Maverick, Maverick, Maverick. Say it with us. M.A.V.E.R.I.C.K.

According to the blog "Burnin" the meaning of the term "maverick" can be traced back to an actual guy named Maverick

In the 1800s, Samuel Augustus Maverick went to Texas and became known for not branding his cattle. He was more interested in keeping track of the land he owned than the livestock on it, Ms. Maverick said; unbranded cattle, then, were called “Maverick’s.” The name came to mean anyone who didn’t bear another’s brand.

In the case of McCain/Palin the term "Maverick" has actually become their brand. Which is kind of like a comedian calling himself "The Funny Guy." It's really something that other people use to describe you, not something that should be a self-description.

(Thanks to Adpulp for the Burnin link and to my sister Jessica for ad legend Jeff Goodby's Obama 08 ad below.)

And some new proof that Senator McCain is 174 years old.