I Don't Know if Max Baucus Was Drunk

But I do know the controversy served to remind us of the comedy genius of Foster Brooks.

Bond Investors Bet Against Japan

This doesn't sound good.

Who Is Winning the Global War on Terror?

Noah Scacthman says it may be China.

Dave Barry's Year in Review

By my clock, we've still got a few more hours of 2009 left, but I don't think Dave has missed anything in this recap.

Update: I corrected a typo, or maybe a Freudian slip.

RIP Dr. Death

Dave Meltzer writes:

We are sorry to report the death of Steve "Dr. Death" Williams, an international star who was considered one of the top wrestlers in the world during the late 80s and early 90s, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Williams, known in his heyday as one of the physically toughest men ever to compete in the industry, was 49. He passed away last night. He had been battling the disease for a number of years, first apparently beating it even with great odds against him. It came back this year and his health had worsened in the last few months.

Williams formed two of the world's best tag teams with the late Terry Gordy and with Ted DiBiase Sr., as well as a notable team with current WWE Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis. He was in particular a major star in the 90s for All Japan Pro Wrestling. He was recruited into pro wrestling by Bill Watts and was the 1982 Rookie of the Year.

Watts discovered him at the University of Oklahoma, where he was a star lineman on the football team and a four-time All-American heavyweight wrestler. Many of his peers in wrestling over the years had believed if he had not played college football and concentrated on wrestling, that he would have been a strong candidate for an Olympic gold medal in 1984 or 1988.

Steve Williams' football and wrestling accomplishments at the University of Oklahoma, via mixedmartialarts.com

1979 -- 6TH PLACE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS (Future Olympic gold medalist Jeff Blatnick finished 3rd)

1980 -- 5TH PLACE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
BIG 8 CONFERENCE CHAMPION

1981 -- 3RD PLACE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS (Future UFC champion Dan Severn placed 4th)
BIG 8 CONFERENCE CHAMPION

1982 -- 2ND PLACE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS (lost in Finals to Olympic wrestling legend Bruce Baumgartner; future Olympic gold medalist Lou Banach finished 3rd)
BIG 8 CONFERENCE CHAMPION

4-TIME ALL AMERICAN


FOOTBALL:

1982 Big 8 ALL CONFERENCE (OFFENSIVE GUARD)

Live in Rome Georgia, and Plan to Drink on New Year's Eve?

Here's an offer just for you.

China Likes Blondes

Black people not so much.

HT: Steve Sailer

The Next Ron Paul?

That's what some are calling former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson.

J.G. Ballard and Pat Buchanan

Daniel McCarthy writes that they both ask the same uncomfortable question.

The Most Famous Supflex of all time

From the 1972 Olympics, Wilfred Dietrich (230 pounds) vs. Chris Taylor (400 pounds).

The Link Between Japanese Mothers, Breakfast and Sex

Apparently, there is one.

Alabama Democrat Switches to GOP

I'm late with this, but Daniel Larison has the most convincing explanation I've seen for why Parker Griffth switched to the Republican Party.

Don't Bait the Neo-Cons

Andrew Sullivan writes:

While Iran erupts, National Review has many many posts blasting Janet Napolitano for an idiotic interview she gave today and calling for her resignation and yet more posts trying to use the Detroit terror attempt to attack Obama. There is one post about Iran this whole pivotal weekend, and it's by Jonah Goldberg, and it begins with the priceless words:

This should be getting more play.

Conservatism's current priorities: using any terror attack to hurt the president? Check. Watching freedom-fighters risk their lives for regime change in the most critical country for US foreign policy in the Middle East? Zzzzz. Imagine what Reagan would have thought. And weep.

I Have to Admit I Only Vaguely Knew Who Terry Francona Was

But then I read this article about his son.

An Open Letter to Charles Krauthammer

This letter was posted on the pro-Green Revolution site Enduring America to Charles Krauthammer, but it could just as easily have been sent to any of the neo-cons whose professed concern for human rights in Iran is just as mask for their hatred of any regime that threatens the American empire in the Middle East and its Israeli proxy.

Please go away now and do not return to Iran as the setting for your political assaults. For — and let this be acknowledged widely, if not by you than by others — the “Iranian people” whom you supposedly praise are merely pawn for your political games, which have little to do with their aspirations, their fears, and their contests.

Let us recognise that your column begins with an attack on the “feckless” Barack Obama. The Iranian case, and specifically the US negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear programme, is the platform for another front in your continuing assault on the President. So if I agree with you that the nuclear-first approach gives “affirmation” to an embattled Iranian Government — and I do — that agreement starts from a desire not to bolster President Ahmadinead in the current domestic crisis in Iran, rather than your own domestic crisis with an American leader from a political party you do not like.

Let us recognise that your own supposed defence of the Iranian people is propelled by your own nuclear conceptions, bolstered by your emphasis on Israel: “Iran will dominate 2010. Either there will be an Israeli attack or Iran will arrive at — or cross — the nuclear threshold.” For, if this piece was completely honest, you would have informed your readers, and the Iranian people, that you have supported Israeli airstrikes. In the columns offering that support, you made no reference to how “a new birth of freedom” would be affected by missiles fired upon Iran. Your frame of vision was limited, as if this was a journalistic smart bomb, to the target of the Iranian regime.

Extreme Carpenter

I've watched this a couple of times, and I think it's real.

Stadium Boom Deepens Cities' Problems

The New York Times reports:

Years after a wave of construction brought publicly financed stadiums costing billions of dollars to cities across the country, taxpayers are once again being asked to reach into their pockets.

From New Jersey to Ohio to Arizona, the stadiums were sold as a key to redevelopment and as the only way to retain sports franchises. But the deals that were used to persuade taxpayers to finance their construction have in many cases backfired, the result of overly optimistic revenue assumptions and the recession.

The Biggest Money-Making Franchise in American Sports

No, it isn't the Yankees.

Tim Cavanugh has more.

White Christmas

Here's a little background on the top-selling song of all time.

American Manufacturing Is Far from Dead

Mark Perry notes that even though manufacturing employment has fallen, output remains strong.

Amazingly, if the U.S. manufacturing sector were a separate country, it would be tied with Germany as the world’s third-largest economy.

The Big Government-Big Business Health Reform

David Boaz notes that health care reform will help big companies and big government more than anyone else.

The Latest from Maricopa County

A prosecutor from another Arizona County criticizes Sheriff Joe Arapio for using his office to harass critics. Arpaio demands the FBI investigate her.

China Secures Oil and Gas Resources

At Master Resource Mary Hutzler compares the long-term energy strategies of China and the United States.

The Bilingual Ban That Worked

Heather MacDonald looks at what happened when California banned bilingual education.

Avatar Is Great and Libertarian

So claims Stephen Kinsella. I don't know. I haven't seen it yet. It sounds dull and preachy. But I am amazed at the number of conservatives who have noted that, because the film preaches a message of anti-imperialism, anti-militarism and respect for the environment it is anti-American.

How Government Prolongs the Recession

Reason points to just one example.

Obama's Latest Health Care Lie

You'd better read Matt Welch's article fast before the president moves on to the next one.

Did "Progressives" Know What Was in the Health Care Bills?

Peter Suderman looks at left-wing opposition to reform.

Another Cat, Another Wall

Despite Recession, Crime Keeps Falling

The Associated Press reports that this surprises many experts.

Double-Digit Inflation

Economists Robert Murphy and Arnold Kling bet on it.

George W. Bush: The Biggest Spender Since LBJ

The Cato Institute confirms what we've all now. Funny how there were no Tea Parties when he was in office.

John Allison on the Financial System

The former BB&T chairman has some good proposals.

Obamanomics

Tim Carney's book tears apart some of the myths of both the left and right, showing how the Obama administration is in bed with big business. Here's an excerpt.

A Ponzi Scheme That Works

The Economist looks at U.S. immigration.

Remembering Brittany Murphy

The Republican Echo Chamber is is usual charitable self.

What Do the Banking Crisis and U.S. Foreign Policy Have in Common?

Leon hadar and Daniel Larison look at the two,

Another Cat Climbing Into Another House

Blood Libel?

Israel admits harvesting the organs of Palestinians.

Fundamental Health Care Deceptions

Economist points to two in the Democrats' health care bill.

RIP Brittany Murphy

She brought a loopy energy to everything she did. I really liked her in King of the Hill.

What a Real Free Market Health Care System Looks Like

University of Alabama professor Rod Long points to a letter to the editor he had in his local newspaper. He includes a great list of other resources. His How Government Solved the Health Care Crisis is especially good.

Good Night for MMA

Two very good cards from Strike Force and WEC.

Stopping Illegal Immigration: What You Can Do

Here's a few suggestions.

A Very Southern Christmas

A four-year-old gets drunk and steals Christmas presents from a neighbor's house.

"Kids do things like this and it's out of your control, you can do the best you can as a mother, everyone makes mistakes, it was an honest mistake," said the boy's 21-year-old mother.

I, Robot

The latest from Japan? Buy a robot double of yourself or a loved one.

The Crybaby Thugs of Maricopa County

Here's more on Sheriff Joe and his gang.

I'm A Believer

The Monkees made it famous, but Neil Diamond wrote it.

Pussycat Bomb

Funny, but not safe for work.

Fleeing from South Africa

Gee, why would anybody want to leave?

The Latest Problem for the Dollar

Persian Gulf states create their own currency.

How the Market Works

A great little booklet from Israel Kirzner is available here.

Japanes Man Marries Virtual Woman

She's not bad looking.

Bleeding the Economy

Steven Baker and Roger Koppl on how the Federal Reserve distorts the economy.

The Bull Connor of the 21st Century

Criticize Sheriff Joe Arpaio and he'll launch a long and costly criminal investigation of you.

Keeping America's Edge

This article has been generating a lot of buzz in the blogosphere.

Cat Climbs into House

The Best and the Brightest

Foreign-born scientists, engineers, etc. are leaving the United States for better opportunities abroad. This will help us keep our edge.

What English Sounds Like to Foreigners

Well, to Italians anyway.

Obama's Big Sellout

Some on the left aren't happy with the president.

Daniel Larison says they should have seen it coming.

Hot Chicks with Douchebags

Just a reminder. Hot Chicks with Douchebags is holding its annual awards voting.

Canada's Athlete of the Year

MMA champion Georges St. Pierre takes the honor for the second year in a row.

Jersey Shore

Just heard that the cast of this train wreck reality show are going to be on the Jay Leno Show tonight at 10 p.m.

UPDATE: No Jersey Shore. But Tim McGraw showed up and demonstrated he is the dullest man in country music.

The Jack Brisco Interview

Here's a pretty good interview of the former National Wrestling Association heavyweight champion from about 13 years ago.

Delta Lady

Investor Bet on Inflation

The Wall Street Journal says investors are moving into gold and commodities as a hedge against inflation because they fear the Federal Reserve huge expansion of the monetary base.

Is Technology Dumbing Down Japanese?

The Japanese language, that is, not the Japanese people.

Why Men Shouldn't Write Advice Columns

Here's one good reason.

HT: Radley Balko

Did the Stimulus Create Jobs?

The government's own numbers say no.

Obama's Dangerous Surge

Daniel Larison looks at Afghanistan.

Killing the Currency

Economist Robert Murphy explains how Barack Obama and Ben Barnanke are destroying the dollar.

Service Dog to Surf-ice Dog

Ron Paul vs. Jeff Flake on Earmarks

Nick Gillespie says two of the most libertarian members of Congress have a serious disagreement on this issue.

Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan

As the number of women claiming to have had sex with Tiger Woods grew, I heard some TV commentators say that he'd chosen a bad mentor in Michael jordan. This article has a little bit more on what Michael taught Tiger.

Why Does Mexico's Economy Not Grow Faster?

Tim Cavanaugh says NAFTA isn't to blame.

Facebook Fail

I don't do Facebook or Youtube. Maybe I'm missing something.

Is There No Aspect of Life That Congress Won't Regulate, Mandate or Forbid?

House committee approves to bill force a college football playoff series.

You Have to Admit He Does Have Nice Teeth

Porn star calls Tiger Woods the "whitest black boy you ever met."

Roosevelt's Support for Japanese Aggression

David Beito writes about how Teddy Roosevelt may have helped set in motion the events that eventually led to Paerl Harbor.

One Chance in Life

States Rights Indeed

Tyler Cowen points to some of the problems with Civil War revisionism.

Japan Launches Yet Another Stimulus Program

And the bond market trembles.

Health Care: France vs. The United States

Hans Bader notes that France has ways of controlling health care costs, some of them even a libertarian could love, that the democrats aren't even considering.

This Lady Really, Really Wanted to Go to Japan

Fingerprint transplants?

Palin's Book Is Really Bad

Michael Moynihan points out that Sarah Palin's book is getting knocked on the left and the ight.

The Stimulus Was a Flop

Economist Dan Mitchell, annother former grad school colleague, explains why.

The Return of Hoovernomics

Economist Steve Horwitz sees some scary parallels between Barack Obama and Herbert hoover.

The Best Cat Video You'll Ever See

An Idea for a New TV Series

From Jesse Walker.

What Is Sarah Palin?

Jack Hunter writes:

It seems that Palin– the attractive, outdoors-loving “hockey mom”-is popular solely because of her personality, not any specific policy positions. Notes columnist Steve Chapman “Who needs policy? In her world - and the world of legions of conservatives who revere her - the persona is the policy. Palin is beloved because she’s (supposedly) just like ordinary people, which (supposedly) gives her a profound understanding of their needs.” When dissecting political cults of personality, it would seem that Palin has become the Republicans’ Obama–handsome, charming and a human comfort blanket for partisans.

A Little Cheerful News

Yeah, the economy is in the crapper now, and Bush-Obama policies will take a big bite out of future growth. But economist Steve Horwitz, a former grad school colleague of mine, has some good information on just how well Americans live compared to even the recent past. Bottom line: Even those classified as poor today possess things that even the middle class considered luxuries just 30 years ago.

Economist Don Boudreaux, a former grad school professor of mine, has more.

Why I Don't Fly

I hate flying. Absolutely hate it. And if I can at all avoid it, I do. Why? I always get seated next to this guy or some crying baby or a kids who won't sit still or stop jabbering.

The House That Uncle Sam Built

Economists Pete Boettke and Steve Horwitz look at the housing bubble and the roots of the current recession.

The Aristocracy of Pull, Part II

Wired reports that the Department of Energy is actually stifling innovation in clean energy technology.

The Real Six Causes of the Recession

Economist Steve Horwitz lays them out.

Squirrel Attacks Deer

The Aristocracy of Pull

A company that tracks federal stimulus spending says Obama's economic policies are turning businesses into welfare queens.

No Wonder He Was able to Survive Falling Off a Cliff

This is one tough coyote.

The Government Is Crowding Out Business Activity

George Melloan writes in the Wall Street Journal:

The credit market has been tilted to favor a single borrower with a huge appetite for money, Washington. Private borrowers, particularly small businesses, have been sent to the end of the queue.

Some related thoughts by economist Jerry O'Driscoll.

Greatest Pie Chart Ever

Of course, it's from Fox News.

An American Doctor in New Zealand

He provides a first-hand report on how government-run medicine works.

Weddings Gone Wrong

Wedinator recently became famous because of this photo. But there's plenty of weird stuff on there.

Brad DeLong Is An Ethics-Free Partisan Hack

Robert Murphy takes apart DeLong's claims about stimulus magic.

Who Uses Mouthwash Before Brushing?