Since You've Been Gone

You may have noticed, but I haven't been blogging too much recently. All kinds of stuff has been going on while I've been otherwise occupied.

Charles Austen is handing out Christmas wishes and once again I've been overlooked. That's OK, I'm used to it. And really, the list of fine bloggers is present enough, because, as I explained below, really I don't need anything I don't already have.

John Conyers, one of my favorite politicians, looks to have got caught sending turkeys meant for the poor to pals. Yeah, I know, isn't that really what politics is about?

I caught Don Luskin on the radio the other morning on my way to work. He was talking about ways to improve Social Security and I have to say he gives great radio. I was a little surprised because he was very calm, matter of fact, stuck with the facts, wouldn't let himself get diverted and politely stayed on topic when Smash (one of the hosts) tried to pull him off. I say surprised because he comes off more as an in your face kind of guy on his website.

Shelley (whose Burningbird I adore) reports on the firing of a St. Louis Post-Dispatch writer for what he wrote on his blog. I have to say, since I post under my own name I have no illusions that what I write here won't be used against me, so I write accordingly. Number one, nothing about work, and very little about the field I work in. I don't think my writing suffers because I don't dis my coworkers or employer here; it's not something I do (much) anyway and it would only be of interest to people I work with.

Kevin "Mr. Wizbang to You" responds to Corey Pein, the author of a piece in the CJR about Dan Rather and the blogosphere. Speaking of which, still no release of the big investigation report. Powerline has their own response. Me? Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.

I'm told that Tom Brokaw retired. I have no idea if this is true as I haven't seen a network news broadcast in years. They say he's been replaced with Brian Williams, who always seemed a pleasant fellow on CNBC or MSNBC or whatever cable outfit I saw him on. Something odd about his eyes though.

The guys at Powerline are engaged in a pissing contest with a man who buys civit cat juice by the barrel. Good luck guys. Interestingly enough, McQ at QandO has a bone to pick with Powerline as well (thankfully he doesn't bring genitalia into his critique.

In an attempt to be Seinfeldesq, I'll note that Jon Henke of QandO has pointed out a wee bit of dead horse beating on the part of Dan Rather.

I know I'm late to the party on this one, but John Hawkins has the 40 Most Obnoxious Quotes of 2004

Da Goddess and son have a funny encounter with a Bush-hater. Although I agree with the lady that God doesn't vote Republican - God doesn't vote period (I'm a Deus Vult kind of guy), and IMHO takes far more interest in individuals than political parties.