tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34660272011-04-21T17:26:38.676-04:00Conant rantsAlexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comBlogger7861100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-1109028255495540012005-02-21T18:21:00.000-05:002005-02-21T18:30:58.380-05:00Back in a routine in DC... Working on the Hill for Senator John Thune by day, enjoying every minute of life.Given the nature of my job, I've suspended any blogging indefinitely.If some earth-shattering news happens in my life, I'll post it here. Otherwise -- thanks for checking in!Quick Links:U.S. SenateU.S. Senate Republican Conference (because we're all on the same team)White House (because Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-1069863307821766762003-11-26T11:15:00.000-05:002003-11-26T11:17:57.843-05:00November Update....
A very busy & good month. Lots of work to do as we prepapred for the Holidays/Congressional recess. The boss traveled almost every week -- and so did I. Early this month I accompanied the Secretary on a trip back to Minnesota, then stayed a few extra days to see friends and family. I also traveled to Wisconsin for a funeral & football game, and I'm back in Minnesota right now.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-1067271469849146132003-10-27T11:17:00.000-05:002003-10-27T11:22:46.390-05:00October Update...
A good, albeit relatively uneventful, month. The boss visited the frontlines in the War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is in China this week -- so lot's of hectic days preparing for his trips. But when he's actually out of the country, things slow down here considerably.
So instead of working late every night like I did in September, October offered more time for Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-1064845730524681152003-09-29T10:28:00.000-04:002003-09-29T10:34:24.650-04:00September Update...
A busy month, as my boss unveiled the Administration's manufacturing initiatives in speeches in Detroit & Pittsburgh, traveled to Russia, and visited with minority-business owners in New Jersey (my second out-of-district trip with the Secy).
In the sports world, things couldn't be much better: The Twins & Cubs are both in the playoffs, the Vikings start the season 4-0, the Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-1061398390895116222003-08-20T12:53:00.000-04:002003-08-20T13:03:02.020-04:00August Update...
I just returned from a great (albeit brief) visit to Madison, where I heard some grousing about a lack of posts at Conant Rants.
As noted earlier, posts will continue to be rare. But I am adding a Bush news alerter at left (download one for your own blog here) and links to a few more websites worthy of the Conant-Stamp-of-Approval.
Thanks for checking in...
New links:
Shot in Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-1056126723332828462003-06-20T12:32:00.000-04:002003-06-20T12:50:38.900-04:00The latest...
I'm all set up in DC now, very much enjoying my new job, home and life.
In case you haven't figured it out, I am no longer regularly updating Conant Rants.
For those that are bored & looking to kill time surfing, I would encourage you to check out some of these sites instead:
InstaPundit - Updated ridiculously often
Bent Soapbox - My friend Ben's blog
Harbath's Tirade - My friend Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-950428382003-05-29T13:46:00.000-04:002003-05-29T13:46:33.316-04:00Daily Twins Update
Four staight wins put the Twins 4.5 games up in their Division.....Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-949934322003-05-28T11:53:00.000-04:002003-05-28T11:53:26.863-04:00Twins Pulling Away
The unstoppable Minnesota Twins are now 3.5 games ahead in the Central Division.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-949933742003-05-28T11:51:00.000-04:002003-05-28T11:51:43.036-04:00Rain Rain...
A week into my DC adventure, and still no sign the sun shines in DC. In fact, the Washington Post reports it's been a whole month since Washingtonians have seen the sun.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-948317682003-05-24T12:52:00.000-04:002003-05-24T12:52:08.463-04:00Fire Chief
One of my dream jobs has been taken: St. Paul has a new fire chief.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-948317012003-05-24T12:50:00.000-04:002003-05-24T12:50:09.993-04:00Where I am
Take a virtual tour of my new neighborhood.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-948316492003-05-24T12:47:00.000-04:002003-05-24T12:48:10.000-04:00Bent Beer
Bent Soapbox reflects on the virtues of drinking.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-947021252003-05-21T16:24:00.000-04:002003-05-21T16:24:10.080-04:00Twins Win
A belated big congrats to the Minnesota Twins -- currently sitting atop the AL Central Division.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-947020752003-05-21T16:23:00.000-04:002003-05-21T16:23:26.000-04:00Live from DC
This is the first time I've had Internet access since Saturday -- although it feels much longer. Since then: I've moved out of an apartment, driven about 900 miles, and moved into a new apartment.
DC is cold & rainy -- and I'm beginning to realize how many friends I've left behind in Madison -- but I'm excited and eager to start my new job and spend more time with my DC-based friends.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-944588452003-05-16T13:05:00.000-04:002003-05-16T13:08:00.000-04:00'Sup, DOC?
I've officially accepted an appointment in the Bush Administration as a speechwriter for Sec. Evans at the U.S. Department of Commerce . As I reported earlier this week, I'm planning a move to DC after graduation this weekend, with a start date TBD.
All things considered, I don't plan to do much political ranting at Conant rants any longer. In the future, look for less-frequent Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-944579932003-05-16T12:48:00.000-04:002003-05-16T12:48:31.000-04:00Why so blue?
The greatest museum exhibit in the world -- the blue whale at the American Museum of Natural History in NYC -- is back on display today after 2 years in rehab. The improved whale is even more life-like than before, according to this cleverly written article in the Times.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-944556742003-05-16T12:02:00.000-04:002003-05-16T12:02:29.000-04:00Farewell Finals
I had my final final this morning. Very anticlimatic: only about 45 minutes long, and pretty easy. So that's the end of that....Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-944552872003-05-16T11:54:00.000-04:002003-05-16T11:59:30.000-04:00Sublet Available
Big Madison apartment w/ loft, free cable, dishwasher, 30ft ceilings in bathroom (more useful than you'd think), underground parking, courtyard. Available immediately. Price very negotiable.... Plenty big for 1-2 people. Please e-mail me.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-943339142003-05-14T11:46:00.000-04:002003-05-14T11:46:48.096-04:00Escape from Madison
I'm moving to DC Sunday afternoon. I hope to be back in Madison a week later to finish up work with the Chancellor and tie up some loose ends, but there's a good chance I may stay in DC indefinitely.
I'll be having some sort of a soirée before I leave, probably late Friday afternoon. Stay tuned....Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-942655312003-05-13T10:19:00.000-04:002003-05-13T10:19:16.713-04:00Annie Hall
Here's a movie made for me: "Burning Annie" is about a college student "whose universe is defined by the 'cautionary tale' of Annie Hall" after he watches his favorite movie too many times. Seriously.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-942059872003-05-12T11:03:00.000-04:002003-05-12T11:03:59.636-04:00MN sports
A big week for Minnesota sports: Control of the Central Division is up for grabs as the Twins begin a 4-game series against the Royals, whom they trail by only 2.5 games.
Meanwhile, the Wild play game 2 of the conference finals tonight after loosing a heart-breaker in double OT Saturday.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-942035722003-05-12T10:20:00.000-04:002003-05-12T10:20:47.000-04:00Quote of the Day
"Since Tommy Thompson spent all those years in Madison, he’s the only Washingtonian who thinks he’s living in a more normal place." - Norm Coleman at Friday's Wisconsin Republican state convention.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-941146662003-05-10T14:54:00.000-04:002003-05-10T14:54:17.746-04:00Coleman in Wisconsin
By all reports, Senator Coleman gave a rousing speech in his first trip to Wisconsin since November. Reports NBC-15: "Coleman defeated Mondale by out-hustling him in round-the-clock campaigning."Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-941145932003-05-10T14:52:00.000-04:002003-05-10T14:52:01.116-04:00Wild Times
The puck drops in St. Paul in game 1 in the NHL finals in 15 minutes. Congrats to the Wild for making it this far....Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-940049372003-05-08T14:39:00.000-04:002003-05-08T14:39:26.000-04:00School's Out Forever
I had my last lecture -- probably ever -- this morning. Now all I have to do is manage to show up for the final (tougher than it sounds -- it's 7:30 a.m. next Friday).Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-939928212003-05-08T10:50:00.000-04:002003-05-08T10:50:26.246-04:00MN coming from behind
The Wild forced a game 7 last night in the NHL playoffs after losing in the series 3-1. Meanwhile, the Twins moved up another game in the standings yesterday thanks to AJ's grand-slam, putting them just 3.5 games out of first.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-938780372003-05-06T14:53:00.000-04:002003-05-06T14:57:46.000-04:00Looking back, moving forward
I've been so busy, we here at Conant Rants failed to recognize the first birthday of Rants two weeks ago, on April 22. That's right: Many of you have been visiting despite yourselves for over a year now.
Ironically, I omitted the self-congratulatory birthday note in part because I was in DC making arrangements for post-Madison. I hope to have some sort of an Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-938774642003-05-06T14:42:00.000-04:002003-05-06T14:44:20.000-04:00Not even good enough for MSNBC?
Jesse Ventura was noticably absent from MSNBC during the Iraq War -- which was strange, seeing how Ventura proports to be a military expert, and NBC has previously been shameless in promoting his pending show.
But now come reports that Jesse isn't cutting it during his show's rehersals, and MSNBC is thinking about pre-emptively cancelling him -- thus depriving the Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-938769582003-05-06T14:32:00.000-04:002003-05-06T14:32:35.716-04:00Twins go .500
The Twins have won 5 of their last 6, bringing their record to 15-15, and putting them in 2nd place in their division.
Looks like their April slump was just that -- an April slump.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-938016642003-05-05T10:36:00.000-04:002003-05-05T10:36:48.000-04:00Better Late.....
It looks like Minnesota will finally set back bar time to 2 a.m., putting it in line with Wisconsin, the Dakotas and Iowa.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-936134552003-05-01T16:10:00.000-04:002003-05-01T16:11:51.000-04:00 Touchdown!
President Bush is safely aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Pacific. According to the AP, the President will spend the afternoon meeting and congratulating pilots and sailors before addressing the nation. Then he'll join 150 sailors in the mess hall for dinner before spending the night aboard in the Captain's quarters.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-936001192003-05-01T11:49:00.000-04:002003-05-01T11:49:49.016-04:00Navy One
Don't quote me, but tonight could be the first time a President boards Navy One. (Every Presidential aircraft is designated "one", as in Air Force One and Marine One.) Either way, it'll surely be the first time a President pilots Navy One. It's sort of like Independence Day (minus the aliens) -- very cool stuff.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-935476622003-04-30T15:09:00.000-04:002003-04-30T15:09:13.576-04:00Norway-U.S. relations
The Norwegian Prime Minister will visit the White House to meet with President Bush next month, WH press secretary Ari Fleischer announced today.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-934628532003-04-29T09:12:00.000-04:002003-04-29T09:12:56.000-04:00New York reptiles
Urban legends of alligators and crocs in New York's sewers look increasingly plausible, after a 4-foot gator was found strolling through Queens yesterday, the second gater in Queens in recent years. This after a crocodile was found sunbathing in Central Park last year.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-934627052003-04-29T09:09:00.000-04:002003-04-29T09:09:30.250-04:00Command Post
No, you're not crazy: With the war virtually over, I've taken the liberty of removing the Command Post icon.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-934626122003-04-29T09:07:00.000-04:002003-04-29T09:07:35.810-04:00Final Weeks....
Apologies for the lack of posts in recent days. This week is effectively my final one as a student, with three papers due over the course of three days. Look for more regular posting come Wednesday.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-932490242003-04-25T12:57:00.000-04:002003-04-25T12:57:45.146-04:00Timberwolves Triumph
The Wolves beat the Lakers on the road last night, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-931159572003-04-23T11:14:00.000-04:002003-04-23T11:14:31.490-04:00Back in the Midwest
I'm back at work this morning after a hectic trip to Washington. Hopefully I'll have some news to report about my future in the coming days... Until then, look for sparse blogging as I try to catch up on work for the Chancellor.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-929297292003-04-20T09:41:00.000-04:002003-04-20T09:41:43.496-04:00Live from DC
I'm writing from the Marriott hotel in downtown Washington, DC this morning. I'm here for a couple of days for job interviews (very good so far) and some prelimary apartment hunting.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-926708052003-04-15T16:25:00.000-04:002003-04-15T16:27:12.000-04:00Modell Media Mania
My good friend Matt Modell is close to becoming an official Conant media whore after today's article in the Capital Times. In it, the Cap Times comments on Modell's recent mentions in the New York Times, Weekly Standard, Evening Standard, and Cap Times, among others.
But Matt is due credit for calling out the lecturer in the column that created all the fuss. Said the lecturer Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-926589282003-04-15T12:43:00.000-04:002003-04-15T12:43:45.013-04:0073!
A new poll shows 73 percent of Americans approve of President Bush's job performance.
A close look reveals that there has been a major shift in American's impression. His support is very bipartisan (61 percent of Dems support Bush), and cuts across agendas (54 percent think he can handle the economy).
Even better, the President's eternal optimism seems to be rubbing off on Americans: 56 Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-925922472003-04-14T12:58:00.000-04:002003-04-14T12:58:26.733-04:00Owl Attack
British police are warning Londeners to be on the look out for a large owl that escaped last weekend.
"It is unlikely that he would attempt to catch small children as he lives with children at home," police said. "However we advise people, particularly children not to approach him as he could be dangerous if felt threatened."
Reports the AP: The bird's owner, Mark Triphook, said the Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-925486952003-04-13T19:38:00.000-04:002003-04-13T19:38:18.280-04:00Powerline Wars
My dad, Roger Conant, is featured on the frontpage of the metro section in today's Star Tribune for his 4-year fight against big energy.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-923174842003-04-09T17:55:00.000-04:002003-04-09T17:55:31.590-04:00Should Protesters Apologize?
It'll never happen, but I think some of the most zealous anti-war protesters -- the kids that camped in Library Mall, or laid down in traffic -- should apologize. Or, at a minimum, they should admit they were wrong. The millions of refugees never materialized; the massive civilian casualities were averted (without a doubt, in the long run this war has saved more livesAlexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-923171672003-04-09T17:49:00.000-04:002003-04-09T17:57:25.000-04:00July 4 & April 9
I saw the American Declaration of Independence today in the Wisconsin state capitol. The real thing -- one of the few surviving original copies.
And on TV just now, I saw the Iraqi declaration of independence.
Of the two, the latter was far more impressive and moving.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-923170502003-04-09T17:48:00.000-04:002003-04-09T17:48:11.700-04:00A great day
Fellow blogger Tim Blair said it all:
I SHOULDN'T be so happy. After all, I'm a right-wing deathbeast, and the end (or near end) of a war should upset me, because we conservatives lust for war all the time. Except when we have to fight it ourselves, of course. Being chickenhawks and all.
And the toppling of a fascist dictator should have me all weepy and nostalgic for Hitler. BecauseAlexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-923161342003-04-09T17:26:00.000-04:002003-04-09T17:58:06.000-04:00Arab Shock
The Arab world is shocked -- shocked! -- that Saddam's regime was full of lies, and that Iraqis are dancing in the streets....
Reports AP: "We discovered that all what the (Iraqi) information minister was saying was all lies," said Ali Hassan, a government employee in Cairo, Egypt. "Now no one believes Al-Jazeera anymore."
Hopefully, their disbelief will be replaced with a newfound Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-921574562003-04-07T12:31:00.000-04:002003-04-07T12:31:03.216-04:00Thanks, Peggy
In her final column (she is taking leave to write a book), Peggy Noonan writes on the war's imminent end, patriotism on the front lines, David Bloom's untimely death, and President Bush's leadership.
I'll miss her optimistic, heartfelt prose -- especially on dreary Monday's like today.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-921572732003-04-07T12:28:00.000-04:002003-04-07T12:28:06.233-04:00Late-night War
Alas, I had trouble falling asleep last night even though I was exhausted from a day packed with frisbee, reading, and relaxing.
Actually, FOX NEWS live reports from the Army units capturing Saddam's Baghdad palaces kept me up. The U.S. may not have won the war against Iraq last night, but FOX won the news war against CNN. FOX's live pictures from Saddam's palace, coupled with the Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-919935162003-04-04T12:41:00.000-05:002003-04-04T12:41:02.326-05:00Kettl on C-Span
My professor, Don Kettl, will be on C-Span this Sunday morning at 7:15 a.m. pitching his new book, Team Bush.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-919909842003-04-04T11:54:00.000-05:002003-04-04T11:54:33.466-05:00Mr. 71 Percent
President Bush's approval rating is now 71 percent, with 54 percent of Americans strongly approving.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-919886362003-04-04T11:13:00.000-05:002003-04-04T11:13:19.543-05:00Team America
The first pitch of the Twins home opener today will be thrown out in Kuwait.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-919864212003-04-04T10:32:00.000-05:002003-04-04T10:32:55.216-05:00SARS scares
The war is monopolozing the news right now, but SARS -- the killer virus that's brought Asia to a standstill -- is increasingly worrisome. If there's an outbreak here in the U.S., especially in a large city with lots of mass transit, like New York, it'll have a crippling effect on the U.S. economy. Markets hate uncertainty -- and while the victory in Iraq is certain, victory against Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-919374572003-04-03T16:19:00.000-05:002003-04-03T16:19:35.843-05:00Celebrity Pundits
Site of the day: Boycott Hollywood.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-919369792003-04-03T16:11:00.000-05:002003-04-03T16:11:39.326-05:00Still undefeated
The Twins put in another winning performance today, with more outstanding hitting and pitching against the Tigers.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-919210612003-04-03T11:21:00.000-05:002003-04-03T11:21:47.513-05:00Finally, a Hero
You can't have a good war without a good hero -- and this one's got one in Pvt. Jessica Lynch.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-919197702003-04-03T10:58:00.000-05:002003-04-03T10:58:09.466-05:00Twin Victories
Two games into the season, and the Twins are still undefeated, with an easy 8-1 victory over the Tigers yesterday.
They'll try to make it 3-and-0 today.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-917894342003-04-01T14:57:00.000-05:002003-04-01T14:57:12.013-05:00Another War Blog
Blogs of War pools many of the web's best bloggers, including Tim Blair.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-917880832003-04-01T14:29:00.000-05:002003-04-01T14:29:58.496-05:00Saddam: Dead or Alive?
12 Days in, and still no sign if Saddam is alive or dead.
As I noted yesterday, if Saddam is dead, it is only a matter of days before the regime will fall apart under its own weight: Saddam was not one to delegate. His absense will create a huge power vacuum in the government.
The Iraqi regime realizes this. Hence, everyday Iraqi media are playing canned video of Saddam Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-917240872003-03-31T14:03:00.000-05:002003-03-31T14:07:07.000-05:00War Games
Reading yesterday's New York Times, I half-expected to see Coalition forces surrendering today. Over the past few days, the media has done little but talk about how poorly the war is going.
Look, I know it was a long week, but it's only been 11 days since the war started. 11 Days! The only way we could "win" in 11 days would be if Saddam surrendered -- something nobody ever thought Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-917146402003-03-31T11:13:00.000-05:002003-03-31T11:16:31.000-05:00Make Baseball, Not War
Baseball is back! In between writing & studying last night, I caught much of the Angels-Rangers season opener. It was sort of surreal to see the opener after already going to 3 MLB games this spring. The Twins get the season going in about 2 hours against Detroit (who I saw play Boston two weeks ago)Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-915560462003-03-28T12:15:00.000-05:002003-03-28T12:16:41.000-05:00Head of State
Chris Rock's new film "Head of State" opens today. The movie is about what happens after Rock is drafted to run for President after a candidate is killed in a plane crash 10 weeks before Election Day. Hmmm.... Sounds familiar....Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-915525452003-03-28T11:11:00.000-05:002003-03-28T11:11:28.936-05:00Gary Hart Blog
Wannabe-Democratic-President Gary Hart is starting his very own blog.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-915508752003-03-28T10:41:00.000-05:002003-03-28T10:41:48.403-05:00Minnesota Senate
I know most readers don't care -- but if you want to see a party shooting itself in the foot, check out the Minnesota Senate Democrats this week. The Senate Dems have a narrow marjority in the Minnesota legislature (the GOP controls the Governor's office and the state House). Earlier this week the Dems rejected a bill along a close party line that would require weekly recitationsAlexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-915487062003-03-28T10:04:00.000-05:002003-03-28T10:04:02.483-05:009 Days In
The Wall Street Journal takes stock of the war after nine days.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-914869332003-03-27T11:22:00.000-05:002003-03-27T11:22:57.936-05:00Hooters Air
Don't know how I missed it, but Julie Bosman writes on Hooters Air maiden voiyage in last Sunday's New York Times.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-914294982003-03-26T14:47:00.000-05:002003-03-26T14:48:17.000-05:00Now In Print
I have an article in this week's Wisconsin Week on professors using the war in Iraq as a teaching instrument.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-914268762003-03-26T13:58:00.000-05:002003-03-26T14:00:11.000-05:00Photo Heroism
The U.S. should do everything in its power to get this picture in front of the world. It makes me even prouder to be an American(And what happened to this kid's pants?)
Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-913518172003-03-25T11:11:00.000-05:002003-03-25T11:11:31.000-05:00Coleman Protests
Police arrested 28 protesters who besieged Sen. Coleman's Minnesota office yesterday.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-912914192003-03-24T13:12:00.000-05:002003-03-24T13:12:20.310-05:00Eye on the Prize
Peggy Noonan offers a heart-felt analysis of the war. Her long-term view -- "Keep the eye on the prize" -- is refreshing, given the moment-by-moment nature of the campaign.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-912895562003-03-24T12:37:00.000-05:002003-03-24T12:37:02.466-05:00Command Post Moves
The Command Post -- a compilation of up-to-the-second news -- has moved to a bigger and better website: www.command-post.orgAlexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-912315852003-03-23T13:02:00.000-05:002003-03-23T13:05:02.000-05:00War Blogs
If Persian Gulf 1 brought Cable News into the mainstream, then Persian Gulf 2 is bringing blogging into the mainstream. While the embedded reporters have offered up some good pictures of the war (confesssion: I was up 'til 3 a.m. watching the tank fight on MSNBC), the dozens of new war blogs are doing a much better job of creating a complete picture. Two noteworthy sites: One blogger Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-912310572003-03-23T12:49:00.000-05:002003-03-23T12:49:21.903-05:00Ari Style
The Times' White House correspondent writes an article on how the WH press secretary, Ari Fleischer, is so good, there's nothing for WH reporters to write about!Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-912309892003-03-23T12:47:00.000-05:002003-03-23T12:47:27.530-05:00Bush at War
Bob Woodward writes an insider's account of the decision to go to war in today's Washington Post. According to Woodward, the Pentagon tore up months of war planning at the last second, beginning the war two days earlier than expected.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-911993242003-03-22T18:37:00.000-05:002003-03-22T18:37:14.090-05:00"Shock and Vomit"
I must say, one of the more clever acts of disobedience the anti-war/pro-appeasement protesters have come up with is "shock and hurl," which includes forcibly vomiting on the streets. I suspect I'll see a fair amount of protesting when I return to Madison next week. That's fine, except I just wish the protesters would be a little more constructive in their criticism of Bush, Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-911957102003-03-22T16:56:00.000-05:002003-03-22T16:56:02.780-05:00Florida Sun
I just posted a pic of me in Florida below.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-911932032003-03-22T15:48:00.000-05:002003-03-22T15:48:49.763-05:00Pleasantly Shocked!
I'm shocked that Madison's own Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin voted for the resolution last week applauding the President's "firm leadership and decisive action in the conduct of military operations in Iraq as part of the on-going Global War on Terrorism" . The measure passed 392-11, but I had automatically assumed Baldwin would be one of the 11 nuts to oppose the measure --- Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-911927352003-03-22T15:36:00.000-05:002003-03-22T15:36:37.090-05:00Spirit of 76%
A new USAToday/CNN/Gallup poll shows 76% of Americans approve of the United States decision to go to war. The same poll finds that the vast majority of Americans think the time was right. But these numbers could be soft: 43% of Americans expect less than 100 U.S. causulties -- a number that seems low. Similarly, 83% felt "confident" as we began operations.
Count me as a solid part Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-911920932003-03-22T15:18:00.000-05:002003-03-22T15:18:54.000-05:00Buried in info
The 650+ reporters embedded with US troops, plus the hundreds of other independent reporters scattered throughout Iraq and the Middle East are certainly churning out a lot of information -- way more than anybody could possible digest and comprehend. Here's a war-blog that seems to do be doing a good job at least gathering the news in a central location.
Nevertheless, it seems the Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-911914192003-03-22T14:59:00.000-05:002003-03-22T16:54:25.000-05:00Leave the gun; bring the Grapefruit
I spent the first few days of Persian Gulf II watching baseball in Southern Florida. Yesterday we caught the Twins-Jays game; Thursday we saw the Red Sox beat the Tigers. Both were great games played in quaint parks with festive atmospheres; really a great experience.... Spring Training could become an annual excursion.
Look for regular ranting to resume Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-909302322003-03-18T11:29:00.000-05:002003-03-18T11:29:10.000-05:00Iraqis betting on U.S.
Reports the AP: "In Baghdad, meanwhile, people mobbed bakeries and gas stations in a frantic rush for supplies. The dinar, Iraq's currency, also lost ground against the U.S. dollar, slumping to about 2,800 to the dollar, compared to 2,600 a week ago."Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-909301212003-03-18T11:27:00.000-05:002003-03-18T11:27:13.763-05:00The Second Act?
The Wall Street Journal's editorial today wraps up the case for war as succinctly as possible. Anybody still undecided should read it.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-909297992003-03-18T11:21:00.000-05:002003-03-18T11:21:32.000-05:002 points for ABC
Kudos to ABC for dropping its regular prime time lineup last night (whatever that is) in favor of marathon pre-war coverage last night. Jennings & co. are apparently hoping their early investment now will pay big dividends come this weekend. They've got me.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-908918252003-03-17T20:45:00.000-05:002003-03-17T21:08:20.000-05:00A new world?
President Bush appeared to take the first step towards a whole new world today, with the failure of diplomacy and the final ultimatum for Iraq to disarm. No surprise, but I thought the President's speech was absolutely wonderful: outlining America's worst fears without frightening people -- instead by urging the Iraqi troops to surrender without using weapons of mass destruction, Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-908577082003-03-17T10:22:00.000-05:002003-03-17T10:22:24.903-05:00War
MSBNC reported a few moments ago that the UN Security Council deadlocked this morning and would not pass any more resolutions. Moments later, CNN reported that the President will address the nation tonight. Says CNN: "[Bush] will say Saddam Hussein must leave Iraq to avoid war."Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-908337152003-03-16T22:34:00.000-05:002003-03-16T22:34:28.280-05:00Making Sense of It All
After months of talk, debate and diplomacy, it all comes down to tomorrow, when President Bush will halt diplomacy and start the wheels of war.
Ahead of the Big Day, I strongly recommend this link (which comes recommended from Ben Thompson, among others). It's long, but really helps put the current situation in perspective.
As an aside: I'm on spring break all next week, soAlexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-907222402003-03-14T13:34:00.000-05:002003-03-14T13:34:01.700-05:00Wonders of technology
Every computer in Bascom is tuned to the Badger game on e-radio right now. Cool stuff.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-906738232003-03-13T18:06:00.000-05:002003-03-13T18:06:34.780-05:00Something's happening here...
In general, this week's columns and editorials in the national papers are surely the most thoughtful and well articulated since 9-11 (minus the heavy emotions). For example, the Wall Street Journal's featured column in today's paper, "The Rage, the Pride and the Doubt", will certainly be a contender for a Pulitizer. Others, like Friedman in yesterday's Times and WillAlexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-906003382003-03-12T13:44:00.000-05:002003-03-12T13:44:14.216-05:00The case for war ... now
The Wall Street Journal editorializes why we can't wait weeks (let alone months) before disarming Saddam with force. Writes the WSJ: "Mexican and French soldiers will not be doing any dying once the war finally does start. That privilege will belong to Americans (and some Brits and Aussies), and every day that they are prevented from starting to disarm Saddam is one more Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-905993782003-03-12T13:26:00.000-05:002003-03-12T13:26:08.373-05:00Onwards
Many congrats to Eric Cullen, chosen last night to be the next Badger Herald Editor in Chief.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-905451702003-03-11T16:45:00.000-05:002003-03-11T16:45:10.436-05:00St. Patty's
"As you know, the British ambassador to the U.S. presented to the Security Council a proposal to give Saddam Hussein until March 17 to comply with weapons inspections, or face military action. So it looks like the Irish aren’t going to be the only ones getting bombed on St. Patrick’s Day." -- Jay LenoAlexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-904657582003-03-10T12:17:00.000-05:002003-03-10T12:18:39.000-05:00Hours to go
Allied forces are "hours behind" Osama bin Laden -- meaning his arrest could come at any moment. Meanwhile, Peggy Noonan offers a short story on what his arrest may look like.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-904575802003-03-10T09:37:00.000-05:002003-03-10T09:39:18.000-05:00South Dakota Sunday
A really well written article on the impact of the war in a small South Dakota town in Sunday's New York Times. Expect to see a lot of these softer-side-of-the-war stories in the next few weeks -- this is a great start.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-903160092003-03-07T14:19:00.000-05:002003-03-07T14:22:57.000-05:00Random Weasel jokes
"McDonald’s has announced that they are now going to use 100 percent white chicken meat for their McNuggets. This was bad news for one farmer, who said, 'This is sure to kill my weasel business.'” - Conan O'Brien
"Weaseling out of things is what seperates us from the animals... except the weasel." - Homer Simpson
"You know, the French remind me a little bit of an aging Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-903017002003-03-07T09:39:00.000-05:002003-03-07T09:39:51.873-05:00Yes, I'm alive
Sorry for the utter lack of posts for the past week. A quick trip to DC over the weekend coupled with a busy week on Bascom kept me from ranting much..... Look for regular posting to resume at any moment.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-898491192003-02-27T12:46:00.000-05:002003-02-27T12:48:22.000-05:00Going Post-less
Sorry about the lack of rants this week. Between the state budget, classes and social stuff, it's been hectic. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your viewpoint), I'll likely be MIA for the next few days......Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-897764502003-02-26T09:48:00.000-05:002003-02-26T09:48:27.030-05:00Rep. Zellers
My good friend Kurt Zellers was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives last night.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-896506352003-02-24T11:39:00.000-05:002003-02-24T11:39:40.293-05:00NASDAQ poll numbers
A new Badger poll shows Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle's approval rating dropping from 54% in January to 39%. Ouch.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-896503782003-02-24T11:35:00.000-05:002003-02-24T11:35:20.750-05:00Budget Battles
UW Professor Don Kettl added badly needed context and analysis of Wisconsin's budget deficit in this Sunday's Milwaukee paper. Don't care about the budget deficit? You will after reading this.Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466027.post-896446432003-02-24T09:48:00.000-05:002003-02-24T09:50:04.000-05:00Sunday Times
Lots of really great stuff in yesterday's New York Times. I'll try to post links to the articles through the day. But don't miss Thomas Friedman's column about anxiety in America (which includes the hilarious line: "Sometimes I look around me at airport security and I feel as if I'm at some weird adult pajama party.").
Also worth reading: A profile of the man behind the duct tape Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282617870038672740noreply@blogger.com