rabble rabble!

npr:

New Hampshire voter “Biscuit,” was still undecided as of this afternoon. But his enthusiasm for the process could not go unnoticed.

Photo: Andrea Seabrooke / NPR

thedailywogan:

via Grist

Texas Marathons in 2011: I’ve been experimenting with how to make info-filled maps on Google. For my first legitimate attempt, I’ve compiled a list of marathons in Texas scheduled for 2011 using the Runner’s World Races and Places page and the RunTex Events page. 

*This is in no way a complete list of all the marathons in Texas - some notable, smaller races may not have a date set yet. 

* Participant numbers are from Runner’s World information, some of which is based on last year’s figures. (San Antonio’s is based on my poor memory.)

*Up next, maps with Google Earth and GIS. 

The first book of my 52 books in 2011 challenge: Men with Balls - The Professional Athlete’s Handbook by Drew Magary. While this book isn’t quite for everyone, it will certainly amuse the cynical sports fan. Magary is known for his work on Deadspin and has given me some insightful advice for if/when I start my coaching career. 

Up next: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (because it appears I haven’t read any of the classics) or Run to Overcome by Meb. Or, this may be the year I finish John Adams by David McCullough (I started it in 2004). 

Apparently, on Fox News Sunday, Perry refused to say whether he would end Social Security. I understand, he called it a Ponzi scheme. He has a book called Fed Up. Clearly what he will do regarding Social Security is important. Clearly! Why don’t we ask him about other things that he is clearly an expert on? Who is going to win Dancing With the Stars? How will he help the Texas Legislature to close the budget shortfall? What would he do if dinosaurs came back to life and he encountered them on Town Lake Trail? Maybe he can help me find my keys… 

I don’t know how these stories qualify as news. Perry isn’t in a position to end Social Security right now. Maybe one day he will be and we should ask him then - and totally care then. Right now, however, the media should focus on asking these sorts of questions to people who can actually affect these policies. 

Karen Petree, The McLennan County Democratic Party Chair 

Petree links last month’s decision in SD-22 on Birdwell’s candidacy to Wyclef Jean’s failed bid for presidency. 

It appears that one of Rick Perry’s pet projects, the Texas Enterprise Fund, is falling short of its job creation goals. The Fund, which has distributed more than $400 million to growing businesses since 2003, might not be doing a bang-up of a job in bringing jobs to (and keeping jobs in) Texas. So, is the Governor stretching the truth when he talks about all the jobs brought to Texas? A report from Texans for Public Justice says he just might be. 

“As Rick Perry makes the Texas Enterprise Fund a centerpiece of his re-election campaign, his office has politically manipulated the troubled jobs program.” - Texans for Public Justice (via The Statesman) 

The report indicates that as many as one-third of the 54,600 jobs allegedly created by the fund may not even exist. To make matters worse, recipients like Austin-based Sematech are often rumored to be in relocation talks. Other companies, such as Alloy Polymers in East Texas, have had to cancel their contracts with the state due to the economic climate. 

While it might be easy to say that the Fund is full of nonsensical numbers, it has done a few good things for Texas. Santana Textiles will bring 800 new jobs to the Texas-Mexico border and could possibly revitalize the cotton industry in South Texas. Additionally, the Governor’s Office has to the power to recoup the money from businesses that did not reach all of their goals. At the end of the day, this could all be a moot point, since the Enterprise Fund (and part of the Emerging Technology Fund) are on the chopping block next Session. Still, the report shouldn’t be old news; Bill White called for an audit of the Fund’s finances earlier this year. 

Stuntin’ Like My Daddy - The Rick Perry Remix

“My daddy’s Rick Perry so just get out of the way…” This remix, told from the perspective of Gov. Perry’s son, has it all - from Tea Parties to the lack of debate. There’s even a shout out to honorary Texan Glenn Beck and maverick Sarah Palin. Whether or not you like rap, this is one of those songs that will make your heart glad. 

Here are some highlights: 

“GOP is still the company — and Rick is the boss.” 

“We rich — taxpayer gettin’ pinched. Itemized every cent — $10,000 on the rent…” 

- The Austin American-Statesman 

This plan could save the State $4 - $6 million per year! While Austin Energy would surely be sad to see the $13 million + bill from the Capitol Complex go, it would be awesome to see our state make its own energy (and possibly be a little more observant about how much we consume…it’s far too cold in State buildings). 

“Ex Inmate’s Dilemma -$2.2million or a Lawsuit”New York Times - http://j.mp/cxXgON