experience and we were pleased it turned out the way it did.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-33413442043073678072010-04-15T20:35:00.002-05:002010-04-15T20:44:44.375-05:00And so it begins...Scroo-Loo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_392X27diH2w/S8e_OF5YZ2I/AAAAAAAAAVs/fUzYBUYB9NI/s1600/First+fishing+trip+2010.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 373px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_392X27diH2w/S8e_OF5YZ2I/AAAAAAAAAVs/fUzYBUYB9NI/s400/First+fishing+trip+2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460543322031941474" border="0" /></a> and GD<sup>4</sup> enjoyed the sunshine this afternoon out on Little Lake, the first fishing trip of the season. Not a single nibble on this day, but no one seemed to mind.<br /><br />For me, the primary reason for the trip was to make sure Johnson was running smoothly. In that regard, the trip could only be characterized as a smashing success.<br /><br />Since the fish weren't biting though, I did find the time to take this picture and send it to Boz with the caption "Eat your heart out."<br /><br />I didn't hear anything back until I got home, where this message awaited me: "Just wanted you to know that my thoughts are of you...dying a horrible, painful death."<br /><br />My, my. Such hostility.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-3655370172941062692010-04-06T17:43:00.000-05:002010-04-06T17:43:00.297-05:00Sissy fraud<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX0PSoCTFas&feature=player_embedded">I tuned into this clip</a> to listen to Obama stumble to try and name a single ChiSox player - the team he professes to absolutely adore. While you listen to him avoid that subject, watch him throw one of the worst pitches I have ever seen:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tX0PSoCTFas&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tX0PSoCTFas&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-15100308429577281382010-03-30T07:11:00.000-05:002010-03-30T10:20:38.124-05:00More cuckooProfessor James Lovelock is prepared to do <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/mar/29/james-lovelock-climate-change">whatever it takes to fight the war on global warming</a>:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Even the best democracies agree that when a major war approaches, democracy must be put on hold for the time being. I have a feeling that climate change may be an issue as severe as a war. It may be necessary to put democracy on hold for a while."</span><br /><br />Climate change, thus far, is a "war" without a single casualty, or even potential casualty (unless you believe people are too stupid to move when the ocean theoretically slowly encroaches on the shore line). Nevertheless, Lovelock is prepared to ash can the greatest hope of man until his "war" is won; a war in which<a href="http://lesenfantterrible.blogspot.com/search/label/hiding%20the%20decline"> the enemy is harder to define with each passing day</a>.<br /><br />James Hansen, look out. <a href="http://lesenfantterrible.blogspot.com/2009/03/megafruitcake.html">You got competition</a>.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11906195.post-36632601075173536032010-03-26T07:23:00.000-05:002010-03-26T11:56:42.849-05:00Goose; meet ganderListening to the Dems <a href="http://wcbstv.com/local/white.powder.anthony.2.1590058.html">whine about angry people</a> is kind of funny. I don't remember them having such a big problem with it historically. <a href="http://www.binscorner.com/pages/d/death-threats-against-bush-at-protests-i.html">Enjoy this stroll down memory lane</a>.Teapartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17500545513437718668noreply@blogger.com0