Teen Sleuth Blog —

Democrats: No Parades, no Fireworks, no Hotdogs and you Have to go to Work.

by kara on June 30, 2011

HARVARD: JULY 4th PARADES ARE RIGHT – WING

By Paul Bedard, U.S.News & World Report

Democratic political candidates can skip this weekend’s July 4th parades. A new Harvard University study finds that July 4th parades energize only Republicans, turn kids into Republicans, and help to boost the GOP turnout of adults on Election Day.

“Fourth of July celebrations in the United States shape the nation’s political landscape by forming beliefs and increasing participation, primarily in favor of the Republican Party,” said the report from Harvard.

“The political right has been more successful in appropriating American patriotism and its symbols during the 20th century. Survey evidence also confirms that Republicans consider themselves more patriotic than Democrats. According to this interpretation, there is a political congruence between the patriotism promoted on Fourth of July and the values associated with the Republican party. Fourth of July celebrations in Republican dominated counties may thus be more politically biased events that socialize children into Republicans,” write Harvard Kennedy School Assistant Professor David Yanagizawa-Drott and Bocconi University Assistant Professor Andreas Madestam.

Full Story at USNEWS.COM

Defense Witness of the Week

by kara on June 30, 2011

Casey Anthony trial defense witness Dr. Sally Karioth, a licensed “Traumatologist”, gave a bombastic and colorful litany of her training yesterday, from her theater degree to her contribution to “Chicken Soup for the Soul”. Crack Prosecutor Jeff Ashton objected to the pompous and lengthy narrative about her education and accomplishments and Judge Perry had to ask her cut it down, dispensing of all her overly descriptive asides. Ashton objected to Karioth being accepted as an “expert”, pressing her about whether she ever had articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Karioth seemed somewhat confused by the questions, citing “Parent” magazine as a “peer journal” and, when questioned by Ashton as to what peer review group “Parent” magazine fell under, she replied: “Barnes and Noble”.

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Here Comes da Judge

by kara on June 28, 2011

Referred to as a “Judge’s Judge”, Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, is the pudgy judge, the mumbling, droopy-eyed Deputy Dawg presiding over the highly publicized Casey Anthony (TOT MOM!!), murder trial.

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GORT! (dissecting Michele Bachmann’s silver suit).

by kara on June 27, 2011

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Scott Walker Doesn’t Work Here Anymore.

by kara on June 26, 2011

I couldn’t really have left Madison without at least making an effort to barge into Scott Walker’s office at the state capitol. Rising like a beacon between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, the capitol building is absolutely beautiful. The majestic granite structure accenting the Madison skyline was built in 1917 and styled after the council chambers of the Doge’s Palace in Venice. It’s where Scott Walker “works”.

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by kara on June 26, 2011

photo via my sister’s iphone at gay pride parade in nyc this weekend.

Cliff Lee is Better Than you (and me, etc.).

by kara on June 22, 2011

The Phillies had not been mentioned in the Cliff Lee Sweepstakes, so when I saw the 6-word text: “Cliff Lee going back to Phillies” I did what I always do. I “Snopesed it” (i.e. checked my Twitter feed). I made some audible grunt of disbelief (during a record session, with an open mike), and looking up aghast, I saw the board operator staring at his phone, his face ashen. “Oh” he said, out loud, in a tell-tale Texan drawl, to no one in particular.

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