BlogNetNews.com » Minnesota

Kowabunga: Barking Tribble

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:16:32 -0500

Captain’s Log, Stardate, oh, wait, that’s pajama boy stuff.

I was at my usual spot at the bar in Quark’s Place when Quark came up with my first round of Guinness with a tribble sweat chaser. He looked like he wanted to tell me something pretty badly.

“Okay, Quark, spill it. What’s [...]

Fraters Libertas: If Nautical Knowledge Is Something You Wish

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:13:00 -0500

One of the joys of parenthood is when your children begin to utter their first words. While it's usually difficult to pinpoint these thing exactly, from what my wife and I have been able to determine here are the first words (in order) that our youngest boy has recently began [...]

Kowabunga: Obama Like Spock?

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:12:45 -0500

I’ve been unaware of the comparisons between Mr. Spock of Star Trek and Barack Obama until this week. Obama is like Spock? Go figure! Obama is a science geek? On what basis do they come to that conclusion?

Okay, disclaimer time. I’ve never liked Spock. He has always been my least [...]

MNpublius.com: The coming deficit: $7 to $8 billion

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:00:46 -0500

The state economist’s estimate of a $5.4 billion deficit is just the starting point. Remember that, by law, our budget forecasts cannot include inflation. Well that’s insane, because we know that inflation happens. According to a Senate fiscal analysis, that will add between $1.4 and $1.5 billion to [...]

Grizzly Groundswell: Economic Liberty vs ClimateGate: Dr. Philip Jones Scammer Extraordinaire

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:00:29 -0500

If you are a fence-sitter on the climate change debate, I trust you have been paying attention this past week as we learned that global warming data is cooked - or maybe "fried" is a better descriptor. The economic liberty of Americans is up against ClimateGate, which is perhaps the [...]

True North: More on EP Schools Hazing of 9th Graders

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:43:35 -0500

Lots of notice for the piece EP Students Hazed to Teach History where an extreme "simulation" session is being used as a learning tool in our schools. Word is that only certain 9th graders were given the privilege of being hazed. I'd still love to see that permission slip.

Dear 9th' [...]

True North: Please Sir, I Want Some More

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:41:08 -0500

1977: Home ownership should be increased via government incentives and if necessary penalties for those that don’t lend money to people that can’t pay it back.

Result: The Great Recession.

2009: Access to banking services should be increased via government incentives and if necessary penalties for those that don’t offer banking services [...]

True North: Former Governor Ventura Walks Off Radio Show

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:32:36 -0500

Via Allahpundit, an unflattering commentary on Jesse Ventura's radio interview gone bad:

From [Wednesday] morning’s Opie & Anthony show, your viral video of the day. The little guy is comedian Jim Norton. The big guy is a bully who used to wrestle in a feather boa, likes to throw around [...]

True North: You Don't Say!

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:28:00 -0500

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has come under pressure to reject a faculty panel's proposal to require students in its education school to doubt the United States is a meritocracy and to demonstrate an understanding of concepts such as "white privilege."

...Jean K. Quam, dean of the university's College [...]

Shot in the Dark: Q: What Does A Stealth Liberal Need, To Succeed?

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:22:09 -0500

Number of comments: 3
A: A conservative lead-in. Anderson Cooper – famous for impeccable silver-gray executive hair and his ability to throw politically-correct tirades on cue, and who is most famous for chuckling “it’s hard to talk when you’re tea-bagging” about a story about the Tea Parties – is getting clobbered in the ratings (empasis [...]

Mr. Dilettante: An interesting question

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:59:00 -0500

Gino often has some really lively debates over at his place. One of his regular commenters is a guy who goes by the nom de blog Tully. Tully asked an interesting question on this thread. Gino's original point was this:

Instead of a "War On Terrorism", why don't' [...]

Let Freedom Ring: Aaron Ament’s Selective Outrage

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:28:08 -0500

Prior to this post, most people probably haven’t heard about Aaron Ament. I certainly hadn’t heard of him prior to this. Ament is one of the founders of Stand Up America PAC. According to this article, Stand Up America PAC has targeted Michele Bachmann, Joe Wilson, Eric Cantor, Jean [...]

True North: Aaron Ament's Selective Outrage

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:25:31 -0500

Prior to this post, most people probably haven't heard about Aaron Ament. I certainly hadn't heard of him prior to this. Ament is one of the founders of Stand Up America PAC. According to this article, Stand Up America PAC has targeted Michele Bachmann, Joe Wilson, Eric Cantor, Jean [...]

Shot in the Dark: Obama’s D-Day Speech to The Troops

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:00:50 -0500

Number of comments: 1
This just in from an alternate universe in which Barack Obama was President of the United States on June 6, 1944; this is his proclamation announcing the invasion continued surveillance and aggressive patrolling actions in Normandy. Soldiers, Sailors and Airpeople of the Allied Relief Force! You are about to embark upon the Great [...]

Shot in the Dark: Please Sir, I Want Some More

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:00:27 -0500

Number of comments: 3
1977: Home ownership should be increased via government incentives and if necessary penalties for those that don’t lend money to people that can’t pay it back. Result: The Great Recession. 2009: Access to banking services should be increased via government incentives and if necessary penalties for those that don’t offer banking services [...]

Twin Cities Daily Planet: La Natividad returns

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:54:47 -0500

News Story

One of the most unique partnerships in the arts takes place literally in our backyard: La Natividad, the bilingual Christmas procession and celebration that is a partnership between In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (HOBT), St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church' [...]

Twin Cities Daily Planet: OPINION | Ethiopia’s despot goes hunting for billions in Copenhagen

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:16:31 -0500

News Story

A mind-boggling usurpation of moral authority at the highest global level is set to unfold at the United Nations Climate Change Conference that begins in Copenhagen this Saturday. MORE »Byline The McGill Report By: Douglas [...]

Twin Cities Daily Planet: THEATER | "In the Heights" at the Orpheum: A lot of fun, a little tedious, and kind of overstuffed. That's New York!

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:02:02 -0500

News Story

I happened to be sitting near another reporter at the opening night of In the Heights at the Orpheum Theatre, and both of us admitted that we didn't know very much about the show. The publicity images and the summary blurb—"Find out what it'" [...]

Twin Cities Daily Planet: Finn-Sisu says goodbye to St. Paul, hello to Lauderdale

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:02:03 -0500

News Story

Light rail is coming and Ahvo Taipale is going, moving his ski shop north to Lauderdale after more than 30 years on University Avenue in St. Paul. MORE »Byline Park Bugle By: Roger Bergerson [...]

Twin Cities Daily Planet: Edison’s Rock and Roll Club: Learning by ear and Internet

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:02:04 -0500

News Story

The half dozen students in Edison's Rock and Roll Club are generally a homogeneous, laid back group. Under the guidance of teacher Eric Fleming, they show up every week after school to work on songs. Most of them play guitar and few of them [...]

Martin Andrade Blogs: Christmas Gift Guide 2009

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 03:25:37 -0500

For the Ladies: Star Trek Blue Dress This is the perfect gift for men to give to the platonic never-a-chance-ever-of-a-romantic-relationship ladies in their life. It sends a simple and completely understandable message, I just forgot what that message is. Needless to say, you won’t be forgotten soon with this high impact gift. [...][...]

Minnesota Conservatives: Today's Circus: White House Jobs Summit

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:15:00 -0500

Not to worry: Obama has already said it won't actually create, you know, jobs! Click on the image above to enlarge his house of cards.' [...]

Let Freedom Ring: Start Popping the Pocorn

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:01:59 -0500

CQPolitics is reporting that Maureen Reed won’t abide by the DFL endorsing convention for Rep. Michele Bachmann’s seat. This isn’t a total surprise as there were some hints last week that that’s the path that she’d be taking:

I told Isaacson that that sounded pretty close to declaring that [...]

True North: Start Popping the Pocorn

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:56:48 -0500

CQPolitics is reporting that Maureen Reed won't abide by the DFL endorsing convention for Rep. Michele Bachmann's seat. This isn't a total surprise as there were some hints this past week that that's the path that she'd be taking:

I told Isaacson that that sounded pretty close to declaring' [...]

Peace Like A River: Cables, dispatches and memoranda

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:18:49 -0500

A brief world news roundup for 3 December 2009.

United States & the Americas White House – Remarks by the President in Address to the Nation on the Way Forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan; Eisenhower Hall Theatre, United States Military Academy at West Point, West Point, [...]

Smart Politics: Pawlenty Unflappable Amid Press Corps Accusations that 2012 Aspirations Hindering His Ability to Govern During Budget Crisis

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:03 -0500

Governor is adamant that, despite rumored political aspirations or busy travel schedule, there is "no work in his office or administration that is left undone"

At a press conference Wednesday afternoon discussing the State of Minnesota's projected $1.2 billion deficit, Governor Tim Pawlenty was constantly barraged with questions, [...]

Mercury Rising: Honduras Coup, Act VI, Day 4

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:20:55 -0500

The election website maintained by the Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) is a wreck. At this moment (a bit past midnight Eastern), it lists zero votes for all candidates. So, candidates (down ballot) are camping out at the computer center to make sure that their votes aren’t erased. On TeleSur, Zelaya [...]

Blog of the Moderate Left: NYO Fail, Part the Second: In Which I Discuss Slut-Shaming

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:15:24 -0500

Number of comments: 1

So when we left off, I was talking about the fact that this god-awful article from the New York Observer started out talking about slut-shaming by giving an example of date rape. Now, I’m all in favor of shaming rapists, and if the article had [...]

MN Progressive Project: Mud Soup 12/3/09

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:10:41 -0500

I'm handling 'Mud Soup' now. I pledge to try to keep my own dark obsessions from influencing my daily picks. If that's possible.

- Perhaps one or more of MPP's marquee names will be posting about this, but for now, Polinaut has some DFL gubernatorial candidates' reactions to [...]

Twin Cities Daily Planet: MN VOICES | J.D. Steele, crossing borders and fighting poverty through music

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:01:01 -0500

News Story

J.D. Steele, of the Steeles renown, is crazy about kids. Specifically, he is almost maniacal in his commitment to empowering the disadvantaged youth of Africa. Which is a good thing, because God knows somebody needs to be.MORE »Byline [...]

Gavin Sullivan's page: Who's Zoomin' Who?

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:14:02 -0500

Having heard just one statement by the accused's defense attorney, could you publicly call for the dismissal of anticipated charges against a fellow citizen? Wouldn't that seem rash? Crystal Kelley--another unapologetic righty blogging from Eden Prairie--would disagree:

When the terrorist (oh, I'm sorry, "detainee") whined to the Iraqis about how [...]

Let Freedom Ring: Critics Not Welcome?

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:07:28 -0500

True to form, the only people attending President Obama’s job summit will be people who agree with him. I’m confident now that I know that the Obama administration will have a photo-op event with the people who’ve created this robust economy.

Confirmed attendees include liberal economists credited with shaping the [...]

True North: Critics Not Welcome

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:04:25 -0500

True to form, the only people attending President Obama's job summit will be people who agree with him. I'm confident now that I know that the Obama administration will have a photo-op event with the people who've created this robust economy.

Confirmed attendees include liberal economists credited with shaping the [...]

Twin Cities Daily Planet: Walz challenger Hagedorn says Dems are ‘driving us toward European socialism’

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:01:02 -0500

News Story

After 25 years living in Washington, Jim Hagedorn has moved back to Minnesota to challenge Tim Walz for the First Congressional District seat. The son of former 2nd Congressional District Rep.MORE »Byline Minnesota Independent By: [...]

Martin Andrade Blogs: Christmas Gift Guide 2009

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:41:40 -0500

Rolling Hoop I don’t care if this looks like I stole the idea from some stupid video game commercial. I had this site bookmarked last summer. Give this gift and teach those young people that life isn’t all exploding Russian WWII soldiers with magic spell grenades you found on SIMs while playing Civilization [...]

Silenced Majority Portal: NY Talibangelicals Defeat Gay Marriage

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:39:00 -0500

Same-sex marriage bill voted down in New York Senate - CNN.com Maybe Obama should send troops in there. [...]

Silenced Majority Portal: TEE VEE: William Shatner Grills Limbaugh on Healthcare

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:32:00 -0500

[...]

Silenced Majority Portal: Holiday Diet Issue: Worst Celebrity Diets AND Butts Are In / Butt Makeup

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:24:00 -0500

I keep seeing references to a video I don't want to watch, about a woman who died from plastic surgery, and here is a pretty interesting article about how butts are in (a good thing.) I Want a Bigger Butt...' [...]

Mr. Dilettante: Thanks, Mary Jane and Ed!

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:17:00 -0500

Number of comments: 0

Your firstborn son has made it through another year. [...]

Free-Spirited Ruminations: The Little Red Haired Girl

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:14:00 -0500

Charles Schultz

I read somewhere once that only two percent of the population are natural redheads. I didn't always appreciate my hair, and really don't appreciate that now there is a little gray mixed in occasionally - but as I get older I like it [...]

Martin Andrade Blogs: links for 2009-12-02

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:02:55 -0500

Help Wanted, No Private Sector Experience Required « The Enterprise Blog Quote:"A friend sends along the following chart from a J.P. Morgan research report. It examines the prior private sector experience of the cabinet officials since 1900 that one might expect a president to turn to in seeking advice about helping [...]

Dump Michele Bachmann: Top 10 Michele Bachmann Gaffes

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:50:00 -0500

The week:

Minnesota congresswoman and cable-news fixture Michele Bachmann has become one of the GOP’s new lightning rods, attracting new admirers such as Washington Post columnist and conservative eminence grise George Will, who recently defended her as “an authentic representative of the Republican base.” Yes, she's a “a [...]

Dump Michele Bachmann: City Pages Fact Checks another Michele Bachmann Lie

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:48:00 -0500

Check it out here. [...]

Psycmeister's Ice Palace!: A Little Late to the Party, but...

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:40:00 -0500

You gotta read this...from my friends at the MoxArgon Group--Read more at Psycmeistr's Ice Palace. [...]

Fraters Libertas: Castro's Still A Leo

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:35:00 -0500

Back in 1995 I wrote a brilliant piece about the sociopolitical undertones roiling beneath the surface of the classic Christmas special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Since it was just on TV tonight and since I'm just too lazy to post any new material and since the original post is also' [...]

Twin Cities Daily Planet: Tosca ad in Tower 2

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:04:12 -0500

Links to http://www.tctosca.com. [...]

Twin Cities Daily Planet: SUGARUSH brings bakery and coffee shop back to University Avenue

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:01:04 -0500

News Story

Blog of the Moderate Left: NYO Fail, Part the First: In Which I Discuss Double Standards

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:54:35 -0500

Number of comments: 5

This completely awful New York Observer article has been making the rounds on the twittersphere today, with most of my feminist and ally friends observing that the article boils down to, as Spencer Ackerman says, “adult women should not ever have sex with any men ever, and especially [...]

True North: Steve Gottwalt on Minnesota's $5.4 Billion Shortfall

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:38:30 -0500

In an email to his constituents, SD 15-A representative Steve Gottwalt had this to say:

We received the latest budget forecast information today and it indicates Minnesota faces a projected $1.2 billion shortfall for the current two-year state budget, and a $5.4 billion deficit for the next biennium.

[...]

MN Progressive Project: Republican Senators mad at Franken for opposing gang rape

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:38:06 -0500

..and having the temerity to ask that his colleagues agree with him on the Congressional Record too!

The horror!

Via TPM, mostly because linking to Politico tends to give me the heebie jeebies...The Republicans are steamed at Franken because partisans on the left are using a measure he sponsored to paint [...]

True North: Feinstein & Durbin to Bloggers: No Shield For YOU!

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:29:42 -0500

A bill pending in the U.S. Senate to provide shield protection to journalists who choose to protect their sources leaves out one very important part of journalism. I don't usually go to Daily Kos for my information, but a tweet from a follower pointed me here:

' [...]

True North: How to Fix Health Care: Lasik Surgery For The Medical Debate

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:21:38 -0500

From Nick Gillespie at Reason TV, comes a practical solution to Healthcare. Yep you guessed it, it's the free market, aka capitalism. No seriously, you commie nutburgers, it really works. Read on, and for those up you born after 1985, watch...

{youtube}3E29LD98ruo&feature{/youtube} [...]

Freedom Dogs: How to Fix Health Care: Lasik Surgery For The Medical Debate

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:13:46 -0500

{youtube}3E29LD98ruo&feature{/youtube}

Health care “reform” is coming. But what’s the best [...]

Across the Great Divide: The Russians Love Their Lynyrd Skynyrd, too.

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:11:49 -0500

I suppose there is life after Afghanistan. The Soviet Union's nine-year stay ended just over 20 years ago.

The war cost the Soviets about 15,000 lives, and messed up the country's relations with China, the Muslim world and the West, including a trade embargo and boycott of the 1980 Olympic Games in [...]

Twin Cities Daily Planet: Looking in on the autistic brain

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:01:05 -0500

News Story

Dr. Seyyed Fatemi has spent the past 13 years looking at brain disorders through a microscope. But he cannot forget what he saw with his own two eyes. MORE »Byline The Minnesota Daily By: Mike Mullen [...]

MNpublius.com: Poll says country is too politically divided

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:00:20 -0500

Number of comments: 1

Three out of four Americans fear that their country has become too politically divided, according to a new poll released Tuesday by Hart Research and Public Opinion Strategies. [Via Politico]

I couldn’t agree more. I blame the stupid Republicans.

Okay, that was obviously meant as a joke; it was the very first [...]

Psycmeister's Ice Palace!: Feinstein & Durbin to Bloggers: No Shield For YOU!

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:54:00 -0500

But those two troublemaking Dems, now' [...]

the cucking stool: Drinking Liberally tomorrow night, December 3rd

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:47:00 -0500

Remember Drinking Liberally meets tomorrow night at the 331 Club in Northeast Minneapolis; Mayor R.T. Rybak will be our guest. He’s a contender for the DFL nomination for governor. We meet from six to nine PM, but we expect the Mayor around seven. He’ll offer a few remarks, stand for [...]

Anti-Strib: How Insane Are Enviroweenies?

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:19:05 -0500

This is insane:

http://pajamasmedia.com/richardfernandez/2009/12/01/the-fifth-commandment/
The New Scientist describes 5 “eco crimes we commit every day”; acts of thoughtless decadence that are killing the planet. Are you a climate criminal? Listen to these indictments and decide if you engage in any of these heinous activities.

The five bullet points.
[...]

The Political Animal: Ventura hits the boulevard

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:15:47 -0500

Former Gov. Jesse Ventura had a meltdown on his promo tour for the debut of tonight's "Conspiracy Theory" on TruTV. Ventura becomes visibly irked by the host and ends up walking out of "The Opie & Anthony Show."

I suppose we knew this was coming. The video is below: [...]

Les Enfants Terrible: Ideology is settled

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:58:00 -0500

My hat is off today for Barack Obama, who has the courage to come forward and demonstrate a dedication to science over politics in the face of overwhelming pressure:

...we base our public policies on the soundest science; that we appoint scientific advisers based on their credentials and experience, [...]

Psycmeister's Ice Palace!: Wednesday Hero Blogburst 12-2-09

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:41:00 -0500

Spc. Michael P. Garton & Spc. Rolando R. Flores

Spc. Michael P. Garton, a gunner with the Personal Security Detachment, with the 36th Sustainment Brigade out of Temple, Texas, and a Texarkana, Texas, [...]

Wright County Republican: How Can You Tell If A Scientist Is Lieing?

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:26:00 -0500

Try as I might to investigate the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) it's virtually impossible to ascertain direct answers to any of my questions.

For example:

1. What are the names of the scientists who serve on the IPCC?
2. What is their area of [...]

Psycmeister's Ice Palace!: Steve Gottwalt on Minnesota's $5.4 Billion Shortfall

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:25:00 -0500

In an email to his constituents, SD 15-A representative Steve Gottwalt had this to say:
We received the latest budget forecast information today and it indicates Minnesota faces a projected $1.2 billion shortfall for the current two-year state budget, and a $5.4 billion deficit for the next biennium.

This [...]

Nihilist In Golf Pants: Top 11 Reasons That Tiger Woods Was Stepping Out On Elin Nordegren With Rachel Uchitel (among others)

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:21:00 -0500

11. Liked the way that Rachel referred to it as "taking out your long iron" 10. Working out with Rachel helped him knock a couple of strokes off his game 9. Rachel laid down for him even easier than Phil Mickelson8. Elin will no longer polish his club7. Elin took [...]

Mercury Rising: Hagedorn: “The Only Good Indian Is A Dead Indian”

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:19:25 -0500

You know, if the state and national Republicans really want to take back Minnesota’s First Congressional District from Tim Walz, they’re going to have to deal with the Clown Car Syndrome that has afflicted their candidates over the last few election cycles. First, they assumed that nobody would really be able [...]

Hindsight - From Minnesota 2020: How to Reduce Minnesota’s Red Ink and Move Forward

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:05:25 -0500

The November forecast of state revenues and expenditures revealed a projected $1.2 billion deficit for the current two year biennium (FY 2010-11), which began on July 1. This means that over the course of the next 19 months, the state will have to reduce spending, [...]

News Cut: Fresh Eye on the Radio: 12/2/09

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:04:48 -0500

Mary Lucia was off today so Mark Wheat did the commiserating about scores on the News Cut Quiz on Afghanistan. Also: Petters is guilty and the state is broke. [...]

City Hall Scoop: Conlon throws calculator in ring

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:22:34 -0500

from the Political Animal:

Former St. Paul School Board member Tom Conlon just announced he will seek the office of state auditor. Conlon had been known for being one of the only Republican elected officials in Ramsey County.

Conlon resigned his [...]

The Minnesota Independent.: Oberstar makes his voice heard, endorsing Clark to beat Bachmann

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:14:38 -0500

U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar endorsed state Sen. Tarryl Clark today as the DFL’s best bet to beat Rep. Michele Bachmann next year. The elder statesman of the Minnesota congressional delegation said in September that Bachmann was “hearing other voices” than God’s; now he wants Minnesota’s [...]

Fraters Libertas: Time Out Of The Mainstream

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:05:00 -0500

After returning from a ten day vacation in Miami (spent at the abode of relatives), I'm working on getting back into the groove of "normal" life again. The time off was a nice break in the action, not only from work but also from the new cycle constantly being churned' [...]

Bluestem Prairie: Seen on a door at the Ramada in Rochester, Minnesota: Hagedorn's handler

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:00:43 -0500

A friend forwarded this image of the reservation on the room for the Hagedorn announcement press conference in Rochester.

Though the spelling is slight bit off, I'll venture a guess that the "Gregg Pepin" in the sign is political consultant Gregg Peppin of P2B Strategies,' [...]

I Don't Hate America!: Jim Hagedorn: one hateful congressional candidate

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:56:32 -0500

Number of comments: 1

In the wake of both Allen Quist and Randy Demmer announcing their campaigns for Minnesota’s First Congressional District, another person has thrown his hat into the ring to face Tim Walz.

Jim Hagedorn announced today he is seeking the GOP nomination for congress. As noted at Bluestem Prairie and [...]

MN Progressive Project: Republican state deficit hawk, two days ago: "Nothing to worry about, folks"

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:54:05 -0500

I read Joe Bodell's piece (below this one) about the conservatives "owning" Minnesota's latest budget disaster (a shortfall of 1.2 billion dollars.) Of course Joe's right--the principle is so basic that even a conservative can understand it, if he wants to: if you speeeennnd money, you have to paaaay iiit [...]

Minnesota Democrats Exposed: STATEMENT FROM MINNESOTA SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER ON BUDGET FORECAST

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:51:56 -0500

“Today’s budget announcement shows once again that Minnesota’s
government has a spending problem,” said Minnesota Senate Republican
Leader David Senjem (R-Rochester).

“Our current budget size and deficit is a result of insatiable
spending and expansion of government bureaucracy and programs. The
answer to solving the budget deficit is not to raise [...]

Freedom Dogs: Anti-war protest scheduled tonight in Minneapolis

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:45:16 -0500

President Obama's Afghanistan address angered local anti-war groups and they're springing into action. At 5:30, an "Emergency Unpermitted March Against the Surge In Afghanistan" will begin at Loring Park in Minneapolis:

EMERGENCY UNPERMITTED MARCH AGAINST THE SURGE IN AFGHANISTAN

LAST NIGHT PRESIDENT OBAMA ANNOUNCED A MASSIVE' [...]

True North: Anti-war protest scheduled tonight in Minneapolis

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:36:57 -0500

EMERGENCY UNPERMITTED MARCH AGAINST THE SURGE IN AFGHANISTAN

LAST NIGHT PRESIDENT OBAMA ANNOUNCED A' [...]

HometownSource Blog: Health department downgrades H1N1 activity status to “local”

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:33:34 -0500

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced that it has downgraded H1N1 flu activity in the state as reported to the Center for Disease Control to “local.”

This reflects the fact, the department points out, that flu activity is occurring primarily in the northwest region of Minnesota, though to a [...]

The Minnesota Independent.: Franken win ushers in a new political era for American Indians

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:28:12 -0500

Number of comments: 6

Photo: Chris Steller, MnIndy

“This has probably been the best year for Native Americans” says Tom Cole, the only person now both elected as a member of Congress and enrolled as a member of an American Indian tribe. The latest sign of success, says [...]

The Political Animal: Conlon throws calculator in ring

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:23:16 -0500

Former St. Paul School Board member Tom Conlon just announced he will seek the office of state auditor. Conlon had been known for being one of the only Republican elected officials in Ramsey County.

Conlon resigned his board seat in June to run a historic inn in North Carolina. [...]

Minnesota Democrats Exposed: TOM CONLON ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR STATE AUDITOR

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:20:02 -0500

CONLON TO SEEK REPUBLICAN ENDORSEMENT FOR MINNESOTA STATE AUDITOR IN 2010

Former St. Paul School Board Member Tom Conlon announced today that he will seek the Republican Party endorsement for Minnesota State Auditor.

“In difficult economic times for families and taxpayers, as well as Minnesota’s local governments, accountability in how we [...]

The Minnesota Independent.: Minnesota delegation reacts to Afghanistan ‘extended surge’

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:15:42 -0500

U.S. troops in Ghazni province, Afghanistan. Photo: Army.mil via Flickr

Minnesota’s congressional delegation weighed in Wednesday on President Obama’s plans for the war in Afghanistan with a mix of skepticism and cautious praise. Here’s a sampling of those [...]

HometownSource Blog: Is DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy on the hot seat?

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:11:15 -0500

Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Dan McElroy may be on the political hot seat this coming legislative session.

During a DFL press conference today, Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, spoke of the need for new leadership in the job creation area — specifically pointing to the former [...]

SCSUScholars: You don't say!

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:10:00 -0500

MN Progressive Project: Dayton gets a superdelegate in endorsement race

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:59:38 -0500

According to a source, former U.S. Senator Mark Dayton has picked up the support of convention superdelegate and CD6 DFL Chair Nancy Schumacher.

The move is interesting in that Dayton has made no bones about his intention to run in the DFL primary and not compete especially hard for the party's' [...]

MN Progressive Project: Jim Oberstar endorses Tarryl Clark

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:57:43 -0500

Tarryl Clark has pulled in another endorsement as she seeks to become the DFL nominee to face Michele Bachmann in the 2010 MN-06 race. This time it's Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-MN).

I'm proud to support my friend, Senator Tarryl Clark, in her campaign for Congress.

Tarryl is a seasoned, experienced legislator.' [...]

Mary's Page: Lawmakers Deficit Reaction

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:52:19 -0500

Here's a summary of what Democratic and Republican lawmakers had to say about a billion dollar deficit:

Sen. Tom Bakk (and candidate for governor) says if the current governor cuts local government aid it "dumps the problem onto local governments and raises property taxes." [...]

Norwegianity: The linkcetera you’ve been waiting for

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:52:06 -0500

Number of comments: 2
Haaretz is excited. But not so excited they forgot to mention that Marc’s father was “released from federal prison last year after serving a nearly five-year sentence for wire and bank fraud.” Former Iowa Congressman Ed Mezvinsky’s sins, of course, should not be visited upon the son. But maybe someone should ask [...]

SCSUScholars: Kimfiscatory monetary reform

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:45:00 -0500

North Korea takes a page from the later Gorbachev monetary policy playbook.
Chaos reportedly erupted in North Korea on Tuesday after the government of Kim Jong Il revalued the country's currency, sharply restricting the amount of old bills that could be traded for new and wiping out personal [...]

The Minnesota Independent.: Walz challenger scrubs jokes about Wellstone mourners, Grams’ infidelities from site

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:42:54 -0500

Number of comments: 6

As mentioned earlier, GOP candidate Jim Hagedorn removed posts from his “Mr. Conservative” blog prior to announcing his bid this morning for U.S. Rep. Tim Walz’s seat, but a review of scrubbed posts reveals a brand of humor that might not sell [...]

MinnPost - Political Agenda: Group wants new state budget solutions that don't target people with disabilities

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:40:00 -0500

[...]

The Political Animal: Oberstar endorses Clark

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:30:34 -0500

The 6th Congressional District's Jim Oberstar, D-Minn. has weighed in on the 4th District race to his south, offering support for Tarryl Clark over Maureen Reed.

We also talked to Education Minnesota this week about its endorsement in the race to unseat Republican Michele Bachmann. A vote has been [...]

MN Progressive Project: Matt Bostrom For Ramsey Country Sheriff Pending Formal Annoucement

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:19:28 -0500

Matt Bostrom is going to formally announce running for Ramsey Country Sheriff, next Tuesday, at the Landmark Center, during the lunch hour. Matt Bostrom is well-liked by everyone that I have interviewed at city hall. He has twenty seven years on the St Paul police force which actively [...]

Let Freedom Ring: Pickup Potential

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:16:10 -0500

Republicans got another bit of good news Tuesday when Rep. John Tanner, (D-TN), announced that he’s retiring at the end of this term:

Tanner released a statement late tonight confirming the news. “Betty Ann and I had considered retiring in 2007 at the end of the 110th Congress, were it [...]

True North: Pickup Potential

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:12:58 -0500

Republicans got another bit of good news Tuesday when Rep. John Tanner, (D-TN), announced that he's retiring at the end of this term:

Tanner released a statement late tonight confirming the news. "Betty Ann and I had considered retiring in 2007 at the end of the 110th Congress, were it" [...]

MinnPost - Political Agenda: Jim Hagedorn, son of former congressman, announces bid for 1st District seat

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:12:00 -0500

[...]

Anti-Strib: "WHAT IS SCIENCE?"

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:07:41 -0500

From the American Physical Society, a statement on what is the nature of science.

(Adopted by Council on November 14, 1999)

Science extends and enriches our lives, expands our imagination and liberates us from the bonds of ignorance and superstition. The American Physical Society affirms the precepts of modern [...]

Hindsight - From Minnesota 2020: Active Students Do Better in School

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:06:54 -0500

Photo Credit: Eagan High School

You don’t need any fancy studies from high-buck universities to know that there’s a correlation between student involvement in extracurricular activities and grades. Two school districts know this firsthand.

In Frazee-Vargas, Schools Activities Director Dave Trautman said he’s heard athletes [...]

MinnPost - Political Agenda: Duluth gets another Advanstar alum as CFO

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:03:00 -0500

[...]

True North: Paul Rahe: Can Obama Save His Presidency? (2)

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:02:00 -0500

Hillsdale College Professor Paul Rahe writes to follow up on his recent posts in light of the president's speech last night:

On Sunday, in a post which can be found here, I presented evidence suggesting that President Obama and his party are in deep trouble and that virtually everyone [...]

MNpublius.com: Without the stimulus, the economy would be much worse

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:00:18 -0500

Number of comments: 8

The Congressional Budget Office just completed a review of the economic stimulus and found that it had a significant impact on the economy, which shouldn’t come as a surprise for most Americans. There are still those, however, even including House Minority Leader John Boehner, who make the [...]

True North: Now the real budget fun begins

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:59:23 -0500

In case my dean wants to know why I was constantly checking the cell phone during a meeting today, it was to see the new Minnesota budget forecast. ("My name is King, and I'm a budget addict." "Hi King!")

General fund revenues are now forecast to fall $1.156 billion (3.7' [...]

Minnesota Democrats Exposed: DOWNEY NAMED CO-CHAIR OF SMALL BUSINESS CAUCUS

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:50:38 -0500

Rep. Keith Downey Named to Co-Chair the House Small Business Caucus

ST. PAUL—State Representative Keith Downey (District 41A, Edina) has been named a co-chair of the bipartisan Minnesota House of Representatives Small Business Caucus. The group of legislators from around the state has convened to improve the state’s overall environment for small [...]

Norwegianity: Palinfreude

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:43:29 -0500

Number of comments: 1
Digby’s quote from a HuffPo article sums up the state of the Palin quite nicely: As the epigram to Chapter Three, “Drill, Baby, Drill,” Palin assigns the following remarks to the Hall of Fame hoops coach: Our land is everything to us… I will tell you one of the things we remember [...]

HometownSource Blog: Ask the Sportswriters: Vikings, Mauer, ‘U’ Mens Basketball, Timberwolves

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:33:17 -0500

Following are opinions from Mille Lacs County Times editor-sports editor Gary Larson, reporter Luther Dorr and Logan Marxhausen, a Milaca native who is on the sports staff at the St. Cloud State University Chronicle. Note: This feature is written on Monday each week.

************

•Question: What are your thoughts on the Vikings’ [...]

Norwegianity: The fork in the road

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:25:05 -0500

Number of comments: 1
I have to confess that I’m finding it hard to give a shit about the news given that we’re escalating in Afghanistan. Spot and Mick both speak to issues I have about that, and I suspect we’re in for quite a few disillusioned posts from former Obamanistas, not that Mick [...]

SCSUScholars: Now the real budget fun begins

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:17:00 -0500

Across the Great Divide: Rybak at Drinking Liberally.

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:10:18 -0500

DFL candidate for governor, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, will be at Drinking Liberally tomorrow, December 3rd. He has declared, but has yet to launch a website for his campaign, which kicks off officially on Sunday.

Look for him at DL around 7pm Thursday — at the 331 Club, 13th [...]

Mary's Page: Pawlenty's Budget Reaction

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:07:19 -0500

Here's Gov. Pawlenty's reaction to another billion dollar deficit:

Gov says not putting his political aspirations ahead of state, will slow travel schedule during sesion, won't rule out run for president Deficit will make Vikings case more difficult Predicts DFL [...]

News Cut: Quiz: How well do you know Afghanistan?

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:04:13 -0500

It's the top story in the news and the U.S. has been fighting there since 2001, but how much do you know about Afghanistan? [...]

Anti-Strib: The Congressional Black Caucus is racist

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:58:57 -0500

Sure, the first clue is the fact that you have to be black to join. Never mind of your district is predominantly black, you have to be black to be a member. (For the liberals out their, this is the very definition of racism)

But there is more. Even Obama [...]

Anti-Strib: More ACORN corruption

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:55:10 -0500

It looks like you could pick just about any ACORN employee at random and you will probably have picked a criminal.

Former Acorn and Schools Employee Is Accused of Fraud

Investigators on Tuesday alleged that a Brooklyn-based bookkeeper and community organizer for the beleaguered antipoverty group Acorn improperly received $500,000 [...]

Shot in the Dark: That’s The Spirit

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:54:29 -0500

Number of comments: 10
I came across this on my cyber paper route today and it caught my interest as a Scotch/Whiskey/Bourbon drinker (in moderation, of course)… “We can make so much more of malt whisky as an industry,” said Thomson, 54, who submitted plans for local government approval on Nov. 12. “We haven’t even [...]

Mercury Rising: Honduras Coup, Act VI, Day 3

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:39:13 -0500

Number of comments: 8
Update: Channel 36: The Supreme Court has recognized that there are charges against Zelaya, but that there are also “amparos de recurso” (petitions for stay) pending. So, they say restitution is an act for the Congress [this is correct]. The Public Minister argues that actually it’s a judicial issue. The Minister [...]

Fraters Libertas: All I Want For Christmas Is Shorts

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:27:00 -0500

When the subject of live Christmas entertainment comes up, you're usually talking about concerts, plays, musicals, or school programs (which are interminably cute when your child is on stage, interminably long when others are performing). But if you're looking for a Christmas themed event that's off the charts when it [...]

The Minnesota Independent.: Walz challenger Hagedorn says Dems are ‘driving us toward European socialism’

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:20:55 -0500

Number of comments: 10

hagedornforcongress.com

Shot in the Dark: First Sign Of Hope

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:16:16 -0500

Number of comments: 1
I’ve long felt that the MNGOP’s best shot at a pickup in 2010 will be in the First Congressional District (CD), where DFLer Tim Walz beat incumbent moderate Gil Gutknecht in 2006. Walz was a middling-to-weak candidate, but a likeable enough guy who ran far enough to the center to [...]

Shot in the Dark: No Decision

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:05:05 -0500

Number of comments: 10
In the book and miniseries Band of Brothers, “Easy ” Company (E Company/506th Airborne Infantry Regiment) is led through Normandy and Operation Market-Garden (the invasion of the Netherlands) by Dick Winters – the protagonist and real-life hero of the story. After Market-Garden, Winters is promoted to battalion executive officer; he’s [...]

Mary's Page: Deficit Details

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:51:50 -0500

The deficit is $1.2 billion in the current budget and $5.4 billion for the next budget. Here's some more details:

MN Management & Budget Commissioner Tom Hanson says deficit "significant" nearly 4% of total budget State Economist Tom Stinson says economy [...]

MN Progressive Project: Do conservative economic policies finally own Minnesota's bad economy?

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:25:37 -0500

With today's news that Minnesota will face a $5.4 billion-with-a-B budget deficit by 2013, it's time to ask the question:

When will the regressive policies pushed by Governor Pawlenty and his allies in the State Legislature finally be held responsible for our economic state of affairs?

At what point do moderate [...]