If this doesn’t scare the bejeepers out of the Democrats who are considering voting for healthcare, cap & trade, and anything else on the Obama agenda, then nothing will. In the real world, which is way different than inside the Beltway, people are telling their Representatives how to vote. In Fantasyland, the Representatives are committing political suicide. The Dems are handing the 2010 elections to the Republicans on a silver platter. Will they take it?

Why is he still smiling in the picture?

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Tuesday shows that 27% of the nation’s voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Forty-two percent (42%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -15. This is the lowest Approval Index rating yet measured for President Obama

Read the rest of the poll here:

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll

Yup yup yup, it’s Who Wore it Worst day.  This has become a fan favorite, so we know you’d have hated to miss these gems.  Now, as you may have already guessed, Jessi and I neither one are terribly interested in nature.  Don’t get us wrong.  We like things like water and oxygen, but we’re not so into critters and the exercise that inevitably comes along with nature.  Also, we frown on humidity.

If nature came with an air-conditioned vehicle, driven by a hottie, and slushies and pie, we’d be more inclined to experience it.  Maybe.

Jessi and sibling went on vacation to Stone Mountain.  If you aren’t from around these parts, then you may not have heard of Stone Mountain. Stone Mountain is this big blob of rock that is sucky-sucky steep and high.  And here’s proof that Jessi hiked the thing.  Clearly before she had freedom of choice.  I’m not exactly certain where Krista and I were, but someplace theme-parky with a dinosaur motif.  Leave it to my parents to make vacations as educational as possible.  No wonder I grew up to be such a know-it-all snob.  Go ahead.  Ask me about the Elasmosaurus.  Ask me!

Jessi’s reaction to seeing this picture of me was, “Were you ever not an adult?  You even have a lanyard for your sunglasses!  And who takes a purse into a theme park when they’re seven?”

My reaction to seeing her lovely, gay apparel?  “Holy crap!  A side-bun!  And…holy crap…is that a scrunchie??”

Go ahead.  Tell us who’s more tragic.

[And if you've never played along before, check here to see all of the awesome moments of our history.  We'll be bringing you Who Wore it Worst each week through the end of the year, so stay tuned!]

#10 Massachusetts Minutemen 8-2-0, (Hockey East 4-2-0 4th)
at
#18 Vermont Catamounts 4-4-1, (Hockey East 3-3-1 T-5th)

Vermont Catamounts Official Site

It’s that time of year again, UMass and Vermont meet tonight in the annual Turkey Tuesday tilt. I love that these two old Division II ECAC rivals get together for this yearly tradition. Unfortunately I haven’t exactly loved the results the last few years as the Minutemen have dropped the last three of these holiday week contests. Over the past ten years UMass is 4-5-1 in the pre-Thanksgiving matchups. Add in the fact that UMass has to travel to Burlington where they’ve gone 1-3-1 over the past three seasons and this is certainly proving to be quite a test for the squad.

UVM currently sits at .500 both overall and in Hockey East, but they have yet to lose at the Gutt. They have done ok against top level teams, splitting a series with Denver and tying Lowell, but losses to Merrimack and Maine probably have some Catamount fans scratching their heads. UVM last played over a week ago when they split a series at Boston College by the scores of 1-7 and 3-2. Going into the season the biggest question mark was who would take over the scoring lost when Viktor Stalburg jumped to the Maple Leafs. I think the Catamounts are still waiting for that answer as they come in ranked 7th in the conference in scoring offense and sport the worst power play at just 12.2%.

While they haven’t had anyone step up and put the scoring load on their shoulders they have gotten some here and there from a number of players. Bayden Irwin and Justin Milo lead the team with 4 goals each while a half dozen other players also have more than one goal. Irwin is really the key as he’s leading the team in goals, assists and plus/minus. Wahsontiio Stacey is second to Irwin in team points with 7. Juniors Kevan Miller and Kyle Medvec have both performed well on defense. I think the biggest surprise for UVM so far this season has been their poor goaltending. Rob Madore looked to be the best freshman goaltender in the league last year (yeah, yeah, Millan won a title. How’s he doing now without that defense?) but now he finds himself at or near the bottom of the league in goals against and save percentage. His GAA of 3.73 is downright upsetting. (edit: it now appears Madore will not get the start tonight)

UMass is coming off a thrilling overtime win at #9 Yale and enjoy their first top ten ranking of the season.  If they want to win at the tough environment that is Gutterson Field House they’ll have to cut down on the mistakes that allowed Yale to stay in the game last Thursday.  UMass dominated play through most of the first two periods but the Elis were able to stick around and ultimately take the lead due to the Minutemen taking too many penalties and turning the puck over in their own zone.  Every time UMass had a little bit of momentum the whistle would blow and they’d find themselves shorthanded.  While UVM doesn’t have much of a power play it’s still important for UMass to have their best players on the ice.

The team continues to get production from all four lines, with three of them on the ice for the four goals last week.  I’m guessing Toot will keep the Syner/Carzo/Boehm line together as they clicked very well and led to a number of odd man rushes against Yale.  With Madore’s struggles so far this year it’ll be important to challenge him early and hopefully put one in the net to shake his confidence.

Δ

Here are the UMass game notes for tonight.

The Republican talks about the impact of T.J. Syner’s return in the Yale game.

Here’s the preview from the Gazette.

Here’s the view of tonight’s matchup from the Burlington Free Press with the late news that Mike Spillane will probably be in net.

INCH mentions tonight’s game as one of the highlights of the holiday week’s schedule.

Rankings, shmankings says the Collegian preview.  The road trip continues in their notebook section.

Unfortunately I won’t be able to make the trip to tonight’s game but for those who do make sure to take a look at the Road Trip page for some suggestions on one of Hockey East’s best destinations.  I will however be Twittering updates.  Also, remember that with tonight’s hoops game going at the same time the hockey broadcast will be available only through the internet.

Δ

UMass moved up to #9 in the most recent USA Today/USA Hockey poll.

James Marcou was named one of the Hockey East Top Performers for last week.  Marcou was also named the UMass Athlete of the Week.

…. you guys may think that this is not be the Golden Disk but I sure do think.. it is WORTH..  voting for Super it’s important.. hahaha we want them to conquer all right? xD …

“Filipino Kpop fans, this is your chance to make a stand! Vote for your favorite Korean idols for the 1st Philippine Netizen Kpop Awards! Vote, show your support and the winners will be announced at the Kpop Convention this December 5, 2009! FCs will represent their artists onstage so make sure your team takes this one for the fandom! Vote now!”

http://kpopcon.info/the-kpopcon-awards-2009/

^^ Vote there, no registering required..

		

نظراتتون رو در بخش نظرات بدين بعد انتخابتون !!

This poll is for a new project that I would like start. You can choose 3 options at maximum.

The Bureau of Land Management wants to remove close to 12,000 wild horses and burros from the western range before October 2010, but a posse of mustang advocates are trying to head ‘em off at the pass.  Over a hundred organizations, individuals, and scientists from around the globe are calling for a moratorium on round-ups.   In a November 18th letter to President Obama, inaccurate population data and range statistics as well as fiscal and legal complications of moving herds from their western ranges were cited as reasons to stop gathering the herds until other solutions are brought to the table.

Some of these proposed solutions will be examined in future posts but, for now, From Western Colorado wants to know what you think.   Poll is open through Christmas Eve.  Stay tuned…and thanks for listening.

Poll results: Officials alarmed by a projected $21-billion shortfall. Are you?

Yes. That is a great deal of money and the state will have to further cut spending. (40 votes, 75%)

No. California has been in debt before. The economy will turn around and the state will follow. (13 votes, 25%)

Current poll: Several California cities have sought a ban on declawing cats, but state has spurned them. Should declawing be illegal?

No. Declawing may be the only viable solution for some pet owners.

Yes. Declawing can cause long-term pain for cats.

Cast your vote now at BurbankLeader.com.

Poll results: Faced with higher premiums and reduced coverage for fires started by equipment failures, utilities are proposing higher fees. Should consumers have to pay more?

Yes. Companies need to recoup the uninsured costs from wildfires. (15 votes, 25%)

No. Companies should pay for the wildfire costs – not consumers. (44 votes, 75%)

Current poll: A federal task force recommended against routine mammography screenings for women between the ages of 40 and 49. Do you agree?

Yes. I agree with the task force – mammograms should start with women older than 50 on a biannual basis.

No. Screenings are important for women under 50.

Cast your vote now at GlendaleNewsPress.com.

Did you doubt for a minute that the Mammogram advisory would have a devastating impact on public support for health reform? It became clear to America that under ObamaCare an advisory like the one issued last week would no longer be an advisory – it would be a command.

Just 38% of voters now favor the health care plan proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats. That’s the lowest level of support measured for the plan in nearly two dozen tracking polls conducted since June.

The drop in support is devastating – suddenly, everyone understands that Death Panels are real. But is it in time to scare Democrats enough to abandon their death march?

Prior to this, support for the plan had never fallen below 41%. Last week, support for the plan was at 47%. Two weeks ago, the effort was supported by 45% of voters.

The more America learns about the new era of socialism, the more they like things the way they are. How long will it be before voters will fall for the Dems again?

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% now oppose the plan.

Oh, but Democrats love to tell you how much citizens love the public option. What they fail to mention is that while the PO polls well, voters hate the legislation!

Half the survey was conducted before the Senate voted late Saturday to begin debate on its version of the legislation. Support for the plan was slightly lower in the half of the survey conducted after the Senate vote.

So numbers may just drop further tomorrow.

Sarah Palin

From all sides of the Political spectrum Sarah Palin is attacked, and truthfully, I don’t know why, do you? Some call her a phenomena, why? There’s no phenomenon here, the values she speaks of are not new, nor her ideas extraordinary. So why the obsessive attacks from the Left Wing Loons and Right Wing Fanatics, as I’ve written before they are one in the same.

When one goes too far Left and the other too far Right, they’ll always meet at the bottom of political and purposeful reason, blind to what America is, with tunnel vision for only their vision for what America should be. The arrogance of self inflated intellect from both, the Left Loon and the Right Fanatic has already destroyed the once great Democratic Party, my Party, and now the Republican Party is falling to ideological compromise. 

Not long ago, both the Democrat and Republican parties were champions of ideas, yet sustained like values, which the great architects of our Democracy founded over two-hundred years ago. Now the Loons and fanatics are running the asylum and Americans are just now at the realization that the power is with the people, not in the so called ‘Truth to Power’ used by the Loons and fanatics. Their Truth is that of their own distorted vision for America, and the Power would be theirs, once their opaque vision of America is embraced. This ‘Truth to Power’ idealism has been the Trojan horse of Communism, Fascism, Socialism the world over. We the People, must not embrace the lie here in America.

The so called phenomenon the Loons and Fanatics are writing about when it comes to Sarah Palin, they clearly don’t get. Rage and hatred guide their pens (keyboards).  Loon and Fanatic writers like Maureen Dowd and David Brooks of the New York Times, are so literally drowning in their narcissistic type illusion of self intellect, they can’t begin to see the forest for the trees. In every article written by these writers as well as others, they write repeatedly  of the disdain they have for what they perceive as a lack of intelligence Sarah Palin has vs. that of President Obama in comparison. Well, I could argue that fact until the cows come home, but not now. However, when these writers discredit Palin for her simplicity and intellect, they are doing the same to you and I, regardless of the side of the fence post you sit on.

In their vision, as was in Lenin’s, Mao Zedong, and Hitler’s, (No personal comparison)  for a few examples, there is room at the top for only an elite few. And we should be happy, why?  Because it is with their intellect alone, we will be happy with what they will give us…Stands to reason, does it not….I’m Dr. Quack with the harsh cry of reason.  11 23 09

There is a new poll from the new UK pollster Angus Reid Strategies reported tonight for Political Betting which shows a huge Conservative lead of 17% and Labour and the Lib Dems within a percentage point of each other:

            Conservative              39% (up 1%)

            Labour                       22% (down 2%) 

            Lib Dem                      21% (up 1%)

Obviously this is hugely different from the MORI poll published yesterday but as I indicated at the time, the MORI poll was somewhat dated and has a pattern of erratic changes. It should also be considered that this poll could be as “rogue” as the MORI poll with each at the opposite extreme as far as Labour share and Conservative lead go.

Hey guys, I have a quick poll here to determine what kind of coffee my readers drink and how they buy it. Please take a few seconds and select an answer that fits you. Thanks!

Another Rasmussen poll just released puts our dear leader at 45% approval. Not a good week for the president. When Chris (tingle up my leg) Matthews, Saturday Night Live, and Europe all turn against you, it doesn’t look like a lot of hope anymore because of the change.

45% and sinking

I was born in Bebenhausen. THIS TRAVELS SECTION TO BE UPDATED  SUN*

*I’m going to actively start promoting a pronunciation of ‘Sun’ that rhymes with ‘Moon.’ It sounds better than a sun that sounds like son! As soon as I return to Korea I’m going to get as many tutoring jobs as possible. And all under my tutelage shall henceforth be trained to pronounce SUN the way it should be pronounced! I know you’re not supposed to reveal your evil plans, but that’s just it. This plan isn’t evil.

And by popular request, I’ll release the story of how I got symmetrical bruises on weird places on my arm. One kind commentator (related to me by blood, and of a generation that shouldn’t be so flippant about such things) likened the mark to that of a drug abuser. Pictures also to come shortly, but for now you get the verbal scoop.

It was dark outside, but it was not dark inside my room. So I cannot fall back on ‘failing vision due to poor lighting’ as an excuse. I was not inebriated, hyperactive, or sick. Nor am I clumsy person usually. In fact most of my acquaintances will attest to my being unusually graceful for a person of my clumse. WHATEVER THAT FUCKING MEANS. Anyway, I was doing something of grave importance on the computer, so I did not unglue my eyes from the screen as I shimmied out of my jeans and changed into my pajamas.

The fault lay in my ‘jams. As I tried to shimmy as easily into them as I had out of my jeans, somehow the waistband got stuck on the edge of my chair (before you argue that that’s not possible, try it for yourself. It happened) and so, as I pulled the waistband up to pull up the pants, the chair fell backwards, dragging the snagged waistband (and consequently the pajama bottoms) along with it. Not so much of a problem, except that I was by them mostly wearing the pajamas, and had been sitting on the chair. I banged both of my arms against the legs of the chair, hard. Intense pain ensued. I hauled my ass off the floor and rolled onto my bed in a fetal position, and whimpered for a full theatrical minute. (That’s like thirty seconds). (I also had the stray thought, at the back of my mind, that sympathy really eases pain, even physical pain. I considered going into the next room and waking my brother up so he could sympathize, and so that my pain would be lessened). The pain of my butt on the floor wasn’t so unbearable as the pain of both arms scraping against the chair legs, and simply coming into contact with them with as much force as can be imagined. I know it must be hard to imagine such force from such a physically peculiar position, so let the pictures tell the story!

Earlier this year, Fiat Group purchased 20% of Chrysler Group, leaving 55% to the UAW (United Auto Workers) and the rest to the US and Canadian Governments.  To American drivers who remember when Fiats and Alfa Romeos were last sold in the United States, this can conjure up bad memories of rotting floorboards, rusty fenders, and finicky engines.  I think the new Chrysler/Fiat merger means good things to those of us stateside, and I’ll tell you why.

Since the last Fiat or Alfa Romeo was sold in the United States, their cars have been improved, and are fairly well received in Europe.  Now that Fiat has controlling stake in Chrysler, they automatically have a dealership network, parts suppliers and manufacturing plants in North America.  This means easy integration into America, and with Chrysler’s current lack of upcoming products, an opportune time to replace existing designs and platforms with Fiat and Alfa Romeo’s existing hardware.  Currently, the only vehicles set to show up in calendar year 2010 are the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the redesigned 2011 Chrysler 300C.

With that in mind, Fiat plans to incorporate its own cars into Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealerships, starting with the Alfa Romeo MiTo, and possibly the Fiat 500 later on.  In addition to bringing fresh styling to the Chrysler vehicles, the traditionally smaller cars produced by Fiat and Alfa Romeo will raise Chrysler’s average fuel economy, making it more likely that the newly-formed group won’t get in trouble for meeting new, stringent CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards, set to take effect in 2012.

In addition to the influsion of cars and technology, Fiat also brings cash flow to the table, able to help out a struggling Chrysler and keep them afloat long enough for the new products to hit showroom floors.

Another interesting facet to this story is the Dodge Ram truck line.  Recently, television ads have told us all about the new Ram trucks, and the new 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty line.  Chrysler confirmed recently that they are actually splitting the Ram truck line off, as its own brand.  This makes it easier to meet the aforementioned CAFE requirements, and allows the Ram brand to branch off into big-rig territory.  This is still a rumor which may or may not come true, but in my mind is likely.

It’s a troubling time to be Chrysler, but with a little luck, and some fresh new products, they have every chance to make it, although I predict that the Chrysler of a few years from now will be very much different from today’s Chrysler, with smaller, more fuel-efficient cars and less of a dependance on SUV and truck sales.  They will also have streamlined their product lineup, and will be more of a niche player in the automotive marketplace.  While Fiat and Alfa Romeo will donate new vehicles, all of the poorly-selling vehicles currently in showrooms will be phased out or replaced, but mostly just phased out.  Look for more modern interiors, with all of today’s avaliable technologies, as well as more highly-engineered engines, capable of doing more with less, which is the current mantra of engine designers.

by John Suit

Photo Sources: www.chrysler.com, Road Reality

Recently I posted a poll in which I asked the question “Are you seeing an increase in interview opportunities?”   I had a fair amount of responses as well as some additional comments that I would like to share.

22 people responded to the poll.  The overall result was that it was a tie between people seeing less interview opportunities and pretty much the same interview opportunities as they have seen 6 months ago (9 people voted this way in both categories).  4 people responded that they have seen an increase in interview opportunities.  Of those who responded, most people said they have only had between 1 and 3 interviews recently whereas 1 person had more than 8 interviews.  I am hoping these were actual interviews and not just informational interviews that we use to network during our search.

Many thanks to all who responded and submitted comments to this poll.

I also had quite a few additional comments that were shared:

A trainer/customer service person from Cleveland said that there are more positions being posted.

A Scientist/Researcher/Writer from Cleveland said that there appear to be more quality opportunities which is really helping improve the overall mental outlook on things.

An IT/Software Engineer from Wisconsin said multiple recruiters have contacted him on the same opportunities.  However, there is still slow response on follow ups and companies still do a poor job in keeping people informed on the status of things.  Additionally, he would have anticipated that September thru November would see an increase in activity due to new budgets being formulated for next year.  However, he is not seeing any increase yet.

An Administrative Assistant in Detroit and a Business Development Specialist in San Diego both said they have seen more postings for Human Resources positions which they hope means things are looking to increase after January 1st.  More HR people means companies need the help to get more people hired in other positions!

An Accounting/Payroll Specialist from Kansas City MO said she is seeing opportunities improving for accounting however, it is still taking between 6-8 weeks for jobs to fill.

A VP of Marketing and Business Development from Miami also has noticed more opportunities.

Finally, an Engineer/Supply Chain Specialist from Providence, RI saw more opportunities in October but has seen things begin to slow down (as is usual for this season).   An additional comment is that no one seems to be in a rush to fill positions quickly.

So, there you have it.  Certainly this was not a scientific poll but the results are interesting.  Those of us that are still in transition need to keep working hard at our search.  The holidays offer a lot of opportunities for networking at parties and other events.  A lot of people tend to think that this is the time to take a break.  However, we should keep in mind that companies do not make hiring decisions based on the holidays – they hire based upon needs.  So since there are a lot of us job seekers out there, the people who continue to work their search process are the ones who will open doors and opportunities while a lot of their “competition” is taking a break.

This might be the best time to land those new opportunities.  While it is good to take a bit of a mental break, don’t totally abandon your search efforts.  The hard work you put in now may result in that new job early next year!

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