The Darwin Awards: In Search Of Smart.

Darwin Awards  HONORABLE MENTION, DOUBLE DOWN  "Smoking a cigarette is risky enough without adding fuel to the fire. For reasons that have yet to be explained, two 24-year-olds (identified as a man and a woman) invaded the property of an oil drilling company located 75 miles east of Dallas. Four oil/water storage units located on the property seemed, to the trespassers, to be ideal platforms for a 3-AM cigarette break. In the wee hours of the morning, the disaster-ly duo climbed up and lit up, thereby setting the tank and themselves on fire.
"Courageous firefighters saved the lives of these nicotine nutballs, and prevented worse tragedy by throwing large foam blankets over the remaining three oil/water tanks. Ms. Disaster landed in the hospital on life support, while Mr. Disaster was treated for severe burns on face, back, and arms. Survivors of their own bad judgment, we award the "Lucky Strikes" an Honorable Mention. Perhaps this episode will motivate them to quit. quit.(Ref 1, Ref 2) Comments: "In Capitalist America cigarette smokes you!" "

 "Next step: Sue the oil company--no warning was posted on top of the tank!"
Hat tip to Ed Jenkins

5 Things to Expect at the State of the Union Address

PJ Media   "Regardless of whether members want to pretend they like each other, Obama will not be eager to craft any illusions that he wants to meet the GOP halfway. He’s going to raise a fuss if it becomes apparent by tomorrow night — after tomorrow’s Senate Armed Services Committee hearing for Chuck Hagel — that his nominees won’t have smooth sailing through Congress. He’s going to accuse the GOP of stonewalling, obfuscating, and being extremist. He’s going to try to get an eye roll on camera, another Wilson yell, a middle finger from Nugent, something he can milk for everything it’s worth in his quest to paint his opponents as opposite of American consensus. And he knows that Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) is giving the Republican rebuttal — and that should get a good number of viewers — so he’s going to try to prebut the rebut by studying American-dream messages and administration criticisms in Rubio’s past speeches.

‘Centrist’ Meme Abandoned, Lapdog Media Encouraging Obama to Head to the Left for SOTU    "We're not waking up from this nightmare. Get ready kids, four more years really starts with tonight’s State of the Union address.

A little drone humor

Below: my personal favorite because it says so much about Obama and his criminalizing actions of the Bush Administration for their interrogation methods used on terrorists.

 

Problems with a Tesla model S

The electric car mistake  "The Obama administration’s electric-car fantasy finally may have died on the road between Newark, Del., and Milford, Conn.
The New York Times’s John M. Broder reported Friday that the Tesla Model S
 electric car he was test-driving repeatedly ran out of juice, partly because cold weather reduces the battery’s range by about 10 percent."
More here: Weekly Standard; Hit and Run Blog; Boing Boing

NYT reviewer takes Tesla on road trip, "wasn't smiling." Elon Musk: NYT review is "fake."

Price ranges of Tesla cars. The first article mentioned a price of $101,000.
That price is not among those listed here.

The Prius is the PC car in Hollywood  "Over 70 Hollywood celebrities own a Prius. Stars seen driving their green machines including Matt Damon, David Duchovny, Zachary Quinto, Cameron Diaz, Robin Williams, Ewan McGregor, Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, Rachel Bilson, Leonardo di Caprio, Miley Cyrus, Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Harrison Ford, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston, Selma Hayek, and Sarah Michelle Geller just to name a few."  Plus any number driven by the good guys in TV shows.

Obama nixes Nork's Nukes. If Obama says, "Let me be clear", we will know he is serious about this.

goupstate.com

China joins U.S., Japan in condemning North Korea nuclear test  "North Korea conducted its third nuclear test on Tuesday in defiance of existing U.N. resolutions, drawing condemnation from around the world, including from its only major ally, China, which summoned the North Korean ambassador to protest."

defenceforumindia

North Korea warns it will take stronger action unless US hostility ends " "It was confirmed that the nuclear test that was carried out at a high level in a safe and perfect manner using a miniaturised and lighter nuclear device with greater explosive force than previously did not pose any negative impact on the surrounding ecological environment," the KCNA announced."
...."Analysts said the test had embarrassed China, the North's only ally and its biggest aid donor. "The test is hugely insulting to China, which now can be expected to follow through with threats to impose sanctions,"...."

Hey, Hollywood, it's not like the US was, like, fracking or drilling for oil!

toonpool.com 

SOTU; What excuses will O give and who will he blame? Do you have to ask?

Hmmm. Let me think: On whom will the president blame the negative-growth economy?  "This is the Obama economy — a shrinking private sector drowning in regulations, a voracious public sector always in search of new ways to waste money (wind cars! solar stethoscopes!), and the inexorable ticking, louder every passing day, of the debt bomb." Mona Charen

Hope n' Change sizes up tonight's SOTU  (Linked to in the post below as well) "The emphasis of his speech is said to be on jobs and the economy, although it's unknown what new he'll have to say since we already know he's against both of them. And to save Hope n' Change readers a bit of time (spoiler alert!) we'll tell you what Barry will say is the only way to restore our nation's employment levels: higher taxes. Surprise!"

Modern Healthcare;  What he should say; Healthcare leaders offer suggestions for State of the Union   "At least 20 states will not create a state insurance exchange, and most of the others face great difficulties in making it work. They need more time, and so does the federal government. A delay, allowing states to move at their own pace, is the only responsible action—but one that will be especially difficult for this president." Via American Enterprise Institute

Think back; WAS Obama lying as Joe Wilson, um, remarked?

Joe Wilson, we remember you fondly, even though the NY Times doesn't.

In an angry and very audible outburst, Representative Joe Wilson, Republican of South Carolina, interrupted President Obama’s speech Wednesday night with a shout of “You lie!” .

 How dare Wilson accuse Obama of lying?
 

NYT: Even Some Supporters Fear Obama’s Hubris
On Tuesday night, the president will address the nation and Congress on the state of the union. But many will watch as well for signs of the state of Barack Obama.
Inside the White House and out, advisers and associates have noted subtle but palpable changes in Mr. Obama since his re-election. “He even carries himself a little bit differently,” said one confidant who, like others, asked not to be identified discussing the president. He is relaxed, more voluble and even more confident than usual, these people say, freer to drop profanities or dismiss others’ ideas — enough that even some supporters fear the potential for hubris*…
*Hubris: exaggerated pride or self-confidence. (From the Obama voter's dictionary; the two-syllable volume)

Fate of the Union 

"Looking into our crystal ball, we can also tell you that the president will demonize Republicans by pretending that they (rather then he) are behind the upcoming sequester budget cuts, and he will invoke the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary to disarm Americans (Democrats are inviting victims of gun violence to the speech, although how they can fit in the entire population of Chicago remains to be seen)." 

Brace yourself; Obama's State of the Union blame session is coming Tuesday evening

WSJ: State of the Union 2013
How to Watch the State of the Union on WSJ.com  
"WSJ.com will be showing President Obama's State of the Union address and providing in-depth analysis of it as well as the Republican Party's response on Feb. 12. Coverage begins at 8:45 p.m."
....

"President Obama is expected to detail an ambitious domestic agenda in his State of the Union address Tuesday, including measures on immigration, gun control, climate change and education."

John Steele Gordon;  Obama’s State of the Union
"Having devoted most of the inauguration speech to such tried-and-true liberal causes as gay rights and climate change—and gotten a fair amount of blow back even from usually reliably liberal media for its partisanship—the conventional wisdom among the chattering classes is that he will now pivot to jobs and the economy. But as Byron York points out, that’s what he is always about to do, he just never does it."     Emphasis added, TD

State of the Union to Feature Victims of Gun Violence

From ABC: What to Expect From President Obama’s Speech  "But the president will also make what the official called “a progressive case for deficit reduction” — warning that if entitlement spending is not brought under control it will crowd out spending on other social programs that progressives hold dear."

CATO's Live Blog of the 2013 State of the Union Address and the GOP Response  "Follow their comments directly on Twitter, or come back to this page at 9:00 PM ET on Tuesday, February 12, to join us. We look forward to having you, and sharing our insights with you."

State of Union response carries risk for Marco Rubio  "But when it comes to having an impact, he will be fighting history: The record shows far more washouts than standouts in the official opposition party’s response to the annual presidential address."

Here is a suggested speech for Senator Rubio to make Tuesday night: Next? The Barack Obama Campaign Promises Implementation Act of 2013
"The [proposed] legislation has a variety of provisions, but they have one thing in common — they’ve all been endorsed already by President Obama."
....
" I look forward to appearing at the White House with President Obama by the end of the month as he signs the Barack Obama Campaign Promise Implementation Act into law."

Ted Nugent to be guest at State of the Union But not a guest of the Democrats, I assume.  
"To add pressure, gun-control supporters in Congress have decided to invite victims of gun crimes to sit in the galleries.
"Mr. Stockman's decision, though, adds a prominent gun-rights advocate and outspoken conservative to the gallery. Mr. Nugent, who has been a frequent contributor to The Washington Times' commentary section, is a member of the National Rifle Association's board."  Via Lucianne. 

Pope Benedict resigns

He's now an ex-Benedict.

Pope Benedict in shock resignation  "Benedict - the former Cardinal Ratzinger - was always seen as a caretaker pope. Elected in 2005 at the age of 78 following the death of his predecessor John Paul II, Ratzinger was considered  a placeholder for other candidates who were in their 50's at the time and considered too young to fill the office."

Comedians are already turning on Pope Benedict
" "Liberals are generally humorless, but they think hate is hilarious," blogger Robert Stacy McCain wrote at The Other McCain in response to Boyle's tweet."
"A post at Da Tech Guy included what the blog called "a piece of twitter snark that speaks volumes."

 "With the hate going to the #Pope today I recommend Obama issue an apology and blame a YouTube video before some Catholics attack an embassy," tweeted "End of the Republic."

Hat tip to Joe Newby at Examiner.com

Experts: Top 5 picks for the next pope  "Expert Vatican watchers all name the same five 'papabile' — the Cardinals, princes of the church, who could be the next pope."

 

From the "Ain't Gonna Happen" file: "The growing case for impeachment of Obama"

The growing case for impeachment of Obama  "It’s not a question yet being asked or debated in the Big Media. But it is a question being addressed by some members of Congress, by an increasing number of pundits by activists on the left and the right – and for more than one or two alleged constitutional offenses.

American? Give me a break

"Some of those who have broached the subject include
Reps. Trent Franks, R-Ariz.; Walter Jones, R-N.C.; Trey Radel, R-Fla.; Steve Stockman; former Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas; former Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio; Fox News’ Mike Huckabee; former assistant U.S. attorney Andrew McCarthy; left-leaning investigative reporter Dave Lindorff; talk-radio host Mark Levin; former House Speaker and presidential candidate Newt Gingrich; author and columnist Pat Buchanan and others."
I still don't have any problem whatever with the whacking of al-Awlaki; you take up arms against America, you pay the price. The discussion in here, however, presents the other side of the issue while conjuring the vision of law-enforcement people handcuffing Mirandized terrorists and getting them out of their terrorist camps to the US to be defended by some pro-terrorist lawyer who loves publicizing anti-American diatribes in front of jurors who have been threatened with beheading. Or jurors who think Chris Dorner is a hero.
Do not look to American liberals for wisdom; only unapologetic silliness. TD

Here are some reasons discussed in this article, each accompanied by expert opinions for and against each point:

• Operation Fast and Furious
• Obama’s U.S. citizen ‘hit list’
• Recess ‘ appointments – when Senate was in session
• Appointment of ‘czars’ without Senate approval
• Suing Arizona for enforcing federal law
• Illegal-alien amnesty by executive order
• Cap and Trade: When in doubt, bypass Congress
• Refusal to prosecute New Black Panthers
• Refusal to defend Defense of Marriage Act
• Illegally conducting war against Libya
• Benghazi-gate
• Gun-control executive actions

http://www.impeachobamacampaign.com/cartoon-obama-shrinks/

This thoughtful, well-presented article concludes with these words:

“If the American people really wanted constitutional government – if they were really committed to the kind of constitutional republic that is reflected in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States – things would change.”   Read more

 

Which Obama listened to Dr. Carson's speech?

I had been wondering which Obama Dr. Carson would have seen if he had looked to his right during his powerful Prayer Breakfast speech.

I said to myself, "Self, which Obama was watching Dr. Carson's speech?"

This Obama?                                                                         ...or this Obama?

   

 

Well, Rich Terrell has revealed that it was this Obama: 

The Obaglare

Would you believe Democrats were critical of Dr. Carson's speech?

"In his address, Carson had specifically avoided taking a partisan point of view, noting that the American bald eagle needed both a “right wing” and a “left wing” to take flight."   Bob Beckel on "The Five" called the speech "disgraceful"  (They should change the name of this show to "The Four Out of Five".)

U.S. said to be target of massive cyber-espionage campaign

tucsonsentinel.com

The Volokh Conspiracy sends us this disturbing post:
Once again, Ellen Nakashima of the Washington Post has broken a cybersecurity story:
The two events are tied together by something Steve Chabinsky said during the panel discussion: We’re used to the idea that cybersecurity is an arms race, with defense chasing offense and vice versa, and that the US and its adversaries are constantly trying to counter the other’s tactics.  What we haven’t absorbed is how quickly proliferation occurs.  
Once a nation has found a tool that overtops America’s national security defenses, the tool will only work for a while.  Eventually its thrust will be parried by the Defense Department. At that point, the code isn’t good for its original purpose, but it’s still plenty good for breaking into private networks, and it will keep working until a good defensive tactic has spread across the entire Internet.

Here is the story referred to above:
washingtonpost.com  "A new intelligence assessment has concluded that the United States is the target of a massive, sustained cyber-espionage campaign that is threatening the country’s economic competitiveness, according to individuals familiar with the report.
"The National Intelligence Estimate identifies China as the country most aggressively seeking to penetrate the computer systems of American businesses and institutions to gain access to data that could be used for economic gain."