text:
Reader comments are listed below. Comments are currently closed and new comments are no longer being accepted.
"Not Mr Brown's fault that his succession was followed by a dip in the impressively consistent economic growth"? Is the author of this piece drunk or derranged?
Gordon Brown had the dumb luck to be in the right place at the right time when he took over as Chancellor. He was handed a gift. What did he do? Instigated a massive splurge in public spending, bleeding the productive in the private sector and chucking it at the public sector without the slightest effort at reform and without a thought to demanding any kind of return on investment. Well, it's easy to overlook such details when you're dishing out largesse from other people's money to people you expect to vote for you, isn't it?!
At least the author goes on to note that it was also Gordon Brown who came up with the system of deliberately dis-jointed oversight that led to the Northern Rock fiasco. But how does that sit with it "not being his fault"?
And all the UK readers will know that no one talks more about listening than Mr Brown - precisely the one man who has never listened to anything anyone has to say!! There isn't a more obdurate, stubborn, pig-headed, determinedly-deaf-to-the-world man amongst all the whole corrupt, greedy, nose-in-the-trough lot that are the selfish, avaricious pigs that are New Labour.
If Alan Sugar, the boss from "The Apprentice", had any words for Gordon Brown, they'd be: "You're fired!" ... and he would have dismissed the person responsible.
I would appreciate knowing what precisely the NewLab government did to enable the "impressively consistent economic growth over which, as chancellor, he presided" . I am quite unable to figure which of the disastrous policies created the economic environment which Brown is given credit for. On the other hand I believe that NewLab squandered an impressive economic legacy brought about by the reforms of the 80s.
"Otherwise, he will go down in history as the worst sort of political failure: the sort who schemes to get a job and then has no idea what to do with it." Cf Australia's Paul Keating, a reforming Treasurer but appalling Prime Minister, who did lasting damage to his ALP party and the country by stealing an election he should have lost through lies and an unfounded but effective fear campaign. It took almost 15 years for the ALP to recover and regain government, and they have not yet proved worthy of it. (But Keating, ever-arrogant, still thinks he's the greatest.)
As usual a great succinct article. History is likely to show that from his first disastrous raid on UK pension funds to the reversal of his own introduction of a 10% lower income tax band Gordon Brown's tenure as Chancellor was an unmitigated disaster. Claiming to start a 'debate' on the future and funding of the National Health Service some years ago, he promptly ignored all views contrary to his own and set upon his trademark of pouring taxpayers money into his own 'solutions' to this and many other failed initiatives and reforms. The cost to the country is enormous and his disastrous legacy will be felt for many years to come.Gordon Brown, for all his talk of listening and learning when he became Prime Minister and after last week's deservedly atrocious local elections results, has never in 10 years practised this commendable ambition. Were he to do so he would now listen to what is obvious to everybody but himself and do the honourable thing by resigning before his failures as Chancellor are repeated in his hopefully short tenure as Prime Minister.
whose idea was that - the picture in this article? Mmmmm...
We do not have a Presidential system of government in Britain so Gordon Brown cannot be blamed for being "unelected". Nobody complained when John Major,Jim Callaghan,Alec Douglas Home etc etc assumed office in mid Parliament.The real tragedy is that Gordon Brown was not the PM in in 1997. Lacking Blair·s charisma,the Labour election victories would have been less impressive but the government would have been more solid and the benefits to the country longer lasting.I am still not convinced that the Conservatives will win the next election. Do we really want another Blair type figure in Downing Street?
Wasn't it the said Gordon Brown who stuffed the Public sectorfuller than a foie gras goose? Wasn't he also responsible for raiding our pensions and selling our gold at a knock down price? Didn't he and his cohorts oversee Labour's stewardship of the NHS with a reckless profligacy that saw an overspend on salaries of 610 million and yet a questionable improvement in standards? During his chancellorship were not billions and billions of taxpayers money lavished on state schools and yet over 40% still left without obtaining at least a grade C in English. Didn't Gordon Brown's self-acclaimed tax credit system dissolve into farce with overpayments that in one year alone totted up to over one and a half billion? I could go on and on but suffice to say that whilst, even without the added luxury of hindsight, it seems obvious that Tony Blair hijacked the Labour Party purely for his own ends then does not every new day in office bear witness to the fact that Gordon Brown has hijacked himself.
What exactly do you mean by public sector reform? I always feel uncomfortable when I hear this phrase used with such confidence. Blair's reforms to schools resulted on the ground not in greater flexibility but greater bureaucracy and waste. I taught in one of England's top comprehensive schools between 1998 and 2003. During that time the deputy head in charge of pupils' welfare and discipline spent at least a day a week applying for public money; one science teacher went on a half timetable in order to lead a specialist college bid; half the staff took a whole professional development day to apply for an already-deserved payrise; and a dozen of us spent weeks working on website few will ever visit in order to justify beacon school status. As a result, public money that could have been released in into the system straightaway was tied up in funds, and teachers who should have been getting on with the job wasted time applying for money they needed immediately. I can imagine that in the private sector an unregulated market is startlingly efficient; in the public sector market reforms are simply too artificial and get in the way of the job.
Gordon Brown is the U.K's Paul Martin. Like Paul Martin (briefly prime minister of Canada) Gordon Brown was the number two in the government for many years - both of them held the finance job. Both Gord & Paul were the alleged genuises, the true reasons for their government's success. Both of them conspired over many years to replace the popular but in their opinion and the opinion of their sizeable followings, the light weight prime miniter. Both of them finally succeeded and once having the prime minister's job proved to be invariably clumsy, politically dumb and usually ineffective. The light weights (Blair and Chretien) were far smarter politicians all along.
The term 'unelected' in the opening par gives an unsympathetic spin to what one might have hoped to be a balanced assessment. In a democracy, calling someone in power unelected is tantamount to calling them a tyrant. Is that what you believe? Is Gordon Brown not accountable to those he governs?Every member of the cabinet is 'unelected' in the sense you mean, as its membership is not determined by the outcome of a general election. Indeed, the entire government (as well the monarch in whose name it serves) is 'unelected'; always has been. Are you calling for the election of PMs rather than/as well as MPs? Are you saying Gordon Brown did something wrong by accepting the post, or Tony Blair by resigning it?
Gordon Brown. We had a finance minister just like by the name of Paul Martin. He too pushed out a sitting Prime Minister too. And the he lost the next election. Good bye Paul. Good bye Gordon. It takes more to be Prime Minister than to be just a Minister.(from Canada)
rwordsmith from NZ, trust me, there's no debate going on here. You can't get anyone from the ruling party on TV except for a speech. You don't see them interviewed - unless, of course, it's by a tame interviewer following wholesale slaughter at the local elections ... and even then it's all a set piece with questions supplied by the Prime Minister.
As for social values, our government has none. They've been handing out contraceptive and morning after pills to teenage girls - and probably even pre-teen - without the knowledge or approval of their parents for years. You've got a long way to fall before you've got it this bad. I hope for your sakes, that doesn't happen.
On the "unelected" front: I could have sworn I remember the double-act campaign of Labour's. It went along the lines of "two for the price of one" with Tony Blair and Gordon Brown (feigning?) jovial friendship at every campaign stop.
It will, however, be interesting to see the effect of Mayor Johnson on the Conservative party's fortunes.
The article mentions a "badly designed regulatory system" - isn't this the same regime which has presided over London's unprecedented boom, cementing its place as the financial capital of Europe and quite possibly that of the world too? Once again, completely unfounded comments from an Economist article...
"Sulwe" asks the question "What is wrong with having a serious person as your head of govt?" Nothing, as long as the serious person is competent; unfortunately ours isn't! Nobody makes mistakes intentionally. I welcomed the serious, businesslike, spin-lacking approach exhibited by Gordon Brown when he came to office. My hopes were high but have since been dashed, by all the examples listed in the article. I doubt he can recover.
"Britain is not being overtly misgoverned"???
Madams and Sirs at the Economist, you surpass yourselves in ironic understatement (you weren't being serious, right?)
Not since the John Major days have we witnessed such incompetence - in the police force it would no doubt be called institutional incompetence - but Brown appears to have feet and perhaps even a brain of clay.
The fracas of the 10 pence tax scandal is surely not over. I understand the borrowing of 2.7 billion of Peter the taxpayer (and his mum, Polly the pensioner) to pay Paul the pitiful earner will be only for a year.
So what happens next year, and the year after? Surely we return to the crass situation of making the poor worse off once again and so Frank Field - perhaps the only intelligent political being in Britain - will be on the warpath again?
In addition, it seems the banks can be given billions of our money - but to those of us normal Joes who miss a couple of mortgage payments or take a hit on negative equity the price to us could be a visit from the bailiffs.
To cap it all off, we apparently can't afford to equip our armed forces, can't extradite terrorists to certain Arab countries, can't prosecute assorted drug users (especially if some go on to be ministers) and issue community orders to perpetrators of knife crime!
Then, when the price of council tax, food, housing, petrol inter alia doubles in a decade we worry that inflation has reached, oh, about three percent. Well, if it's the official figure - much beloved of journalists (I am one) then it MUST be right!
If that isn't misgovernment then I'm Chairman Mao's grandfather and the European Union is a democratic institution whose member peoples are allowed to vote on Treaties! (On that score, Ireland, I salute you.)
What planet are you on this week?
(Ok, Major's lot were worse..)
Whether Brown is doomed or not is unimportant. What is important is the damage that he and current politicians of all shades of opinion have done to democracy. By their inability to provide good governance they have undermined confidence in the constitutional structure of democracy and in doing so have opened Pandora's box.
....The article mentions a "badly designed regulatory system" - isn't this the same regime which has presided over London's unprecedented boom, cementing its place as the financial capital of Europe and quite possibly that of the world too?.....
Are you saying that in order for London to be the preeminent financial centre we needed a bad regulatory regime?
I think there are many reasons why London is in the position it is, aspects of the regulatory regime included, but your position is lightweight to say the least.
The good side of the regulatory system = Relatively light touch
The bad side of the regulatory system = Unclear responsibilities.
The two are not necessarily connected.
Labour's debacle in the UK is viewed here on the far side of the globe as forerunner of the defeat staring NZ Labour in the face before year's end in a General Election likely to be delayed till the last lawful date by PM Helen Clark, who must now be fearing the inevitable. If Gordon Brown has wrought changes under the guise of "starting a debate" he has done slightly better than the ruling leftist regime running our lives here, which makes no pretence of debating its social engineering plans before implementing them. This arrogance is fast-generating revenge from a resentful electorate. As Government next year the National (conservative) party will have its work cut out returning NZ to social values that have suffered attack from anti-smacking laws, a stranglehold on election advertising and, this week, free supply of the morning-after pill to young girls.
@ Serf:
"Are you saying that in order for London to be the preeminent financial centre we needed a bad regulatory regime?"
Serf, I think you have completely misunderstood my comment. Of course I am NOT say this. What I was saying was, if the UK financial regulatory regime is so "badly designed", how come London is such a leading financial centre, i.e. I am questioning the assertion that the regulatory system is "badly designed"...
Emerging markets: Predicting the next crisis
Free exchange
Nuclear talks with Iran: Distrust and verify
Middle East and Africa
Scientology film: Hammering at the walls
Nigeria's election: A powder keg
Graphic detail
The first televised "debate": Why the prime minister resisted
This week's issue: South Korea's economy, a riposte to Piketty and...
Free exchange
The Economist explains: Why Singapore became an economic success
The Economist explains
Have you listened to The Economist Radio on Facebook?
The Economist Radio is an on-demand social listening platform that allows you to listen, share and recommend The Economist audio content
Test your EQ
Take our weekly news quiz to stay on top of the headlines
In Other Words
Try our new audio app and website, providing reporting and analysis from our correspondents around the world every weekday
Want more from The Economist?
Visit The Economist e-store and you'll find a range of carefully selected products for business and pleasure, Economist books and diaries, and much more


text:
A celebration of Matthews-Palmer Playground Saturday will farm ideas for a $1.8 million redesign.
Residents and parents of students at the Broadway Dance Center worry about three men living nearby.
Coming Soon
Get our daily Afternoon News Update
Terms of Use |Privacy Policy
Thank you for signing up!
Would you like to sign up for additional newsletters?
Thank you for signing up for additional newsletters.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
40 years in the making, new section of Tampa's Riverwalk opens today03/27/15 Blog
Tampa's newest section of the Riverwalk doesn't officially open until 5 p.m. today, but who could blame René Girven for going by early for a sneak peek?
"I live in the Element, and I've been watching this project since its inception," said Girven, 47, a regular walker and biker in downtown. Kept out by a single strand of yellow caution tape, she was tempted by the idea of a quick, unauthorized stroll....
Friday's sports on TV/radio03/26/15 TV and Radio
Arena Football Cleveland at Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m. 620-AM Autos Trucks: Kroger 250 practice 10 a.m. FS1 Sprint Cup: STP 500 practice noon FS1 Sprint Cup: STP 500 qualifying 4:30 p.m. FS1 F1: Malaysian Grand Prix qualifying 5 a.m. (Saturday) NBCSN Baseball, spring training Red Sox at Braves 1 p.m. ESPN Diamondbacks at Angels 4 p.m. MLB Mariners at Royals 9 p.m. MLB College baseball Cincinnati at USF 6:30 p.m. 1010-AM Mississippi at Arkansas 7 p.m. SEC Southern Miss at Rice 7 p.m. FS2 College basketball, NCAA Tournament South Region semifinal: UCLA vs. Gonzaga 7:15 p.m. Ch. 10; 1040-AM East Region semifinal: N.C. State vs. Louisville 7:35 p.m. TBS South Region semifinal: Utah vs. Duke 9:45 p.m. Ch. 10; 1040-AM East Region semifinal: Michigan State vs. Oklahoma 10:05 p.m. TBS College basketball, Women's NCAA Greensboro Region semifinal: North Carolina vs. South Carolina 7 p.m. ESPN Oklahoma City Region semifinal: Iowa vs. Baylor 7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Greensboro Region semifinal: Florida State vs. Arizona State 9:30 p.m. ESPN2 Oklahoma City Region semifinal: Stanford vs. Notre Dame 10 p.m. ESPN College basketball Division II women's final: California (Pa.) vs. California Baptist 8 p.m. CBSSN College hockey, Division I tournament Yale vs. Boston U 2 p.m. ESPNU Minnesota vs. Minnesota-Duluth 5:30 p.m. ESPNU Quinnipiac at North Dakota 8 p.m. ESPNU Golf PGA Europe: Hassan Trophy 7 a.m. Golf Champions: Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic noon Golf PGA: Valero Texas Open 3 p.m. Golf LPGA: Kia Classic 6 p.m. Golf NBA Pistons at Magic 7 p.m. FSF Trail Blazers at Suns 10 p.m. NBA Soccer Euro qualifier: Ukraine at Spain 3:30 p.m. ESPN2, ESPND Euro qualifier: England vs. Lithuania 3:30 p.m. FS2 Euro qualifier: Russia at Montenegro (taped) 5:45 p.m. ESPND Tennis Miami Open 7 p.m. Tennis
Armed robbery at Tampa food mart sends one victim to hospital03/26/15Crime
TAMPA — Police were investigating an armed robbery Thursday night at a Food Mart on Nebraska Avenue that sent one victim to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition.
Police responded to a call at the Nebraska Food Mart, 7508 N Nebraska Ave., at 9:50 p.m. and found an elderly man facedown in the parking lot.
Lt. Michael Stout said three men, two of them armed and wearing masks, walked into the store and found a clerk mopping the floor. One suspect pistol-whipped the clerk, Stout said. Together, the suspects emptied out three registers before fleeing. ...
Lightning falls to Predators03/26/15 Lightning Strikes
TAMPA — The Lightning felt it probably deserved a better fate in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Predators.
"Let's not kid ourselves. We played a good team, and we thought we were the better team," captain Steven Stamkos said.
For the most part, Tampa Bay was, holding the 100-point Predators to 19 shots. The Lightning had the puck for what coach Jon Cooper estimated was three-quarters of the game. It killed off five power plays, including a double minor....
Cedric Paquette returns for Lightning03/26/15 Lightning Strikes
TAMPA — C Cedric Paquette returned to the lineup Thursday, convinced the upper-body injury that has bothered him since February — and had sidelined him the previous six games — is behind him.
"I'm ready to go," Paquette said.
And, for at least one day, C Vladislav Namestnikov stayed with Tampa Bay, though coach Jon Cooper said that could change today. Namestnikov, on an emergency recall, has to be returned to AHL Syracuse or he'll be the third of four allotted post-trade-deadline callups. But with LW Brenden Morrow day to day with an upper-body injury, Namestnikov remained, playing in the 3-2 loss to the Predators and scoring....
Loretta Lynch attends investiture of top federal prosecutor in Tampa03/26/15Criminal
TAMPA — Lee Bentley has been on the job for 21 months as the region's top federal prosecutor and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in December, but Thursday delivered the fanfare.
U.S. attorney general nominee Loretta Lynch attended Bentley's ceremonial investiture as U.S. attorney for Florida's Middle District. It was an occasion marked by moments solemn and jovial.
Lynch didn't speak publicly but sat beside Bentley and his family in a room packed with judges, lawyers, law enforcement agents, and local dignitaries. ...
Shooting guard Shawn Smith transfers to USF03/26/15College
TAMPA — A day after confirming the departure of point guard Anthony Collins and low-post reserve Dre Clayton, USF announced Thursday that well-traveled shooting guard Shawn Smith transferred into the program.
A Jacksonville native, Smith (6 feet 4, 205 pounds) spent the 2013-14 season at Texas A&M before transferring to Lee College, averaging 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists for the junior college program on Houston's outskirts. He can play right away for the Bulls and will have two years of eligibility remaining....
2015 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg field03/26/15 Auto racing
Marco Andretti
No. 27 Honda
Andretti Autosport
Age: 28 Hometown: Nazareth, Pa.
Notable: His runnerup finish last season at Birmingham was the closest he got to ending a victory drought dating to 2011, and he was ninth in points. He led 20 laps in last year's Indianapolis 500 before finishing third.
Sebastien Bourdais
No. 11 Chevrolet...
Thousands in Pinellas County lose power Thursday03/26/15 Human Interest
More than 4,000 Duke Energy customers in the East Lake area lost power Thursday evening, according to the utility's online outage map.
Outages were reported just before 8 p.m., according to the site, and Duke Energy expected to reestablish power about 10 p.m. in some areas and 11:30 p.m. in others.
A reason for the outages was not provided, though the company said outages are most commonly caused by adverse weather, trees, animals, equipment failure or vehicle accidents....
Arnett Doctor, driving force behind Rosewood reparations, dies at 7203/26/15Legislature
SPRING HILL — A lot of factors contributed to the passage of the historic Rosewood compensation law 21 years ago.
Witnesses were still alive to share their harrowing accounts of the racially motivated 1923 massacre that left at least six black and two white residents dead. High-powered lawyers got behind the bill. They produced crucial evidence of the loss of property, as well as lives....
Fancy footwork, Rockettes style03/26/15 Human Interest
EVE EDELHEIT | Times
Kristi Opheim, a junior at Viera High School in Melbourne, dances during the Rockettes workshop at the Florida State Thespian Festival at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa on Thursday. Students from around the state attended the festival, which is in its 25th year. The festival runs through Sunday.
Rays: Cash catches up03/26/15 The Heater
Still has it
It has been fewer than five years since Rays manager Kevin Cash played in the majors, so it shouldn't be surprising that Cash (left) squatted behind home plate to warm up reliever Kirby Yates before the ninth inning of Thursday's game against the Yankees. "I was really good at that, warming up pitchers," joked Cash, 37, a catcher for all but five of his 246 major-league games from 2002-10. "It's the other things I wasn't good at."...
Tampa City Council says goodbye to Mary Mulhern03/26/15Local
TAMPA — The Tampa City Council said goodbye Thursday to two-term member Mary Mulhern, known for her liberal politics, independent streak and readiness to speak her mind.
Since winning a seat against a veteran council member who raised more than four times as much money, Mulhern, 56, has championed the arts and environment, opposed the purchase of downtown surveillance cameras and questioned what she described as the militarization of police ahead of the Republican National Convention. She also opposed bans on panhandling that did not address the underlying problems of poverty and homelessness....
Woman in critical condition after fire in St. Petersburg town home03/26/15Fire
ST. PETERSBURG — A 63-year-old woman found unresponsive inside a burning town home was rushed to the hospital and remained in critical condition Thursday evening, authorities said.
St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue crews found smoke pouring from the front door when they arrived just before 7 p.m. at the two-story residential town home at 5822 16th Lane S.
They found the woman on the second floor, where she had been overcome by smoke, said Lt. Steve Lawrence, Deputy Fire Marshal. She had no burn wounds, he said, and was taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. ...
The Villages again leads nation as fastest-growing metro area03/26/15Business
For the second year in a row, the Villages in Central Florida is the fastest-growing metro area in the country, according to U.S. Census data released Thursday.
The popular retirement mecca grew at a 5.4 percent clip between July 1, 2013, and July 1, 2014, to reach a population of about 114,000.
The Villages, a community located about 50 miles northwest of Orlando, is known for its golf carts, which are used almost as much as cars, and for the sometimes frisky behavior of its 55-and-older residents. ...


text:
I believe that I read that highlighting only applies to the current Bible version. Is that correct? I am getting mixed results, I believe. It seems that sometimes the highlight will span texts. This is a mixed IOS and Windows environment.
What is the real answer? I have to say, logically, you would want it to span texts. But that's just me.


text:
Winnipeg, MB
3°c A few clouds
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Posted: 12/26/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0
YOUR Dec. 19 article Gooey goodness brought back a flood of memories for me.
Forty-five years ago, my wife and I lived in Europe, volunteering at a home for mentally and physically challenged young people. The directors were two Swiss women from Basel.
On certain festive holidays they invited us into their home and served the delectable goodness called raclette. We fell in love with it immediately. Who wouldn't?
When we returned to Canada, we sought out stores where we could find this cheese. And, as noted in the article, at first we either fried it or baked it on a cookie sheet.
We have it over small potatoes, cooked veggies, etc. We began to develop it into our New Year's tradition and now we have it every year. Right now, a huge hunk in our fridge is awaiting New Year's Eve.
Some years ago, I found a raclette maker with those little trays for the cheese below the heating coil and a plate to cook additional meat and veggies above it. Raclette truly is a most perfect way to welcome in the new year.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 26, 2012 A1
Fact Check
Have you found an error, or know of something we've missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.
Having problems with the form?Contact Us Directly
Twitter, March 31
FP comments, March 30
Letters, March 30
Twitter, March 30
Twitter, March 28
FP comments, March 28
Letters, March 28
FP comments, March 27
Letters, March 27
Twitter, March 27
Twitter, Mar. 26
Letters, March 26
FP comments, March 26
Twitter, March 25
FP comments, March 25
Letters, March 25
FP comments, March 24
Letters, March 24
Twitter, Mar. 24
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.


text:
Combine the pineapple, peaches, mandarin oranges, bananas and apples in a large bowl.
Combine the dry pudding mix, milk and orange juice in a mixing bowl and beat until smooth.
Beat in the sour cream.
Fold the sour cream mixture into the fruit mixture.
Chill, covered, until ready to serve.


text:
Dearest parents and friends,
When we received the call from DSWD to facilitate their National Children's Congress in the midst of our Halloween rush, we knew that we had to say yes. While we were already stretched quite thinly given the number of Halloween partners we were serving this year (a happy problem as one would say), we knew that accepting this collaboration with DSWD would be a step towards work we had always wanted to do, and work that was absolutely essential for us to do.
You see, dearest friends, we cannot fully claim to be a group that makes all sorts of wondrous magic with children and families if we are not able to share this magic with children from all walks of life, and if we are not able to fight for those whose circumstances in life make it difficult for them to dream, to play, to laugh, and to just create. If we were not able to reach them, then we would not be truly living out the purpose of our organization.
The National Children's Congress held last October 22-26 was a gathering of the top 3 exemplary children from each region under the DSWD PantawidPamilyang Pilipino Program (4 Ps). The 4Ps gives cash incentives to families from the poorest of the poor for continuing to send their children to school and get them the healthcare they need, despite their circumstances. These 50+ children then gathered together to share their challenges, their insights, and through creative means, stand of for their rights and advocate for the support they need.
The Congress was one that was full of stories and expressions of innocence and pain that brought us to tears. On day one, during the drawing out of expectations for the program, one participant shared that what she wanted was "maranasan muli ang pagiging bata." (to experience what it is like to be a child again). We heard stories of how participants were bullied and ostracized by classmates in school because they were under this program and thus known to be extremely poor. We met children whose homes were destroyed by typhoon Yolanda, and those who were told that they would never go anywhere because of their lot in life.
Knowing where they came from and everything that they had been through allowed us to see the incredible journey that they took within this Congress. From declarations of "I am worthy," to them saying "Kahit wasak ang aming bahay, di wasak ang aming pamilya" ("Even if our home was destroyed, our family remains intact.") to a bold declaration "poverty will not be a hindrance to success" to a young girl perpetually called "basura (trash)" by her neighbors and extended family standing up in front of the crowd and singing with immense soul and power, we saw a different kind of magic. A magic that persists in the face of the direst and cruelest of circumstances. A magic that will not be put out by hardship and strife. A magic of the purest kind, the kind that could only exist in the heart of a child that has seen the worst, but refuses to give up.
We aimed to be of service to these children but they ended up changing us. And we pray continually for their future, that they persevere in the 4 Ps program, and that they never lose their magic. And we pray to do more of this work, work that is sorely needed, for children that need them the most.
Make Believe embraces its new direction to seek out and be involved in similar projects in the months to come. Interested in helping out or wish to collaborate with us on a project of your own? Please contact Teacher Nini at firstname.lastname@example.com or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Here's to a blessed November, everyone.
Warmest Regards,
FULLY BOOKED, Bonifacio High Street
Make Believe will enliven the children's section and promote upcoming workshop classes with interactive storytelling sessions!
Time: 2:00 p.m – 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Venue: 2/F Fully Booked, Bonifacio Highstreet, BGC, Taguig.
- Sunday, February 22
- Sunday, March 29
- Sunday, April 12


text:
I have just started working with NodaTime. In my app, the user creates an event and chooses a time zone. Regardless of whether I use the BCL (Windows) time zone list or the TZDB (Olson) list (and do not mix them!), I need to persist the id of the time zone to my database so that I can later recreate the timezone-aware time.
Given that timezone ids appear to be somewhat arbitrary and are not an ISO standard, can I rely on always finding that id in future when I call GetZoneOrNull?
I am assuming that the GetZoneOrNull method is the defence against that happening; that is, when it is passed an id that does not exist in its own Ids collection. My question is: if an id has been retrieved from the Ids collection, can I trust that GetZoneOrNull will never in future return null?
But if an Id can disappear from history, what is the best strategy to deal with that?


text:
Harlem Globetrotters: Fans Make the Rules -- Amazing & Hilarious Feats
* Additional fees apply. No coupon or promo codes necessary to enjoy the displayed discount price.
The last date listed for Harlem Globetrotters: 2014 Fans Rule World Tour was Friday February 14, 2014 / 7:00pm.
Currently at Valley View Casino Center - Point Loma
Marvel Universe LIVE!: Superhero Action Spectacular
- Full Price:
- $27.50 - $32.50
- Our Price:
More than 25 Marvel superheroes and villains -- including Iron Man, Spider-Man, Hulk, Thor and Loki… More
Venue Details
Reviews & Ratings
Featured review from CarolynRed Velvet
view more less of this review
I always wanted to see them, and discovered that this show is really meant for kids.
About the Ticket Supplier: Harlem Globetrotters
Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in more than a hundred countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters were founded in 1926. Since then, they've entertained hundreds of millions of fans, among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents.


text:
Being patient sorts who pride themselves on their sense on perspective, the SA Forum Goons didn't rush to get this theme ready in time for the opening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two. But I happened to see some of those super-fans waiting in line for the midnight premiere (naturally, I was attending another movie that had already been out for a month.) What nerds, I thought, looking at them in their wizard hats. Those characters didn't even wear wizard hats. Oh no, nerd trap sprung! Anyway, Shaman Ooglaboogla decided to mark this momentous-to-some and kinda-cool-but not, like lifechanging-to-others occasion by changing patronuses. For those who don't know, patronuses are spirit animals that wizards can conjure as part of a protective spell. Furthermore, while the plural of the normal-word patronus is "patroni," the Potter-books plural is "patronuses." Why do I know these things? Oh, and do not use "patronies" under any circumstances. Don't even click that word.
Space Detective
Tucker Carlson's idiot brother just called New York mayor Bill de Blasio's spokeswoman a "LabiaFace."
Hey, have you guys ever seen a picture of a cat before? Well, guess what. It's your lucky day, because I'm mixing the concept of a picture of my cat with the concept of the Internet!
A psychic terrorist travels to the 1990s to win his true love by murdering her entire wedding party!
The SA Goons deliver another knockout round of soccer GIFs!
Get caught up on these last-minute Bloodborne changes and read our review!
Photoshop Phriday showcases the tremendous image manipulation talents of the Something Awful Forum Goons. Each week they tackle a new theme, parodying movies, video games, comics, history, and anything else you can think of. If you want in on the action, join us on the Something Awful Forums!
Copyright ©2015 Rich "Lowtax" Kyanka & Something Awful LLC.


text:
Harbaugh 'relentlessly positive' about team
Thursday, July 24, 2014 at 3:15 PM | Comments
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- There's no doubt, Jim Harbaugh loves this time of year.The colorful San Francisco 49ers' coach repeatedly referred to Thursday's start of training camp as a "rebirth." He said he is "relentlessly positive" and believes his team is up for the task of remaining one of the NFL's elite teams."They are cheerful and undefeated," Harbaugh said of his team. "This is the least the unhappy team I've ever been around.


text:
Sorry we didn't find the page you are looking............
JK has 26,850 industrial units, 186 sick: Minister
Lastupdate at : Fri, 27 Mar 2015 16:53:07 IST
Jammu, Mar 27: Jammu and Kashmir government today said that there are 26,850 industrial units registered in the state, out of which 186 have been declared "sick". In a written reply to the question More
- Kashmir
Police to review cases against youth under Section 66A
Will consult legal experts: IGP
Srinagar, Mar 26: With Supreme Court scrapping Section 66A of Information Technology Act, Jammu and Kashmir Police will consult legal experts and review the cases registered against youth under the Section More
- Srinagar City
2 years on, craft corridor Safa Kadal awaits take off
Srinagar, Mar 26: Two years on, proposal for Revitalization of Craft Corridor Safa Kadal is yet to take off. To be executed under state plan at an estimated cost of Rs 82 lakhs, the project aimed to More
- Jammu
Jahangir to be interim LC Chairman
PDP-BJP yet to reach agreement on 8 nomination seats
Jammu, Mar 26: Governor NN Vohra has approved the State Cabinets proposal for appointment of Jahangir Mir as acting chairman of the Legislative Council even as logjam continues between Peoples Democratic More
- South Asia
Hoisting Pakistan flag in Kashmir shows Kashmiris sentiments: Pak
Islamabad, Mar 26: Pakistan today said hoisting its flag in Kashmir by Dukhtaran-e-Millat chief on its National Day reflects the "sentiments of Kashmiris and their love for the country". Reacting to registration More


text:
The GIII cemented Gulfstream's reputation as the leading business jet provider of the 1980s.
April 1, 2009
April 1, 2009
One of the easiest ways to book a charter flight is through a broker. Charter brokers often have access to hundreds of aircraft and can offer services such as catering and ground transportation that small charter operators aren't able to provide. The downside, however, is that of the hundreds of brokers in existence, no two have the same safety standards or business ethics.
April 1, 2009
To appreciate how safe air travel has become, it's helpful to realize how risky it once was and to understand how rules and regulations have evolved to address that problem.
April 1, 2009
Lavatories on corporate and privately owned airplanes run the gamut from none at all to luxuriously appointed throne rooms fit for royalty. If you take nothing else away from this little essay, please remember: When flying on an unfamiliar airplane, you need to ask ahead of time what facilities, if any, will be available. Then plan your meal and drink schedule accordingly.
February 1, 2009
More than 20 years after it was conceived, the MD 902 Explorer is coming into its own as a fast and comfortable light twin-engine turbine helicopter that performs exceptionally well in hot temperatures and high altitudes.
February 1, 2009
Even when economic times were good, regional airliners reconfigured for executive/VIP use were a bargain, offering a large-cabin equivalent of a Bombardier Global XRS or a Gulfstream G550 at a fifth of the cost.
February 1, 2009
With the economy worsening and the media focusing on the cost of private jet operation, many executives are looking for ways to reduce their travel expenses. If you're not quite ready to trade private jet efficiency for the hassles of commercial aviation, sharing charter flights could be the answer.
February 1, 2009
As the economy has suffered historic setbacks, an old four-letter word has come to the fore in our business vernacular: risk. Just as you seek to better understand the risk of your portfolio investments, you should consider the risk that goes with your fractional jet ownership.
February 1, 2009
"It has never made sense to me that people who wouldn't consider driving in a car without airbags will get in an aircraft that doesn't have them," said Bill Hagan, president of Phoenix-based AmSafe Aviation. According to Hagan, airbags on airplanes can significantly increase passenger safety in accidents that occur during taxiing, takeoff and landing.
February 1, 2009
Imagining what it's like to take a private jet flight with your kids is easy. Just picture them hermetically sealed for a few hours in a space not much bigger than a walk-in closet. On the minus side of the experience: on most jets, it's cold turkey on texting and Internet access; skateboarding is definitely out; and there's probably no live television.
Related Channels
"When you get into the larger aircraft it becomes like a hotel, with dozens of staff supporting the plane based in a galley area down below. You have very comprehensive cooking facilities, and on larger aircraft we have looked at theatres, with spiral staircases and a Steinway grand piano. The limitations for what you can put inside a plane are pretty much the limits of physics, and even money cannot always overcome that. Even so, people are still always trying to push [the limits]. "
-Howard Guy of Design Q, a UK-based consultancy
Most Popular
March 3, 2015
March 10, 2015
March 15, 2015
March 26, 2015
March 18, 2015
March 22, 2015
March 12, 2015
March 27, 2015
February 1, 2012
January 12, 2012
December 1, 2011
May 30, 2013
November 26, 2012
December 5, 2012
April 30, 2012


text:
Paul Cutting
Bee or not the Bee
The way it came to me was very strange to explain
it traveled to me through me on its way to my brain
a quiet thought brought a loud proclaim of an energy
many of you would say was insane
however, nevertheless I confess that I did not protest
the best that I could have or should have a lot
So I wondered and pondered and thought it quit odd
as I sat on my lounge chair in my back yard
with the Sun in my face and a slight crisp in the air
what would happen to Earth if man was not here
Well lets see the bees would still buzz and the trees
would still breathe through there leaves with the much
needed oxygenate in the air that it leaves
the dogs and the cats, the frogs, hogs and the squeals
in the tree would all be just fine with out us in the world
the Jungles would prosper with no poachers the Animals would thrive
then I thought of the hundreds of species that would still be alive
clean rivers would run the Sun would still shine
the Wales would fill the the oceans again in time
Now this thought really had yours and my Back to the wall
cause I could not come up with a down side at all
just then a bee buzzed by my head I went to swat the bee
Being the human being that I been
Then I stopped and I thought wait one dam minute
and within that minute I said to my self, you don't think, no
no It could not possibly be, that buzzing little fellow
was more important the me
Well what if the bees were all gone
what would it be like on that following Dawn
many things would be wrong many flowers and veggie would cease
thousands of species would die, well at least
world starvation may begin, that may even be the end of our self
Man o man how can man be so full of himself
So who the hell do we think we are
Driving around in our fancy smancy cars
Polluting the Air spraying our hair
as the layer of protected ozone diapers
Now wait just one minute there must be
Some good that we do, Yes there is Religion
No we screwed that up to
So I ask, a alas the Question
Directed straight in your
as almost Shakespeare asked in that famous
who is more important to this Beautiful
The bee or not the bee
that is the question of which we are
< br>Prop's to Dr, Seuss & William Shakespeare
Paul Cutting's Other Poems
Related Poems
Read this poem in other languages
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem »
Comments about this poem (Bee or not the Bee by Paul Cutting )
Mark Dillon (10/7/2013 6:43:00 AM)
Brilliant deduction and I cannot disagree with any of it.This should be drilled into the heads of all the industrialists. (Report) Reply
Mimi Brown (9/12/2009 3:56:00 AM)
Good question to ponder, Paul. I like the way the poem evolved. Ending really hits home.
Thanks. (Report) Reply
Rani Turton (11/24/2008 12:14:00 PM)
I loved this this poem! The line of thought is very interesting to follow! (Report) Reply
Fiona Davidson (11/24/2008 11:50:00 AM)
Great read and environmental statement..loved it...thanks...Fi (Report) Reply
Hunter Dasten (11/24/2008 11:42:00 AM)
I enjoyed the subject matter of your poem. Environmentally conscious poetry with a certain misanthropy. Keep it up, Paul. (Report) Reply
Famous Poems
Phenomenal Woman
Maya Angelou
Still I Rise
Maya Angelou
The Road Not Taken
Robert Frost
If You Forget Me
Pablo Neruda
Langston Hughes
Annabel Lee
Edgar Allan Poe
Caged Bird
Maya Angelou
Rudyard Kipling
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Robert Frost
A Dream Within A Dream
Edgar Allan Poe
Maya Angelou
(4 April 1928 - 28 May 2014)
Robert Frost
(March 26, 1874 – January 29, 1963)
Edgar Allan Poe
(19 January 1809 - 7 October 1849)
Pablo Neruda
(12 July 1904 – 23 September 1973)
Roald Dahl
(13 September 1916 – 23 November 1990)
Langston Hughes
(1 February 1902 – 22 May 1967)
William Wordsworth
Charles Bukowski
(16 August 1920 – 9 March 1994)
William Blake
(28 November 1757 – 12 August 1827)
William Shakespeare
(26 April 1564 - 23 April 1616)
- Still I Rise, Maya Angelou
- Annabel Lee, Edgar Allan Poe
- A Dream Within A Dream, Edgar Allan Poe
- Daffodils, William Wordsworth
- Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, Robert Frost
- Homecoming, Donald Bruce Dawe
- The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost
- Dreams, Langston Hughes
- Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night, Dylan Thomas
- Adlestrop, Edward Thomas


text: NetEase Company Profile (NASDAQ:NTES) Tweet Analyst RatingsEarningsDividendsInsider TradesCompany ProfileSocial ActivityToday's Chart Consensus Ratings for NetEase (NASDAQ:NTES) (?) The ratings breakdown includes the most recent rating from each analyst that has rated the stock within the last twelve months. The ratings score is a calculation of the average number of sell, hold, buy and strong buy ratings (0-1.5 = Sell, 1.5-2.5 = Hold, 2.5-3.5 = Buy, >3.5 = Strong Buy). The consensus price target is a mean average of the most recent price target set by each analyst that has set a price target for the stock in the last twelve months.Ratings Breakdown: 1 Sell Rating(s), 4 Hold Rating(s), 6 Buy Rating(s)Consensus Rating:Hold (Score: 2.45)Consensus Price Target: $101.42 (2.32% downside) Analysts' Ratings History for NetEase (NASDAQ:NTES) Show: All Ratings For This Stock Only the Most Recent Rating From Each Brokerage DateFirmActionRatingPrice TargetDetailsShare3/23/2015Vetr Inc.DowngradeHold -> Sell$100.55View 3/9/2015Vetr Inc.UpgradeSell -> Hold$97.40View 2/27/2015Vetr Inc.UpgradeSell -> Hold$97.40View 2/18/2015Vetr Inc.DowngradeSell -> Strong Sell$97.40View 2/9/2015T.H. CapitalBoost Price TargetBuy$107.00 -> $125.00View 1/30/2015ZacksDowngradeOutperform -> Neutral$116.60View 11/20/2014JPMorgan Chase & Co.UpgradeNeutral -> OverweightView 11/14/2014HSBCUpgradeUnderweight -> OverweightView 11/4/2014ZacksUpgradeNeutral -> Outperform$96.20View 10/30/2014Standpoint ResearchDowngradeBuy -> HoldView 10/21/2014Credit Suisse Group AGUpgradeNeutral -> Outperform$92.00 -> $110.00View 8/15/2014T.H. CapitalUpgradeBuy$95.00View 8/15/2014OppenheimerBoost Price TargetOutperform$80.00 -> $95.00View 8/14/2014MacquarieBoost Price TargetOutperform$84.00 -> $100.00View 8/12/2014Citigroup Inc.Initiated CoverageBuy -> HoldView 8/12/2014China International Capital CorpDowngradeBuy -> Hold$88.00View 7/25/2014Citigroup Inc.Initiated CoverageNeutral$87.60View 4/16/2014Standpoint ResearchInitiated CoverageBuy$90.00View 3/12/2014Credit Suisse Group AGInitiated CoverageNeutral$76.00View 2/13/2014Morgan StanleyDowngradeOverweight$77.00 -> $79.00View 11/14/2013HSBCDowngradeOverweight -> Underweight$70.00 -> $63.00View 11/14/2013Deutsche BankDowngradeBuy -> Hold$73.00 -> $66.00View 9/30/2013BNP ParibasInitiated CoverageBuyView 9/26/2013Credit Suisse Group AGInitiated CoverageNeutralView 8/30/2013JPMorgan Chase & Co.DowngradeOverweight -> Neutral$65.00 -> $75.00View 8/16/2013OppenheimerBoost Price TargetOutperform$65.00 -> $73.00View 8/16/2013HSBCBoost Price TargetOverweight$68.00 -> $70.00View 8/15/2013Deutsche BankReiterated RatingBuy$64.00 -> $73.00View 8/15/2013BarclaysReiterated RatingOverweight$74.00 -> $76.00View 5/20/2013HSBCUpgradeNeutral -> Overweight$50.00 -> $68.00View 5/20/2013Citigroup Inc.UpgradeNeutral -> BuyView 4/9/2013Bank of AmericaReiterated RatingBuy$56.00 -> $61.00View (Data available from 3/29/2013 forward) Earnings History for NetEase (NASDAQ:NTES)DateQuarterConsensus EstimateActual EPSRevenue EstimateActual RevenueRelease LinkConference CallDetailsShare2/9/2015Q414$1.53$1.56$522.07 million$593.70 millionViewListenView 11/12/2014Q314$9.07$1.44$2.85 billion$507.78 millionViewListenView 8/14/2014Q214$1.46$1.48$425.92 millionViewListenView 5/14/2014Q114$1.40$1.38$391.02 million$405.20 millionViewListenView 2/12/2014Q413$1.42$1.57$407.79 million$427.00 millionViewListenView 11/13/2013Q313$1.34$1.31$391.89 million$410.80 millionViewListenView 8/14/2013Q2 2013$1.25$1.37$363.48 million$393.30 millionViewListenView 5/15/2013Q1 2013$1.19$1.32$348.13 million$363.60 millionViewListenView 2/6/2013Q4 2012$1.09$1.23$348.11 million$373.50 millionViewListenView 11/14/2012Q312$1.08$0.98$335.00 million$325.40 millionViewN/AView 8/15/2012$1.08$1.05ViewN/AView 2/15/2012$1.04$1.09ViewN/AView 11/16/2011$0.86$0.99ViewN/AView 2/23/2011$0.70$0.83ViewN/AView (Data available from 1/1/2011 forward) Dividend History for NetEase (NASDAQ:NTES)AnnouncedPeriodAmountYieldEx-Dividend DateRecord DatePayable DateShare2/9/2015quarterly$0.392/23/20152/25/20153/6/2015 11/12/2014quarterly$0.361.36%11/25/201411/28/201412/5/2014 8/20/2014quarterly$0.371.68%8/27/20148/29/20149/5/2014 2/14/2014special$1.412/24/20142/26/20143/7/2014 (Data available from 1/1/2013 forward) Insider Trading History for NetEase (NASDAQ:NTES)No insider trades for this company have been tracked by Analyst Ratings Network About NetEase NetEase, Inc. is a holding company. The Company is an Internet technology company. The Company operates in three segments: Online Game Services, Advertising Services and E-mail, Wireless Value-added Services and Others. The Company provides its Internet and wireless value-added applications, services and technologies and advertising services to Guangzhou NetEase and Guangyitong Advertising and they operate the NetEase Websites and the online advertising business. Guangzhou NetEase has two majority-owned subsidiaries, Youdao Computer (a search business operator) and Wangyibao (the operator of its Wangyibao payment system). Through its subsidiaries and contracts with its affiliates Guangzhou NetEase, Guangyitong Advertising and Shanghai EaseNet and their respective shareholders, it operates an interactive online community in China and is a provider of Chinese language content and services through its online games, Internet portal and wireless value-added services businesses. Headlines: (3/23) NetEase Downgraded to Sell at Vetr Inc. (NTES) - WKRB News (3/27) Mid-Day Changers: Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc. (KPTI), NetEase, Inc. (NTES ... - WallStreet Scope (3/23) NetEase Cut to "Sell" at Vetr Inc. (NTES) - sleekmoney (3/18) Analyst Rating Update: NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTES) - The Markets Daily (3/4) NetEase, Inc. Price Target Update - Wall Street Pulse (3/11) NetEase Raised to "Hold" at Vetr Inc. (NTES) - sleekmoney (3/12) First Call Rating Update on NetEase, Inc. - Wall Street Pulse (3/2) NetEase Stock Rating Upgraded by Vetr Inc. (NTES) - The Legacy (3/5) Thursday Pre-Market Insights: Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. (EEP), NetEase ... - WallStreet Scope (3/9) NetEase Upgraded to Hold at Vetr Inc. (NTES) - Mideast Time Industry, Sector and Symbol: Sector: Information Technology Industry: N/A Sub-Industry: N/A Exchange: NASDAQ Symbol: NTES CUSIP: Key Metrics: Previous Close: $101.4650 Day Moving Average: $104.11200 Day Moving Average: $98.98P/E Ratio: 17.75P/E Growth: 1.06Market Cap: $13.57BCurrent Quarter EPS Consensus Estimate: $41.59 EPS Additional Links: View NTES on Google FinanceView NTES on Yahoo FinanceView NTES's Company Profile on ReutersSearch for NetEase, Inc on Google NetEase (NASDAQ:NTES) Chart for Sunday, March, 29, 2015 (Chart Provided by Yahoo Finance)


text:
Archive for the 'Mitt Romney' Category
This morning's biggest political headline is Ted Cruz's announcement that he's running for president. Right behind that headline, though, is this Washington Post article:
COLUMBIA, S.C. — When Jim Ulmer came to see Scott Walker here last week, he was transfixed. "He's the little engine that could," Ulmer said, describing the Wisconsin governor who successfully battled labor unions and has rocketed to the front of the Republican presidential race. "He has guts," said Ulmer, 52, Republican Party chairman in rural Orangeburg County. "The people of America are looking for another Ronald Reagan, someone we can believe in, someone who will keep freedom safe. Walker could be it."
That's the basis for the article's headline. Still, that isn't what should give the Bush campaign pause. This should:
Those who turned out in droves to size up Walker during two days of events here said his top rival, Jeb Bush, a former Florida governor and heir to a political dynasty, gives them pause. None mentioned Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), a tea party favorite who will announce his candidacy Monday at Liberty University in Virginia.
This isn't a prediction but it wouldn't surprise me if Jeb Bush flopped. The media love Jeb Bush. They're love that he isn't willing to rule of raising taxes. They love the fact that he's a fierce advocate for federal control of education, aka Common Core. Mostly, though, they love him for supporting the Democrats' immigration bill.
That puts him out of step with Republicans.
It isn't that Bush "gives them pause." It's that Republican activists don't trust Jeb. They don't trust Bush because he represents the loser wing of the Republican Party. There isn't a dime's worth of difference between Jeb Bush, John McCain and Mitt Romney. They don't fight for conservatism. Their chief attribute is that they're supposedly electable.
Contrast that with Scott Walker:
As they see it, he's a fighter, tenacious and decisive. He fought the unions again and again, and he won each time. They see the 47-year-old governor as a truth-teller, a pure conservative and an energetic, fresh face, as the future.
"He represents everything I want in a president," Joan Boyce, 61, a school cafeteria worker, said after seeing him speak at a barbecue dinner in Greenville. "He's refreshing for a change. He feels honest to me; he really does. He doesn't talk like a politician. He talks like a regular guy."
Scott Walker has a substantial list of conservative accomplishments. People appreciate that. They don't appreciate Gov. Bush's attempt to sell conservatives down the river on important things like immigration and Common Core.
Technorati: Scott Walker, South Carolina Primary, Jeb Bush, Comprehensive Immigration Reform, Common Core, Mitt Romney, John McCain, Republicans, Election 2016
This morning, Mitt Romney officially announced that he isn't running for president:
Mitt Romney announced Friday he will not run for president in 2016, after briefly flirting with a third White House run — a decision that only slightly narrows the crowded field of potential Republican candidates.
"After putting considerable thought into making another run for president, I've decided it is best to give other leaders in the Party the opportunity to become our next nominee," Romney said in a written statement. He also was announcing his plans on a conference call with donors Friday morning.
Though this is a bit of a surprise, it might be as simple as Mitt being unable to put together a national organization rather than him not wanting to run. It might also be that he's finally accepted the fact that he's history in the eyes of GOP activists.
Lots of people, myself included, think he would've been vastly superior to President Obama. Obama's national security policies are a disaster. President Obama's economic policies have revived terminology like new normal. President Obama's economic policies haven't revived talk about a booming economy.
Mitt won the nomination in 2012 against a weaker field than this year's field of candidates. Adding to Mitt's worries is the fact that he started talking like a liberal. That isn't how to win the GOP nomination. Mitt was a compromised candidate in 2012, too. He couldn't take the fight to President Obama on President Obama's biggest failure, aka Obamacare. This time around, Mitt would've had to fight against the economic accomplishments and conservative reforms of people like Scott Walker and Rick Perry.
The simple fact is that Mitt couldn't win.
Jim Geraghty's evaluation of the GOP presidential candidates is fascinating. Rather than starting with the top tier candidates, let's start by hearing what he said about the MSM's top tier:
Jeb Bush: Sure, he'll have the money, and he'll have the name. But let's not even get into the immigration, Common Core, business ties or family dynasty issues yet. Republican primary voters, particularly conservative ones, think that the Obama presidency is the worst calamity to hit America in their lifetimes, and fear it is doing permanent damage to the national values, identity, and standing in the world. GOP primary voters are going to want a fighter, and do they think Jeb Bush has been leading the fight against Obama?
Mitt Romney: When people tell Mitt Romney, "Governor, I really wish you had won in 2012," they're not saying, "Governor, I think you would have been one of the greatest presidents in our lifetimes." They're saying, "Governor, Obama is really, really, really terrible, and electing you would have spared the country a lot of pain." He's a good man, but a lot of Republicans are ready to move on to new options. Plus, you know… Gruber.
Chris Christie: If Bush and Romney are both in, you have to wonder how many big donors stick by him. He did better in his Iowa appearance than some might have expected, and he's undoubtedly going to be a dominant figure in the debates. But he's positioned himself in opposition to the rest of the party way too often, and you can't win the GOP nomination from the Jon Huntsman slot, as the Republican nominee most acceptable to the Acela class that can't stand Republicans.
Rand Paul: He'll have his dad's network, and he's way more compelling than his father was. But there's a ceiling to Libertarian-minded candidates in the modern Republican Party, and it's going to be tougher to sell quasi-isolationist non-interventionism as the world blows up and grows even more dangerous in Obama's final two years in office.
This isn't 2008 or 2012, when the GOP didn't field a bunch of top tier candidates like they're fielding this year. In 2012, Paul Ryan would've swamped the field, including Mitt. This year, Paul Ryan would have a respectable following but he wouldn't be seen as the prohibitive favorite.
Jeb Bush has irritated conservatives far too often to win the nomination. Sen. McCain got away with that in 2008 because he ran against a field of weaklings. Jeb won't get away with that this time because he's running against a virtual team of Olympic weightlifters. Mitt's time came and went. Whether he officially runs is almost irrelevant at this point. That's because he's overmatched.
First Tier:
Scott Walker: He's serious and accomplished enough for the "Establishment," and indisputably conservative enough for the grassroots. The Left threw everything it had at this guy and he's still going strong. Despite the questions about his charisma, he's getting rave reviews for his passion in his appearance this weekend.
Marco Rubio: He's arguably the best communicator in the Republican Party, and the Republican Party desperately needs a good communicator as its nominee.
With rave reviews from Charles Krauthammer and James Pethokoukis, he could end up being the conservative pundits' favorite choice. Yes, there's still irritation about the gang of "Gang of Eight" and anti-Senator skepticism to overcome, but he's speaking about the broad, unifying national theme of American exceptionalism since 2010. Obviously, he offers a fantastic contrast with Hillary.
Rick Perry: The former governor of Texas is likely to be the only re-running candidate who improves upon his past performance. He still has a sterling economic record to point to, he's been going toe-to-toe with the Obama administration consistently, he's got enough charm to work on Jimmy Kimmel. This time, he won't be coming off back surgery, he won't start late and we'll see just how much the hipster glasses help.
Bobby Jindal: Yes, he needs to speak slower. Yes, it's not clear that a style that works in Louisiana will work on the national stage. But he's a bit like Walker in that he's amassed an indisputably conservative record while getting things done in two terms. There's probably not another contender who knows more detail about more policies, and he's guided his state through some severe challenges – post-Katrina rebuilding, a pair of serious hurricanes, the Deepwater Horizon and the drilling moratorium. What's more, he's been fighting the administration on issues like school choice for years and he moves fast when an opportunity opens like the House GOP botching a late-term abortion bill.
After Gov. Walker's performance at Saturday's Freedom Summit, he'll be one of the most formidable candidates on either side of the aisle. While Hillary has her supporters, she doesn't have supporters that'd run through brick walls to help her win. Gov. Walker's supporters are passionate and they're willing to do anything to help him win. (You don't win 3 elections in 4 years by having supporters who are indifferent.)
As for Marco Rubio, there's no question that his participation in the Gang of Eight immigration bill will hurt him with primary voters. Still, there's no denying that he's a powerful communicator with a compelling personal story that shouts 'I'm living the American dream.'
Rick Perry is being written off by the MSM. That's a mistake. They've focused too much on Perry's oops moment during the 2012 and not enough on what he's done on securing Texas' border during the flood of unattended children. He's a much more serious candidate this time.
At this point, I'd argue that Republicans are likely to win the White House. People are sick of President Obama and they just aren't excited about Hillary. She's been on the national scene for a quarter century. It's impossible to sell yourself as a fresh face with Hillary's resume.
Technorati: Scott Walker, Marco Rubio, American Dream, Rick Perry, Jeb Bush, Mitt Romney, Chris Christie, GOP Presidential Nomination, Hillary Clinton, President Obama, Democrats, Election 2016
After reading Daniel Halper's article, it's clear that there isn't a clear Republican frontrunner. Still, the unscientific poll is helpful. Here's the results of TWS' unscientific poll:
Scott Walker–mentioned on 44% of the ballots as either first, second or third choice; first choice on 18%. Thus, 44/18.
Ted Cruz–35/16.
Ben Carson–26/10.
Mitt Romney–24/12.
Bobby Jindal–20/3.
Jeb Bush–18/8.
Marco Rubio–18/4.
Rand Paul–16/6.
John Kasich–15/4.
Rick Perry–15/3.
Mike Huckabee–12/3.
John Bolton–10/3.
Mike Pence–9/2.
Chris Christie–8/2.
Rick Santorum–7/2.
I don't agree with Bill Kristol's statement:
So the most important take-away from the poll is this, I think: not only isn't there a clear front-runner, there's not even a clear handful of front-runners.
I strongly disagree with that statement, though I agree that there isn't "a clear front-runner." I'd disagree that there isn't a "handful of front-runners." Clearly, there's a handful of front-runners. That group is made up of Scott Walker, Ted Cruz, Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush, with Gov. Bush coming in with a lackluster finish.
At this point, it's difficult to take Bobby Jindal, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, Mike Huckabee, Chris Christie and Rick Santorum seriously. I'll give Pence, Perry and Kasich a shot, though it's clear they're in a lower tier at this moment, because they can raise money and they have a compelling record to run on.
It's impossible to picture a path to the nomination for Rand Paul, Ben Carson, Mike Huckabee, Chris Christie or Rick Santorum. Huckabee and Santorum won the 2008 and 2012 Iowa caucuses but their base of Christian conservatives isn't their's anymore. Scott Walker's message will play well with Christian conservatives. Rand Paul's libertarian message will appeal to voters in New Hampshire but it won't play well in Iowa and Florida. Sen. Paul's message definitely won't play in South Carolina, with its military bases and its Bible Belt roots.
In 2012, Mitt Romney got trounced in South Carolina. It isn't a stretch to think that he won't do well this time.
It's a million political lifetimes away but there's already some voter sorting happening already. It'll be interesting to see whether that stratification continues.
Technorati: Scott Walker, Ted Cruz, Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush, Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Rand Paul, Rick Santorum, Chris Christie, Mike Huckabee, Ben Carson, Libertarians, Christian Conservatives, Republicans, Election 2016
After reading this part of this article, it's clear that Mitt Romney shouldn't be the GOP presidential nominee:
He said Mr. Obama and Clinton would have America "walk back from red lines…lead from behind…[carry] a small stick." He ticked through the world's hotspots: Libya, Iraq, Ukraine, Iran. "Terrorists are not on the run," he said. In a "post-Obama era," he argued, the next president will need to use economic and diplomatic strength to shape events around the world and "make the world safer for freedom."
Mitt's right that President Obama's red lines are seen by President Putin as being more of a rose color than red. Mitt's wrong that diplomacy is what's needed to shape world events, especially with terrorists and Putin.
What's needed with President Putin is a combination of supplying Ukraine with arms to defend themselves against President Putin's expansionism and the US announcing plans that they're building a natural gas pipeline to Ukraine. Couple those things with hitting reset on Hillary's reset button. That isn't done with a cheesy-looking red button. It's done by putting US missiles in Poland, Romania and throughout the Baltic States. That doesn't mean going to war with Russia. It simply means confronting Putin's expansionist initiatives. Better yet, it means acting proactively to prevent Russia from attempting to expand its influence.
President Putin is acting like a superpower. The West's mistake is in treating Putin's Russia like they're a superpower. They aren't. They never will be. Their economy can't produce the wealth they need to compete with an economic and military superpower.
This paragraph highlights what went wrong with Mitt's 2012 campaign:
On the third principle, he said, "We're an abundant nation. We have the resources" to lift people out of poverty. He didn't say precisely how he would accomplish that without increasing the size of the government, but he argued that Mr. Obama's policies have not worked. "They work for a campaign, but they don't get the job done," he said. Only conservative principles like a focus on family formation and education, he added, would "end the scourge of poverty in this great land."
That's exceptionally timid. Just blast it out there. Capitalism is the only economic system that lifts families out of grinding poverty. Mitt's biggest personal weakness is that he's an apologetic capitalist. What he needs is a lesson like this from Milton Friedman:
Republicans need a candidate who a) isn't bashful about being a capitalist, b) loves explaining the virtues of capitalism vs. the tyranny of collectivism and c) highlights the times where capitalism has improved people's lives.
In 2015-16, that means highlighting how Obama's EPA has hurt the coal, the natural gas and oil industries and how private citizens and local governments have made life significantly better for people. Highlight how North Dakota's state policies have helped the Bakken lead a fossil fuel comeback that led to cheap gas prices. The GOP presidential nominee needs to remind people of the Democrats that said we "can't drill our way to cheap gas prices.'
Mitt won't make that case. That's why he's wrong.
Technorati: Mitt Romney, National Security, Terrorists, Vladimir Putin, Reset Button, Russia, Baltic States, Election 2012, The Bakken, Gas Prices, Pipelines, Republicans, RNC Winter Meetings, Election 2016
It was inevitable that the Democrats' divide would deepen after their trouncing in this year's midterms. This article highlights some of the infighting within the Democratic Party:
Tensions within the Democratic Party over policy and strategy have begun to surface after a midterm defeat that saw the party lose control of the Senate after eight years and cede more seats to Republicans in the House of Representatives.
The most glaring example came Tuesday, when Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY, criticized President Barack Obama over the 2010 health care overhaul. Schumer said the party should have focused on helping more of the middle class than the uninsured, whom he called "a small percentage of the electorate." Schumer added that Obamacare was just one of a "cascade of issues" that the White House had bungled, a list that included the scandal over wait times at VA hospitals and responding to the threat of the Ebola virus.
Does this mean that the Democratic circular firing squad will report to the range ASAP? I'd argue that the signs indicate that they're already at the range. I'd argue that they're in the 'target acquisition' phase of the operation. This year's exit polling showed rampant dissatisfaction with Democrats:
If Republicans win 35-40% of the Hispanic vote and win a majority of the Asian-American vote, Democrats will find 2016 to be difficult terrain. If that happens, the infighting that's happening right now will only intensify.
This graphic shows another Democratic vulnerability:
This graphic is proof that demographics aren't destiny. Actually, both graphics send the same message. What this exit polling shows is that candidate quality and issues matter. In 2016, especially with presidential candidates, Democrats have a virtually nonexistent bench.
While it's undeniable that Hillary has 100% name recognition for people who haven't spent the last 20 years living under a rock, that hardly proves she's a quality. She's famous because Bill Clinton is a popular ex-president. She's famous for being one of the worst secretaries of state in the last century. She isn't famous for being a competent secretary of state. Political junkies saw how untalented she is during her book tour. The number of deer-in-the-headlights moments easily outdistanced her 'Hillary looks competent' moments.
Hillary will lose if Republicans pick a talented governor who doesn't come with a ton of baggage. That eliminates Jeb Bush, Chris Christie and Mitt Romney. If Republicans pick either Scott Walker, John Kasich, Mike Pence or Bobby Jindal, Republicans will defeat Hillary and send the Democratic Party into a tailspin.
If Harry Reid had said that he had sources who told him that Mitt Romney hadn't paid taxes for 10 years while he was at a fundraiser, he would've gotten sued into bankruptcy by Mitt Romney. Sen. Reid essentially admitted that he didn't have proof to verify his accusation when he said that he shouldn't have to prove it, that the accusation was against Gov. Romney, not him.
That's BS. The accusation against Sen. Reid is that he's a liar who's epeatedly gotten caught lying. Victor Davis Hanson's article provides substantial ammunition against Sen. Reid:
During the 2012 presidential campaign, Reid libeled candidate Mitt Romney with the unsubstantiated and later-refuted charge that Romney was a tax cheat. "The word's out that he [Romney] hasn't paid any taxes for 10 years," Reid said.
Later, when asked for proof, Reid offered a pathetic rejoinder: "I have had a number of people tell me that." One wonders how many names were on Reid's McCarthyite "tell" list — were there, as McCarthy used to bluster, 205 names, or perhaps just 57?
When asked again to document the slur, Reid echoed McCarthy perfectly: "The burden should be on him. He's the one I've alleged has not paid any taxes."
That's just part of the proof of Sen. Reid's McCarthyite accusations.
Reid has also brought back McCarthy's custom of vicious and sometimes profane insults. During the 2008 presidential campaign, Reid announced: "I can't stand John McCain." Of then-President George W. Bush, Reid said: "President Bush is a liar." Reid claimed that fellow Mormon Mitt Romney had "sullied" his religion.
When Gen. David Petraeus brought proof to Congress that the surge in Iraq was beginning to work by late 2007, Reid declared, "No, I don't believe him, because it's not happening." He elaborated on that charge by labeling Petraeus, at the time the senior ground commander of U.S. forces fighting in Iraq, a veritable liar. Reid alleged that Petraeus "has made a number of statements over the years that have not proven to be factual."
What's stunning is that his Democratic colleagues in the Senate haven't criticized him for his despicable, McCarthyite, unethical behavior. Neither has anyone in the supposedly MSM.
Jeanne Shaheen hasn't criticized Sen. Reid for his McCarthyite rantings. Mary Landrieu, Mark Udall, Mark Begich, Kay Hagans, Al Franken and Mark Pryor haven't criticized him for his McCarthyite antics, either.
In fact, Al Franken has virtually repeated Sen. Reid's rants against the Koch brothers, the Democrats' latest villains. I wrote this post to highlight the Koch brothers' crimes against America:
Far from trying to rig the system, I have spent decades opposing cronyism and all political favors, including mandates, subsidies and protective tariffs—even when we benefit from them. I believe that cronyism is nothing more than welfare for the rich and powerful, and should be abolished.
Reid's and Franken's repeated rants against the Koch brothers are rants against people who want to get rid of corporate welfare. That isn't something to vilify the Koch brothers for. That's something that should be celebrated. Here's something else that should be celebrated:
Koch employees have earned well over 700 awards for environmental, health and safety excellence since 2009, many of them from the [EPA and OSHA]. EPA officials have commended us for our "commitment to a cleaner environment" and called us "a model for other companies."
Mark Pryor is so disgusting that he thinks Tom Cotton, who served 2 tours of duty in Iraq, is a spoiled brat who thinks he's entitled to a seat in the US Senate.
To summarize, Sen. Reid's malicious lies against the Democrats' latest villain say that he's willing to say anything despicable to help his candidates. Sen. Franken's mindless rants against people who want to eliminate corporate welfare and whose employees have literally won hundreds of "environmental, health and safety excellence since 2009″ say that he's content with vilifying good corporate citizes for political gain. Sen. Pryor's hate-filled, anti-military rantings tell us that he's a contemptible excuse for a human being.
It's one thing to hit political opponents hard with verifiable facts. That's called playing political hardball. When Sen. Franken lies about American industrialists who've contributed greatly to their employees' lives, that's called despicable behavior. When a U.S. senator criticizes a military veteran of being pampered and having an entitlement mentality, that's proof that he's a despicable human being who doesn't have the requisite character to be a senator.
There's only one conclusion to be drawn from this proof. The Democratic Party is an immoral political party. They haven't hesitated in lying about the Koch brothers, Mitt Romney or Tom Cotton. Their senators have stayed silent while Sen. Reid maligned Gov. Romney, thereby giving their silent consent to Sen. Reid's despicable actions.
The Democrats' culture of corruption stinks to high heavens. It's time to eliminate that stench from Washington, DC. It's time to start fresh with people who'll listen to the American people.
That's the only way to restore trust in the institutions of government.
Technorati: Harry Reid, McCarthyism, Slander, Al Franken, Mark Pryor, Mark Begich, Culture of Corruption, Crony Capitalism, Corporate Welfare, Agenda Media, Praetorian Guard, Democrats, Koch Brothers, Industrialists, Tom Cotton, Iraq War Veteran, Conservatism, Election 2014
Over the past week, I've highlighted the fact that Julianne Ortman said she didn't favor repealing Obamacare, aka the Affordable Care Act. Since one of the quotes was from the Star and Sickle, aka the Star Tribune, it's fitting that conservatives question whether the Strib got the quote wrong. This video should dispel any worries that they misquoted Ms. Ortman:
If that doesn't satisfy people that Julianne Ortman doesn't favor repealing Obamacare, nothing will. Defeating Franken is one of Minnesotans' top priorities this November. We won't have a chance to fire Franken this November if our candidate sounds like Al Franken.
We know this because Mitt Romney couldn't carry the attack to President Obama on Obamacare, aka the Affordable Care Act, because Obama would hit him on Romneycare each time Romney brought up the ACA. Does anyone think that Franken and his allies won't highlight these statements if she's the candidate? Of course they will.
If we want to deal with this from a position of strength, we can't have a compromised candidate. It's that simple.
Technorati: Al Franken, President Obama, Julianne Ortman, Mitt Romney, Affordable Care Act, Mike McFadden, Republicans, Election 2014
Just when President Obama, Vice President Biden, John Kerry and Hillary Clinton thought it couldn't get worse, it did. This article provides the salt for these clowns' open wounds:
First, Sarah Palin. In 2008, the Alaskan conservative warned that Putin was on the prowl. Quote: "After the Russian army invaded the nation of Georgia, Senator Obama's reaction was one of moral indecision and equivalence, the kind of response that would only encourage Russia's Putin to invade Ukraine next."
Wow. Mrs Palin not only got the country that Putin would threaten right, she also predicted the reason behind it. Obama's "indecision and equivalence" over Iran, Egypt and, most importantly, Syria, has probably encouraged Putin to believe that there would be next-to-no Western response to an attack on Ukraine.
This was highly predictable. It's only surprising to the children at Foggy Bottom and in the West Wing. They either didn't see this coming or they didn't care. History won't award a gold star to any of these fools for their decisions prior to Russia's invading Crimea. (A dunce's cap for each is the better fit.)
Unfortunately for the Feckless Foursome, the humiliation doesn't (and shouldn't) stop there:
Second, Mitt Romney. Romney's foreign policy approach was broadly mocked in 2012. The country was keen to withdraw from overseas conflict in the wake of Iraq and Afghanistan and Mitt's vague neo-conservatism seemed out of step with the public mood. Sometimes, said the critics, it came off as something that his advisers were coaching him to say; a nod and a hint to AIPAC rather than a strongly held belief. Rachel Maddow concluded, "It's not just that Romney is uninformed; it's that he hasn't figured out how to fake it."
Romney confirmed the sceptics' worst fears when he described Russia as America's "number one geopolitical foe." Barack Obama lashed out with some adolescent sass: "The 1980s are now calling to ask for their foreign policy back because. The Cold War's been over for 20 years."
Actually, people who lived through the 80's are praying that we'd that type of leadership back. That was when Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Margaret Thatcher and Pope John-Paul II brought down the Soviet Empire. That was when Jeane Kirkpatrick and Lech Walesa contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The Feckless Foursome didn't notice or didn't care that Putin still thinks that the collapse of the Soviet Union was "the collapse of the century":
Mr Putin therefore went out of his way to extol the virtues of democracy and talk up Russia's potential for foreign investment. He lamented, however, the collapse of the USSR in 1991, calling it "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe".
That's quite the contrast in sobriety. The Feckless Foursome insisted that Russia was a friend that didn't have expansionist goals, despite Putin's expansionist rhetoric. While Rachel Maddow was making herself look stupid, Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin said unpopular things that turned out to be 100% right.
Finally, I'd love asking Mrs. Clinton how that reset button thingy is working out lately.
Technorati: President Obama, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Reset Button, Vladimir Putin, Russian Bear, Soviet Empire, Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin, Ronald Reagan, Tear Down This Wall, George H.W. Bush, Margaret Thatcher, Pope John-Paul II, Lech Walesa, National Security, Cold War
Melissa Harris-Perry has given conservatives lots of reasons to criticize her. Chief among them was the segment about Mitt Romney's African-American grandchild. To her credit, Ms. Harris-Perry's apology is heartfelt:
Here's Ms. Harris-Perry's most impressive statement:
I am reminded that our fiercest critics can sometimes be our best teachers.
Tomorrow morning, Mitt Romney will be on FNS. It's pretty much a given that Chris Wallace will bring up this subject in addition to talking about providing security for the Winter Olympics and other topics. I'll be shocked if Mitt Romney doesn't accept Ms. Harris-Perry's apology with a forgiving attitude because that's who he is.
Finally, it's important to understand why Ms. Harris-Perry's apology is being accepted. She admitted that she'd acted like a jerk. She didn't try rationalizing what she and her guests did. She said that she's stepped across a line that she holds near and dear. She didn't use weasel phrases like "If I've offended anyone." Right at the start, she stated that she'd offended the Romneys and that her words likely caused pain for families "who've formed trans-racial adoptions."
I appreciate the fact that Ms. Harris-Perry apologized "without qualification" and that she said she'd intended to say uplifting things about this adoption. Ms. Harris-Perry deserves our gratitude for not dodging the issue and for being sincere.


text:
Mario Ivy
Junior College Highlights: Was a first-team all-region and all-conference honoree at Ellsworth Junior College under Coach Chad Haynes ? Named the conference?s defensive MVP ? Second-team All-American.
High School Highlights Earned letters in track and football at Edwardsville High School under Coach Tim Dougherty ? Named second-team all-state and first team all-conference ? St. Louis Post-Dispatch all-area team ? Garnered defensive Most Valuable Player honors in all-star game after recording 11 tackles and two sacks.
Personal: Full name is Mario Antoinne Ivy ? Born on June 19, 1980 in East St. Louis, Ill. ? The son of Willie and Annie Jones ? Cousin, LaPhonso Ellis, plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves ? Another cousin is Ed ?Too Tall? Jones ? Favorite athlete is Dick Butkus because he was feared by everyone ? Hobby is playing the drums and plans on majoring in music.