2012 Banished Words List announced; I helped banish "shared sacrifice"

It seems worn-out phrases and cliches are a "ginormous" part of "the new normal." If we want to "win the future," we must get out of our "man caves" and "occupy" the English language to stop this "trickeration!"

Lake Superior State University has an "amazing" tradition that dates back 37 years: The List of Words Banished from the Queen's English for Misuse, Overuse and General Uselessness, AKA the Banished Words List. Based on nominations sent from all over the world, this tradition is released just before the New Year.

"Worn-out words and phrases are the new normal this year, but with some shared sacrifice, we can clean up the language and win the future," said an LSSU representative.

LSSU wordsmiths emerged from their man cave long enough to release the new list, something the school has done since 1976.

...

Former LSSU Public Relations Director Bill Rabe and friends created "word banishment" in 1975 at a New Year's Eve party and released the first list on New Year's Day. Since then, LSSU has received tens of thousands of nominations for the list, which includes words and phrases from marketing, media, education, politics, technology and more.

This year's list includes:

*Amazing
*Baby bump
*Shared sacrifice
*Occupy
*Blowback
*Man Cave
*The new normal
*Pet parent
*Win the future
*Trickeration
*Ginormous
*Thank you in advance

I was quoted in the list as saying the following about shared sacrifice:

"Usually used by a politician who wants other people to share in the sacrifice so he/she doesn’t have to." Scott Urbanowski, Kentwood, Michigan

I had the idea to nominate "shared sacrifice" after Gov. Rick Snyder and other Republicans used that term to justify their proposals to shift the burden of the state budget on to regular people while cutting corporate taxes.

My banished words submissions for 2011

For the past few years I have been submitting words for inclusion in Lake Superior State University's List of Words Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness.

This year my submissions (followed by reasons for banishment) are:

• Absolutely free – As opposed to ‘somewhat free?’
• Free Gift – Thank God for free gifts! I was getting sick of paying up to $10 for a gift.
• Jeggings – Why not just say ‘jean leggings?’ Or better yet, why not just get rid of ‘leggings’ and say ‘pants?’
• Totally unique – As opposed to ‘somewhat unique?’
• Screwed – Used to mean that something has been fastened into something else. Now it usually refers to being in a precarious position – and something more risqué.
• Shared sacrifice – Usually used by a politician who wants other people to share in the sacrifice so he/she doesn’t have to.
• We have a lot of work to do – If there’s a lot to be done, then do it!
• We need all the help we can get – Then get the help you need!
• We have our work cut out for us – It actually sounds nice – “Hey, someone cut out our work for us so we don’t have to!” But it usually means a lot needs to be done.

LSSU Banished Words List: The American people refudiate the Mama Grizzly!

Each year around New Year's, Lake Superior State University releases a just-for-fun List of Words Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness." Originally designed as a publicity grabber for this small university of about 2,500 students (as of 2009), this tradition is now in its 36th year.

A couple of words and phrases inspired by Palin and McCain - "maverick" and "First Dude" - were banished two years ago following the election.

Well, thanks to (ahem) the American people, "Mama Grizzly" Palin has been "refudiated" twice more, as "Mama Grizzly" and "refudiate" have been included for the 2011 Banished Words List!

Here's the complete list:

• Viral
• Epic
• Fail
• Wow Factor
• A-ha Moment
• Back story
• BFF
• Man up
• Refudiate
• Mama Grizzlies
• The American People
• I'm Just Sayin'
• Facebook and Google (when used as verbs - "I'm going to Google this")
• Live Life to the Fullest

I'm just sayin', let's man up and make this viral so that everyone can have an a-ha moment when they Google or Facebook Palin's latest epic fail!

(Oh, and why not submit a word for banishment in the 2012 list? ;-) )

Bits of Tid: July 17, 2009

• For Central students not covered by the CMU Promise guarantee, tuition is going up 4.8% this fall. Another reason for Michigan to keep the Promise Scholarship!
• Where is our stimulus money going? Check michigan.gov/recovery to find out!
• Guess who chairs the US Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Energy, Science, and Technology? None other than Debbie Stabenow!

  As Chair, Stabenow will work to ensure that agriculture and forestry play prominent roles in energy and climate policy that invests in new, clean technologies such as biofuels to create well-paying jobs. In addition to the Senate Agriculture Committee, Stabenow serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senate Finance Committee, and the Senate Budget Committee, all of which have jurisdiction over a wide range of issues important to Michigan. She also speaks as Michigan’s voice in Senate leadership as the Chair of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee.

• This says a lot more about you than it does about her, Glenn:
  
• Jimmy Carter has had to make a very painful decision: he is leaving the Southern Baptist Convention after several decades. Why? They say women are meant to be subservient to men - which is contrary to Carter's beliefs. And mine too.
  
• Want a public option? Want to be on TV? Head on over here!
• Might I also remind you about Lake Superior State University's Banished Words List?
  

I Helped Banish "Maverick!"

It's that time of year again - time for an iconic tradition that is sure to be a game changer on Wall Street and Main Street! Yes, Lake Superior State University has released its annual List of Words and Phrases Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-Use, Over-Use and General Uselessness!

• Green (in regards to something environmentally friendly)
• Carbon footprint or carbon offsetting
• Maverick
• First dude
• Bailout
• Wall Street/Main Street
• Monkey
• <3 (Emoticon for 'heart')
• Icon or Iconic
• Game changer
• Staycation
• Desperate search
• Not so much
• Winner of five nominations
• It's that time of year again

In 2007 I was quite the first dude when it came to nominating words for banishment, at least among progressive bloggers. This year, not so much. But, as we are all aware, quality is more important than quantity, as evidenced by this highlight from LSSU's page about the 2009 list. Here's what one person had to say about the word Maverick:

"You know it's time to banish this word when even the Maverick family, who descended from the rancher who inspired the term, says it's being mis-used." Scott Urbanowski, Kentwood, Mich.

Incidentally, I also nominated bailout. Maverick and bailout are my first two hits, if you will (nominations of words that did get banished).

Bits of Tid: December 14, 2008

Bail Me Out Edition

• Sorry I haven't been blogging much. I just got done with the semester and have a month off.
• Mitch Albom also has a few choice words. Probably the best rant I've seen.
• Incidentally, here's a piece I found last week essentially calling bull$#!^ on the myths surrounding the auto industry.
• Today is Dad's birthday. I have a present for him, which will arrive January 20 at noon.
  
• With less than three weeks left in the year, now is your last chance to nominate words for Lake Superior State University's 2009 Banished Words List! My latest?

  Nine times out of ten - Why just say "nine times out of ten?" I'd like to hear someone say "thirteen times out of fourteen" or "65,876 times out of 65,877."

• Absolutely beautiful.

Bits of Tid: October 15, 2008

OMG I'm Almost 21! Edition

• Chances are, you stand to benefit more from Barack Obama's tax plan than from John McCain's. How much so? Find out!
  
• It was a creed written into a pumpkin that declared the destiny of a holiday: Yes We Carve.
  
• 
  
• I apologize for not blogging very much recently. To make up for it, I have a series of posts on leadership in the works; look for them in the next several days.
  
• A couple of weeks ago, members of the Maverick family - who descended from rancher Samuel Maverick, whose refusal to brand his cattle inspired the term 'maverick' as we use it today - were found to be unhappy with McCain's use of the word. You know what I do when a word is being misused? I ask LSSU to banish it!
  You know it's time to banish this word when even the Maverick family - who descended from the rancher who inspired it - says it's being misused.
  
• I finally (!) turn 21 next Tuesday! I'm not so much looking forward to drinking per se, but just being allowed to. That said, I'll probably have a cold one or two - any recommendations?
  

Bits of Tid: October 3, 2008

Happy New Month! Edition

• A belated Happy October to you! And in Washington and Lansing, it's Happy New (Fiscal) Year!
• I turn 21 this month!
• Yours truly is the new Deputy National Communications Director for the College Democrats of America!
• Holy $#!^!
• CMU faculty just might be about to strike soon.
• Hi, I'm Mounty Bat Palin. Nice to meet you.
• Since we have just three months left in the year, now's the time to think about what words you want to see banished by LSSU (if you haven't thought about them before)! Here's my latest pick:
  

  Bailout - Is there any word more deserving of banishment than this one?

• Coming soon on GLGTGS: I'll be working on a compilation of late-night jokes as well as a photo gallery of sorts. Look for them soon!
  

Bits of Tid: May 23, 2008

• Boy, did it feel good to get that rant about Hillary's latest comments off my chest.
• I've updated my post from earlier this week. Obama has gained a couple more superdelegates as well as two more of Edwards's pledged delegates.
• One of the new supers for Obama is Rep. Dennis Cardoza (CA), who switched from Clinton to Obama. It looks like he may be the first of several Clinton delegates to switch to Obama. Not to count unhatched chickens, but this can only make an Obama nomination more of a sure thing!
• Clinton is trying to get superdelegates to believe that she is more electable than Obama. But recent polls show that, as Obama is seen by more and more people as the presumptive Democratic nominee, he is beating McCain in several swing states, including some Bush won.

  There goes another Clinton talking point. Going off the Pollster.com averages, Obama currently wins 283-255, losing the Kerry states of Michigan and New Hampshire, and winning the Bush states of Iowa, Indiana, New Mexico, Colorado, and Ohio. If you give him a tiny 3-point "primary boost", he picks up Virginia and Michigan, for a 313-225 lead.

• So whom should Barack select as his running mate for Vice President? I'll offer up some thoughts next week.
• Check out Daily Kos tomorrow evening around 7PM, when I'll be hosting this week's edition of WYFP? (What's Your F****** Problem?) The Michigan Primary situation will be involved!
• I haven't done this in a while, but here's anothe rpoick for the LSSU Banished Words List:

  Totally free - As opposed to 'somewhat free?' Something is either free or it's not.

• Today is Graduation Day at my alma mater, East Kentwood High School. Wow: Those who were freshmen when I was a senior have reached the Big Moment! Speaking of which, earlier today we received an invite for my cousin's graduation open house in metro Detroit. I remember when she was celebrating her first birthday in her high chair, her hands covered in chocolate as the family sang. Wow, I'm feeling old.

Bits of Tid: March 3, 2008

Marching Into March Edition

• Obama is now 646 delegates away from clinching the nomination, while Hillary needs 758 more. 370 delegates are at stake on Tuesday. If Obama gets more delegates than Hillary on Tuesday and Hillary does not drop out, expect more 'superdelegates' (more on that word in a moment) to get behind Obama. That, and the fact that rural Wyoming and heavily black Mississippi are next up on the calendar cannot bode well for Hillary.
  
• Obama's campaign has already helped the Democratic Party, whether or not he ends up with the nomination. And as one Daily Kos diarist argues, Obama has done a marvelous job supporting Dean's 50-State Strategy. I supported Howard in the primaries in 2003/04 and am proud to say that I am still a fan of his to this day.
  
• I think I just might start writing a book in the coming days and weeks, about my experiences in my life thus far (I'm 20), my views on politics and government, why I'm a Democrat, where I believe we need to move the Democratic Party and the nation, and more. Working subtitle: A 20-year-old's Thoughts on Politics and the State of the World. Of course I would be surprised if I finish it before I turn 21, and even then titles and subtitles change all the time.
  
• Speaking of books, I am currently reading The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader by John C. Maxwell and Everyday Leadership by Dan Mulhern. Boith are good reads. Reviews forthcoming!
  
• Back to the word 'superdelegate.' It's my latest pick for Lake Superior State's Banished Words List. Why?
  
  

  What, exactly, makes them 'super?' Do they wear tights and brightly colored capes and fly around the country trying to save America from some evil force of which I'm unaware?

• This week's edition of Sunday Coffee Talk on Michigan Liberal has a few changes. I hope you like it!

Bits of Tid: February 13, 2008

Valentine's Eve Edition

• Well, how do you like the new design? I tried to fiddle with the HTML a little bit to get the CBS delegate widget to fit entirely within the sidebar, but that wouldn't work. But while it won't all fit, you can still see the meat and potatoes of it.
• Seven years ago tonight my maternal grandmother passed away at age 84. One week ago today my paternal grandmother turned 84 years young. I wrote about both of them one year ago. Grandma's health hasn't changed that much; I must admit I'm pleasantly surprised she made it this long after Grandpa's death in 2004.
• Got anything planned for this Saturday? How about attending Activate08 in Lansing? Free food and admission, and Jennifer Granholm will be there. Registration deadline is tomorrow! And when you're done registering for that, sign up for the 2008 Michigan Policy Summit, which will be held May 10!
• Welcome back writers!
• Curious as to how many votes each candidate has received in each of the primaries and caucuses to date? Find out here.
• Tomorrow I will post my MFCD agenda/platform/plan/vision/whatever-you-wanna-call-it.
• I have submitted my first pick for Lake Superior State University's 2009 Banished Word List:

  Super Tuesday - Is that the best term they could come up with to describe the day with many Presidential primaries and caucuses?

Changing our civic dialogue through word banishment!

Each year around New Year's Day, Lake Superior State University in Michigan's Upper Peninsula releases a list of "Words Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-Use, Over-Use and General Uselessness." The list is the subject of a considerable amount of attention when it is released - including a mention or two on Countdown with Keith Olbermann in the past. Submissions for the list are accepted year round.

The complete list of banished words includes some classics, such as 'Awesome,' 'Dawg,' 'Y2K,' 'And I Approved This Message,' and 'Whatever.' Unfortunately, the all-time list also includes 'Liberal,' 'Truthiness,' and 'Blog.' So I decided to take action.

Throughout the year I submitted my own nominations for the Banished Words List, some of which have a political bent, while others don't. What follows is a list of the words and phrasesI have submitted for banishment, along with the reasons why I nominated it.

Get real

Do you ever hear people telling you to "get fake" or "get unreal?" I know I haven't.

Phony soldiers

Regardless of your feelings regarding the war, there's nothing phony about these brave people who wear the uniform of our country.

War on Christmas

Does this mean we can expect Santa Claus to ride in on a Bradley fighting vehicle and deliver cluster bombs to all the little girls and boys?

Pro-life

This is one of many code words politicians use to make themselves or policies they support look good. Most people who call themselves ‘pro-life’ aren't quite as ‘pro-life’ on some issues as they are on others.

Having your work cut out for you

On the surface, it sounds like someone’s done something nice for you: "Hey, I cut out your work just for you." Uh, not exactly.

Smart bomb

I didn’t know that some bombs could be more intelligent than others. Of course, nowadays it can seem as though some of our bombs are smarter than many of our politicians.

Gut feeling

Michael Chertoff must be good if he can predict a terrorist attack based on his gut. I wish I had such capabilities.

w00t

Color me surprised that this lousy excuse for a 'word' hasn't been banished yet.

Ginormous

One of the most pathetic compound words to pollute the English language. Why can't you just say 'enormous' or 'gigantic?'

Take Your Breath Away

So I will literally lack oxygen and possibly suffocate to death because of whatever it is you're trying to sell me? Hmm, somehow it doesn't seem all that appealing to me anymore.

And now, I have one more nomination which I have just submitted for the 2008 list:

Conservative

Once thought by many to be the silver-bullet cure to all of America's ills, conservatism just isn't what it's hyped to be. The conservative movement has run its course. I would almost feel insulted if I were called a conservative.

Do you have any words that you would like to see on the LSSU Banished Word List? If so, be sure to submit your suggestions soon - they will probably start compiling the list soon, if they haven't already!

Bits of Tid: November 23, 2007

• Well, here we are, the day after Thanksgiving, and we just lit our Christmas tree for the first time this season. We'll probably add some lights and ornaments before I go back to CMU this Sunday - and I may just post a few photos..........
  
• Let me repost here a comment that I first posted on this Daily Kos bit:
  
  

  If Dems want to win the center...
  ...then they need only appeal to the base. I think most people who consider themselves moderate or centrist would find a progressive platform quite attractive (for lack of better words).

  If a guy like me can become a progressive Democrat, then so can others.

• Two items of note for those concerned about the transgendered: First, Governor Granholm has added gender identity to a non-discrimination policy for state employees. Second, next week at CMU is Transgender Awareness Week.
  
• Congressional Democrats want to include a requirement in the war funding bill that most US troops leave Iraq by a little over a year from now. They are backed by one Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez (ret.), who himself was a commander in Iraq.
  
• Would an uptick in violence result if US troops left Iraq? Well, Basra has seen a 90% drop in attacks since British troops left the region, so decide for yourself.
  
• Shh, let's try to keep this on the 'down-low' from the Republicans (I like to surprise them): Indiana just might be a swing state next year. So what? you might ask. Well, not only does the Hoosier State have 11 electoral votes, but Lyndon Johnson was the last Democrat to carry Indiana. (If you didn't know, outside of the Southeast, LBJ won every state not named Arizona.)
  
• Just a few weeks remain until Lake Superior State University releases its 2008 Banished Words List! Here's my latest entry:

  War on Christmas - Does this mean we can expect Santa Claus to ride in on a Bradley fighting vehicle and deliver cluster bombs to all the little girls and boys?

• Just a reminder about Blogging for Michigan's Troop Care program - it ends Sunday!
  
• And don't forget Michigan Liberal's daily feature, Coffee Talk. Remember that I am in charge of Coffee Talk most Sundays.

Bits of Tid: November 10, 2007

• The Employee Non-Discrimination Act was passed in the House! Now on to the Senate!
  
  
• Here's a question for you:
  

  What do you love about our state? What do you want to change? What's your best vision for Michigan's future?

  Have an answer to that? You might want to take part in the Center for Michigan's Envision Michigan competition.
  
  
• Part of saving our planet involves changes in government policy; part of it involves making businesses and institutions more eco-friendly (see previous post); still another part will involve personal action by each of us. Are you living a sustainable life? American Public Media's Consumer Consequences game can help you find out.
  
  
• Looks like Mike Bishop could be the target of a recall attempt.
  
  
• Some serious issues are facing our world, as evidenced by the Latest News section of CNN.com. As of 8PM Saturday, the seventh and eighth stories in that section were "It's a boy for 'View' co-host Hasselbeck" and "Thirsty? Try a refreshing ham soda."
  
  Thank you, CNN, for raising awareness of these very volatile issues we face in America. Not.
  
  
• Here's a new phrase I like: Green collar jobs.


• And here's one I don't like: "Get real." Yep, it's my latest submission to Lake Superior State University's Banished Words List. My reasoning?
  

  Do you ever hear people telling you to "get fake" or "get unreal?" I know I haven't.

• I haven't been blogging much. I realize that. I've had a lot on my plate. However, my academic load between now and Thanksgiving is as light as a college junior could expect, so maybe I'll post more. I am working on posts which will include:
  
  • A unique spin on this past week's elections;
    
  • A preview of 2008 Congressional elections;
    
  • An item discussing presidential veto overrides through the years;
    
  • Energy efficiency tips;
    
  • A few more photos from around campus;
    
  • Thoughts on young voters, incl. my ideas on how to actually get more of them voting; and
    
  • Another late-night humor post!

Bits of Tid: October 16, 2007

Who Said That? Edition

Who said this?

{W}e've seen the corruption and the sectarian division. We understand what it's like to be stretched too thin. And we know when it's time to get out.

Answer: Twelve former Army captains and Iraq veterans, in an op-ed in the Washington Post.

Next quote:

"We’ve treated the Arab world as a collection of big gas stations," the retired general said. "Our message to them is: Guys, keep your pumps open, prices low, be nice to the Israelis and you can do whatever you want out back. Osama and 9/11 is the distilled essence that represents everything going on out back."

Answer: Gen. John Abizaid.

Who's responsible for this one?

“As a patriotic American proud to serve the nation in uniform, I respectfully urge my political leaders in Congress to support the prompt withdrawal of all American military forces and bases from Iraq. Staying in Iraq will not work and is not worth the price. It is time for U.S. troops to come home.”

Answer? 2,000+ active-duty service personnel. Phony soldiers, Rush?

And speaking of which:

Regardless of your feelings regarding the war, there's nothing phony about these brave people who wear the uniform of our country.

That would be me, nominating 'phony soldiers' for banishment for Lake Superior State University's Banished Word List. It comes out in 2 1/2 months, so get your picks in soon!

And finally, well, I don't need to ask you who said this:


BTW: Is that Joe Knollenberg, about halfway in?

Bits of Tid: August 18, 2007

Three Times in One Week Edition

• Long story here, but no WeekEnder this weekend. Perhaps I'll try to make up for it with a two-parter next weekend; don't hold your breath, though, because like I said, I move back up to Mount Pleasant and it may be quite a busy weekend.
  
  
• Just a reminder: Be sure to check out Coffee Talk om Michigan Liberal each day; I post each Saturday's Coffee Talk abd will also be subbing for LiberalLucy this coming Tuesday. Check it out!
  
  
• This almost flew under my radar: House Democrats passed some important energy legislation just before summer break:
  
  

  The bill includes the Udall Renewable Energy Sources Amendment, which requires utilities to produce 15 percent of their electricity from clean and renewable sources like wind and solar by 2020.
  
  Other highlights include making the federal government carbon neutral by 2050, creating "green collar" jobs in solar panel manufacturing and green construction, investing in biofuels, and paying for green initiatives by repealing $16 billion in tax breaks for oil and gas companies.

  Sounds good, although I don't see why they have to wait 43 years to go carbon-neutral.
  
  

• Barack Obama won't be participating in as many debates. His campaign manager explains:
  
  

  Unfortunately, we simply cannot run the kind of campaign we want and need to, engaging with voters in the early states and February 5 states, if our schedule is dictated by dozens of forums and debates. Ultimately, the one group left out of the current schedule is the voters and they are the ones who ask the toughest questions and most deserve to have those questions answered face to face.

• This week's Democratic Radio Address was given by, of all people, a waitress. She discussed the impact of the recent increase of the minimum wage.
  
  
• It looks like Michael Bloomberg won't run after all.

• Don't think I've forgotten about LSSU's Banished Words List. I still have plenty of suggestions in my noggin. My latest:

  Pro-life - This is one of many code words politicians use to make themselves or policies they support look good. Most people who call themselves ‘pro-life’ aren't quite as ‘pro-life’ on some issues as they are on others.

  Don't forget to submit your picks for the 2008 list.

Bits of Tid: August 1, 2007

Happy New Month - it is August 2007!!! "Should Al Gonzales be forgot..."

• Is impeachment in the near future for Gonzales?
• Oh, but don't feel lonely, Gonzo. Senator Ted "It's a Series of Tubes" Stevens is also in trouble.
• Bill Bradley:

  "Racial profiling seeps so deeply in our society that a wallet in the hand of a white man looks like a wallet, and the wallet in the hand of a black man looks like a gun."

  Hat tip: My Left Wing
• First Dick DeVos cursed the Tigers - now is Dubya doing the same?
• A man in Wisconsin won an award for bad writing:
  
  

  Gerald began — but was interrupted by a piercing whistle which cost him ten percent of his hearing permanently, as it did everyone else in a ten-mile radius of the eruption, not that it mattered much because for them 'permanently' meant the next ten minutes or so until buried by searing lava or suffocated by choking ash — to pee.

  Of the contest, the article states that
  

  Entrants are asked to submit bad opening sentences to imaginary novels.


Heck, I think I just might submit something for that award. Or maybe I should just stick to Lake Superior State's Banished Words List.
• Speaking of which - my latest pick for banishment:

  Having your work cut out for you - On the surface, it sounds like someone’s done something nice for you: "Hey, I cut out your work just for you." Uh, not exactly.

  
  A mention of the LSSU list on Daily Kos provoked a lot of responses.

Bits of Tid: July 26, 2007

• Thousands of people across this great land heard my delightful voice on Monday. I called into Thom Hartmann's radio program and discussed how tax cuts have NOT had the impact on our economy some claim they would. Michigan has some of the lowest taxes in the US - and one of the highest unemployment rates in the US, I noted. More on that later.


• That train-wreck sound you heard? That was Alberto Gonzales. As far as I'm concerned, Gonzales can either stay for the remaining eighteen months of the Bush Administration, or he can step aside and allow someone else to take his place, offering the possibility that the cloud that has hung over the Gonzales DoJ can be lifted. But as long as Gonzo's in charge at DoJ, that cloud will remain.
  
• Call it Daschle's Revenge? Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell just might be in trouble in his bid for a fifth term in the US Senate in 2008. Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo announced that he is forming an exploratory committee to run against McConnell. SurveyUSA released a poll showing McConnell's approval rating the lowest it's been in recent years.


• My latest pick for LSSU's Banished Words List (I have a couple dozen of them, folks):
  

  Smart bomb - I didn’t know that some bombs could be more intelligent than others. Of course, nowadays it can seem as though some of our bombs are smarter than many of our politicians.

• On Monday the Tigers lost both games of a double-header to the White Sox, a team that was 16.5 games behind them in the standings. Then yesterday they won one - also against the ChiSox! Oh well, they still lead the division by a game and a half.


• Coming soon to Great Lakes, Great Times, Great Scott:
  • My endorsement for the Oval Office
  • A look at the upcoming local elections - the primary is twelve days away!
  • Re-framing the tax debate
  • A preview of Congressional races across the country in 2008
  • Combating apathy, particularly amongst young people
  • How you can become a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Denver!

Bits of Tid: July 19, 2007

The Rich and Famous Edition

• On Daily Kos: Ted Kennedy talks student loans, tales of seeking office, and my submission made it into Top Comments!
  
• Unable to bring the troop-withdrawal amendment to a vote, Harry Reid fires back at Senate Republicans.
  
• McCain is not the only candidate to be facing money woes.
  
• It's time to probe war profiteering, say two freshman Senators.
  
• Rep. Tim Walberg (R-WaaaaaaaayOutOfTouch) was outraised last quarter by David Nacht. Last year's Democratic nominee, Sharon Renier, spent just $50,000. We Dems just might win two Congressional seats in the next election right here in Michigan next year - swinging our state's congressional delegation to an 8-7 Democratic majority. That could be pretty important, as I discussed last month.
  
• Labor Secretary Elaine Chao says American workers stink. What she probably meant was, her boss stinks.
  
• Dennis Kucinich has food poising. Wish him the best.
  
• I WON $25!!!
  
• I have a, um, 'gut feeling' that my latest nomination for LSSU's Banished Words List just might be banished come New Year's (if for no other reason than the fact that I'm surely not the only one who has submitted it):
  

  Gut feeling - Michael Chertoff must be good if he can predict a terrorist attack based on his gut. I wish I had such capabilities.

Bits of Tid: July 12, 2007

• NYC firefighters don’t like Rudy Giuliani.
  
• I wish I could get paid $440.50 per day to do nothing.
• The Bay City Times:

Senate Majority Leader Michael Bishop, R-Rochester, denied that there was a deal to balance the state budget. In exchange for raising taxes, he demands a remake of a wide swath of state government.
Give it a rest, senator.
Republicans couldn't get these changes done when they ran Lansing. They sure aren't going to eliminate public school pensions and retiree health plans, among other reforms, this year.

• Two new federal judges were confirmed for West Michigan on Monday. One - Janet Neff - was approved after Sam Brownback held up her nomination because she - gasp - attended a commitment ceremony. At any rate, Neff will vacate a state Court of Appeals seat which Governor Granholm will fill. Might I suggest Jane Beckering, the 2006 nominee for Michigan Supreme Court who got rave reviews? Appointing Beckering will help grow the Democratic bench for the state Supreme Court.
  
• Can’t wait to prove Dave Camp wrong.
  
• Tuesday was LiberalLucy’s birthday. Check out my greeting on MichLib.
  
• “Fly me to the moon, and let me play among the stars.”
  
• Yours truly has submitted another word for banishment to LSSU. Or is it a word?
  

  w00t - Color me surprised that this lousy excuse for a 'word' hasn't been banished yet.

  
  
• Detroit Tigers’ magic number: 75.