Sunday Music

Stevie Wonder - "Superstition". Continue Reading

Quote of the Day

Scaling down the scope of government is the political challenge of the next generation

Found here, via Instapundit.

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New Link on Left

Linky picture over there for the Second Amendment Foundation.

You can get yours at Joe Huffman's place.


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Kaveman Reads the Leaves

Reading tea leaves is a good post about how the Brady Bunch may proceed going forward. I have to say, it makes sense to me (emphasis mine):

The Brady Bunch isn’t stupid.

[snip]

What they need is a fresh face with a clean slate and a sympathetic story to pluck the heart strings.

Enter Colin Goddard; survivor of Virginia Tech after being shot 4 times.

People under the age of 35 don’t remember the assassination attempt on Reagan or who Jim Brady even is and the BC knows their only hope is to co-opt the next generation of youth to support their cause.

That's what I'd do, if I were them.

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Quote of the Day

From Robb Allen's post Fine. Straight R’s it is

This election cycle we need to remove the Democrats from power. The next cycle, we need to remove the Republicans who don’t get the message this time that people are fed up with the government constantly going well outside of its bounds set forth in that document the Democrats so blithely dismiss.

I am very, very close to voting straight R's myself, although there is one Independent I am looking hard at.

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Titan Thoughts Week 7 - The I Can't Wait to See the Power Rankings This Week Edition

My Beloved Titans are now 5-2 after toying with floundering for three quarters and then coming alive and spanking the Eagles 37-19. Before I get started, a few observations, linkage and assorted stuff:

Brett Favre is very likely done with football. If he were anybody else, he'd have been done once some gal accused him of sending her pics of his schmeckel over the phone. I haven't commented on that because, as much as I despise Favre, I won't pile on this kind of story until it's proven. It's too easy to target famous people these days. If it is true, I'll have to put my comments below the fold, because they most definitely will not be safe for work.

Tony Romo and the Cowboys are done for the season. Romo and company were about the only team picked to beat us so far this year, mainly because they are, and have been, one of the most overrated teams this decade. I used to like the 'Boys, but Jerry Jones has passed Al Davis as the biggest owner/hindrance to his team. He's almost another Dan Snyder.

Now, the Titans blog post title of the week: From Spunky Underdogs to Title Contenders (CJ Smiles
 That says in a nutshell, why I can't wait to see the Power Rankings this week. Sure, it's all BS, and more of a gauge on how the sportswriters respect us than anything else, but still, I want to see what they say.
 
As for last Sunday's game, I have to say, right off the bat, I didn't think we were going to win that one. The offense was flat, the run game wasn't working, and Collins was taking too much time to throw the ball, and wasn't getting the protection he needed.

Don't get me wrong, Kerry was the best option for that game, as Vince was still hobbled and wouldn't have been able to elude the rush the Eagles were throwing at us. They were blitzing constantly, not respecting the passing game whatsoever.

That worked fine for the half, but something happened in the second - Kenny Britt happened. Make no mistake, it was all Britt, all the time. Collins just had to get it close and Britt would haul it in. The Eagles, a franchise around since the 1930's, had never given up as many yards to a receiver as Kenny got that day.

So, what does that mean for our future opponents? It means they'll have to add Britt to their growing list of players to be concerned about. Not only will this open up the running game, but it will also open up other receivers. They can't spy Vince, CJ and double team Britt all at the same time. If they do, it leaves either Nate Washington of Bo Scaife wide open.

Sounds good to me.

One more thing, that bodes well for us going forward: We haven't even put a complete game together. The secret to going to the Super Bowl is peaking at the right time. The Steelers proved that a couple years ago by winning the Super Bowl from the Wild Card Slot. Granted, doing that is not as unusual as it used to be, but it shows that hitting your peak at the right time is paramount. The flipside of that coin would have to be the Patriots, who lost the Super Bowl after going undefeated the entire season. Peaked just a tad too early.

One the defensive side, it was nice to seen Marks back in the rotation, and it was doubly nice to see Finnegan get his first INT of the year and return it for 6. It's also nice to see that Alterraun Verner keeps making plays. Even better, ATV making plays results in Dave Ball making statements:

“He (Verner) is like a little ferret,” DE Dave Ball said. “There’s a hole he dug into and came up on the other side and he was able to grab it.”

From the same post, this:

“They’ve got a really good scheme to protect the quarterback. Some plays it’s like running through a hedge maze. You’ve got a clown popping out on the right side, a BMW on the left side. Then you have to run over the sprinklers. It’s hard trying to get there.”

Nutty-quote go-to guy, indeed. Although, in my experience, clowns and BMW's do show up together from time to time.

Not much to say about special teams this week, as both kickers were booting into and through the endzone all game long. Mariani did fine on punt returns, and did break off one long one. He's a stud returner.

Off to San Diego next Sunday. Those guys usually give us a hard time, we'd best not take them lightly.

Cross posted at Music City Miracles.

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Blogging Later

Unexpected turn of events has me busy

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Sunday Music

I heard this song on the local public access radio the other day:



Great Big Sea "Gallows Pole". Continue Reading

Another Case of "The Disconnect"

A fundamental difference in worldview:

no "creator" granted ANY right...rights are granted by governments...

Don't bother talking to this guy, he's beyond help.

What I would like is for y'all to read my stumbling attempt at explaining "rights" and see how I can improve. It's at the link.

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Defund NPR

It's not often I agree with Mike Huckabee:

In the wake of NPR's firing of contributor Juan Williams over comments about Muslims, Mike Huckabee is calling on the next Congress to cut the radio network's funding when it convenes next year.

Huckabee said he "will no longer accept interview requests from NPR as long as they are going to practice a form of censorship, and since NPR is funded with public funds, it is a form of censorship."

Cries of censorship come anytime somebody is denied their time on the soapbox. Most of the time it's bullshit, but ol' Huck has a point. The government can't engage in censorship, therefore, it should deny funding to NPR.

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Now starting at quarterback for the Tennessee Titans … Rusty Smith?

So asks the Nashville City Paper.

It’s not likely, but the rookie out of Florida Atlantic did all the work Wednesday during an abbreviated workout because Vince Young and Kerry Collins did not participate because of injuries.

My prediction? QB order on Sunday will be Collins, Smith and Young. I think the Titan party line of Young as having a "slight sprain" is gamesmanship on their part. Young might not see the field again till after the bye week.

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The First Reasonable Argument Against (State) Constitutional Carry

By "reasonable" I mean "has a valid point":

This is simply a bad idea and would put TN HCP holders at a disadvantage in other states. My TN HCP allows me to carry is most other states, without it I could not legally carry outside of TN.

How do we address this person's concerns?

Found in comments here, right above mine. Yeah, I got kinda pissy. Wanted to stir the pot a bit.

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Quote of the Day

This one from Lyle:

"I disagree with the fact that..." is saying you disagree with something while acknowledging it as fact, which is simply another way of saying you're crazy.

LOL

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Titan Thoughts - Week 6

It was a game only a Titan fan could love, I guess. Not much to say about Defense or Special teams that hasn't been said before - really, really good. Again.

I imagine the only chatter this week is what to do about Vince Young's injury. We still don't know how bad it is, although Vince didn't need crutches last night, which is a good sign*.

What we do know is we have the best back up QB in football** in Kerry Collins.

We also know we don't have another Division game till after the bye week.

We also know we have five Division games in six weeks to close out the season (whose bright idea was that, anyway?)

So, knowing all this, should Vince Young play before the bye week if he's anything less than 100% ?

Hell no.

Sit Vince till after the bye. He'll have two non Division games to get tuned up, then we go into the meat grinder that is our last six weeks.

The one non division game in that time? The Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead. In December.

We'll need everybody at the top of their game if we're to make the playoffs this year. Sit Vince now, for the future.

Cross posted at Music City Miracles

* all that follows is predicated on VY having a minor injury that will need a week or two to heal.

**the Mike Vick/Kevin Kolb situation doesn't count. Neither of them are backup QBs. Continue Reading

I Did Not Know This

Roethlisberger considered quitting NFL

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said in an interview screened Thursday that he considered walking away from the NFL as he struggled to come to terms with sexual assault allegations made against him.

Funny, when Big Ben talks like that, it's no big deal, but when Vince Young said it (in 2008), it was a "maturity issue", and talked about to this day.

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Quote of the Day

I was laughing even before reading this:

So my Protip of the day is: If you’re running for office, it’s probably not a good idea to have an argument at a Second Amendment Rally with a guy behind the table for the state gun rights organization about gun laws.

It's like some people interpret the law according to how they think it should be, instead of what it is.

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What Happened to MadRocketScientist's blog?

UPDATE, from the Rocket Surgeon himself:

I shut it down and hung my slab over at Random Nuclear Strikes

 

www.softgreenglow.com

 I must have missed the memo.

.........
Hacked, or is he just changing focus?

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CMP Update

LATEST CMP SALES NEWS:


WINCHESTER SERVICE GRADE M1 GARAND. The CMP now has several hundred Winchester M1 Garand rifles for sale. Please visit http://www.thecmp.org/m1garand.htm . Item number is RM1WRAS. Price is $795 plus $22.95 S&H.

CMP SALES AT THE 2010 WESTERN CMP GAMES. The Western CMP Games and Creedmoor Cup Match combine to offer an unprecedented nine-day series of clinics, recreation-oriented "as-issued" military rifle matches and national-class service and match rifle competitions with the best highpower rifle shooters in the country. The event will take place 16-24 October at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, Phoenix, AZ. The Official Program and on-line registration are posted at http://www.odcmp.com/competitions/westerngames.htm. M1 Garand rifles will be available for selection and subsequent purchase. Memorabilia, new rifle barrels, gun cases, bayonets, rifle stocks, and ammunition will be available for immediate purchase.

M1 CARBINES SOLD OUT. The CMP is now sold out of M1 carbines except for the few we will still be selling on our auction program. http://auction.odcmp.com/auctions/index.asp. At this time, we have no reason to expect to receive any additional quantities of carbines.

CMP LOGO RIFLE HARD CASES. CMP has purchased a large quantity of rifle cases for single scoped rifles. Until inventory of these cases is exhausted, M1 Garands will be shipped in one of these cases at no extra charge. Cases are MADE IN THE USA for CMP. Case is made of GI green molded plastic & features a patented PillarLock system for extra strength and crush resistance. Each case is custom molded w/ CMP logo on each side. Interior foam rubber is of special dimensions to hold your rifle extra snugly. Case also features four black contoured recessed latches, padlock points, steel hinge pins& a molded handle. Case is large enough to hold one Garand, 1903 Springfield, 1917 Enfield or a 1898 Krag rifle. These cases are also available for purchase. See item PC006 under the Equipment & Accessories tab on the eStore. $30 + $10.95 S&H. https://estore.odcmp.com/Store/login/login.aspx.

ESTORE CREDIT CARD CHARGING CHANGES. Currently, CMP does not charge credit cards until a few days before actual shipment. This applies to eStore orders also. Beginning before the end of October, we plan to modify eStore to automatically process the order and charge the card at time order is placed. This will result in eStore orders being shipped within 1-2 workdays after order is placed.

WWII ERA BAYONETS COMING SOON. Before the end of November, 2010 CMP will have the WWII era M1 model (10") bayonets for sale in the stores and on the eStore. Prices are not yet set, but these bayonets will be priced very reasonably.

COMMERCIAL GAS TRAP KIT AVAILABLE. As a service to our customers, we are forwarding information received from Rat Worx (Research and Testing Worx, Inc.) of Mt. Morris, Illinois. Newly-manufactured, fully-shootable gas trap front end kits for the M1 Garand rifle are now available. According to their Web site (www.ratworxusa.com), these gas trap parts are manufactured from the original 1937-40 U.S. Government drawings. Each part is fully interchangeable with 1937-40 production components.

CMP iPHONE APP NOW AVAILABLE. CMP is the official app for keeping score at Civilian Marksmanship Program sponsored shooting events. It features an easy to use interface that allows for quick recording of your score after each string. The CMP app calculates your shooting percentages automatically to let you know how you are doing throughout the event. You can also enter notes and record conditions so that you have a permanent record of details of each event. The CMP app is designed for both the iPhone and iPad. This application is sponsored and endorsed by the Civilian Marksmanship Program and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this software are donated to the CMP. To view and purchase the CMP app, please visit http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cmp/id379873392?mt=8#.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM – ANNISTON. We have reinstituted the volunteer program at Anniston. For details, please see http://www.thecmp.org/volunteers.htm.

M14 KITS STILL AVAILABLE. We still have a few of the M14 parts grade A kits available for purchase. Kit includes every semi-auto part except barrel, bolt and receiver. Metallic parts will show signs of use and may have some minor rust or pitting. Stocks may have some dents and dings and minor cracks. Stocks may be walnut, hardwood, or synthetic. Item number is PSM1AKIT. Price is $600 per kit plus $22.95 S&H per kit. Please see https://estore.odcmp.com/store/catalog/catalog.aspx?pg=catalogList&cat=PAS

Thank you for your continued support.

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Compare

That was then, this is now:

You see, "Col Reb" was inappropriate, because he was a mean old plantation owner and slave trader, according to some people, so he had to go.

I always thought he was a southern stereotype caricature, but what do I know?

I hope KFC doesn't get caught up in this mess....

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Private Voytek

Everyone, meet Wojtek (Voytek) the Soldier Bear.

The bear loved smoking cigarettes, drank beer right out of the bottle like a regular infantryman, and got a kick out of wrestling and play-fighting with the other soldiers.  Of course, he was the most badass asskicking wrester in the entire company, thanks in part to the fact that he grew to be six feet tall, weighed roughly five hundred pounds, and could knock small trees over with a single swing of his massive, clawed paw. 

Yes, it's a true story. Thanks to Breda for the pointer.

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Memphis Beer News

Yuengling Nears Purchase of Memphis Plant 

D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc., one of the fastest-growing U.S. beer makers, is close to acquiring a former Coors plant in Memphis, Tenn., to help the company meet rising demand and increase distribution beyond the eastern U.S.

It's pronounced "YING ling", by the way.

Thanks to Lew Bryson for the pointer

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True Grit

This could be good:




Thanks to The Sniper for the pointer.

On a side note, Johnny Cash's version of "God's Gonna Cut You Down" sure is getting a lot of airplay these days. Continue Reading

Quote of the Day

This one from Kevin Baker on why most gun haters think of penises when they see a gun:

And what is it with you people and penis size? If you believe that gun owners own guns to compensate for the size of their wedding tackle, does your desire to disarm everyone mean you want yours cut off?

Could be, Kevin, could be.

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There's Gold Lead and Brass in Them Thar Hills!

Or, in this case, Wal Mart:

That's .380, folks. 100 rounds of JHP goodness. First I've seen since Inauguration Day. I got the only box.

Image courtesy of Gilbert's Guns

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Titan Thoughts - Week 5

Bullet format this time!

• 3-2 baybee!
• Thank goodness Jeff Fisher has overcome his tendency to sit rookies, regardless of their talent level. Mariani, Verner and D. Williams made huge contributions to our win yesterday.
• Watching Mariani return kicks makes me think "Pacman who?"
• Two weeks in a row we've come out flat in the second half. Gotta fix that.
• Last week we couldn't rebound, this time we did, against a better opponent. Losing to Denver sucks even more now.
• Our Defense rocks, no doubt about it. Six sacks, three INT's. Awesome.
• The O line played much, much better than they have been, but played flat in the beginning of the second half. Gotta fix that.
• Both of our centers were hurt yesterday. I seem to remember a veteran center out there who is familiar with our team. Maybe we should look him up?
• Same on the D line. We've been getting hurt. I wonder if there are any disgruntled former Titan linemen out there that might want to come back?
• Nice to see CJ break a few decent runs again. Line play was the key.
• Speaking of CJ, he has a pretty good vertical leap. =)
• Congrats to Alterraun Verner for getting his first INT. Damn near made it a pick 6. Next time, ATV, next time.
• Next up, Jacksonville on Monday night, in Jacksonville. Not a guaranteed win by any means. One thing to note, this is the first of our division games. I'm kinda glad we had these few weeks to iron out some kinks in our gameplan. Now let's hope we can stay healthy till bye week.

Cross posted at Music City Miracles.
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Tools To Consider For Your SHTF Plan

Today, M.D. Creekmore brings us Tools To Consider For Your SHTF Plan posted by Chad H.

It's a good list, including things like a Halligan Tool and PW can.

As with any list, the following applies:

your personal needs will determine what tools you should have

Stay safe, stay ready.

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Here's a 10-10 I can get with!

As today is 10-10-10, it must be time for Stone Brewing to roll out it annual Vertical Epic Ale, from what I've read, Stone's brewmaster has gone a little crazy with this one:

That said, Stone 10.10.10 Vertical Epic Ale is mighty tasty right out of the gate. Fermented with the legendary Ardennes strain of Belgian yeast, 10.10.10 is a Belgian Strong Pale Ale brewed with pale malt and triticale (a cross of wheat and rye), hopped with German Perle hops, and steeped with chamomile during the whirlpool stage. In secondary fermentation, we added a juice blend of Muscat, Gewurztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties.

In my experience, the more "stuff" you add to the brew, the less likely it will be any good. I still remember my first Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout.  It wasn't very good.

But, having been to the Stone brewery (hoping to go back soon) and sampled many, many of their beers, I'm holding out hope for this one. These beers are limited production, and we here in TN don't usually see much of this, but I'm resourceful. I'll find some, you betcha.

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Sunday Music

Santana's album Abraxas turned 40 last month. Here's a couple to mark the occasion:

First, a rocker:



Then, a pretty one:




"I Hope You're Feeling Better" and "Samba Pa Ti" by Santana. Continue Reading

Quote of the Day

I keep wondering whether the existence of homosexuality is proof that God hates Fred Phelps.

Sounds good to me. Found at Instapundit.

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Changes to the Change

Remember this post, where McDonald's was possibly dropping its; health plan? Looks like they won't have to now:

McDonald's, 29 other firms get health care coverage waivers

Nearly a million workers won't get a consumer protection in the U.S. health reform law meant to cap insurance costs because the government exempted their employers.
 ...
Without waivers, companies would have had to provide a minimum of $750,000 in coverage next year, increasing to $1.25 million in 2012, $2 million in 2013 and unlimited in 2014.
 ....
"The big political issue here is the president promised no one would lose the coverage they've got," says Robert Laszewski, chief executive officer of consulting company Health Policy and Strategy Associates. "Here we are a month before the election, and these companies represent 1 million people who would lose the coverage they've got."

Wow, this is one major clusterfuck.

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Nashville Losing a Gun Shop?

Judge’s ruling may shut down Nashville gun shop

A U.S. District Court judge for the Middle District of Tennessee last Friday ruled in favor of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, which argued that Gun City had “willfully” violated the Gun Control Act.
....

What eventually led to the revoked license was an ATF compliance inspection between January and May of 2008 that turned up “numerous violations” such as failing to record “acquisition and disposition” records of 1,067 firearms, failing to report multiple sales to individuals, failing to properly document background check information, and failing to properly complete Firearms Transaction Record forms.

The first one looks serious, but the others are too general. Did they fail to "properly complete Firearms Transaction  Record forms" by putting a "y" where the word "yes" was supposed to be?

Comments there haven't shed any light, but some aren't too broke up about losing the place.

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Quote of the Day

This one by David Kopel, re: the National Republican Rifle Association emphasis mine:

Civil liberties organizations which tie themselves exclusively to one party put liberty at risk. In a two-party system, it is inevitable that each party will dominate some of the time. Civil liberties are safer in the long run when they have friends in both parties, and when those friends know that civil liberty organizations will reciprocate their support, especially during tough elections.

Is it really that simple? Yes, it is.

h/t - Instapundit

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Newsflash - Liberal Heads Exploding All Over West Tennessee

Via the Commercial Squeal:

In a surprise move, the National Rifle Association has endorsed Democrat Roy Herron over Republican Stephen Fincher in the race for West Tennessee’s 8th Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. John Tanner, a Democrat.

So, Democrats/Progressives/Liberals, are you going to vote for the NRA lackey, or the Republican?


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Titan Thoughts - Week 4

Before I start, I'd like to say this: Kyle Orton, get the sand outta your panties. Just because you got to know the Titans' turf up-close-and-personal, it doesn't mean you have to cry like a preschooler who lost his binky.

Now, off to the game.

The Titans looked pretty good early on, however the second half wasn't near as good as the first. Why is that? Well, on defense, it was because they were on the field too long. Yes, it's early in the season, and yes, there's a real nice rotation going on, but when they are on the field for over 10 more minutes of playing time, well, they're only human.

Speaking of defense, we lost two linemen to injury yesterday. Haven't heard how bad they are, but it does ratchet up the "Get Haynesworth back" chatter again. I hope they do, not only to help us, but to poke Dan Snyder, who seems to think money can buy a championship.

Speaking of getting somebody back, how many people are wondering if letting Kevin Mawae go was a good idea now? Our O-line is getting blowed the hell up at times, and can't open a hole for CJ to save their lives. Funny how Ringer can get an opening, but CJ can't. Hmm ..... how about we put both Ringer and CJ in the backfield at the same time? Couldn't hurt.

I'm also trying to figure out why our passing game is non-existent. At least in the second half, VY completed two of four passes in the third quarter, and two of four* in the fourth. It seems to me that the coaches are not comfortable with VY, although to me, he makes plenty of good plays in the passing game.

I'm not going to say much about Mariani except he's a future superstar who made a rookie mistake.

I'm not going to say much about Alterraun Verner except he's a future superstar who make a fine showing in his first start. I would still like to see McCourty out there and Verner in the nickel, but hat's just me.

All in all, we lost a game we should have won, and now the schedule gets tough and doesn't let up. If we do make the playoffs this year, we will have earned it, that's for sure.


* I'm not counting the three Hail Marys at the end of the game. Continue Reading

Titan Thoughts later

In the meantime, head over to Sports in the 615 and read The Titans’ Sixer: The running game is MIA

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Sunday Music

"Hurry Sundown" - Outlaws. Continue Reading

Looks Like Kuharsky Does Have it in for Vince Young

Why do I say that? Please read the following:

Fisher’s not going to criticize his quarterback [VY] in public because he knows it would hurt the quarterback’s fragile confidence. Heck, he never criticized McNair who was at the complete opposite end of the toughness spectrum.

So, he never criticized McNair. He also never criticized Collins, Smith, Ramsay, O'Donnell, Mauck, Simms, or even Volek*, but he never criticized Young because of his "fragile confidence"? Sounds to me like he doesn't criticize his players because it's unprofessional and counterproductive to team cohesion. So, why the dig at Young?

Your bias is showing, Paul.

* Calling someone a liar in so may words isn't criticism, is it? Continue Reading

Yeah, I'd Vote for Him

John Bolton "Very Seriously" Considering 2012

This morning he waded further into the subject, telling me he's "very seriously" contemplating a White House run in 2012 and that he's begun consulting with high-level campaign operatives to discuss feasibility and logistics.

Fear the 'stache!


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