Monday, June 30, 2014

Hurting people of faith?

Think Progress tries to spin the Hobby Lobby decision as bad news for "people of faith."
Why?
Liberal theologians and churches don't like it.
They try to say there will be more abortions in a world where abortion drugs aren't provided free of all who want them.
"Christian means person, not group."
They don't tackle Hobby Lobby's issue - being forced to provide drugs that you think God says are wrong.
The Christian people of Hobby Lobby don't dump their beliefs when they walk into the office.
People of faith shouldn't abandon their beliefs because others don't want to pay for what they need.

I believe that we will win

Isn't that what the Obama team said before today's Supreme Court decisions?
Now he's talking about executive orders on immigration.
Get those injunctions and law suits ready.

Seeing you miserable is my hobby

Enjoy today's wailing over the Hobby Lobby decision.
So many liberals and so much unhappiness.
Maybe you can do a scrapbook on liberal reactions, and head to Hobby Lobby for your supplies.

Happy Hobby Lobby Day

Looks like the Supreme Court will be announcing its decision on the Hobby Lobby case today.
Twitchy is ready.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Hard meetings

Shopping at Kroger's today, Hillary Clinton and her book were staring at me several places.
So I grabbed the book, and flipped open to a random page.
Page 410, part of the Benghazi chapter.
She tells of the 29 recommendations of the Benghazi report.
And the 68 action points from those recommendations.
And how, before she left as Secretary of State, she made sure every area had a "timeline" and had begun the processes they were assigned.
Great.
Recommendations.
Action points.
Meetings.
Processes.
Didn't the State Department have those things before Sept. 11, 2012?
All of that work before that day didn't help the Ambassador and others there.
Which is the point.
Having discussed problems isn't dealing with problems.
It's appearing to do something.
It helps you when bad things happen.
It doesn't help those involved in the bad things.

Help Mexican soccer - secure the border

For the sixth straight time, Mexico lost in the round of 16 at the World Cup.
Guess they don't have enough good players.
Maybe some good players are crossing their territory en route to the United States.
We have enough good soccer players already.
Let Mexico sort out the best players from those youngsters, and let them look forward to 2018 and 2022.

Killed by their own greed

Unions are worried about a possible decision by the Supreme Court on Monday.
Do people who aren't part of a union need to pay union dues?
You'd think they should.
But how this woman came under the guise of a union points against them.
The state declared her a state employee in 2003, and thus reduced her pay by the taking of union dues.
She didn't want to be part of a union - it was forced on her.
The unions tried to grab more money for themselves, with help of their legislative friends.
It may cost them big.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Romney's revenge

Democrats spent the 2012 election making a big deal about Mitt Romney's wealth.
Now Hillary Clinton is caught in the money trap.
Democrats can say they don't have a problem with her money - but how does it differ from Romney's?
Or the Koch Brothers?
Or other Republicans they attack?
Making excuses about Hillary's money weakens her - probably more than they understand.

How to anger Mountaineers

Republican Shelley Moore Capito has the polling lead for November's West Virginia Senate seat.
Her opponent is getting desperate.
How?
Inviting Elizabeth Warren to speak for her in July.
Who makes life harder for Mountaineers - Wall Street or the government?
You can say Wall Street took West Virginia's mineral wealth.
Government wants to keep that wealth unused and miners unemployed.
That's the side Warren is on.

Will the establishment learn?

The Weekly Standard asks the question after Thad Cochran barely made it across the finish line - why did so many loyal Republicans vote against him?
Establishment politicos often act superciliously toward these challengers, but in so doing they are missing a profound point: The Republican electorate is exceedingly angry and frustrated with their leadership. The fact that these second- or third-raters can give established leaders such a scare is proof positive. The party’s leadership can snicker at these challengers all it wants, but it had better understand that its own voters are so fed up with them that they are using these deeply flawed candidates to send them a message.
If we keep banging on the door, it will break down.

Facebook quote of the week

Woo hoo!!!! Vacay starts NOW!!!!!!!

Saturday song

Get hooked on B.J. Thomas.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Making memories

A friend and his family have embarked on a coast-to-coast trip by camper.
So far, they've crossed the country at .33/mile traveled. (over 3000 miles and $1000 in gas).
They are making memories.
Like... "remember when we had money?"

Celebrate with a Big Gulp

New York's big soda ban is done.
Drink up.

A day off from soccer

After 15 straight days of World Cup play, it's quiet on the field Friday.
Store up your energy for Saturday's match between Brazil and Chile.
Please find ways to keep yourself amused.

Weekend watchdog

Tiger Woods returned to the golf course Thursday. Will his Friday be better?
Woods shot three-over at the Congressional Thursday in his return to tournament golf after three months. CBS has coverage of the final two rounds Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m., whether Woods makes the cut or not.
The event gives Woods a chance for tournament competition before the British Open in three weeks. He remains four Major victories behind Jack Nicklaus, and recent health struggles have dropped him behind Nicklaus' pace.
The World Cup starts the knockout round Saturday when host Brazil faces Chile at 11:30 a.m. on ABC. Colombia and Ecuador meet at 4 p.m. Mexico battles Netherlands Sunday at 11:30 a.m. on ESPN, with Costa Rica against Greece at 4 p.m.
Stateside, Seattle visits D.C. United Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast, while the Galaxy play San Jose on NBC Sports network Saturday at 10:30 p.m.
The Nationals visit Wrigley Field for the weekend, with games on MASN Friday and Saturday afternoon, then on Fox Saturday night. The Orioles host Tampa Bay for a day/night doubleheader Friday on MASN2, with games Saturday on MASN2 and Sunday afternoon on MASN.
Fox also offers Red Sox-Yankees, Braves against Phillies and Cardinals facing the Dodgers. ESPN shows the Red Sox and Yankees Sunday night.
Early round play at Wimbledon continues on ESPN Friday at 7 a.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m.
NASCAR visits Kentucky this weekend, with the Sprint Cup racers going Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on TNT. ESPN has the Nationwide race Friday at 7:30 p.m.
The IndyCar racers head to Houston, with races on NBC Sports network Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
The NHL holds its entry draft Friday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
The CFL opens its season this weekend, and ESPN2 offers Montreal against Calgary Saturday at 3 p.m.
In Arena Football, the Kiss take on Spokane Saturday at 10 p.m. on ESPN2.
NBC Sports network offers the track and field outdoor championships Friday at 10 p.m. NBC brings coverage Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m.
The Dew Tour hits Ocean City, with NBC coverage Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Santa Anita hosts the Gold Cup Saturday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports network.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

How it all started

The Redskinettes started in 1962.









How will this picture of them make opponents of the name feel?
How indeed.

Ready for some Belgian waffles?

The United States escaped the "Group of Death."
Next up, Belgium on Tuesday afternoon.

Time out for Obama

The Supreme Court upheld recess Thursday - when the Senate says its on recess, it means it.
Guess they put Obama in a timeout.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Economy falling ahead

The revision downward of the first quarter GDP should mean downward hopes for Democrats in November.
If only we could figure out why the economy dropped.
It’s also possible that the weather kept people at home; after all, the unusually hard winter is thought to have hurt first-quarter GDP. Though as an explanation, weather is a lot more convincing when you’re talking about a tiny decline than it is when you’re talking about a huge drop like this. Snow keeps people from shopping so much; it does not cause them to abandon all economic activity and hole up in their homes waiting for the final trump to sound.
Democrats have just a few months to right the ship.

Hoo you watching?

It's the final day of the college baseball season.
We know the winning school's name starts with a V.
There's one team Hoo I'm rooting for.

No good deed goes unpunished

Powerline received its bulky Restoration Hardware catalogue the other day.
Ours came as well.
Ours went into the trash.
So much for their green designs.

Mississippi Mud

Hope the GOP establishment is happy keeping Thad Cochran's political life alive.
Don't think it will slow the Tea Party growth.
Especially after seeing the actions of Cochran's friends.
Establishment players will justify their tactics by claiming that all is fair in politics. Austin Barbour, a relative of former governor Haley Barbour, even went so far as to claim of the Cochran campaign: “We’ve spent a lot of time bringing a conservative message to black voters, as well as to white voters, the old and young, men and women.” Actually, the message was the antithesis of conservatism — that only an aging 76-year-old incumbent can bring home pork-barrel projects that largely benefit a business elite while the state’s voters are saddled with more federal debt.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Hail to the Redskins caucus

A group of Virginia legislators have decided to show their support for the Redskins.
At a news conference at the state Capitol lawmakers took turns praising the team and recalling long-ago victories against arch-rival, the Dallas Cowboys.
On Game Days, Cowboy fans can be pretty offensive.

Bush should be tired by now

After listening to Democrats blame George W. Bush for all our current problems, Charlie Martin thinks he ought to hang it up.
Six terms is enough.

Hunk of the Lakes

Powerline feels good about a Republican candidate in Minnesota - Stewart Mills.
Politico is interested in Mills' hair.
Powerline cares about his stands on the issues.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Speaking of Democrats in a Republican primary

The case against Democrats voting against Eric Cantor might be stronger - if the Republican establishment weren't luring Mississippi Democrats to help Thad Cochran.
Rooting for a big night for Chris McDaniel Tuesday.

It's a gas

Ace shares the differing opinions over the Supreme Court's EPA decision Monday.
Many outlet report it as a mixed bag, which it is. In fact, the LA Times might be slightly closer to right than Fox -- the Supreme Court's limits here seem pretty minor, even as they reaffirm that the EPA can regulate greenhouse gases even in absence of statutory authority.
By 7-2, the Court upheld the EPA's general self-asserted right to regulate carbon dioxide by entities already covered as "major polluters" in other areas (that is, with regard to other pollutants already named in Congressional law as actually within the EPA's ambit to regulate).
Wait 'til the next case.

Worst of the Web today

The Wall Street Journal is putting "Best of the Web" behind its paywall.
Looking to see how long that lasts.

Cantor still got drubbed

Eric Cantor fans try to spin his loss - Democrats jump into the election and ousted him.
Is that helping?
If 10,000 Democrats voted in the primary and all voted for Dave Brat, then Cantor barely won among Republicans.
It still means a pathetic performance for Cantor.
They look to the 2012 Virginia presidential primary, where only 28 percent of the voters in the Cantor-Brat contest participated. 
But only Mitt Romney and Ron Paul were on that primary ballot. Not a great incentive for voters to head out.
Cantor lost for many reasons. If Democratic voters had a part, it was the hammer to put a wounded candidate out of his misery.
He didn't have enough Republican support to withstand Brat's challenge.

Lifestyles of the rich and Clinton

Once, Hillary and Bill had little money.
Not now.
The big numbers now keep getting Hillary in trouble.

Polluting discourse

Powerline tracks the anger at Restoration Hardware for their annual catalogue.
The company tried to save money and the environment, and environmentalists were still not happy.
What should we make of this episode? The primary focus of environmentalist anger didn’t seem to be the carbon dioxide emitted by UPS trucks, but rather the consumption of paper, which was mailed to people who didn’t ask for it.
They just need something to complain about.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Battle for southern West Virginia

Hot Air highlights the battle for the 3rd district of West Virginia, where the Democratic playbook runs into reality.

Teaching the Times a lesson

Wal-Mart read a New York Times op-ed piece - and offered helpful corrections.
For Wal-Mart foes, it's always low blows.
Always.
UPDATE: Linked at Left Coast Rebel.

Stocks to buy

Wyblog notes the Presbyterian Church (USA) - not to be confused with EPC, PCA or other conservative Presbyterian - voted to sell its shares in Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard and Motorola.
If you support Israel, they just reminded you which stocks to buy.

Patent Office wants a scalp

Jonathan Turley looks at the overreach of the Patent Office in the Redskins' case.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Fun with the Obamas and Clintons

Want some fun reading?
This story from Edward Klein discusses a dinner between the Obamas and Clintons in 2013.
Lots of good details.
As Bill Clinton went on about his managerial experience, Obama began playing with his Blackberry under the table, making it plain that he wasn’t paying attention to anything Clinton had to say.
The 2016 Democratic primaries might really get interesting.

Hiding the VA's problems

Paul Krugman tries to minimize the current VA concern - instead blaming high costs in other parts of the health care industry for our problems.
It takes to the end of the column to address the VA problem.
And, yes, some officials appear to have responded to incentives to reduce waiting times by falsifying data.
If data can be so easily falsified, then why does he rely so much on his data for the blame of high costs?
He blames medical personnel for performing high costs tests.
And insurance companies for spending money to verify coverage.
How much of this extra cost can be blamed on government mandates?
Krugman doesn't seem to have data for that.
Or interest.

Thin skins about Mexicans

There might be a way to get the Obama team excited about restricting immigration.
Apparently, Mexican soccer fans use a slur against opposing goalkeepers.
We can't let people like that into our country.
Right, people who are offended by the Redskins' name?

Facebook quote of the week

Can you imagine the IRS response to your losing two years of income and expense receipts?

Saturday song

The number one song from the first countdown by Casey Kasem in 1970, Three Dog Night with "Mama told me not to come."


Friday, June 20, 2014

Tom's right

Tom White's experience with the Dave Brat win caught the attention of the Columbia Journalism Review.
Unlike the mainstream media, he brings people up to speed.
In Virginia’s 7th District, tea party types regularly attend Republican meetings and belong to Republican committees, White says, and “as of right now they’re slowing moving into power”—the party is going through a “metamorphosis.”

Hail to the Redskins

The Patent Office actions against the Redskins trademarks is supposed to cost them money - they lose exclusive rights.
But it doesn't say I can't post pictures of Redskins cheerleaders.
Like Adriana.










I think I found a theme.

Weekend watchdog

The United States plays its second World Cup game Sunday.
By the end of the weekend, we should have a pretty good idea of the 16 teams advancing to the knockout round.
world cupThe United States heads into the Amazon rainforest to face Portugal Sunday at 6 p.m. on ESPN. They enhanced their chances with Monday's 2-1 win over Ghana, while Portugal lost 4-0 to Germany and will play without a top defender who drew a red card in Monday's match.
Costa Rica takes on Italy Friday at 11:30 a.m., followed by Switzerland-France and Ecuador playing Honduras at 5:30 p.m. Argentina battles Iran Saturday at 11:30 a.m. on ESPN, then Germany and Ghana meet at 2:30 p.m. Nigeria takes on Bosnia-Herzegovina at 5:30 p.m.
The final day of the second round closes on ABC Sunday at 11:30 a.m. with Belgium and Russia, and Algeria faces South Korea at 2:30 p.m.
Teams are trying to stay alive in Omaha at the College World Series. Virginia faces Mississippi again Friday at 8 p.m., and a Cavalier win clinches the bracket. Vanderbilt won the first two games in its bracket, and plays Texas Friday at 3 p.m.
Deciding games in the two brackets will be played Saturday, if necessary. The best-of-three championship series starts Monday.
The Nationals host Atlanta on MASN2 Friday and Sunday, while the Orioles visit the Yankees on MASN for the weekend.
Fox offers Nationals-Braves Saturday at 7 p.m., and other areas of the country will see Pirates visiting the Cubs and Tigers against Indians. The Rangers and Angels battle on FoxSports1 Saturday at 10 p.m. and Sunday at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
NASCAR hits the road to Sonoma, with coverage on TNT Sunday at 3 p.m. The Nationwide Series visits Road America Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
The Formula One circuit visits Austria this weekend. The race gets underway Sunday at 7:30 a.m., after qualifying Saturday at 8 a.m. and practice Friday at 8 a.m.
Don't forget your umbrella when the PGA tour visits Connecticut Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. on CBS.
Pinehurst hosts the U.S. Women's Open this weekend. NBC has coverage Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m., after ESPN2 shows the second round Friday at 3 p.m.
Tulsa takes on Chicago in WNBA action Sunday at 1 p.m. on ESPN2.
Comcast offers Major League Lacrosse between the Bayhawks and Denver Saturday at 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Watch England, Spain cry

Are you enjoying the World Cup?
People in Spain aren't - they've been eliminated in the group stage.
England has lost twice, and needs an amazing string to advance to the next round.
They love soccer and their teams have done terribly.
Only place for more soccer woe is Cameroon - I wonder if Brazil will score 10 goals on them Monday.

Partisan witchhunt on Walker

The supposed bad news for Wisconsin governor Scott Walker is really the residue of crap that didn't stick.
An appellate judge has now ordered certain pleadings in the case to be unsealed, an order to which the Club For Growth did not object. The hysterical accusations against Scott Walker that the Associated Press, the Washington Post and others are now gleefully celebrating are simply the unfounded assertions that the prosecutors made in a failed effort to justify their partisan investigation. They are precisely the allegations that have been resoundingly rejected by the federal judge who has presided over the case and who has found the defendants’ investigation to be a naked violation of the conservative groups’ constitutional rights.

For St. Louis readers

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has dispatched with George Will as a columnist.
Too bad there's no place else to read Will's writings.
I think Will will be fine.
The Post-Dispatch might be dispatched soon.

Parsing Hillary

Ron Fournier uses decades of experience to tell you what Hillary Clinton really means.
After all these years, Clinton is still reacting to a controversy by deflecting it. The public is left with a mound of words to parse.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Obama in one sentence

Dick and Liz Cheney sums up the Obama administration perfectly in one sentence.
Rarely has a U.S. president been so wrong about so much at the expense of so many.

Hail to the Redskins, not the Patent Office

So the Patent Office has pulled the trademark for Redskins?
Hope they have some lawyers.
And I think Redskins fans can sue for monetary damages as well.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Good luck in that fight

Only one candidate filed for the Democratic nomination in the 38th Senatorial district, formerly held by Democrat Phil Puckett.
Mike Homes touts his coal heritage.
“I have worked in the coal industry all my life, if people care about protecting our economy and jobs in Southwest Virginia they need to vote for me,” said Mike Hymes.  No one will work fight harder against those who are attacking our coal industry.”
Good luck fighting Governor McAuliffe and President Obama, members of your own party.
I think the voters of the 38th district know which party likes coal and which party wants coal jobs gone.

Why Syria matters

Marc Thiessen points to bad Syria policy for the current troubles in Iraq.
Second, he failed to support the moderate, pro-Western opposition in neighboring Syria — creating room for ISIS to fill the security vacuum. ISIS took over large swaths of Syrian territory, established a safe haven, used it to recruit and train thousands of jihadists, and prepared their current offensive in Iraq.
Obama set a red line and didn't fight on it.
Now, Iraqis are dying because of his decision.

Eat what we tell you

The battle of school lunches has heated up.
Republicans are complaining about the cost.
Kids are complaining about the taste.
Michelle Obama wants you to eat what's on your plate.
“It’s so important for our schools to make the hard calls for our kids, because parents are struggling enough at home. So once you make that decision to set the rules, you don’t want to be undermined when your kids go to school and have some sweet cereal for breakfast with chocolate milk followed by a donut and then a burger and fries for lunch,” she added. “That’s why we’re in the state that we’re in right now, in regards to the epidemic of childhood obesity.”
Schools serving donuts and sweet cereal?

Might be the start of your problem. Fewer children eat school breakfast, so focus on fixing that before moving onto lunch.

No lillies in the valley

Traffic will be less in Fishersville this July - the Daylily festival has been postponed.
Looking for bigger and better things in 2015.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Easy choice

Many Americans have made the easy choice about buying Hillary Clinton's book "Hard Choices."
According to this source, a Simon & Schuster insider, "They sold 60,000 hard covers first week and 24,000 ebooks." The publishing house was "hoping and praying for 150,000 print first week."
"The 60k represents a less than 10% sell thru based on what they shipped," says the source. 
It's been reported that one million copies of Clinton's book were shipped weeks before the June 10 publication date. "They will be lucky to sell 150,000 total lifetime," the source writes in the email.
What will they do with all the leftovers?

Rush's show prep

Ann Althouse got to the Scott Walker article in the New Republic first.
Rush Limbaugh picked up on the discussion to boost Walker as the kind of Republican who seriously threatens Democrats.
She finds a few small errors in his presentation, mainly due to the difference between writing and radio broadcasting.
I agree with the big point: Scott Walker is powerful and threatening to Democrats because he stands firm on conservative principles, that's why he is targeted for destruction, and the racial politics is the way they do it. And that's how talk radio works. A lot of the material is sketchy and a bit off, but you're caught up in the cascade, and in the end, you get the point, and you probably agree with it, even if you've just had the unsettling experience of hearing your own name tossed out and your own words used and abused.

Hobby Lobby marches on

Politico details the plans of the Green family, who run Hobby Lobby.
They’re building a huge museum dedicated to the Bible a few blocks from the Mall in Washington, D.C., with as much public space as the National Museum of American History. They’ve financed a lavish traveling exhibit as well, complete with a recreated Holy Land cave, a “Noah’s Ark experience” for kids and animatronic characters such as William Tyndale, who was burned at the stake for daring to translate the New Testament into English.
The Greens are sponsoring scholarly study of the Bible and hosting forums such a recent panel on faith’s role in shaping early America, which they hope to package for national broadcast.
Proud to see them standing strong.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Trying to thaw the ice queen

Maureen Dowd tries to find hope for Hillary Clinton.
The opening of her book tour/presidential campaign has featured some stumbles, causing some commentators to wonder if she has grown rusty and tone-deaf, isolated in the ice palace she erected to keep out the loathed press.
No one doubts that Hillary is tough and knowledgeable. But the question of how scarred and defensive she is, given all the fights and rough times she has gone through, and how that affects her judgment now, is a legitimate one.
Thoughts of Hillary in 2016 warm the hearts of Democratic partisans.
But I doubt Hillary will ever thaw out.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Failure upon failure

Peter Wehner has to write a long run-on sentence - detailing the woes of the Obama era.
In light of the unfolding disaster in Iraq, which is linked to the unfolding disaster in Syria, which is part of a broader failure in the Middle East, which is only one part of an across-the-board failure in foreign policy, which is separate from the failures at home–including healthcare.gov and ObamaCare more broadly, chronically high unemployment, the stimulus and “shovel ready jobs,” a historically weak economic recovery, the lowest workforce participation rate since the 1970s, increasing income inequality, and record poverty–the following needs to be said.
The conclusion?
Even those of us who were highly critical of Mr. Obama early on, who twice voted against him and worked in campaigns to defeat him, could not envision how epically incompetent he would be.

Lazy days

It's almost summer, and the living is easy.
















For baby birds and dogs.



 

Where the ads aren't

Megan McArdle looks at the troubles with trying to get money from advertisers.
A main one she sees - companies don't need journalists to get to their audience.
But I think the biggest issue is the one that I hear the least about: Companies just don't need intermediaries as much as they used to. They can build their own Web pages, run their own videos on YouTube. Sure, they'd like to have our readers, but because our readers ignore or block their ads, maybe they should just put the money into building their own Web presence.

Facebook quote of the week

Dear People in Air Conditioning,
I am very jealous of you and don't care for you right now. There is about 10000% humidity in my classroom right now and the kids aren't even here yet. Just wait 10 minutes... this will not be pretty! If you see me later, don't SMELL me.

Saturday song

For Father's Day weekend, time to remember it's a wonderful world.


Friday, June 13, 2014

Understanding Iraq

PJ Tatler brings us up to speed on Iraq.
US interest in Iraq is not simply energy or economics — it is political example.  Iran’s dictatorship and various violent Islamic militant groups know that a successful Iraqi democracy would be fatal to them and to their goals.(1)  The US and Iraq must negotiate a new Status of Forces Agreement. To stabilize, Iraqis need confidence; a long-term US security presence inspires confidence. American kept a security “nightlight” in Germany and Japan for half a century.(2)

Mission not accomplished

Paco likes the Powerline graphic on President Obama and Iraq.

Weekend watchdog

Father's Day comes early this year - with plenty on the sporting calendar.
The World Cup kicked off Thursday with host Brazil beating Croatia, and there's three games Friday. Spain meets Netherlands at 3 p.m. on ESPN while Mexico battles Cameroon on ESPN2 Friday at 11:30 a.m. and it's Chile-Australia at 5:30 p.m.
ABC joins the action Saturday at 11:30 a.m. when Colombia meets Greece, and it's Uruguay-Costa Rica at 2:30 p.m. ESPN has England against Italy at 5:30 p.m., followed by Ivory Coast-Japan at 8:30 p.m.
Sunday's play on ABC starts with Switzerland facing Ecuador at 11:30 a.m. and France faces Honduras at 2:30 p.m. ESPN has the action at 5:30 p.m. when Argentina plays Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The Heat and Spurs continue their battle for the NBA championship Sunday at 8 p.m. with Game 5 in San Antonio.
The Stanley Cup Final returns to Los Angeles for Game 5 Friday on NBC at 8 p.m.
Pinehurst hosts the best golfers at the U.S. Open, and Friday's coverage starts on ESPN at 9 p.m.. NBC has coverage 3-5 Friday, and starts action Saturday and Sunday at noon.
The Orioles close their homestand against the Blue Jays on MASN. The Nationals visit St. Louis on MASN2 Friday and Sunday.
Fox has Nationals and Cardinals Saturday at 7 p.m., along with the Angels against Braves and Reds meeting the Brewers. FoxSports1 offers Twins-Tigers at 4 p.m. Saturday, and ESPN has the Angels facing the Braves Sunday at 8 p.m.
Eight teams, including Virginia, have gathered in Omaha for the College World Series. UC-Irvine takes on Texas to start the action Saturday at 3 p.m. on ESPN2, and Vanderbilt meets Louisville at 8 p.m. Texas Tech tackles TCU at 3 p.m. Sunday, and the Cavaliers faces Mississippi at 8 p.m.
Pool play continues through the week.
NASCAR visits Michigan for the weekend, with Sprint Cup series coverage on TNT Sunday at 1 p.m. The Nationwide racers go Saturday at 2 p.m. on ESPN and the truck series will be on FoxSports1 Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
The Mystics host Chicago Friday at 7 p.m. and Atlanta Sunday at 4 p.m. on Comcast. ESPN2 has Minnesota hosting Phoenix Sunday at 1 p.m.
NBC Sports network has the Diamond League Grand Prix Saturday at 4 p.m.
The Motocross circuit visits High Point on NBC Sports network Saturday at 2 p.m.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Sounds of vacation

Country videos rarely appear on my home TV.
But go on vacation, and I can catch Cassadee Pope.

Official logo for "Hillary 2016"


Sunk by his consultants

PJMedia's Richard Steinberg nails the day Eric Cantor's chances went south.
But the key event of the election, which occurred during the Cantor crash week, was this: on May 28, Rep. Luis Gutierrez came all the way to Richmond to appear at the Virginia Capitol building for the purpose of declaring Eric Cantor to be “the one man standing in the way of immigration reform.”
Of course, the Allen mailers proclaiming the exact same message had gone out just a day or two before.
Adding one plus one together, not a soul present at the Gutierrez event was not suspicious that the Cantor team had coordinated with Gutierrez to produce pure theater. A Brat loss served Gutierrez’s interests, as Brat was clearly less of a partner on amnesty than Cantor, and Cantor knew that his amnesty history was killing him within his district.
So Brat showed up an hour ahead of the Gutierrez event — knowing the cameras would already be there — and got out the message that Cantor’s mailers were dishonest, and that Cantor was in fact the friend of amnesty in this race.
Will the consultants give their money back to Cantor now?

Good word from Goodlatte

George Will catches up with Rep. Bob Goodlatte after the defeat of colleague Eric Cantor.
Goodlatte believes that piecemeal reforms — addressing border security, high-qualification immigrants and other matters separately — would be possible if many people, including Obama, were not holding all progress hostage to the chimera of “comprehensive” reform. Goodlatte has come to the conclusion that many people, including Obama, do not want reform but “only want the issue” of immigration for its political advantages.
Goodlatte, however, will continue the Sisyphean task of pushing the immigration boulder up Capitol Hill. The subject is, for him, personal. Immigration cases were about half his practice as a lawyer before he came to Congress in 1993, and he strongly sympathizes with his former clients — people who conscientiously tried to become legal immigrants while others, ignoring legality, “would go right around them.”

Everytown blames every event

You've probably seen this on Facebook - 78 incidents of gun violence since Sandy Hook.
Even CNN couldn't make the number stick.
CNN determined that 15 of the incidents Everytown included were situations similar to the violence in Oregon — a minor or adult actively shooting inside or near a school. That works out to about one shooting every five weeks.
Some of the other incidents on Everytown’s list included personal arguments, accidents and alleged gang activities and drug deals.
Where's Everytown's plan to stop gangs?
Take guns from gangs and most of the battle is done.
Go ahead and talk to them first. Then worry about the law-abiding gun owners.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Rise and fall of Cantor

Legal Insurrection checks his archives for the changes in Eric Cantor's behavior recently.
Looking back, with the complete benefit of hindsight, it seems that something changed along the way for Cantor.  I can’t put a precise date on it, but looking back on our posts about Cantor, I’d put the change sometime in late 2011, after Republicans gained control of the House, Cantor became Majority Leader, and he set his sights on even higher positions of power.
Until then, our posts reflect Cantor as a tough fighter, the “bad cop” to John Boehner’s “good cop” in fighting Obamacare and the Democratic agenda.   Cantor was the guy designated to take on Obama directly in the final weeks prior to Obamacare being signed into law.
What lesson does he see?
He started compromising that very quality people liked in him.  He became more of the D.C. insider, the power player, the mushy middler who wanted Democrats to like him by toying with amnesty.  To the extent amnesty was part of the reason Cantor lost, it was a symptom, not the disease.

Immigration or ingrate?

I'm noticing two threads about the Cantor loss.
Those against immigration site that as the main reason.
Others trace the troubles to slating, the attempt by Cantor's crew to gain control of the state Republicans.
People need a reason to rise up - and Cantor's crew gave them two.

Relationships require work

Chris Saxman gives his perspective on why Eric Cantor and other incumbents lose.
A couple of years ago during lunch, Eric and I talked about the challenges that he faced as Majority Leader. He was flying or driving to over 300 fundraising events a year, was constantly surrounded, as he was that day, by his bodyguards, and rarely spent time in his district. Over 300. He spent more time with constituents who could not vote for him – someone else’s constituents. After awhile, the distance between the incumbent and the voters became too far apart. People didn’t show up to vote for Cantor. Brat was in the district knocking on doors. Targeted doors. And a lot of them.
Brat built relationships.
And must continue through November.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Shaking the establishment's foundation

PJ Media's David Steinberg has followed the Cantor-Brat contest, and offers his advice for others fighting the establishment.
The candidate who did not lie in his campaign material, did not attempt to disenfranchise voters at several county conventions, did not help install a paid advisor as party executive director, did not headline a retreat discussing how to effectively marginalize his party’s base, and did not employ a crooked, Tammany Hall thug as chief adviser just won, and the Republican Party, having chosen the path Cantor exemplified, has the opportunity to be a more representative party and to change course before November.
The people have spoken.
The advisors need to be quiet.

West Virginia burns hot against Obama

Recent rulings trying to curtail coal have made a big impact on West Virginia voters.
Who pushed those rulings?
President Obama's Democratic party.
Which means the Democratic senate candidate needs an ATV to climb the hole Obama has put her in.
“The Democratic Party is seen as fundamentally at odds with many important aspects of Mountain State life,” Skelly said. “It is seen as anti-coal, anti-gun, and anti-traditional values.”

Google thinks outside the box

Business Insider reports a new hiring trend at Google - those without college degrees.
"One of my own frustrations when I was in college and grad school is that you knew the professor was looking for a specific answer," Bock says. "You could figure that out, but it’s much more interesting to solve problems where there isn’t an obvious answer. You want people who like figuring out stuff where there is no obvious answer." 
After two or three years, performance at college is "completely unrelated" to performance at Google, because the skills you learn are so different and you change so much, Bock says.
Google can learn.
Can our youth?

Democrat-free zone

The resignation of Senator Phil Puckett means there are no Democrats in the Virginia legislature west of Roanoke.
The area used to be a Democratic stronghold.
What happened?
Jack Kennedy — Wise County’s clerk of circuit court and a former Democratic member of the General Assembly — said coal has transformed the politics of the region.
“It’s growing much more anti-regulation, anti-anything to do with energy other than coal,” he said. “People are generally fearful of the changing economic climate.”
Voters in the areas he used to represent, Kennedy said, have watched coal lose prominence in many ideas for the future of the country’s energy — with the policies of President Barack Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency looming largest among them.
National Democrats appear solely interested in crippling current jobs - without a plan to replace them.
Local Democrats have disappeared from the scene due to that.

Today's beach agenda

Eat, Sleep, Repeat.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Hillary the blogger

As the world awaits Hillary Clinton's latest book, the question looms - what did she do as Secretary of State?
She recognized things and gave her opinion.
Just like a blogger.
She had the same impact as someone who writes a letter to the editor - not a powerful member of the administration.
For example, Kristof says “Clinton recognized that our future will be more about Asia than Europe, and she pushed hard to rebalance our relations.” Yet here’s his very next sentence: “She didn’t fully deliver on this ‘pivot’ — generally she was more successful at shaping agendas than delivering on them — but the basic instinct to turn our ship of state to face our Pacific future was sound and overdue.” She didn’t accomplish her goal, but that’s OK because she recognized, along with everyone else in the entire world, that China is important.
“She was often more hawkish than the White House,” Kristof argues, and notes Clinton’s support for arming Syrian rebels. This was “vetoed” by Obama, Kristof rightly explains, so it’s a bit unclear what part of nonexistent policies established this “hefty legacy” we keep hearing about.
She wants to lead - but couldn't get President Obama to agree where she wanted to go.
And she wants to be president?
Maybe a blogger, which she seems suited for.

Bribers against bribery

How nice for Democrats to be offended, and wonder if Senator Puckett was bribed to leave the state senate?
Bribing thousands of voters to keep them in power is okay.
But one possible Republican offer is too much?

Fueling frustration

Ron Fournier gives voice to unhappy Democrats.
In the 18 months since I began writing columns focused on the presidency, virtually every post critical of Obama has originated from conversations with Democrats. Members of Congress, consultants, pollsters, lobbyists, and executives at think tanks, these Democrats are my Obama-whispers. They respect and admire Obama but believe that his presidency has been damaged by his shortcomings as a leader; his inattention to details of governing; his disengagement from the political process and from the public; his unwillingness to learn on the job; and his failure to surround himself with top-shelf advisers who are willing to challenge their boss as well as their own preconceived notions.
He claims not to get good input from Republicans on Obama.
But they said these things six years ago and Fournier didn't listen then, either.

More fun in Richmond

A Democratic senator has resigned.
It's three weeks until the July 1 deadline for a budget.
Time to liberals to be unhappy.
Let the fun last three weeks until the deadline begin.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

No help for them

PJ Tatler doesn't see good news in the latest jobs report.
Even though the economy continues to grow — glacially, and fitfully — huge swaths of the country are not seeing any noticeable improvement.
Slight improvement doesn't give confidence for the future. And how long can the "Blame Bush" game last?

Cantor's army

Mickey Kaus examines how Eric Cantor's words have been received south of the border.
Little did Cantor know that this exquisitely calibrated stand would prove to be about the most embarrassing position he could take  — when the “kids,” often unaccompanied, started surging across the southern border, causing a humanitarian and policy crisis just as he was facing a challenge in Tuesday’s Virginia primary.
An army of young illegals heading north.

Encouraged by Eric Cantor and allies who think such a policy will help politically.
Even if he wins the primary, it hasn't been helpful.

Time to pack it in?

Virginia's loss in the Super Regional opener has Chris Graham in a gloomy mood.
Can regular season success be enjoyed when there's no championship at the end of the road?
Please, it should.
How many teams play college baseball?
Only one hoists the trophy.
If you hoist the trophy this year, you'll likely be disappointed next year.
So enjoy the good of your sports team.
If someone else wins, enjoy their effort in triumph.
And wait until next year again.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

I could do better if I had more space

Remember Calvin and Hobbes?
How can they be forgotten?
Their cartoonist made a rare appearance on the funny pages this week.
Now that the story is out, you can tell the Calvin touches in this week's strip.
Please do it again.

Facebook quote of the week

Laptop problems solved. I now own a new laptop.

Saturday song

Come and get your song from Redbone.


Friday, June 6, 2014

Does your chewing gum...

...lose its flavor on Normandy beaches?
Take it away, Lonnie.
He knew we would voice our discontent to the President.


Weekend watchdog

Will California Chrome shine Saturday?
After wins at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, the colt goes for the first Triple Crown since 1978 at the Belmont Stakes.
California Chrome drew the second post position Wednesday. If he's the best of the 11-horse field, he'll be the 12th horse to claim the Triple Crown. NBC has coverage starting Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
The battle for the NBA title continues Sunday as the Heat meet the Spurs on ABC at 8 p.m. Could somebody check the building's AC by then?
It's the second game of the Stanley Cup final Saturday at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports network, with the New York Rangers facing the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings took the opener in overtime at home Wednesday.
The Nationals head to San Diego for the weekend on MASN2 (Saturday on MASN). The Orioles meet Oakland on MASN Friday and Sunday.
Fox offers Orioles-A's Saturday at 7 p.m., along with Red Sox-Tigers and Yankees against Royals. It's Red Sox facing the Tigers on ESPN Sunday at 8 p.m., while FoxSports1 offers the Indians facing the Rangers Saturday at 4 p.m.
The road to Omaha continues with Super Regional weekend. ESPN2 starts its action Friday at 1 p.m. when Stanford meets Vanderbilt, and Houston battles Texas at 4 p.m.
Virginia and Maryland start the day on ESPN2 Saturday at noon, followed by Vanderbilt-Stanford and the first contest between Mississippi and Louisiana-Lafayette. ESPN has the second game between Houston and Texas at 2 p.m.
Virginia plays Maryland again at noon Sunday on ESPN2, and it's Mississippi battling Louisiana-Lafayette at 9 p.m. There's four possible deciding games for College World Series berths, with ESPN coverage at 2 p.m. and ESPN at 3 and 6 p.m.
Breakfast at the French Open will be Sunday at 9 a.m. with the men's final on NBC. It's men's semifinals on NBC Friday at 11 a.m. and the women's final Saturday at 9 a.m.
NASCAR starts its run on TNT at Pocono Sunday at 1 p.m. The truck series heads to Texas Friday at 9 p.m. on FoxSports1.
NBC Sports network has the Indy Car race from Texas Saturday at 8 p.m., while the Canadian Grand Prix will be on NBC Sunday at 2 p.m. There's practice Friday at 2 p.m. on NBC Sports network and qualifying Saturday at 1 p.m.
The PGA tour visits Memphis for the St. Jude's Classic Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
D.C. United takes on Columbus Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on Comcast.
Mexico and Portugal play an International Friendly on ESPN2 Friday at 8:30 p.m., while the United States meets Nigeria on ESPN Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Comcast has the Mystics against Indiana in WNBA play Friday at 7 p.m.
It's time for X Games from Austin, with coverage continuing Friday at 8 p.m., and Saturday at noon and 8 p.m. ESPN is back at it Sunday at noon while ABC has coverage Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
NBC Sports network offers motorcross racing from Thunder Valley Saturday at 5 p.m.

Ball pit Bazinga

Who doesn't enjoy Sheldon in the ball pit?

Thursday, June 5, 2014

What's tomorrow's Bergdahl surprise?

The Bowe Bergdahl saga continues to get better - and he hasn't even reached the United States.
This bad decision has very few supporters.
And plenty of people with reasons to highlight why their better judgement was ignored.
And boy are they talking.
Can't wait to hear what angle we're talking about tomorrow.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

How many Afghans will Bergdahl deal kill?

Bowe Bergdahl supposedly cares for the Afghan people.
So does his dad, changing his appearance to match them.
But with these five Taliban released from Gitmo, how many Afghans will die in the future?
If you're an Afghan who helped the United States, are you a target for their revenge?
What battles will their be between Afghans and Taliban-supporters to run the country?
Much death and misery may come from this deal.

Great job, Team Ernst

Looking forward to more ads by Joni Ernst in her campaign to becoming Iowa's senator.
Conservatives are squealing with delight.
Especially after seeing the Democratic opposition.
She predicted Democrats would quickly regret nominating a career trial lawyer. "Now he's running against a farm girl, and he's running against that farm girl in Iowa," Ernst said.

They don't know what they don't know

A great piece by Ralph Peters on how the Obama team bungled the Bergdahl return.
Exhibit A: Ms. Rice. In one of the most tone-deaf statements in White House history (we’re making a lot of history here), the national-security advisor, on a Sunday talk show, described Bergdahl as having served “with honor and distinction.” Those serving in uniform and those of us who served previously were already stirred up, but that jaw-dropper drove us into jihad mode.
They don't know what they don't know.

The fight continues

There's three more weeks of Tea Party against Establishment battles in Mississippi.
May the best man win, and the old man retire.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Will this make Obama Mad?

Powerline likes Mad Magazine's take on the Bergdahl deal.

It's about the future

The furor over the release of five Taliban leaders won't die - since we're afraid Americans will die after the decision.
Focusing on the poor lost soldier may be the best bet for the Obama crew.
As long as the five Taliban got new target tattoos on their heads before going free.
Any hint that these five have any part in the death of Americans will show the foolishness of the decision.

We can talk. Will they listen?

Reaction in the coalfields wasn't good about the EPA proposed regulation of power plants.
Senator Tim Kaine was left to trumpet - a longer comment period.
"I recently wrote to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to request that the usual 60-day comment period be doubled to 120 days to allow maximum opportunity for citizens and stakeholders to analyze the rule and share concerns and ideas. I am gratified that EPA has agreed to this request, and I look forward to dialogue with Virginia families and businesses about the proposal.”
More time to walk won't help if there's no listening at the EPA.

Monday, June 2, 2014

Battle of the week

Mississippi holds its Republican senatorial primary Tuesday.
The Other McCain catches the action en route home from New Orleans.
The real story is what Chris McDaniel said this morning to his supporters here at Chick-fil-A: “The most conservative state in the country needs the most conservative senator in the country” — and by any measure, Thad Cochran falls short of that goal.
We'll see how strong the tea is in 24 hours.

Putting the cart before the horseless buggy

Thanks to Jim Geraghty, I found Matt Walsh's thoughts on shopping carts.
Put them where they belong when you're done, people.
Most of us will rarely be put in a position to exhibit extraordinary heroism. Most of us lead ordinary lives and so our strength of character manifests itself in ordinary ways. That’s why we can not falter in these little moments. We will be defined by the doors we hold, the shopping carts we return, the garlic bread we forgo because we know we’re going to be sitting in a crowded movie theater right after we finish dinner. Let us not fail when the spotlight, however dim, however seemingly insignificant, shines upon us.

The needs of the many

DaTech Guy goes back to Star Trek: The Next Generation to show the error of the Obama team.
The fictitious Lt. Commander Troi eventually learned her first duty is to her ship,   But for Barack Obama his first duty has always been to himself and his political benefit.
That is the man he is, that is the man he’s always been and our nation willingly put him in charge.
May God have mercy on us for doing so, because those Taliban commanders and their Al Qaeda allies will not.

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Life in the Obama era

Ross Douthat tries to make sense of the Santa Barbara shooter.
He's a product of the Obama era.
Great expectations that don't meet reality.
Yet as sex looms ever larger as an aspirational good, we also live in a society where more people are single and likely to remain so than in any previous era. And since single people have, on average, a lot less sex than the partnered and wedded, a growing number of Americans are statistically guaranteed to feel that they’re not living up to the culture’s standard of fulfillment, happiness and worth.
Just because the kid was crazy doesn't mean he didn't have some insight.

End of the line

Throughout the NBA season, Dustbury posted recaps of the Thunder's contests.
After last night, it's wait 'til next season.