Judge Alito today cleared the penultimate hurdle on his path to becoming the 110th justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
We should be cheering on the streets that 19 democrats were brave enough to vote to end debate:
Akaka (HI)
Baucus (MT)
Bingaman (NM)
Byrd (WV)
Cantwell (WA)
Carper (DE)
Conrad (ND)
Dorgan (ND)
Inouye (HI)
Johnson (SD)
Kohl (WI)
Landrieu (LA)
Lieberman (CT)
Lincoln (AR)
Nelson (FL)
Nelson (NE)
Pryor (AR)
Rockefeller (WV)
Salazar (CO)
Source: US SenatRoll Call
Tom Harkin (D-IA) did not vote, and neither did John Ensign (R-NV), and Chuck Hagel (R-NE). Ensign was involved in a traffic accident earlier in the day and spent much of the day in the hospital. I don't know about the other two. It is telling that the two "home state" senators both voted against the cloture motion, and have both indicated they will vote against the nomination itself tomorrow.
The bottom line is that Alito will be confirmed in the morning, likely by a 58-42 margin, and that his confirmation is a good thing for America. He represents replacing a mostly conservative voice on the court with a solidly one. What was the Rehnquist-Scalia-Thomas block will likely become the Robers-Scalia-Thomas-Alito block, and all hope is not lost for Anthony Kennedy, who is more right than wrong.
The stage is set for a third vacany for Bush later in 2006 or in 2007. It remains to be seen whom that will be, but chances are it will be a much greater shift than O'Connor to Alito was. That fight will be even bigger than Alito, but Bush has shown that by picking the best person for the job, that candidate will likely run rings around the Democrats yet again, as Alito and Roberts before.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Lemieux retires a 2nd time
Penguins Owner/Captain Mario Lemieux made it official today, that due to health reasons, he is retiring from the game of hockey.
In a move that many saw as inevitable, given his age, he steps away from a role as a player, to contentrate on being owner and securing a new arena for the team.
It turns out his last game was December 16, 2005, at home vs the Buffalo sabres. He and Sidney Crosby assisted on Ziggy Palffy's last goal as a Penguin that night. His last goal scored was at home on November 10, 2005, in a dramatic shootout win over his hometown Montreal Canadiens.
Most will still remember his last goal as being in the playoffs in 1997 vs the Flyers before he retired the first time.
Lemieux is already in the hockey hall of fame, so unlike the others who retired just this year (Scott Stevens, Brett Hull, Mark Messier, Ron Francis, Al MacInnis among others), he won't have to wait to resume his spot in the Hall.
Some of the lingering questions involve who will wear the "C" now that Mario is again retired. Unlike the first time, when he was not yet 32, he is 40 now. The "A"s are currently being worn by Mark Recchi, Sidney Crosby and Sergei Gonchar, although John LeClair and Brooks Orpik have also worn the "A" at some point this year.
It is no secret it is Crosby's team, but I would not be surprised to see Recchi or Orpik become captain first. Recchi seems a better fit, as his would be transitional. Conventional wisdom suggests that the Pens will carry three "A"s the rest of the year rather than elevating to a "C" so quick after Mario's retirement.
In a move that many saw as inevitable, given his age, he steps away from a role as a player, to contentrate on being owner and securing a new arena for the team.
It turns out his last game was December 16, 2005, at home vs the Buffalo sabres. He and Sidney Crosby assisted on Ziggy Palffy's last goal as a Penguin that night. His last goal scored was at home on November 10, 2005, in a dramatic shootout win over his hometown Montreal Canadiens.
Most will still remember his last goal as being in the playoffs in 1997 vs the Flyers before he retired the first time.
Lemieux is already in the hockey hall of fame, so unlike the others who retired just this year (Scott Stevens, Brett Hull, Mark Messier, Ron Francis, Al MacInnis among others), he won't have to wait to resume his spot in the Hall.
Some of the lingering questions involve who will wear the "C" now that Mario is again retired. Unlike the first time, when he was not yet 32, he is 40 now. The "A"s are currently being worn by Mark Recchi, Sidney Crosby and Sergei Gonchar, although John LeClair and Brooks Orpik have also worn the "A" at some point this year.
It is no secret it is Crosby's team, but I would not be surprised to see Recchi or Orpik become captain first. Recchi seems a better fit, as his would be transitional. Conventional wisdom suggests that the Pens will carry three "A"s the rest of the year rather than elevating to a "C" so quick after Mario's retirement.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
AFC Championship: Steelers at Denver
Today marks the Steelers' 13th AFC title game, the most in league history. Coming in, they are 5-7 in such games, 1-4 under Cowher, and 4-3 under Chuck Knoll.
Game thoughts in an update... but the Steelers are going to the Super Bowl!
Game thoughts in an update... but the Steelers are going to the Super Bowl!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Ziggy Palffy suddenly retires at age 33
Pens forward Ziggy Palffy suddenly retired today at the age of 33. He had played 42 games for the Penguins this season, scoring 11 goals and 31 assists for 42 points, along with 12 PIMs (Penalty infraction minutes) an a +5 plus/minus rating.
The team gave the reasons as "personal" but some wire reports out of slovakia said it was "shoulder" related.
It is a shame, for Palffy was by far the Pens best defensive forward, at +5, although he had been +9 just a few games ago. He was also the 2nd leading scorer behind rookie Sidney Crosby's 51 points.
The team gave the reasons as "personal" but some wire reports out of slovakia said it was "shoulder" related.
It is a shame, for Palffy was by far the Pens best defensive forward, at +5, although he had been +9 just a few games ago. He was also the 2nd leading scorer behind rookie Sidney Crosby's 51 points.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Steelers stun Colts 21-18
The Steelers built up a 21-3 lead after three quarters that would not be exceeded, despite a major officiating gaffe that gave the Colts new life, being down 21-10 with 5:26 to go.
On the field, Steelers Safety Troy Polamalu was credited with an interception, fumble and fumble recovery near midfield, an incerception that would have all but iced the game.
Inexplicably, this call was erroneously overturned by Referee Pete Morelli on a Colts' replay challegenge. Polamalu had possession for some 6 seconds before knocking the ball out of his hands with his knee as he was getting back off the ground. The NFL would later admit that the original call on the field was the correct one, and it should have been steelers ball.
The Colts made the most of the error, taking the ball down to score a TD and a 2-point conversion, to draw within 21-18, but that's as close as it would get. The Steelers went three and out, and punted, but the Colts were sacked twice in four plays, including on 4th and 16 at their own 2 yard line. Steelers only had to punch it in, and retake a 10 point lead to seal the game. The Steelers don't kneel on it due to the colts having all three timeouts left (they should have lost one on the challenge), since that would still have left a minute.
Then comes the play with a finish on par with the Immaculate reception in 1972 and the deflection in 1995... Bettis hits the gap, and a Colts defender gets a direct hit on the ball with his helmet, knocking it out. A colt defender picked the ball up and began to run, apparently clear to the Steeler endzone for a winning score. Out of nowhere was a heads up and gutsy play by QB Ben Roethlisberger, who had retreated in Safety mode after he realized he couldn't get the loose ball. He out-faked the defender, making a shoestring tackle on the Colts 42, making the Colts have to drive on the Steeler defense to win or tie.
The colts quickly got down to the Steeler 29/30, and had a 2nd and 2, but threw for the endzone on 2nd down, defended perfectly by rookie CB Bryant McFadden, and McFadden almost made a pick on third and 2, leading to a 4th and 2, and a 46 yard attempt by Mr. Automatic, Mike Vanderjagt of the colts, who had not missed at home all year. THis time, he was way right, and the Steelers move on to Denver.
On the field, Steelers Safety Troy Polamalu was credited with an interception, fumble and fumble recovery near midfield, an incerception that would have all but iced the game.
Inexplicably, this call was erroneously overturned by Referee Pete Morelli on a Colts' replay challegenge. Polamalu had possession for some 6 seconds before knocking the ball out of his hands with his knee as he was getting back off the ground. The NFL would later admit that the original call on the field was the correct one, and it should have been steelers ball.
The Colts made the most of the error, taking the ball down to score a TD and a 2-point conversion, to draw within 21-18, but that's as close as it would get. The Steelers went three and out, and punted, but the Colts were sacked twice in four plays, including on 4th and 16 at their own 2 yard line. Steelers only had to punch it in, and retake a 10 point lead to seal the game. The Steelers don't kneel on it due to the colts having all three timeouts left (they should have lost one on the challenge), since that would still have left a minute.
Then comes the play with a finish on par with the Immaculate reception in 1972 and the deflection in 1995... Bettis hits the gap, and a Colts defender gets a direct hit on the ball with his helmet, knocking it out. A colt defender picked the ball up and began to run, apparently clear to the Steeler endzone for a winning score. Out of nowhere was a heads up and gutsy play by QB Ben Roethlisberger, who had retreated in Safety mode after he realized he couldn't get the loose ball. He out-faked the defender, making a shoestring tackle on the Colts 42, making the Colts have to drive on the Steeler defense to win or tie.
The colts quickly got down to the Steeler 29/30, and had a 2nd and 2, but threw for the endzone on 2nd down, defended perfectly by rookie CB Bryant McFadden, and McFadden almost made a pick on third and 2, leading to a 4th and 2, and a 46 yard attempt by Mr. Automatic, Mike Vanderjagt of the colts, who had not missed at home all year. THis time, he was way right, and the Steelers move on to Denver.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Alito hearings - Day 2: The Questions begin
The real fireworks start today, as Judge Alito gets to banter with the Senators, and set them straight, as opposed to being forced to sit politely and listen to the diatribes the Dems gave yesterday.
I did not have the opportunity to provide updates during the opening statements yesterday, and I may not get the opportunity today, but I will attempt to do so.
I did not have the opportunity to provide updates during the opening statements yesterday, and I may not get the opportunity today, but I will attempt to do so.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Final polls; Texas 1, USC 2, PSU 3
The final human polls are in, showing Texas, USC, PSU and OSU the top four almost universally, as do several computers already out (Wolfe, Colley, Sagarin)
The margins are close between USC and PSU across the computers, but USC edges them in all, for straight averages of 1 for Texas, 2 for USC, 3 for PSU, and 4 for OSU. The human poll margins are far wider than the computer, as they work out close to a unanimous 1-2-3-4 ballot for the four.
AP: 65 voters, all of which voted Texas #1. USC is 65 votes behind, so we assume all 65 voted USC #2. PSU is some 76 votes beyond USC, so at least 11 voters DID NOT VOTE PSU #3. OSU is 56 votes behind PSU.
Coaches: 62 voters, all of whom voted Texas #1. USC was 67 votes behind, so not all voters voted USC #2. PSU was 62 votes behind USC, for an average of one spot behind per ballot, with OSU coming in 64 votes behind PSU.
Harris is not yet out.
The margins are close between USC and PSU across the computers, but USC edges them in all, for straight averages of 1 for Texas, 2 for USC, 3 for PSU, and 4 for OSU. The human poll margins are far wider than the computer, as they work out close to a unanimous 1-2-3-4 ballot for the four.
AP: 65 voters, all of which voted Texas #1. USC is 65 votes behind, so we assume all 65 voted USC #2. PSU is some 76 votes beyond USC, so at least 11 voters DID NOT VOTE PSU #3. OSU is 56 votes behind PSU.
Coaches: 62 voters, all of whom voted Texas #1. USC was 67 votes behind, so not all voters voted USC #2. PSU was 62 votes behind USC, for an average of one spot behind per ballot, with OSU coming in 64 votes behind PSU.
Harris is not yet out.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Orange Bowl 2006: PSU 26, FSU 23 (3OT)
Penn State plays Florida State in the Orange Bowl in Miami, 8pm on 1-3-06
FSU opened with a punt. PSU punted. FSU punted again. PSU drove 85 yards for a 1st Quarter TD to take a 7-0 lead. Fast forward into the 2nd quarter. FSU gets an 87 yard punt return for a TD to tie the game at 7. FSU forces PSU to a 3 and out. First play after punt is a screen that goes 57 yards for a TD, but FSU misses the extra point wide left, to lead 13-7. PSU punts from midfield after, with the ball downing at the FSU 2. First it appears that FSU is tackled in the end zone for a safety, but a review gives the ball outside the end zone. PSU takes their timeouts, and gets the ball back on a punt at the FSU 40 with 17 seconds to go. Two plays later, Ethan Kilmer catches a 24 yard pass in the right corner of the endzone for a TD, tying the game at 13, and PSU makes the extra point to take a 14-13 lead with 0:06 to go in the half.
PSU leads at the half 14-13. No third quarter scoring. Heck, no 3rd quarter first downs until PSU got one on a penalty with a minute remaining in the quarter. Even the fourth quarter scoring was a safety for PSU and a field goal for FSU. After the Safety and free kick, PSU drove down to the FSU 5, but fumbled the snap on first and goal, and FSU drove back to get a long tying field goal that was barely inside the uprights. PSU got the ball back with 4:40 to go in regulation, and drove down the field to the FSU 15, but PSU missed a 29 yard attempt at the end of regulation to leave the game tied at 16.
The first OT saw no first downs, and long field goal attempts by both teams, first FSU missing wide right, and PSU missing wide left. The 2nd OT saw PSU drive and score a TD by Austin Scott, and FSU followed suit to tie it at 23. The third OT saw FSU go first, and fail to get a first down, missing the field goal off of the right upright. PSU getting the ball got a first down, then kicked a 29 yard field goal that was inside the right upright to win the game 26-23.
PSU dominated statistically, both in numbers of plays run, yards, first downs, and decisively so in rushing yards. But in the end, PSU failed to take advantage of the early time when they had FSU on the run, or late in teh fourth quarter when they were on the run again.
Paterno now leaves with 21 bowl wins, ahead of Bowden with 19, while Bowden still leads the overall I-A win list 359 to 354, although Bowden's were at several schools (40 seasons total, 30 at Florida State) while Paterno's have all come during 40 seasons at PSU.
Penn State finishes 11-1 and will hold on to the #3 ranking overall. Chances are good that the loser of the Rose Bowl will only fall to #2.
The big negative in the game was Junior PSU linebacker Paul Posluzny was hurt in the middle of the 4th quarter during FSU's tying field goal drive, and FSU converted a 3rd down after he was hurt. He was carted to the locker room for x-rays, and carted back out to watch the rest of the game.
FSU opened with a punt. PSU punted. FSU punted again. PSU drove 85 yards for a 1st Quarter TD to take a 7-0 lead. Fast forward into the 2nd quarter. FSU gets an 87 yard punt return for a TD to tie the game at 7. FSU forces PSU to a 3 and out. First play after punt is a screen that goes 57 yards for a TD, but FSU misses the extra point wide left, to lead 13-7. PSU punts from midfield after, with the ball downing at the FSU 2. First it appears that FSU is tackled in the end zone for a safety, but a review gives the ball outside the end zone. PSU takes their timeouts, and gets the ball back on a punt at the FSU 40 with 17 seconds to go. Two plays later, Ethan Kilmer catches a 24 yard pass in the right corner of the endzone for a TD, tying the game at 13, and PSU makes the extra point to take a 14-13 lead with 0:06 to go in the half.
PSU leads at the half 14-13. No third quarter scoring. Heck, no 3rd quarter first downs until PSU got one on a penalty with a minute remaining in the quarter. Even the fourth quarter scoring was a safety for PSU and a field goal for FSU. After the Safety and free kick, PSU drove down to the FSU 5, but fumbled the snap on first and goal, and FSU drove back to get a long tying field goal that was barely inside the uprights. PSU got the ball back with 4:40 to go in regulation, and drove down the field to the FSU 15, but PSU missed a 29 yard attempt at the end of regulation to leave the game tied at 16.
The first OT saw no first downs, and long field goal attempts by both teams, first FSU missing wide right, and PSU missing wide left. The 2nd OT saw PSU drive and score a TD by Austin Scott, and FSU followed suit to tie it at 23. The third OT saw FSU go first, and fail to get a first down, missing the field goal off of the right upright. PSU getting the ball got a first down, then kicked a 29 yard field goal that was inside the right upright to win the game 26-23.
PSU dominated statistically, both in numbers of plays run, yards, first downs, and decisively so in rushing yards. But in the end, PSU failed to take advantage of the early time when they had FSU on the run, or late in teh fourth quarter when they were on the run again.
Paterno now leaves with 21 bowl wins, ahead of Bowden with 19, while Bowden still leads the overall I-A win list 359 to 354, although Bowden's were at several schools (40 seasons total, 30 at Florida State) while Paterno's have all come during 40 seasons at PSU.
Penn State finishes 11-1 and will hold on to the #3 ranking overall. Chances are good that the loser of the Rose Bowl will only fall to #2.
The big negative in the game was Junior PSU linebacker Paul Posluzny was hurt in the middle of the 4th quarter during FSU's tying field goal drive, and FSU converted a 3rd down after he was hurt. He was carted to the locker room for x-rays, and carted back out to watch the rest of the game.
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