Fore-ward

Ace has a collection of graphics for the new Obama slogan "Forward."

Email of the day

The most exciting email just hit the inbox.
It's Obama's last campaign.
Let's send him out a loser.

Inside the Warren campaign

Staffer: It's being reported you claimed to be a Native American before coming to Harvard.
Warren: How?

Eight months

Eight months.
For Democrats, it was enough time in 2001 for the new Bush administration to stop the 9-11 attacks.
But not enough time for the Obama administration to prevent the GSA from having a lavish conference in Las Vegas.

State of the blogosphere

Jamie Jeffords's blog passed two million hits on Sunday.
My Kaley Cuoco pictures and science fiction show reviews live long and prosper.
Over in Shreveport, Pat is asking why people blog - and why some drop out.
Why blog?
The thrill of the hit.
The thrill of the link, especially from Instapundit.
You're a writer, and writers write. Even if their day job doesn't involve writing.
Where else will people find pictures of Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, or Lauren Hart before a Flyers' playoff game?
And this fall, the joy of knowing you were part of something special - the end of the Obama era.
UPDATE: Good conversation over at Pat's. Interesting thoughts from bloggers from all over. One of the reasons we do this.
UPDATE2: Troglopundit adds his thoughts.

Good job whacking Democrats

Over at Hot Air, Karl does a good job demolishing the "blame Republicans" column in the Washington Post.

More police brutality needed

Another fan at a Baltimore Orioles game raced onto the field Friday.
This one got tackled by the home plate umpire as the police closed in.
Outfielder Adam Jones praised the umpire - and want more punishment meted out.
"I'd [advocate] that people get tased. I'd enjoy that. You don't run on the field and just disturb a game that's going on. It's private property," Jones said. "I don't like the way the cops go after them here. I know it's not their call. I know the rules; they want them to create a circle or seal. Those kids are running all around those guys. No disrespect to the cops, but go get this dude, put your knee in his throat and tie his [butt] up, simple as that. It's so annoying. I wish I [could] go out there as a player, but we can't."

Lie back and think of Washington

When you see a headline "Republicans are the problem" on the internet, you just have to click.
You know it's going to be crap.
Just what kind of crap is the question.
Let's look at the four major events the writers think show Republicans are the problem.

• 1973 Roe v. Wade decision
• 1978 Prop 13 in California
• 1989 Congressional pay raise
• 1996 and on - Fox News and right-wing blogs

What's behind the Republicans' opposition to these things?

• Judicial overreach
• State government overreach
• Congressional overreach
• Media overreach

The problem with Republicans? They aren't submissive enough.
They don't go along with the tide of rising government.
Their protests are the problem, not the increase in government - in the minds of those who love increased government.
The writers miss the great submissive Republicans of the past. The enablers of the growing government that has us in our current financial mess.
They fuss about who say "the system must change."
If the current crop of Republicans is the most conservative in over a 100 years, maybe it's not their fault. Maybe they are voicing the concerns of the electorate.
Better than those who say they represent - but really only represent their friends and users of government money.
Look at the numbers. A wise government 40 years ago would have slowed spending and set aside real money - not IOUs - for future needs.
Republicans said if you continue on this course, all of us will be sorry.
The time has come.
And telling the truth doesn't make Republicans the problem.

Lucente and Obama

Waynesboro city elections are just a few days away.
Just enough time for bad blood to erupt between council members Frank Lucente and Mike Harris.
You have to go the end of the News Leader article to find this quote from another council member - Jeffrey Freeman.
"He's the leader of the group, I wish he would do a better job at taking everyone's opinion and giving it consideration," Freeman said. "A lot of it could be when he gets two people to agree with him, he would stop there and not consult with the rest of us."
Sounds like the first two years of the Obama administration. Get enough votes for 51 percent and you get your way.
Look where it got Obama.
Maybe it's just how politicians work. 

Saturday song

More from the 70s, with Hot Chocolate.

Facebook quote of the week

By the way, the iPhone and I have made up. Now that I've got it working the way I want it to, it's at least as good and maybe better than my Droid.

Forever on the server farm

At my first newspaper job, they traced their lineage back to 1798.
Reporters come and go, but the newspaper rolls on.
It's different in the blogging world.
Individual voices pop up and, after a time, they may decide that their time is done.
Don Surber made it to seven years before pulling the plug this week. Jules Crittenden lasted that long before ending his run in 2010.
It's hard to find something to post about, several times a day, day after day, for years. Hard to make it interesting for those readers out their on the internet, and hard to stay motivated.
Being obsessive-complusive helps.
It's hard to believe Dustbury's been doing this 16 years. Instapundit's been filling the web for over 10 years.
Some one-man shows may last long. Some may shut down after good runs, and bloggers move on to other interests.
The old links may turn up 404s, or they may live long on a server farmer somewhere.
Waiting for someone to discover the wisdom of a past post.

Why keep college interest rates low

These students are going to need all the money they can get to pay for the debt Obama is rolling up.
They can pay higher loan rates now, or higher taxes later.
Either way, they're going to pay.

Faceblogging

If you've been over to Don Surber's blog lately, it's quiet.
No daily scorecard or morning links.
He's moved to a new venue to post the news - Facebook.
Guess that makes him a Faceblogger.
The scorekeeper says that's GOOD.
UPDATE: His farewell post is up.

Weekend watchdog

The first 32 players have been chosen. Who's next?NFL draft
The second day of the begins Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN and NFL network. There's two more rounds before quitting time, and the final four rounds start Saturday at noon.
Then it's just under three months until training camps open.
The NHL playoffs start the second round Friday, with Nashville traveling to Phoenix at 9 p.m. NBC Sports Network. The Capitals take on New York Saturday at 3 p.m. on NBC, then it's out west for Los Angeles at St. Louis on NBC Sports network at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, the Flyers host New Jersey at 3 p.m. on NBC, and there's game 2 from Phoenix at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
The lockout-shortened NBA season ended Thursday, and eight teams get a quick turnaround to start the playoffs Saturday. TNT tips the action at 1 p.m. with 76ers-Bulls, followed by the Knicks against Heat on ABC at 3:30 p.m. ESPN has a doubleheader starting at 7 p.m. with the Magic at Indiana. Dallas faces Oklahoma City in the nightcap.
Sunday, ESPN has the 1 p.m. game (Jazz-Spurs) and ABC goes with Nuggets against Lakers at 3:30 p.m. The final two games of the weekend are on TNT starting at 7 p.m. with Celtics-Hawks. The Grizzles host the Clippers at 9:30 p.m.
The Orioles are home this weekend, playing Oakland on MASN. The Nationals are on the west coast, meeting the Dodgers starting Friday on MASN2.
Fox has early Saturday afternoon baseball this week, with the choice of three games at 1 p.m. - Angels at Indians, Royals-Twins and Brewers against Cardinals.
TBS offers the Tigers' game at the Yankees Sunday at 1 p.m., while ESPN features Tampa Bay at Texas.
NASCAR has another Saturday night race, in Richmond on Fox at 7 p.m. The Nationwide racers go Friday at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
The IndyCar racers are in Sao Paulo, with coverage on NBC Sports network Sunday at 11 a.m.
The PGA tour visits New Orleans, with coverage on CBS Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
In MLS action, D.C. United faces Houston Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on Comcast. New England heads to New York to meet the Red Bulls on NBC Sports network Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
Comcast offers ACC baseball Friday at 7 p.m., with Georgia Tech facing Clemson. The series continues Saturday at 4 p.m., following coverage of Virginia-Miami at 1 p.m. It's SEC baseball on ESPN Sunday at 3:30 p.m., with Arkansas taking on Florida, while ESPN2 has LSU-Georgia at 2 p.m.

On to the second round

It's time for the second round of the NHL playoffs.
Nashville advanced that far.
Chelsea and the Predators Ice Girls get to continue to cheer.

Yard work time

I had the oldest, about to turn 15, help me with raking grass after I mowed.
After a few minutes, he said "would you believe it if I told you my back hurt?"
Of course I believe him.
I tried the same line on his grandfather when I was his age.

Take your daughter

Wyblog notes a new place to take your daughter in the Obama economy.
UPDATE: Paco adds to his morning assortment.

Praiseworthy project

Bible Summary is summarizing each chapter in the Bible, one tweet a day.
After 150 days, he's finished Psalms.
Check it out.

Scarred for life

It's Game 7 Wednesday for the Capitals and Bruins.
My brother worked for the Capitals 25 years ago, selling tickets.
That year, the Capitals hosted a Game 7. Then went into four overtimes before the Islanders won.
My brother moved on to a new job. But always doubts the Capitals will win the big game.
We'll see if he's right again tonight.

Fairness

In Mitt Romney's victory speech Tuesday, he had a good paragraph on fairness.
"This America is fundamentally fair. We will stop the unfairness of urban children being denied access to the good schools of their choice; we will stop the unfairness of politicians giving taxpayer money to their friends’ businesses; we will stop the unfairness of requiring union workers to contribute to politicians not of their choosing; we will stop the unfairness of government workers getting better pay and benefits than the taxpayers they serve; and we will stop the unfairness of one generation passing larger and larger debts on to the next."

The book on Obama

NRO's Jim Geraghty has been pulling excerpts of the latest Obama book for the Campaign Spot.
He's made it to page 159, with a passage about the Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies in 2009.
The trip spurred a thought the Obamas and their friends would voice to each other again and again as the president’s popularity continued to decline: the American public just did not appreciate their exceptional leader. The president “could get 70 or 80 percent of the vote anywhere but the U.S.” [President Obama's old friend] Marty Nesbitt told [another old friend of Obama] Eric Whitaker indignantly.”
Just think - next year he'll have plenty of time to hang with his friends around the world.

How dare you consider voting against Obama

With Mitt Romney now appearing to be the Republican nominee, the presidential battle is on.
Democrats are awfully touchy about their man.
Anything sets them off.
This cartoon got Blue Virginia riled over the weekend.

The cartoonist appears to be comparing GSA's wasteful junkets to Obama's overall budget-busting deficit.

But it's not what Blue Virginia and friends saw - they saw an ugly attack on President Obama.

How dare you portray him as a clown?

Ace has the latest from Chris Matthews - obviously the only reason to vote against Obama is you're racist.

It's not disagreeing with policy.

It's not because you're following your beliefs.

It's because you're evil and closed mind.

Poor Democrats. The more they fuss, they more likely Obama's going to get buried under a landslide.

Today's Tied with me

Want to feel bad today?
Read about Europe's debt problems at Mybudget360.
Debt leads to other troubles.
The unemployment rate now stands at 10.8 percent. Countries like Spain have an astounding 23.6 percent headline unemployment rate. The young in Spain are facing an unemployment rate above 50 percent which is stunning for a developed market economy.

How about that Earth Day?

NiceDeb shows the turnout at Washington's Earth Day event in the rain Sunday.
Maybe they would have had more people in the snow.
Snow on April 23 means what to the idea of global warming?

No voter fraud, eh?

Ace highlights a Times Dispatch story on cases of voter fraud in Virginia.
They found over 400 cases of voter fraud throughout the state in 2008.
What do you think, Democrats?
Among the opponents, Del. Alfonso H. Lopez, D-Arlington, said during floor debate that the chances of being struck by lightning were higher than finding a case of voter fraud in Virginia. Lopez wasn't available for comment because of his schedule, an aide said.

Job opening

What to be head basketball coach at Virginia Tech?
You can now.
The Hokies fired Seth Greenberg after nine seasons on Monday.
I thought he was gone after the season, but then he appeared on ESPN's tournament coverage. I thought that meant he held on.
Nope.

Mama Grizzly on Earth Day

Sarah Palin celebrates Earth Day as she knows best - using the earth to make man's life better.
As Alaskans know, ANWR is not some luxurious vacation spot teeming with Bambi and friends frolicking through waterfalls and flower-strewn mountainsides, as environmentalist fundraising advertisements depict it. It is a vast, remote, desolate, frozen area available to be used with a tiny drilling footprint to bring the country closer to what is clearly needed: commonsense, money-saving, job-producing energy independence.
Not make bureaucrats and their friends happy.

Gotta love this

Utah Republicans held their convention Saturday.
Mia Love is the candidate for the new 4th district.
That will be a great story when she wins in November.

Know your Kochs

When you have President Obama's record, trying to divert interest to anybody else's record can be helpful.
Thus, the left's focus on the Koch brothers, with videos and MSNBC appearances.

Whether or not Greenwald’s film reaches its hoped-for audience, we can expect to hear plenty about the Koch brothers this campaign season. Obama and the Democrats are going to make the election a referendum on a Republican Party hijacked by ideological zealots, 1 percenters, and religious nuts – we’re a long way from hope and change here – and the Kochs make a handy proxy for two out of the three.

The Koch brothers have their site to respond.

 

Conservative holiday

Sunday is Earth Day.
It's good to do things to help the planet.
But it's also good to do things to mock liberals for their wacky environmental ideas.
We ought to celebrate Mirth Day.

Facebook quote of the week

Good night peoples! Careful that the squirrels dont try to bury you!

Future Obama appeals

The New York Times reports on the Obama campaign money troubles.
What will they do when dinner offers and George Clooney receptions don't bring in the needed cash?

• You don't need that whole social security check, do you?
• You're unemployed? You don't need as much for gas.
• Have you tithed to Obama today?
• If you don't donate, we'll send Joe Biden over.

Saturday song

I usually go for an oldie with the Saturday song, but this week I'm going for the parody - Dog Eater for President Obama's meme of the week.

Hockey night in Nashville

The Nashville Predators won their first round series Friday, so there's more ice hockey for Carrie Underwood's husband - Mike Fisher. More playoff beard growing is not her favorite thing. UPDATE: Part of Rule 5 Sunday.

Grope and change

Mark Steyn discusses the future government cost-cutters - the Secret Service agents who've lost their clearance.
All over this dying republic, you couldn't find a single solitary $28 item that doesn't wind up costing at least 800 bucks by the time it's been sluiced through the federal budgeting process. Yet, in one plucky little corner of the Secret Service, supervisor David Chaney, dog-handler Greg Stokes or one of the other nine agents managed to turn the principles of government procurement on its head.

No secret, no service

Sarah Palin gets to bring the Secret Service and Obama dog eating stories together.
"Well, this agent who was kind of ridiculous there in posting pictures and comments about checking someone out," Palin told Greta van Susteren on her FOX News program. "Well check this out, bodyguard -- you're fired. And I hope his wife kicks his okol'e and sends him to the doghouse.. As long as he's not eating the dog, along with his former boss. Greta, you know, a lot of people will just, I guess say that this is boys being boys. And boys will be boys, but they shouldn't be in positions of authority."
She who mocks last mocks best.

Weekend watchdog

Oh goody. Another weekend of Red Sox vs. Yankees.
At least this one has history on its side. Friday's afternoon game on MLB network marks the 100th anniversary of the first game at Fenway Park - against the New York Highlanders. Saturday afternoon's game is part of Fox coverage at 4 p.m. (a few fans will see White Sox vs. Mariners), and ESPN airs the rivals Sunday night at 8 p.m.
The Nationals welcome Ozzie Guillen and the Miami Marlins for the weekend on MASN. The Orioles head west to face the Angels this weekend (Friday and Sunday on MASN2, and Saturday at 9 p.m. on MASN).
Sunday afternoon, TBS offers the Rangers at Tigers at 1:05 p.m.
The NHL playoffs continue Friday with two big Game 5s. The Penguins try to stay alive against the Flyers at 7:30 p.m., while Nashville tries to close out its series with Detroit on 8 p.m. on CNBC.
NBC has Game 5 of the Capitals series with Boston Saturday at 3 p.m., and plans a doubleheader Sunday starting at noon.
Saturday evening, there's two more games on NBC Sports network - Ottawa at the Rangers at 7 p.m. before Chicago goes to Phoenix. San Jose plays St. Louis on CNBC at 7:30 p.m.
NBC Sports network has two games scheduled Sunday night, if necessary.
The Sprint Cup racers head to Kansas this week, starting at 12:30 p.m. on FOX.
ESPN starts its twinbill Friday at 7 p.m. with the Celtics at Hawks, followed by Lakers-Spurs. ESPN adds a tripleheader Saturday, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the Nuggets taking on the Suns. Dallas heads to Chicago at 8 p.m., followed by the Magic at Jazz.
Sunday at 1 p.m., the Knicks take on Atlanta then ABC shows the Thunder roaring into Los Angeles to face the Lakers at 3:30 p.m.
The Wizards head to Miami Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
The PGA tour heads to Texas for the Valero Open Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. on CBS.
D.C. United tangles with the Red Bulls Sunday at 6 p.m. on ESPN2, while NBC Sports network has Chicago taking on Toronto Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
The spring college football season continues on ESPN at 3 p.m. Saturday, with highlights from games across the country. NBC Sports network has the Notre Dame spring game at 1:30 p.m.
Comcast offers SEC baseball Friday, with Georgia taking on Florida, and ESPN2 has Sunday's game at 3 p.m.. It's off to the ACC for Comcast Sunday at 12:30 p.m., with Miami meeting Florida State.
Sunday at 3:30 p.m., ESPN shows college softball between Missouri and Oklahoma.

No thanks, loser

DaTech Guy looks at the dearth of African-Americans in the Obama 2012 campaign.
Why the lack of enthusiasm?
Could it in fact be that black operatives are not interested in signing on to the Obama campaign? Might it be that the president’s policy decisions have not inspired politically active blacks to work for his re-election? Have smart political types of color looked at the 2012 race and seen the same 40 state blowout that Don Surber does and figured: “I don’t want that on my resume when I apply for the Hillary 2016 campaign?”

Revisting Weiner-gate

Enough talk of weiner dogs.
How about bashing former Rep. Anthony Weiner.

A dog gone shame

So we've spent a day talking about Obama's diet of dog meat in the far past.
Will we continue the meme?
It doesn't have legs. It has drumsticks. (my brother gave me the line).
UPDATE: My brother gave me Iowahawk's line. Of course.

Fun with Photoshop

If only the Obama administration could charge a $1 tax on every post to #Obamadogrecipes.
They might close the deficit that way.
Enjoy this picture I found off Twitter.

Do my bidding

Nice to see Mitt Romney using some of my phrasing in his media speech.
"Many in the media are inclined to do the president's bidding and I know that's an uphill battle we fight with the media generally," Romney said.
Do my bidding - you can hear it in almost every Obama speech.

Why to vote for Obama

If we get four more years of Obama, what else will we get?
Four more years of hashtag games.
Because you won't be able to afford gas to go anywhere.
Thanks, President Obama, for telling us you once ate dog meat in Indonesia.

Today's Tied with me

A few links at Instapundit have launched this blog to the top 400 in politics.
Tied today with EPA Abuse, and their latest post.
Admitting that there are grounds for doubt concerning its earlier report, EPA director Lisa Jackson has agreed to retest groundwater around Pavillion, Wyoming. The agency had planned to rush the report through the peer review stage, apparently as part of an effort to justify national regulation of hydraulic fracking. Now, that peer review has been stalled by assertions that the EPA’s own test drilling was the source of the contamination.
Good company.

Let's go Joe

I enjoy seeing reports on the congressional campaign of "Joe the Plumber."
And ran into Barack Obama in 2008 - and has been riding that socialism question ever since.

Tax day song

For Tax Day, time to bring back my song parody of Sourland - the singing group of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. Their first hit from 2009?
“All I want to do is Tax you"

I don’t want to listen baby, turn off all the phones
I don’t see those tea party people or want to turn my fax on
I’ve got ways to spend on my to-do list anyway
Hide behind this door and waste away money
Taxpayers think we’re lazy when we drive them crazy

All I want do wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo woo
All I want do wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo woo is tax you

I’ve spend my whole life winning votes to climb the ladder
Look at me, look at me, I’m the only thing that matters
Come a little closer Reid, we’ll pass bills without dissent
Hang a sign on Capitol Hill please do not disturb
Taxpayers think we’re lazy when we drive them crazy

All I want do wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo woo
All I want do wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo woo is tax you
Pass me a bill, full of that pork
I don’t want to cut this
All I want do wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo woo
All I want do wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo wo woo is tax you
All I really want to do
All I really can do
All I really want to do is tax you, tax you, tax you

Go a lot higher baby, we can spend without remorse
Hang up on those complainers, please do not, please do not, please do not disturb
When I sit down in my office, all I really want to do
When I fly back, when I fly back to Frisco baby, all I really want to do..

For you Sugarland fans, here's the original performance

Blank slate

In 2008, Barack Obama was a blank slate that voters projected their wishes upon.
In 2012, his accomplishment list is a blank slate.
Romney will win 40 states in November, just ask Don Surber.

Time for the cruise-in

What's the best part of Earth Day?
Iowahawk's Earth Day cruise-in.
The place to be to get your motor running.

Gotta love Bubba

What did Bubba Watson do on the Saturday after winning the Masters?
On the course, of course.
At Tim Tebow's charity tournament.
A winner on and off the course.

Trayvon myths

JustOneMinute sum up the myths around the Trayvon Martin case.
So you'll know what's really happening amid the media noise.
UPDATE: Linked by Smitty.

Petrino and Edwards

Why did it take so long for the John Edwards' affair to become public?
He didn't crash a motorcycle with riding with his mistress.
It's amazing how fast things fell apart for Bobby Petrino in Arkansas.
He crashed April 1, and all the lies he tried to hide became exposed.
And in researching one angle, more lies erupted into light.
Instead of wondering if the school should have fired him, fans are probably relieved this came out now instead of in the middle of the season.
We'll see if it's the coach or the players that make a championship team.
Or if the coach who lied better than the others got enough good players to overcome his personal lies.
I love this take.
Petrino's history of lying is well-documented, but for those who have not been paying attention, which may include Arkansas administrators, here is a summary: When Petrino coached Louisville, he lied repeatedly about his interest in other jobs (some of which he interviewed for). He left for the Atlanta Falcons, then left that job before a season ended, one of the few absolute no-nos in a sometimes ruthless profession.
I'm no genius. I have made that very clear over the years, usually by accident. And I had no idea that Bobby Petrino may have been sleeping with a young Arkansas fundraiser named Jessica Dorrell. Nor do I really care.
But if we were playing a game, and you asked me to guess which major-college coach hired his mistress to work with his football program, got in a motorcycle accident with her on board, then lied to his bosses about the relationship, I could have guessed "Bobby Petrino" faster than it takes him to print out his resume, and I probably could have gone for the bonus points and guessed the woman was a blonde.

Scrapyard being scrapped

Good thing I decided to do my recycling this morning.
The scrapyard where I've gone for years is closing after today.
I got 50 cents a pound for aluminum cans - same as January.
And I'll have to move to another place to recycle.
My scrapyard is being scrapped.

Saturday song

More goodies from the 70s - Dr. Hook and "When you're in love with a beautiful woman."

Facebook quote of the week

Ball 'O Fire came today! Let us commence with the gettin' drunk and burnin' stuff!

Ride the wave vs. Don't get cocky, part II

The second time Instapundit picked up a post of mine, it was "Don't get Cocky" vs. "Ride the wave" in the summer of 2010.
Rich Lowry's column this week goes to that theme.
The wave - Hilary Rosen's bumble.
Lowry goes the "Don't get cocky" route - it's the economy that really matters in 2012.
The Rosen business is such fun. And it's not the main story, just a sidelight.
Like cheerleaders at a college football game. It's a nice diversion on the way to pummeling your opponent on the field.
The Mama Grizzlies are fired up and ready to go. If you're not sure about Mitt Romney, you are sure you want to beat President Obama and the Democrats in November. Beat them bad.
This wave will go away.
We'll look for the next wave.
And keep pounding the economy between the swells.
UPDATE: Thanks for the Instalanche, Professor.

Pay up, Barack

Via Instapundit, a look at President Obama's tax return.
Just 20.5 percent?
Pay more. Now.
If you're really serious about your Buffet rule.

Weekend watchdog

After six months, we've sent 14 NHL teams home. The rest have begun their quests for the Stanley Cup.
The NHL playoffs started Wednesday, and continue through the weekend on NBC, CNBC and NBC Sports Network.
Detroit heads to Nashville Friday at 7:30 p.m. on CNBC, while NBC Sports network has a doubleheader - Game 2 of the Flyers-Penguins at 7:30 p.m. followed by the Kings at Canucks.
The Capitals face Boston in the second game of their series Saturday at 3 p.m. on NBC.
In primetime, CNBC has San Jose-St. Louis at 7:30 p.m. Over on NBC Sports Network, it's Game 2 of Ottawa against New York at 7 p.m. before Chicago plays Phoenix in the nightcap.
NBC offers a doubleheader Sunday - Nashville vs. Detroit at noon before the Flyers-Pengiuns series heads to Philadelphia. NBC Sports network has the second game of New Jersey-Florida at 7:30 p.m., then Vancouver takes on Los Angeles for Game 3 with the Kings.
The Nationals opened their home season against Cincinnati Thursday, and the rest of the series moves to MASN2. The Orioles travel to Toronto for a weekend series on MASN.
It's the 100th anniversary of the opening of Fenway Park, and the Red Sox take on Tampa Bay Sunday at 1:30 p.m. on TBS. Fox offers three choices Saturday at 1 p.m. - Angels against Yankees, Rangers-Twins and Cubs at Cardinals - and ESPN offers the Angels at Yankees Sunday at 8 p.m.
The PGA tour heads to Hilton Head this weekend, with the Heritage on CBS Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
NASCAR returns to the track in Texas, with the Samsung 500 Saturday at 7 p.m. on FOX. The Nationwide racers go Friday at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.
The Indy Car racers are at Long Beach, taking the flag Sunday at 3 p.m. on NBC Sports network. The American LeMans Series is also in Long Beach, racing Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
ABC's Sunday doubleheader starts at 1 p.m. with the Heat taking on the Knicks, then the Mavericks face the Lakers at 3:30 p.m. Friday, ESPN starts its night at 8 p.m. with the Suns visiting the Rockets. Dallas heads to Portland at 10:30 p.m. Saturday at 9 p.m., the Suns take on the Spurs.
The Wizards travel to New York Friday at 7:30 p.m. on Comcast. Saturday, the Cavaliers visit the Verizon Center at 7 p.m.
For your younger basketball players, the 2012 Jordan Brand Classic is Saturday at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
D.C. United travels to New England Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. on Comcast-plus, while Columbus travels to Philadelphia Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
There's ACC baseball Saturday on Comcast, with North Carolina State taking on Clemson at 1 p.m. Sunday at 1 p.m., Florida International faces on Louisiana-Lafayette in a Sun Belt contest. ESPN2 shows Alabama against LSU Sunday at 1 p.m.
In SEC softball, LSU meets Tennessee on ESPN Saturday at noon and Sunday at 4 p.m.
For bowling fans, the PBA tournament of champions airs Sunday at 1 p.m. on ESPN. The NCAA women's bowling championship follows at 2:30 p.m.

Stay-at-home talk

An interesting day of talk about stay-at-home moms.
From the gang that's brought you more stay-at-home dads, stay-at-home moms, return-to-home college grads - since they can't find jobs.

What happened to Obama's lead?

Just the other day, the Washington Post/ABC poll has a big lead for President Obama.
Today, Fox News puts Mitt Romney in the lead.
What happened?
Reality.
What's going to hit voters this fall.
The real issue that all voters will face in November is this: Do I want to sign up for a repeat of the last four years or do I want a chance at something different?
As always, look to the internals. Washington Post had a large Democratic tilt in its polling pool. Fox has the number of Democrats and Republicans basically even.
Closer to reality.

More fun at work

In the past few months, the office park where I work has had two bomb threats and a mysterious powder that turned out to be cocaine.
Is it the weekend yet?

Curly shuffle time

Time for the Three Stooges movie.
Why not bring back the comedy classic and its' song.

Vanuatu memories

The Other McCain, bummed by the withdrawal of Rick Santorum from the GOP race, lays down his marker.
Yesterday, after Rick Santorum quit, my 13-year-old son Jefferson asked, “Does this mean I have to stop bad-mouthing Mitt Romney?”
“Yeah,” I said. “It doesn’t mean you have to start good-mouthing him, but you have to stop bad-mouthing him.”
Then I went on to explain that, having been saddled with a nominee whom we had opposed with all our might, we cannot be held responsible for the inevitable disaster. Therefore, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, we will be ready to demand an accounting from those responsible.
I'm hopeful - no matter how bad Romney may look, that people will check the gas station before voting and remember it's Obama's watch.
I've always said the Republican wins in a landslide, with maybe 10 states going for Obama. We'll see if Romney can bring it home in November.

Almost comically slanted

It's so easy to bash the latest Washington Post poll - D+11? Maybe in their newsroom.
As we noted yesterday, The Post poll is almost comically slanted towards Democrats. Since 2000, the largest Democrat advantage on election day was 7 percent in 2008 when the electorate was 39 percent Democrat, 32 percent Republican, and 29 percent Independent. The Post poll has Democrats up 11, 34 percent to 23 percent (with Independents at 34 percent). In 2004, when the electorate was 37 percent Democrat, 37 percent Republican, and 26 percent Independent, Bush beat Kerry 51 percent to 48 percent.
But despite this huge pro-Democrat distortion, The Post only shows Obama up by seven. And as The Weekly Standard‘s Jay Cost point out, the internals look even worse for Obama.
Democrats, it's only going to get worse for you.

Bully for him

I like this article on the bully tactics of the Obama crew.
Part Chicago tough, part Mean Girl (cutting down Romney and his supporters).
The audience usually cheers when the bully meets his demise.

Romney/Ryan

Here's your 2012 Republican ticket.

Romney/Ryan
Democrats will be crying.

Santorum sayonara

Rick Santorum threw in the towel Tuesday after a valiant underdog effort for the presidential nomination.
What will Santorum bloggers do now?
Keep Team Romney's feet to the fire - to the election and beyond.

Today's Tied with me

Spring is in the air.
So are webcams in bird nests, looking after the hatchlings.
10,000 birds have the link.

For the Nobel Peace Prize

Lots of people are trying to fan the flames of hatred in Sanford, Florida.
Professor Jacobson at Legal Insurrection is trying to shine light and truth into the situation.
Reports of neo-Nazis?
A few emails and he smacks down that story. While others continue to trumpet it.
Bringing peace to a tense situation. Doesn't that deserve consideration for a Nobel Peace Prize?

Obama's strategy in an email

The Obama campaign wants more money - to fight Karl Rove.
In trying to keep money from Democrats, they tell their own media strategy.
It doesn't matter if it's true. If you can afford to put lies on TV 30 times a day, folks could start to reconsider the truth.
Which is why they want more money - to carpet bomb their lies on TV more and more.

Once, twice, three times a racist

Via Ace, Pajamas Media lists the recent examples of NBC using editing to make statements appear racist.
If this sentences doesn't fit into two seconds of audio, we'll make it fit.
And make it worse also.

Smells like overrated

Smitty found a story discussing the 10 most overrated songs, and it included Nirvana's Smells like Teen Spirit. Probably why I liked Weird Al's parody.

Georgia winner, Georgia loser

Bubba Watson won the Masters Sunday.
Newt Gingrich pretty much threw in the towel with his presidential bid. But the owner of the towel has yet to be paid.

Good Easter reading

Rich Lowry tells the story of Charles Colson.
Read the whole thing, and Colson's book too.

George Zimmerman's next job

While awaiting the investigation of the Trayvon Martin death to conclude, what's next for George Zimmerman if he's not arrested?
He could own NBC News.
Or CNN.
Or ABC.
How well will the walk-back work in a court?

Give us Barabbas

The man meets the medium with Iowahawk on Twitter.
Here's the story on planning by Sanford for when the George Zimmerman investigation announces its decision.
His tagline?
Give us Barabbas.
Perfect for Easter weekend.

Arby's - a Rude Move Dude

Rush Limbaugh survives and his ratings are up.
Arby's decided Wednesday to join the ad boycott.
And conservatives are not in a good mood for Arby's food.

Saturday song

It's fun hats and sunglasses from the 70s, with Bob Welch and Ebony Eyes.

Facebook quote of the week

Today's a great day.... the O's won and are in 1st place. I will savor this now for as long as it lasts.....! It's tough being a die hard O's fan but they are still my team!!!

Ready to change back

A good column by Ed Morrissey on the Romney's economic vision - and Obama's worthless words.
The two likely presidential candidates have made their visions clear. One wants a commitment to the stagnant status quo and a continuation of the fruitless economic policies that are aimed at resentment rather than growth. The other offers a return to sensible American values and economic policy. In the fall, that choice will be very clear indeed, and it will make the election a referendum on stagnation. By November, America will be ready for change … back.

With the Republican nomination almost in the bag, Barack Obama and his likely opponent, Mitt Romney gave competing visions of America in two dramatic speeches this week. Both argued for change, but only one offered any kind of course correction at all.
Let’s start with President Obama, who spoke on Tuesday at a luncheon hosted by the Associated Press and attended by journalists. Obama clearly wanted to steal a little of Romney’s thunder from an anticipated – and realized – three-contest sweep on April 3rd. In contrast to his 2008 campaign theme of Hope and Change, Obama's AP speech offered a defense of the status quo, as well as smirking attacks on his presumed foe in the upcoming presidential election. If anyone expected Obama to offer new directions for the US after a three-year period of economic stagnation and a seven-month strategy of class warfare, they would have come away profoundly disappointed.

The Fiscal Times FREE Newsletter

One might have thought that the man who finally acknowledged over a year and a half ago the fantasy of his promised “shovel-ready jobs” would have a different economic plan for his second term. Instead, Obama offered more of the same, insisting that the government needed to seize more funds through tax increases for further “investments” in infrastructure and other Obama priorities. In fact, the word “investment” appears a dozen times in his remarks, and in some curious contexts.
First, Obama insisted that Abraham Lincoln “invested” in the Transcontinental Railroad, a favorite chestnut of his speeches which he uses to paint Republicans as historically extreme. However, the government mostly stayed out of the way of its construction, and the limited government funding that did get applied came from the sale of bonds on a voluntary basis, not from taxes seized in Buffett Rules or any other redistributive methods. The bonds and the interest got paid by the railroads in the end, not the government.
In another example, Obama proclaimed Richard Nixon’s establishment of the EPA as another “investment.” As anyone who has had to deal with the EPA well knows, that agency does not promote investment, but usually acts to frustrate it. Just ask the Sacketts, who invested in land in Idaho to build a home for themselves, only to get blocked by the EPA which declared it retroactively to be “wetlands,” and refused to allow the Sacketts access to judicial review of their order. The Supreme Court unanimously slapped down the EPA for its tyrannical approach to the Sacketts, but the agency still interferes with private property rights, especially when it comes to the infrastructure of energy production.
Finally, in a moment of sheer irony, Obama offered the example of the Eisenhower Interstate System as an “investment” that proved its worth. President Eisenhower built the system for strategic military purposes first, and for commercial development of the U.S. second. Following his experiences in Europe after D-Day, the former Supreme Head of Allied Expeditionary Forces understood the necessity of being able to rapidly move heavy arms to a nation’s borders. More ironically, the Eisenhower System cost in 2006 dollars roughly half of the eventual cost of the Obama stimulus package, $425 billion to $840 billion, and delivered an entire national highway system capable of defending the nation’s borders. Obama’s stimulus package delivered phantom “shovel ready jobs” and a huge addition to the debt while failing to dent the trajectory of unemployment.

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Obama didn’t have any kind words for Romney's expressed support for the Paul Ryan budget plan, which recently passed in the House. In contrast, Obama’s budget failed to get one Democratic vote – for the second year in a row. He poked fun at Romney’s use of the word “marvelous” in connection with budgets, without acknowledging that the only word to use for budgets in the Senate – as controlled by Obama’s party – would be “non-existent.”
Obama also asserted that Ronald Reagan chose to make investments, proposed tax increases, and spending cuts to balance the budget, but that Reagan “could not get through a Republican primary today. That’s rather rich coming from a President who has presided over trillion-dollar deficits in all three years of his presidency – the first coming from the FY2009 budget that Capitol Hill Democrats (including then-Senator Obama) kept from George W. Bush in 2008 and which Obama signed in March 2009 after a series of continuing resolutions.
Romney, of course, balanced four budgets as governor of Massachusetts, even with a heavily Democratic legislature. His speech on Tuesday night went more to the heart of the question voters will face in November. While Obama offered a “stay the course” approach earlier in the day, Romney responded by reminding voters exactly what that course has produced:
“Millions have lost their homes. A record number of Americans are now living in poverty. And the most vulnerable are the ones that have been hurt the most. Thirty percent of single moms are now living in poverty. New business startups -- and that's normally where we get job growth after a recession -- new business startups are down to the lowest level in 30 years. And of course, you know our national debt is at a record high. And when you drive home tonight and you stop by the gas station, just take a look at the prices. And then ask yourself, four more years of that?”
Romney drew a bright line between himself and Obama on visions for America. Obama, he said, sees America as a “government-centered society [where] the government has to do more because the economy is doomed to do less.” Instead, Romney sees America as a nation where property rights allow people to make good economic choices that benefit everyone. Instead of tax increases imposed for “social justice,” Romney wants tax reform to accelerate investment and return to post-World War II patterns of recovery and economic growth that Obama’s central planning and increased regulation has disrupted. The alternative, Romney warned, was a path that other Western nations have already trodden to “chronic high unemployment, crushing debt and stagnant wages” – a pattern we have already seen as the hallmark of the Obama economy.
The two likely presidential candidates have made their visions clear. One wants a commitment to the stagnant status quo and a continuation of the fruitless economic policies that are aimed at resentment rather than growth. The other offers a return to sensible American values and economic policy. In the fall, that choice will be very clear indeed, and it will make the election a referendum on stagnation. By November, America will be ready for change … back.

When is he ept?

Ace gives a thorough trashing to David Brooks' latest love letter to President Obama.
Read the whole thing. Ace's, not Brooks'.

Weekend watchdog

It's spring. The sports schedule says so.
The 2012 baseball season - which started last week in Japan - began in earnest Wednesday with the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals playing in Miami.
The Nationals opened their season in Chicago with a win, and play the Cubs on MASN Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
The Orioles host Minnesota for their season opening series, starting Friday at 3 p.m. on MASN. They play Saturday at 7 p.m., then Sunday at 1:30 p.m. on MASN2.
ESPN2 has a doubleheader Friday as the Giants take on Arizona at 7 p.m. before the Royals meet the Angels.
Fox has its first Saturday baseball lineup at 4 p.m., with the East Coast getting Boston-Detroit. Other parts of the country will see St. Louis vs. Milwaukee, the Royals at Angels and Giants-Diamondbacks.
Sunday, TBS shows the Yankees' game in Tampa Bay. ESPN's Sunday night brings together the White Sox and Rangers.
It's time for the azaleas in Augusta, even if they bloomed early this year. The second day of the Masters will be on ESPN Friday at 3 p.m. CBS takes over Saturday at 3:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. By nightfall, the green jacket will be awarded.
While the spring season kicks off, ice hockey reaches the end of its campaign. NBC Sports network has the Coyotes heading to St. Louis Friday at 7:30 p.m., and then there's a doubleheader Saturday - Flyers vs. Penguins at 4 p.m. and Capitals at Rangers at 6:30 p.m.
NBC offers the Red Wings against Blackhawks Saturday at 1 p.m.
The NCAA Frozen Four heads to a traditional venue - Tampa Bay - and the final will be Saturday at 7 p.m.
ESPN starts its Saturday doubleheader in Philadelphia, with the 76ers meeting the Magic at 8 p.m. The Nuggets take on the Warriors in the nightcap. ABC shows the Bulls at Knicks Sunday at 1 p.m.
Comcast has the Wizards' game at New Jersey Friday at 7:30 p.m. on Comcast.
ACC baseball takes the stage on Comcast this weekend. Virginia Tech hosts Boston College Saturday at noon, and Florida State meets Georgia Tech Sunday at 1 p.m. In the SEC, Auburn faces Alabama at 4 p.m. Saturday.
ESPN has Kansas City against the Galaxy in MLS action Saturday at 4 p.m.
The Family Circle tennis tournament concludes on ESPN2 this weekend. Coverage starts at 1 p.m. on Friday with the quarterfinals, Saturday with the semifinals and the final on Sunday.
Virginia battles North Carolina in lacrosse Saturday at 1 p.m. on ESPN.

New in Miami

The Miami Marlins have a new name, new colors and a new stadium. And a new dance team.
UPDATE: Part of Rule 5 Sunday on Sunday.

War on Mormons

The Other McCain catalogues the anti-Mormon stories coming out now that it looks like Mitt Romney vs. Barack Obama in November.
Mormons vs. Democratic morons.
Brigham Young vs. Tax 'em Young (aka Tax 'em Old, Tax 'em All).
Mormons baptize the dead. Democrats have the dead vote.
It's going to be a fun election season.

Jimmy Carter called

Chris Graham has a post up about gas prices.
Jimmy Carter called. He wants his post back.
Like Carter and Obama, we can whine about gas prices. Gas prices spiked in 1979, and were down in 1986 as more supply came online.
Gas prices spiked in the summer of 2008, and went down by winter 2009.
Maybe solar can power more than sidewalk lights.
Maybe wind power can do more than kill birds.
We know what oil can do. And where it is - Canada.
Just get it to the customer, and we'll see where prices go.

O Canada, please send your oil to me

Did President Obama cost us at the pumps with the Keystone Pipeline stall?
Yes.
How much?
Much more than we know.
Time for good Americans to beg Canada to ignore him.
We like their national anthem, and it gives a jumping off point for this parody.

O Canada!
We really need your oil!
Ignore the bum and all his silly commands
With empty tanks we yearn for you
The True North we love thee
From Saskatchewan
O Canada, please send your oil to me
Please keep our cars, running smooth and free
O Canada, please send your oil to me
O Canada, please send your oil to me

Hunger Games tour

An Instapundit reader has a great comment on a story about big spending in D.C.
“Hmm, packed, expensive restaurants in the Capitol? People there spending lavishly and being out of touch with the rest of the country which is toughing out rough economic conditions? Pretty sure my daughter just saw a movie about this. Can’t think of the name of it, though. If only it had gotten some publicity recently.”

Obama in three words

2008 - Hope and Change
2012 - Do my bidding
UPDATE: Linked at Instapundit.

Ryan schools Obama

Paul Ryan goes to Facebook to blast President Obama, after Obama blasted Ryan's plan in a Tuesday speech.
As a matter of fact, it is actually the President’s budget that makes it far more likely that college students, the sick, mothers, young children, seniors and all Americans would face harsh disruptions in government services and indiscriminate cuts. By making our unsustainable fiscal trajectory worse, his budget guarantees a debt-fueled economic crisis, which would hurt society’s most vulnerable the first and the worst.

Today's Tied with me

My political ranking has jumped this week, moving just shy of the top 500.
We're tied with Noisy Room, which highlights President Obama's problem-filled week.

Attitude "made of titanium"

Bryan Preston reviews Sarah Palin's Today show appearance.
Palin was quick witted, informed, personable, and beautiful guest hosting Today. She looked like she belonged there and brought a different energy to the show. Once she was gone, Today quickly returned to its blandly liberal self. Whoever came up with the idea of having her guest host deserves credit for thinking creatively and boldly to bring her in. It was a good show all around.
Did you watch?

Bacon forever

Want to take bacon with you?
This Seattle company has an idea.
“Bacon Coffins are finished with a real bacon and pork shading and accented with gold stationary handles. The interior has an adjustable bed and mattress, a bacon memorial tube and is completed in ivory crepe coffin liners.”

Bin donating

Powerline illustrates the ease the Obama campaign can receive unsecured donations.
What would happen if "Usama bin Laden" won the chance to have dinner with the president?

I want this bumper sticker

Legal Insurrection loves highlighting good political bumper stickers.
Monday there's a great one from Wisconsin.
Recall Santa
I didn't get what I wanted

It's Kagan

Drudge Report thinks there might be a leak in the Supreme Court.
That somebody told him the Court's first vote in the Obamacare case.
Which Justice would it be?
He's appointed two. My bet is on Elena Kagan.
It wouldn't be Sotomayor. She's wise er.

My guess for the best way to deal Obamacare has been overturned? Justice Ginsburg might retire before July, giving Obama a chance to nominate a younger liberal before he loses in November.

Kids' poor fashion choice

Pundette wasn't impressed by Michelle Obama's outfit at Nick's Kids Choice awards.
Too bad the Earth Hour people didn't turn off the lights when she came on stage.

Scientific method

Instapundit looks at why there's more skeptics of science on the conservative side.
It's skeptics of those pushing their ideas.
In fact, the very core of the scientific method is supposed to be skepticism. We accept arguments not because they come from people in authority but because they can be proven correct — in independent experiments by independent experimenters. If you make a claim that can’t be proven false in an independent experiment, you’re not really making a scientific claim at all.

Tax it forward

Here's a great idea we can all get behind.
If paying taxes was so great, Democrats ought to pay more.
The more they pay, the more people they help.

"Massively disappointing"

The Other McCain brings the bright news of Obama's troubles.
No matter what troubles Republicans are fighting through now, Obama needs young people to be excited about his re-election.
Not going to happen.
Democrats can say they're better for the young than Republicans.
The young are more likely to be fooled again.
But if Obama's support in 2012 is dropping among all groups that backed him in 2008, he's running out of margin for error.

What to watch

Sarah Palin's going to co-host Today on Tuesday?
We'll be checking that out.