Tuesday, July 31, 2012

What's more suprising?

What is the bigger shock?
  • That CNN played a song called "Stupid Girls" before talking about Sarah Palin.
  • That someone was watching CNN when it happened.

How to elect Romney

The media tries to bash Mitt Romney as the campaign enters the final 100 days.
Romney's spokesman cusses at reporters.
Could that language boost Romney's hopes?
Big time.

Ready for Chick-fil-A day

Don Surber found this priceless photo on Facebook.

6,000 posts down, more to go

It's time for post 6,000 at FishersvilleMike.
Looking forward to celebrating post 7,000 sometime next winter, after Obama leaves the White House.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Gifts for me,not for thee

A member of the Obama campaign got married over the weekend.
Did they ask friends to donate to the campaign?
No.

There's Olympics going on?

Looking forward to some good British-themed TV Monday night - two hours of Gordon Ramsey torturing cooks. Even if it's a repeat.
NBC has hours of British-themed coverage - the Summer Olympics. Something that struggles with the technological advances in media coverage.
If you want to know who won, it's over long before prime time. That worked 40 years ago in Munich or Montreal, but it's hard to sustain suspense when you have to avoid all media for hours.
As a former sportswriter, I like sports. Olympic coverage isn't really sports. It's a two-week soap opera.
Wake me when football season starts.

I agree with Cheney

Dick Cheney said in an ABC interview that President Obama is worse than Jimmy Carter.
Did he say anything else in the interview?

Does anybody read Newsweek?

I read Newsweek growing up.
Now, the main time you heard about the magazine is when they throw out wild covers.
Will this cover still be in the waiting room in October?
I'll check out the cooking magazine instead.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Obamacare simplified

When Obamacare goes into full effect, we will have
Just what this country doesn't need.

Next for Obama campaign - Amazon links?

The emails keep coming from the Obama campaign - the other guys are raising more money.
They've tried celebrities.
They've pushed holidays.
They're using the president's birthday this Saturday.
How long until they put Amazon links on the campaign website?
They could say, when you buy through the links, you help support this campaign at no cost to yourself.

Placed where it can be used the best

Walter Russell Mead has a great article on the blessings of tough-to-get fuel reserves in the United States and Canada - the best places in the world to have them.
But think how much worse things would be if the new reserves lay in dictatorial kleptocracies. How willing and able would various Central Asia states have been to regulate extraction and limit the damage? How would Nigeria have handled vast new reserves whose extraction required substantially more invasive methods?
Instead, the new sources are concentrated in places where environmentalists have more say in policy making and where, for all the shortcomings and limits, governments are less corruptible, more publicly accountable and in fact more competent to develop and enforce effective energy regulations.

Obama economy - bringing families together

Fewer members of the college class of 2016 will be leaving home for college.
When I went to the article, it linked one about being 30 and living at home.
Better be good to your teenagers. You'll be living with them longer than both of you thought.

No pain, no gain

The Washington Post goes over questions that will decide the next 100 days.
They give President Obama an advantage in "feeling people's pain."
He also has an advantage in causing people's pain.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

If you need a reason

Pat continues to list reasons not to vote for President Obama in November.
I only need one.
He's done a lousy job.

For Dancing with the Stars, spring edition

Dancing with the Stars will have an all-star cast in the fall.
The final slot will be filled after a vote of the fans.
In the spring, they could have President Obama or Michelle as contestants.
Depends on how we vote in November.

Facebook quote of the week

Bob Costas' hair will return to it's actual color before the lamp gets lit. I vote for a parade of continents next time around.

Saturday song

Andrew Gold has a broken circle of life in "Lonely Boy."

Friday, July 27, 2012

Read Mor' Steyn

Mark Steyn weighs in on the Chick-fil-A shakedown.
Politicos on your side now? Don't expect them to always be there.
These guys are about power, and right now your cause happens to coincide with their political advantage. But political winds shift. Once upon a time, Massachusetts burned witches. Now it grills chicken-sandwich homophobes. One day it'll be something else.
UPDATE: Linked by Pundette.

He doesn't understand us

The "You didn't build that" tsunami continues to build.
The Obama campaign has elevated poll-testing and focus-grouping to near-clinical heights, and the results drive the president's every action: his policies, his campaign venues, his targeted demographics, his messaging. That Mr. Obama felt required—teeth-gritted—to address the "you didn't build that" meme means his vaunted focus groups are sounding alarms.
We may not know everything the Obama campaign knows from his polling, but watching their actions gives huge hints.
Obama's words run so counter to how Americans think of themselves. Even if they aren't small business people.
Forty states for Romney? If Obama keeps speaking like he did in Roanoke, it might be 45.

Hitting the target

For most, the Olympics means gymnastics, track and swimming. It also means archery, and Miranda Leek hopes to bring home the gold.

Weekend watchdog

The youth of the world have gathered once again in London.
For the third time, the British capitol will host the Summer Olympics. NBC and its networks will offer plenty of coverage through the closing ceremonies on August 12.
NBC will start coverage with the Opening Ceremonies Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday's action starts at 5 a.m. and includes women's basketball against Croatia. Sunday, there's cycling at 7 a.m. and men's volleyball against Serbia.
NBC Sports network got things going Wednesday with women's soccer at 11:30 a.m. The U.S. men's basketball team plays Sunday at 11 a.m. against France.
The Orioles host Oakland for the weekend on MASN. The Nationals spend time in Milwaukee, with coverage on MASN2 and TBS broadcasting Sunday afternoon's game nationally.
The Yankees and Red Sox meet again at Yankee Stadium, getting coverage Saturday at 4 p.m. on Fox and Sunday night on ESPN. Fox also shows the Giants and Dodgers Saturday.
NASCAR visits the Brickyard this weekend, with ESPN picking up coverage for the rest of the season. The flag drops Sunday at noon, after the Nationwide Series visits Saturday at 4 p.m. on ESPN.
The PGA Tour goes from the British Isles to Canada. CBS has the Canadian Open Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. The senior golfers stick around England for another week, with the British Senior Open on ESPN2 Friday and Sunday at noon. ESPN has coverage Saturday at noon.
The top tennis players participate in the Farmers Classic Saturday at 4 and 10 p.m. on ESPN2. The finals are Sunday at 4 p.m.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Where does he go to get his reputation back?

Joe Paterno's statue has been taken down.
No statues will be put up for those in the Penn State investigation.
And has Paterno been made the fall guy, since he now can't defend himself.
Will it stand the test of time?
The consensus emerged from the report of Louis Freeh regarding Penn State’s actions related to the sexual abuse committed by Sandusky. But a friend of mine — a top-notch lawyer and former federal prosecutor — has carefully reviewed the Freeh Report. He concludes that the Report does not establish wrongdoing by Joe Paterno. Having now looked at the Freeh Report, I agree.
Leave the lynch mob behind and read his thoughts.

What defines an "anti-LGBT group"?

It's been interesting following Chris Graham's saga with Chick-fil-A.
The latest? He would return if the chain issues a statement saying it won't give any more money to anti-LGBT groups.
Great. What's an anti-LGBT group?
If a church organization believes in the Biblical definition of marriage, they can't get money anymore? Even if it's a minor afterthought in their mission - preaching Jesus Christ as Savior or helping those in need.
Do we need to go through the statements of all groups that Chick-fil-A has donated to, looking for the tell-tale sign of anti-LGBT thought?
What about a single missionary in Africa?
Or an African ministering in his homeland?
Do they have to cut anyone off who supports Mike Huckabee's Chick-fil-A day at the restaurant?
It's been an interesting week.
Chick-fil-A won't be put in the closet.
And its supporters won't be put in the corner.

"Slight grammatical misstep"

I love how Blue Virginia describes President Obama's Roanoke address.
"Slight grammatical misstep"
It's called a window into his soul.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Romney needs a mime commercial

What are the latest words that are "racially tinged?"
What can Romney and Republicans say about Obama without being called racist?
Maybe a silent commercial with a mime?
Nah, white face.

It's Olympics time

Why wait until Friday to enjoy the start of your Olympics experience?
The United States women's soccer team began play Wednesday afternoon against France.
It's a tough Olympics for live TV - primetime in the U.S. is after midnight in London. Guess we'll be hiding from the internet if we want to be surprised at night.

Ads vs. reality

Obama ads - build more bridges.
Obama reality - build more bureaucracies.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Keep Obama from Southwest Virginia

If President Obama wants to win in November, he would be smart to stay out of Southwest Virginia.
In 2008, where did he say "lipstick on a pig" and get accused of insulting Sarah Palin?
Lebanon, Virginia.
A few weeks ago, he visited Roanoke.
And insulted business owners and hard-working Americans.
If he heads to Charlotte through Southwest Virginia, he might as well head to Chicago.
Another gaffe and it might be over.

Can I get an Amen?

With Sherman Hemsley's passing, everybody remembers "The Jeffersons."
What about "Amen?"
And his double-dutch jumping?

$70 a seat

Virginia football is selling single game tickets for the 2012 season.
To see the best of the ACC, it will cost $50 for the best seats.
Penn State?
$70 a pop.
If you'd like to cancel the game, cough up the cash.
Or shut down a few academic departments.

Today's Tied with me

In Technorati U.S. Politics, this blog has tied with BlackFive. The military-focused blog has thoughts on the passing of Sally Ride.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Get me to the NFL

For all the talk about how the sanctions will hurt Penn State, remember there's a major reason football players went there - to get to the NFL.
League championships and bowl trips are nice, but learning to play professionally remains a major reason to head to Happy Valley.
With a former New England Patriots coach leading the way, Penn State remains a path to the NFL.
NFL teams look to the individual attributes for players to make their squads. A small school kid has a chance to shine and catch the eyes of scouts - and Penn State will still be a destination for them.
SMU has never really recovered from its NCAA Death Penalty in the 1980s, but Maryland went from no TV appearances to National Champions in about a dozen years.
Just a few weeks until college football practices begin. We'll see how Penn State stands when they start workouts.

Obama's choice

How effective will the Obama's new ad be?
Probably as effective as his efforts to grow the economy, create middle class jobs and pay down the debt have been the past four years.
Talk is cheap. Your tenure hasn't been.

Democrats call the Warren campaign

Staffer: Democrats.org wants you to help their campaign.
Warren: How?
Staffer: Can you write a fundraising email?

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Obama's Dam project

The meme continues. Don't blame me. Somebody else made it happen.

He ran in 2008

All the fuss about Mitt Romney's taxes raising the question - don't you think he would have revealed his returns in 2008 if he won the Republican nomination?
The past returns will likely just look like 2011. It's doubtful he made great changes in his financial situation than he would if he beat John McCain.
What if the stock market crash gave him a very low tax bill?
It would remind us that's where we get tax money from - hard working investors making good deals.
If the deals go down, you can't get money from someone who lost lots of money in one year.
Government needs to help business make money, not jump through hoops to please those in government.

Thus sayeth the government

After coming back from church, I got to read Iowahawk's thoughts on the beginning.
23 When she saw that the fruit was pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, and also free to download, she took some and ate it. She emailed a copy to her wholesaler, and he ate it; and then the wholesaler to the manufacturer, and he to the servicer. 24 Then the eyes of all of them were opened, and they realized they were being taxed naked; so they outsourced fig leaves to make coverings for themselves.

Chick-Fil-A: The same yesterday, today and forever

Today, nationally Chick-fil-A sales across the country will be zero.
I hope you boycotters will be happy.
It's zero sales every Sunday - company policy.
Chick-fil-A company policies and beliefs have been the same since its founding. They didn't change anything to give your boycott a spark.
If you don't want to eat there, your choice.
If white meat's not your thing, try the Golden Arches. But if you want a perfectly fried chicken sandwich, Chick-fil-A, will be happy to serve you -- gay or straight. In this case, those who boycott are the ones missing out.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Top flight home-schooling

Want to know how top athletes can succeed at home schooling? CNNSI has the story of a Houston student who you'll see in Division I soon - Justin Jackson.
For critics who think home schooling might be the easy path to the NCAA, think again.
But as students get older and classes get more advanced, the timeline of the curriculum begins to resemble that of a college course. Jackson participates in a co-op, which means that he meets with a group at a church for two days each week. Teachers come in, give lectures and hand out assignments for the coming week. It's a schedule that Sharon believes will help prepare her son for the rigors of receiving a college education.
"We think it is preparing him for college because he understands what he has to get done before he can do the other fun things," she says. "It's a matter of priority. You need to get these things done, and he's adapted to that. It's something that me and my husband don't even worry about at this point when he goes to college because he understands that concept of prioritizing his class work."

The Facebook election

The other day, I posted on Facebook the great photo of footprints in the sand - one set of footprints where Obama carried you.
My friend commented - Hey Mike, where do you really stand? ;-)
Whether they agree on not, people could see what I thought on the issue.
After the Colorado shootings, some people I've friended had gun control type posts on Facebook. I don't agree with the thought, but understand how they think.
Facebook will offer a great window into the 2012 election. There are people you may not talk politics with, but you can easily see their preferences through their Facebook feeds.
The Obama team hopes to use data found to convince undecided voters to go their way.
If you're undecided, how will you feel to have friends trying to push you one way or another on a "friend site?"
For those who've decided, Facebook will be like TV ads - something to ignore. That will be hard, but can be done.
For the undecided, you're going to be hiding from TV - and maybe some pushy friends.

When to boycott Chick-fil-A

Lots of people are talking about boycotting Chick-Fil-A, or stopping them from building new restaurants.
My time to boycott?
I never visit Chick-Fil-A on Sunday.
UPDATE: Picked up by PoliticalClownParade.

Facebook quote of the week

Well I wouldn't exactly have called that sleep...

Saturday song

Feel the energy of Jay Ferguson and "Thunder Island."

Friday, July 20, 2012

What we know about Colorado

After hours of TV coverage, here's what we know about the shootings.
The suspect is James Holmes.
ABC's Brian Ross is no relation to Sherlock Holmes.

Tipping points tip

Might Virginia tip the election to Obama?
Might another state tip away from Democrats?
Might Romney win 40 states and these tipping points don't matter?

Weekend watchdog

As the top athletes gather in London for the Olympic games, the best golfers also compete on the British isles.
Royal Lytham and St. Anne's hosts the British Open, with the second round beginning Friday at 4:30 a.m. on ESPN. The second round starts Saturday at 7:30 a.m. The final round gets underway at 6 a.m. If that's too early for you, ABC shows highlights Saturday and Sunday starting at 3 p.m.
It's the first Open at this venue since 2001, when David Duval took home the Claret Jug.
If you prefer celebrity golfers, NBC has the American Century Championship Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. NBC Sports network offers coverage Friday at 4 p.m.
The Tour de France closes its run this weekend. NBC Sports network has coverage Friday at 8 a.m. The final time trials start Saturday at 8 a.m., with the ride into Paris Sunday at 8 a.m.
The Nationals host the Braves for the weekend on MASN - including a day-night doubleheader Saturday. The Orioles go to Cleveland on MASN2.
ESPN offers the Rangers' game with the Angels Sunday night at 8 p.m. The teams meet on Fox Saturday afternoon, along with Giants-Phillies and White Sox facing the Tigers. TBS shows the Dodgers at Mets Sunday at 1:05 p.m.
While NASCAR takes the weekend off, the Indy car racers head to Edmonton on NBC Sports network Sunday at 2 p.m. The American LeMans series races on ESPN2 Sunday at 1 p.m.
D.C. United visits Columbus Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on Comcast, while the Red Bulls head to Philadelphia Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN.
There's two tournaments in the U.S. Open series this weekend. ESPN2 has two matches in the Atlanta Open Friday at 4 and 7 p.m., and a women's quarterfinal Friday at 11 p.m. from the Mercury Insurance Open. Saturday, there's a men's semifinal at 7 p.m. from Atlanta and a women's semifinal at 11 p.m. from the Mercury Insurance Open. The finals are Sunday at 3 p.m. from Atlanta and 5 p.m. at the Mercury Insurance Open.
The World Team Tennis goes on Comcast Friday at 7 p.m., with New York taking on Philadelphia. Sunday at 7 p.m., Washington meets Kansas City on Comcast.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Check the special skills

If you've seen Wendy's commercials lately, Morgan Smith shines the young pitchwoman getting guys to the restaurant. If you check her website and resume, you'll find something else guys like - the special skill of belching on command.

Wave it goodbye

Legal Insurrection has the chances of Democrats retaking the House - slim and none, and slim just left.
There's better chances for some of his counterweights to head to Washington in January.

Green jobs and scams

This twitter theme?
You didn't build it.
It took the government to bring it about.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

On to other college football news

Enough Penn State.
It's time for SEC media days.
The Southeastern Conference now stands at 14 teams - including Missouri.
The Tigers' T.J. Moe likes his new surroundings.
“They say girls are prettier here, air’s fresher & toilet paper is thicker.”

"None worked harder than the bosses"

Via Don Surber on Facebook, a great column by John Kass on his hard-working family.
And the parts government played in their lives.
One of my earliest memories as a boy at the store was that of the government men coming from City Hall. One was tall and beefy. The other was wiry. They wanted steaks.
We didn't eat red steaks at home or yellow bananas. We took home the brown bananas and the brown steaks because we couldn't sell them. But the government men liked the big, red steaks, the fat rib-eyes two to a shrink-wrapped package. You could put 20 or so in a shopping bag.
"Thanks, Greek," they'd say.
That was government.
If Obama realized more people see government as the rich folks riding on their work - instead of their vision of government helping - he might tone down his speeches.

Your government at work

Via Paco, a look at what government spending can bring.
The government could pave the road in front of your house twelve times over and it wouldn't help one bit in bringing a dream to fruition. Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, is filled with magnificent boulevards that would make any city in the world envious. They just doesn't have any cars driving on them or shops lining them or even people walking on them. That's what government without free enterprise gives you -- public monuments without prosperity.

We are.. lynch mob

Does Penn State's football program deserve the NCAA death penalty?
No.
It would make some critics feel better. But would it help the situation?
If Penn State administrators didn't discuss Sandusky's acts in hopes of keeping the school's reputation, it failed.
That's the lesson.
Adding punishment on today's student athletes and today's fans - who had nothing to do with Sandusky's acts - won't add to the lesson.
People will still be talking about Penn State in a bad light for years to come - that's the school's punishment.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

What Obama meant

Much has been written about what President Obama said Friday in Roanoke.
It's a simple point.
If we work together, good things can happen.
I believe that.
If we work together, Obama will lose in November.

What will Topper say?

Harrisonburg has had ABC for years.
They added Fox a few years ago.
Now comes CBS.
In past years, Valley homes usually watched Washington's CBS affiliate - which meant a clash during Redskins' season.
Will Comcast pull the plug on Washington shows to give this new station a slot? How will we follow the bad weather when winter comes around?

Bain - Obama's buddies

NRO's Campaign Spot has the update on donations from Bain Capital employees going to the Obama campaign.
Bain money is dirty - unless given to Democrats.

Today's Tied with me

In Technorati politics, this blog stands tied with Tarpon Springs.
When Romney announces his vice presidential selection, who's going to be ready with bad things to say? Media Matters and friends, of course.

Monday, July 16, 2012

As useful as a deck of 51

Let the fundraising emails begin.
Just a few weeks until Obama's 51st birthday.
Turning 50 is a big deal.
Are there any songs with 51?
Thank you, Statler Brothers.
Obama at 51 is as useful as a deck of 51 cards.

If you're a political hack...

If you're a public sector union organizer... you didn't get there by yourself.
You had help getting money from the taxpayers.
The taxpayers have tired of helping you.
You think you're smart and hard-working.
But what can you do when the tax money runs out?

Watch the burn rate

The Other McCain is looking forward to Friday - the latest report on campaign spending and cash-on-hand.
What my GOP source was suggesting was that the Obama campaign’s burn rate is already so high — their staff overhead is enormous, and they’ve been pouring on the attack ads in battleground states — that they’ve substantially depleted the cash advantage they enjoyed in May, when they ended the month with more than $100 million cash on hand (compared to a mere $17 million for Romney, as I’ve previously explained). The Campaign to Re-Elect the SCOAMF had counted on that financial cushion as their ace in the hole. If nothing else worked, they could bury Romney in attack ads down the home stretch in October, but it’s only July and if the Obama campaign is already burning through that cash at an unsustaintable pace . . .
Well, there’s a good reason they’re “freaked out,” you see.
Follow the money.
When it's spent, it's gone.
And if there's something Obama's good at, it's spending money

Sunday, July 15, 2012

"Monica, Monica"

Nice to see how grateful Egyptians are for the current administration.

Two week commercial for Romney

Just a few days until the Summer Olympics start in London.
Mitt Romney led the successful Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002.
President Obama tried to get the 2016 Summer Olympics awarded to Chicago.
He failed.
Like the Olympics? So does Romney.

Collateral damage

How is Penn State's reputation now?
Does the football problem flow into other parts of the university?
It's time to look at the Michael Mann.
Hockey stick is close to sports.

Convention panic

How confident does the Obama campaign feel about it's chances?
Really?
The polls are close, but it feels they are stressed about getting blown out. Their actions seem to show bad news under the surface.
Instapundit features two interesting emails about Saturday's visit to Northern Virginia.
In one of the key parts of a key state, they use a high school venue - and have out-of-state supporters to fill the crowd.
Do they realize how weak their support is, compared to 2008?
I think they do.
When they gather in Charlotte for the convention, will they fill the football stadium for the final night? If not, how bad will the pictures look compared to 2008?
In 2008 at Denver, they wanted more people to have a chance to share in the excitement - part of the historic theme.
In 2012, it's the second time around. Not as exciting. A lot harder to bring a large enough crowd.
Empty seats in the stadium on Sept. 6 will reinforce the flailing campaign theme.
The campaign probably knows now they won't fill the stadium.
And it's too late to change the venue.
Or change the theme that will doom the campaign.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Wasting his money on us

Now that President Obama was traveled the state, what are the chances he holds Virginia in November?
And will it matter?
Even this positive story spins away at the end.
The good news for the president is that Virginia may be within his grasp. The bad news is, with states that weren't supposed to be swing states trending away from him -- even supposedly sure bets for the Democrat like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania seem to be tightening these days -- winning Virginia may not guarantee another term.
That might be the sweetest thing. If Obama spends so much money and time in Virginia that he ekes out a win here - but loses the Midwest and the contest.
We'll take your ad money if it doesn't return you to the White House.
UPDATE: Picked up by Paco.

Come with me if you want to live

Will Mitt Romney pick Paul Ryan as his vice presidential nominee?
It would be bold.
It would make a statement.
It would make Troglopundit whine.
It would make a great sign for the faithful.
The case for Ryan is simple: No one, with the possible exception of Marco Rubio, would do more to energize the conservative base and unite the party. Rush Limbaugh would praise the pick, but so would David Brooks and nearly everyone in between. “The response would be overwhelmingly positive,” says Ed Feulner, president of the Heritage Foundation and a longtime leader of the conservative movement. “Overwhelmingly positive. He’s one of us.” Representative Nunes agrees. “If Romney picked him—for conservatives it would be the best pick because it would signify a commitment to solving the long-term fundamental problems of the country.”

Salute to Smitty

Smitty's tweet got the top spot on a post at Twitchy Friday night.
It's a

Totally
Wild
Indicator of
Talented
Creativity
Helping
You

To think, I knew him when.

Help people make money

What did Mitt Romney do in the private sector?
Help his investors make money.
What did Mitt Romney do at the Salt Lake City Olympics?
Run the games well do they made money.
Should a president be interested in helping people make money?
Or just taking money?
If you like money, you ought to like Romney.
If you don't like money, I'll gladly take it so you can feel better.

Saturday song

Back to the 1970s for Jennifer Warnes at the Right Time of the Night.

Facebook quote of the week

Can someone just tell me what is my "fair share"? I really want to know what is my "part" in all of this? More than happy to help out and will go above "fair share", just tell me what "fair share" is.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Simple Romney explanation

From 1999 to 2001, was Mitt Romney involved in Bain Capital?
Not on a day to day basis.
He moved on.
The bureaucracy ground on.
Too bad the Obama team doesn't know the difference.

Weekend watchdog

The All-Star game is done. Time for the contenders to step up and pretenders to trade away players.
This year, the Orioles and Nationals remain as contenders. The Orioles added slugger Jim Thome on June 30, and continue their hopes of a wild-card berth this weekend at home against Detroit. Games Friday and Sunday are on MASN, and the Saturday afternoon game has moved into the Fox schedule.
The NL East-leading Nationals open the second half in Miami on MASN2 (Saturday at 7 p.m. on MASN).
The Reds and Cardinals battle on ESPN Sunday night along with Fox Saturday afternoon. Fox also offers the Mets at Braves, while TBS has the Angels taking on the Yankees Sunday at 1:05 p.m.
NASCAR closes its time on TNT this Sunday, racing in New Hampshire at noon. The Nationwide racers go Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN.
The best senior golfers gather for the U.S. Senior Open Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. on NBC. ESPN2 has early-round coverage Friday at 3 p.m. While many of the PGA stars are preparing for the British Open, the tour continues on CBS with the John Deere Classic Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Tour de France continues on NBC Sports network. Action begins Friday at 6:30 p.m., with weekend coverage starting at 8 a.m.
D.C. United takes on Houston Sunday at 9 p.m. on Comcast. ESPN has the Red Bulls heading to Seattle Sunday at 4 p.m., while Portland hosts the Galaxy Saturday at 11 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
The Wizards have a summer league game against the Hawks on Comcast Friday at 4 p.m.
The Bayhawks face Rochester Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast, while Charlotte takes on Denver on ESPN2 Saturday at 7 p.m.
The World Team Tennis season gets underway on Comcast Friday at 10:30 p.m. when Orange County takes on Sacramento Friday. The U.S. Open series begins on ESPN2 Saturday with the Best of the West Classic semifinals at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. The final is Sunday at 4 p.m.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Summer in the city

Summer means World Team Tennis.
Really.
Washington's team is the Kastles.
And they have cheerleaders.
Really.

Inept, in trouble

Ed Morrissey lists the incompetence of the Obama campaign - as the TV ad blitz fails to gain traction.
With the economy sliding backwards and after three straight disappointing jobs reports, the president cannot point to any success in his stewardship of the US economy. Despite his legal victory last month on ObamaCare, his signature legislative achievement remains so unpopular that Obama and his surrogates want to change the subject whenever anyone asks about it.

A Venti farewell

Soon in South Carolina, you'll be able to get Starbucks when you visit the local funeral home.
They won't be changing the name of caskets to tall, grande, venti and trenta.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

More from the Warren campaign

Staffer: This Indian mess keeps getting worse.
Warren: How?
Staffer: Family members who didn't claim to be Cherokee while you did.

Public Policy Philler

The latest Public Policy Polling work in Virginia shows President Obama up by eight points.
Many places to question.
Bearing Drift does a good job - who answers polls on a holiday summer weekend?
My favorite part of the numbers?
They show 10 percent of McCain voters going to Obama, while only seven percent of Obama voters would switch.
Why would a McCain voter switch to Obama after the last four years?
Why?

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Bacon ballpark

The Norfolk Tides will be having a "Salute to Bacon" night Friday.
The opposition?
The IronPigs.

Obama recycling

Another great turn of phrase from the latest Obama "woe is my fundraising" email.
This election will be a test of the model that got us here. We'll learn whether it's still true that a grassroots campaign can elect a president -- whether ordinary Americans are in control of our democracy in the face of massive spending.
Didn't John McCain's campaign use the same line in 2008, when they were buried by Obama's fundraising?
Ordinary Americans will control their democracy in November - by electing Republicans.

The future of education

Via Instapundit, a look at the pioneers in online learning at the high school level.
Are you listening, University of Virginia?
I know you can't streak the lawn online. But there's more to UVa than that, right?

Today's Tied with me

This blog is tied with Ammoland in politics today. They have more information on the Brian Terry case.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Follow the money

For two months in a row, Mitt Romney and Republicans raised more money than President Obama and the Democrats.
Obama still has plenty of money in the bank, but a few fewer donors than he had in 2008.

Why isn't Obama better off?

Blue Virginia tries to show how better off the country is after four years of Obama.
If true, how come Obama's not better off in the polls?
Blame Republicans all your want, but you can't believe political distractions would cover great political accomplishments.
If people don't feel better off, you can't use a list to tell them they are better off.

Waiting for the floor to collapse

How bad will President Obama lose in November?
Forty states to 10?
Maybe a bigger landslide.
Based on the answer to a simple question.
Not one American who voted for McCain 4 years ago will switch to Obama. Not one in all the land. But many millions of people who voted for an unknown Obama 4 years ago are angry, disillusioned, turned off, or scared about the future. Voters know Obama now- and that is a bad harbinger.

"How are we getting off this cliff?"

It's easy to sum up the Obama economic talking points.
"We inherited a terrible economy."
For three years, we've been hanging on a cliff.
For three years, Obama has talked about how we didn't fall off the cliff.
For three years, he hasn't been able to get us off that cliff.
Everything he's tried hasn't budged us off the cliff.
Maybe a few inches back from the edge, but we're still dangling.
How about some new thinking to get us off the cliff?
If he can't provide it, Romney can.
Unless you like hanging on a cliff.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Revolution evolution

After the East Coast power outages, the creators of Revolution ought to consider renaming the villians of their blackout story.
How about:
Political
Empire
People
Corrupting
Others

PEPCO. A great name for energy villians.

Republican honor roll

Breitbart.com brings the facts, so now Democrats can bring the excuses.
In 2010, influenced by the Tea Party and its focus on fiscal issues, 17 states elected Republican governors. And, according to an Examiner.com analysis, every one of those states saw a drop in their unemployment rates since January of 2011.

Fueling the smear machine

Want to bring more bad publicity to Elizabeth Warren?
How?
Tell people focusing on her Cherokee talk that they are part of the "right-wing smear machine."
And don't bother answering their questions.

Today's weather news

Good news - thunderstorms will bring an end to the heat wave.
Bad news - thunderstorms.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Looking for Taxon

Iowahawk offers the latest Democratic discovery - Taxon doesn't exist.
I'm a skeptic. I see Taxon throughout Washington.

Contempt on parade

American Thinker runs a lengthy list of President Obama's actions in contempt of past and present leaders.
The ideological influences acting upon Barack Obama are multifarious. There is, however, an attitudinal quality that seems to be the common denominator linking those ideological underpinnings. The salient, definitive characteristic of the man and his presidency was crystalized for me when Congress cited his attorney general for contempt.
That's it," I thought: contempt. Never have we seen a president so full of naked contempt for any person or idea or policy that does not accord with his own vision, plans, and beliefs. Obama doesn't just disagree with others; he holds them in contempt.

More inside the Warren campaign

Staffer: I can't believe this Indian stuff get any worse.
Warren: How?
Staffer: Your husband submitted a recipe as a Cherokee? An Oriental recipe?

Saturday song

Will the economy improve before November? I'd say that's against all odds. Reminds me of a Phil Collins song.

"We tried it, and it didn't work"

It's President Obama's line against Republican economics.
It also works for Republicans talking about Obama's tenure.
Each month that the economy produces fewer jobs than are needed just to keep pace with population growth adds to the burden the president faces as the clock ticks toward November.
A quick turnaround doesn’t appear likely, given recent analyses. The Federal Reserve’s latest assessment projecting slower growth than previously forecast bodes ill for the incumbent. The tenuous situation in Europe threatens to cause more problems here at home, with Obama’s leverage limited. Manufacturing, which had been a relatively bright spot, doesn’t look quite as good now, based on recent reports.

Facebook quote of the week

Whomever set the thermostat to Jenny Craig, thanks! I know I need to drop a few pounds but enough!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Celebrities to desperation

The theme of Obama campaign fundraising emails has changed.
Less George Clooney and Bill Clinton.
More Karl Rove and Koch Brothers.
The money's pouring into the Romney side.
The panic's coming out of the Obama side.
Four more months to go until they go.

Oldie but goodie

Just 10 years ago, Spiderman was the rage.
Now, there's a reboot.
But they didn't try to redo this scene.

Weekend watchdog

It's once again time for Breakfast at Wimbledon. But the TV venue will be different.
After years on NBC - back to the days of Bjorn Borg - ESPN takes over the finals for women Saturday at 9 a.m. and the men Sunday at 9 p.m.
The men's semifinal goes Friday morning at 9 a.m. Serena Williams advanced to the final with a victory Thursday, and will meet Agnieszka Radwanska.
The Tour de France continues on NBC Sports network Friday at 8 a.m., then moves to NBC Saturday and Sunday.
The Orioles close out the first half of the season in Los Angeles, taking on the Angels. Games Friday and Sunday will be on MASN2, with Saturday's game on MASN. The Nationals host the Rockies for the weekend on MASN.
The Yankees head to Boston, getting coverage Saturday on Fox and Sunday night on ESPN. The Braves visit Philadelphia on Fox Saturday and TBS Sunday afternoon, and the other Fox game Saturday will be Texas-Minnesota.
Getting ready for the All-Star game, ESPN2 has the Futures Game Sunday at 5 p.m.
NASCAR starts the second part of the season, returning to Daytona Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on TNT. The Nationwide racers go Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
ABC has the Indy Car race from Toronto Sunday at 1 p.m.
The PGA tour makes its closest stop to Fishersville, going to the Greenbrier this weekend. CBS has coverage Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
The best women golfers gather for the U.S. Women's Open in Wisconsin. ESPN2 carries Friday's play at 4 p.m., then NBC takes over for the weekend at 3 p.m. each day.
Colorado visits Seattle in MLS action on NBC Sports network Saturday at 11 p.m. ESPN offers the Fire against the Galaxy Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Mystics host San Antonio Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast, while ESPN2 shows Seattle-Los Angeles Saturday at 10 p.m.
In Major League Lacrosse, the Bayhawks take on Charlotte Saturday at 7 p.m. ESPN2 brings Rochester taking on Long Island Saturday at 7 p.m.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Why the media dislikes Romney

Where does Mitt Romney spend his family vacation?
New Hampshire's Lake Winnipesaukee.
That's so much harder to spell than Martha's Vineyard.

Birthday news

I share a birthday with President Obama.
My oldest shares a birthday with Spam.
I think he got the better end of the deal.

Vote Romney - four more years of Obama will stink

It's the Iron Law of Politics - the second term will be awful.
NRO has the thoughts on Obama.
Here’s a guy who came into office after a thumping election victory, bearing massive amounts of public goodwill, watching his opponents squirm as they tried to figure out how they could dare to oppose any of his initiatives, and reveling in the support of a House majority and a filibuster-proof Senate . . . and then he accomplished zilch. Suddenly, in a second term, facing a solid GOP congressional majority, he’ll turn into FDR? He’ll be lucky if he can pass an amendment to one of the Clinton-era school-uniform bills.
Vote Romney - or else it's four years of whining about Obama being inept. Even more inept than the last four years.

Where's the money coming from?

Ezra Klein leads the charge of "Republicans will cave on Medicaid."
Why?
There's federal money to be had.
He thinks.
Only if China agrees.
Which is why the battle continues.
Just because you say you're helping people doesn't mean the money's there to do it.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Gotta have my Pops

It's not the Fourth of July without the Boston Pops.
And Stars and Stripes Forever.

Told you trees were trouble

The Washington Post tells the story of one of the five area people killed in Friday's storm.
He knew those trees were trouble.
He cut down several, but not enough.
UPDATE: Linked by Troglopundit.

Message from the Secretary of Cute

Smitty's pride and joy gives a message on the 236th anniversary of American Independence - hoping for better days in the future.

When the lights come back

All the people on the East Coast, those without power for days in the heat, are going to be ticked when they find it was all a promo for the new NBC series.

Get to work

It's one week since the Obamacare decision.
Eighteen weeks until Election Day.
Plenty of work to do.
Let’s assess the situation. Obamacare is constitutional, but only under one waterboarded interpretation of the taxing power. So now Obamacare is officially and forever a tax – and America’s newest liberal icon said so. People hate taxes. That’s a handy fact; let’s tuck that little hand grenade in our ammo pouch, because we’ll be using it.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Power to the people

Want to cause trouble?
Leave a respected author without power for four days in the heat of summer.
Gregg Easterbrook brings the hurt on Pepco and Maryland governor Martin O'Malley.

Today's Tied with me

I'm tied with Jay Lake today, a progressive who doesn't believe he's flinging poo at conservatives.
Lots of poo in this post.

R.I.P. sheriff Andy

It's been reported that Andy Griffith has passed away.
Remembering him with a video filmed on the Outer Banks, Brad Paisley's "Waiting on a Woman."

Pick your poison

Democrats face a choice after the Obamacare decision.
It's a tax.
or
It's unconstitutional.
Don't want to say it's a tax?
You're lying.
or
You're afraid.
These are your choices, Democrats.
What will you pick?

Monday, July 2, 2012

Blame the trees

Friday's big storm has been another chance for environmentalists to blame climate change for the problems.
Wrong thing to blame, guys.
It's the trees.
What falls on power lines, knocking them out?
Trees.
What damages your house?
Trees.
Chop 'em down. Do some clear cutting.
Especially around power lines.
Sure, they give shade at times. But then, when you need them to be strong, they turn lethal.
No trees over 30 feet tall.
Maybe a tax on those trees that exceed the limit.
Tall trees are hogging the view, and when they fall they cause more destruction than smaller trees.
A tree tax?
Obama could get into that.

Sign of the times

Home Depot in Waynesboro had generators first thing this morning.
How long did they last?
How long with the power outages last?

If it's a tax, there's tax avoidance

Via Instapundit, TaxProf Blog has some questions about the increases in taxation on investment income in ObamaTax.
The new tax, which Congress passed in 2010, affects the net investment income of most joint filers with adjusted gross income of more than $250,000 ($200,000 for single filers). Starting on Jan. 1, 2013, the tax rates on long-term capital gains and dividends for these earners will jump from their current historic low of 15% to 18.8%, assuming Congress extends the current law.
If, on the other hand, Congress allows the tax rates set in 2001 and 2003 to expire on Dec. 31—an unlikely scenario, according to many experts—the top rate on capital gains will rise to 23.8% and the top rate on dividends will nearly triple, to 43.4%.
Whatever the fate of the 2001-03 tax rates, advisers are telling clients to start making moves to minimize the new levy.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Thoughts for jobless college grads

The big storm Friday night should be a reminder for those considering jobs and careers for their future.
There will also be a place in our economy for people to climb power poles and restore power.
And for people to climb 30 feet into the air on a damaged tree, and wield a chain saw to remove the top part from someone's roof.