Don't

Rich Lowry reminds the Meet the Press audience of the lessons of Ferguson.
“Don’t rob a convenience store. Don’t fight with a policeman when he stops you and try to take his gun. And when he yells at you to stop, just stop.”

Swimming in a sea of racism

The Ferguson verdict brings a new theory on race relations - white people can't see they are racist.
They'd agree with protesting the verdict, except they don't understand how upset blacks can be about feeling targeted.
Maybe there's misunderstanding, and it's not on the white side.
Maybe it's right to trust the police.
They are trying their best to do their job in a color-blind fashion - looking at the lawbreaking and not the lawbreaker.
If you ignore lawbreaking and focus on race instead, it's not going to be understood by someone hoping to be kept safe.
Maybe liberals are swimming in a sea of denial - ignoring the logical reasons for whites to support the Ferguson police department and their colleagues across the country.

Ready to lose

Blue Virginia wants answers before jumping on the Hillary Clinton bandwagon.
In one area, 2016 will be worse than 2008.
In 2007-2008, for a long time it was basically, "I'm the inevitable nominee, resistance is futile." Obviously, that didn't cut it last time around, and it seems even less appropriate this time around.
At least in 2008, there was some competition for Hillary.
Who can step up now?
Bueller? Bueller?
I hear crickets.
Hillary's terrible, and she's the best Democrats have in 2016.
Which is why Republicans are looking forward to the next two years.

The greatest Christmas movie ever

Al Gore's invention of the internet has one major success - Grumpy Cat.
Who is starring on a Lifetime TV movie Saturday.
It's part Home Alone.
Part Paul Blart, Mall Cop.
Multiple parts snark.
If you miss it Saturday, I'm sure Lifetime will show it plenty more times the next few weeks.

Saturday song

Watch out for Smoke from a Distant fire.

Facebook quote of the week

It's highly likely that I will be taking the day off from Facebook tomorrow, so I'll take this opportunity to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving. I'm blessed by all of you, and grateful for the island of relative sanity I find here. Y'all rock!

You can't teach height

A friend posted this inside college baseball recruiting story.
The dad wants to know why a coach isn't impressed with his 5'10" right-handed pitching son.
Look at your college and major league rosters.
Right-handed pitchers there usually have more height.
It might be unfair, but the same thing works in basketball and football.
You can call back when you grow.
But you can't teach height.

Hail to the Thin-skinned

The Redskins can't even wish the world Happy Thanksgiving without making some people upset.
Are the Redskins being offensive?
Or the easily offended just being themselves?

Black mark on black Friday

Ricohet gets the real message of the anti-Black Friday crowd.
The average Black Friday shopper isn’t throwing punches or trampling the infirm. A big chunk of today’s activity won’t even be for gifts, but rather clothes, bedding and appliances for which families can’t pay full retail. And most lower-income folks waiting all night for that PlayStation aren’t doing it because they’re greedy. It’s because they want to put a smile on the face of their child and possibly assuage the guilt that they couldn’t afford one before today.
And illuminates the disdain some have for those joining the shopping deal.
Retail stampedes are not my idea of fun. I start Christmas shopping early in the year buying mostly from vacation destinations.
How many Black Friday shoppers at K-Mart or Wal-Mart take a vacation, let alone have multiple destinations?

Another first Thanksgiving

In the first year of the first term of the first president, George Washington proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving.
We can be thankful for his words in that first proclamation.

Listen up, don't lie

BearingArms looks at the evidence of self defense for officer Wilson.
The forensic evidence collected at the scene includes blood droplet spatter that suggests Michael Brown did in fact turn and then advance upon Officer Wilson. Evidence collected inside the car, on Wilson's gun, from his uniform, and from Michael Brown's body in three separate autopsies are consistent with the claim that Brown was shot in the hand in the struggle over the weapon. Multiple eyewitnesses confirmed the physical evidence that Michael Brown was advancing upon Officer Wilson when he was shot and killed. While there may not be such thing as a "textbook" shooting, every single shot fired by Officer Wilson, from the first attempt inside the Tahoe until the final shot into the apex of a charging Brown's head, was entirely justified as a matter of self-defense.

Weekend watchdog

This year's Thanksgiving sports menu includes healthy portions of Egg and Iron.
The battle for the SEC West title concludes Saturday with the Egg Bowl between Mississippi and Mississippi State at 3:30 p.m. on CBS, and top-ranked Alabama battles Auburn in the Iron Bowl on ESPN at 7:45 p.m.
Alabama or Mississippi State will claim the title by the end of the day. Auburn and Mississippi dropped from the top in November, but will celebrate knocking their fiercest rival off. The Crimson Tide and Bulldogs might both make the four-team playoff in January with wins.
It's a Maroon and Orange Friday in Blacksburg this year, with the Hokies and Cavaliers playing at 8 p.m. on ESPN. The winner between the 5-6 squads becomes bowl eligible.
ABC has a pair of Friday contests, with Nebraska taking on Iowa at noon before Stanford plays UCLA at 3:30 p.m.
Arkansas travels to Missouri on CBS at 2:30 p.m. and Fox shows the battle between Arizona State and Arizona at 3:30 p.m.
Undefeated Marshall hosts Western Kentucky on FoxSports1 at 12:30 p.m. while South Florida and Central Florida meet on ESPN2 at noon.
Notre Dame heads to Southern Cal on Fox Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
It's time for the Bayou Classic on NBC, with Grambling taking on Southern at 2:30 p.m.
ABC has a trio of games, starting at noon with Ohio State-Michigan. Penn State faces Michigan State and Baylor plays Texas Tech at 3:30 p.m., with the game not seen over-the-air in your area on ESPN2. Oregon's battle with Oregon State caps the day at 8 p.m.
ESPN starts its day at noon with South Carolina-Clemson. Florida State tries to stay unbeaten at 3:30 p.m. against Florida.
Louisville meets Kentucky at noon on ESPN2. Pittsburgh takes on Miami at 7 p.m., with Utah State facing Boise State in the nightcap at 10:15 p.m.
West Virginia battles Iowa State on FoxSports1 at noon, followed by Kansas-Kansas State at 4 p.m. and the Apple Cup between Washington and Washington State at 10 p.m.
The ACC network features North Carolina and North Carolina State at 12:30 p.m.
Boston College takes on Syracuse on Comcast at 12:30 p.m. and MASN2 brings Texas-San Antonio against North Texas at noon.
The NFL's Thanksgiving menu features a trio of NFC divisional matchups. Start your day in Detroit as usual, with the Bears visiting the Lions at 12:30 p.m. on CBS. The Cowboys host the Eagles at 4:30 p.m. before NBC carries the NFC West matchup between the Seahawks and 49ers at 8:30 p.m.
The Ravens host San Diego Sunday at 1 p.m. on CBS, followed by the Patriots heading to Lambeau Field. The Redskins travel to Indianapolis on Fox at 1 p.m.
Denver heads to Kansas City on NBC Sunday night, and the Dolphins battle the Jets on ESPN Monday night.
North of the border, Hamilton clashes with Calgary for the Grey Cup at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
Virginia spends Thanksgiving weekend in New York, meeting LaSalle Friday at 9:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network at the Barclay Center Classic. Rutgers faces Vanderbilt at 7 p.m., with the consolation game Saturday at 7 p.m. and championship at 9:30 p.m.
ESPN has a pair of games from the Battle 4 Atlantis Thursday at 1 and 3:30 p.m. The third place game will be Friday at 2 p.m., with the championship at 4:30 p.m.
There's a game from the Orlando Classic Friday at noon, and two more Sunday at 1 on ESPN and 4 p.m. on ESPN2.
There's six games on ESPN2 Thursday, starting at noon with Santa Clara-Tennessee. Kansas takes on Rhode Island at 2:30 p.m., followed by San Diego against Xavier and Michigan State meeting Rider. Marquette plays Georgia Tech at 9 p.m. before San Jose State-Washington close the action at 11 a.m.
Sunday's action starts with Connecticut-Texas at noon, followed by Providence against Kentucky. The weekend concludes with the championship of the Wooden Legacy tournament at 10 p.m.
FoxSports1 has the Las Vegas Invitational, starting Thursday at 5 p.m. between Illinois and Indiana State. The consolation game will be Friday at 8 p.m., with the championship at 10:30 p.m. Providence plays Yale Friday at 4 p.m. DePaul tangles with Stanford Sunday at 2:30 p.m., followed by Delaware-Villanova.
Comcast offers Fordham against Maryland-Eastern Shore Saturday at 4 p.m.
Louisiana Tech hosts Samford Friday at 8 p.m. on MASN, and Charlotte heads to UNC-Asheville Sunday at 3 p.m. MASN2 shows George Washington against Seton Hall Saturday at 4 p.m. before Texas Tech tangles with Air Force Sunday at 2 p.m.
Tennessee takes on Texas in women's basketball Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on FoxSports1.
NBC has a Black Friday NHL game, with the Flyers hosting the Rangers at 1 p.m. The Capitals host the Islanders on Comcast Friday at 5 p.m. before visiting Toronto Saturday at 7 p.m.
Sunderland faces Chelsea on NBC Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Arsenal meets West Bromwich Albion on NBC Sports network Saturday at 7:45 a.m. before Hull City clashes with Manchester United. Manchester City faces Southampton Sunday at 8:30 a.m. followed by Tottenham Hotspur meeting Everton at 11 a.m.
It's the fifth match day in the Europa League, with Wolfsburg against Everton Thursday at 1 p.m. and Tottenham facing Partizan Belgrado at 3 p.m. on FoxSports1.

Being thankful

Over at DaTech Guy, Fausta gives thanks for blessings.
My most favorite quote is from Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American,

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.

Here’s what this sentence means to me:

• I awoke this morning: I am conscious, in this new day
• with devout thanksgiving: And I give thanks to God, the Creator who blesses us every day
• for my friends,: For every person who honors me with their friendship, empathy, and support, including my family
• the old: Friends I have had for a lifetime, or for many years, and also for friends young and old
• and the new.: Because friendship is a garden that blooms throughout our lives, blessing us daily.

As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly

Happy Thanksgiving from the crew at WKRP in Cincinnati.

How to enjoy Thanksgiving

Hopefully you're lucky enough to have Thanksgiving dinner with a bunch of conservatives.
You can share this story and laugh.
And prepare for stories from friends who had an aggressive liberal at their table.

Justice, no peace

Would an indictment of officer Wilson been a better outcome?
Or would it just push back the day of anger, like the George Zimmerman verdict did?
There's anger at the lack of indictment on one side - the prosecutor didn't press for an indictiment or the announcement timing was bad.
If it was a political decision against indictment, wouldn't a push to indictment have been a political decision also?
Leaving those who support law and order wondering if politicians support them.
If you indict Wilson, he's the scapegoat for all kinds of problem.
I doubt an indictment would have brought any peace.
You'll have to find peace by avoiding the problem situation in the future.

Wipers up

Almost time for the first big snow of the season.
Forecasters are trying their best to figure out an unusual storm on the biggest travel day of the year.
Time for wipers up before the storm hits.

Justice done - you can see yourself

The Ferguson police officer will not face charges for the death of Michael Brown.
The prosecutor spent plenty of time explaining the decision - the physical evidence didn't match the media reports.
Don't believe it - here's the evidence.

Does Obama want Hilary to win?

President Obama's actions since the election raise the question - does he want a Democratic successor?
Democrats across the country has suffered for his decisions in 2010 and 2014.
How does Hillary thread the needle in 2016 - getting support from Obama voters while not driving the rest of the country away?
George W. Bush has not had bad things to say about Obama's actions.
Do you believe Obama will be quiet after leaving office?
He might be on MSNBC every night, blasting his successor.
It would be easier for him if a Republican wins in 2016 - he can blast away and not upset Hillary's crew.

Awaiting the Gizzard Blizzard

By the end of Monday, we should have a better handle on snow potential for Wednesday.
While checking on the possibilities, I found this Maryland forecaster with a user suggested name for this weather.
The Gizzard Blizzard.
For those of you dreaming of a white Thanksgiving.

Walker and friends

Politico looks at one of the many groups of Republicans considering bids for the 2016 presidential nomination.
Scott Walker appears to be the frontrunner of this group.
Walker, 47, won national attention after beating back a labor-led 2012 recall attempt. He has pushed through a series of big-ticket bills, including requiring women to get ultrasounds before they have abortions and paving the way for more mining in the state. He’s now preparing a legislative agenda that includes mandating drug tests for welfare beneficiaries, repealing the Common Core education standards and cutting property taxes.
A good legislative session in 2015 puts him among the top choices.

Just don't choose "Another one bites the dust"

Via Dustbury, an update on the most popular songs for funerals.

Waiting for Trey

While liberals rejoice at the latest Benghazi report, there remains Trey Gowdy's Select committee to release its report.
Powerline looks at the latest report, and talks about a point liberals probably didn't see.
The Committee states that, according to CIA security personnel, State Department security agents repeatedly said they were ill-equipped and ill-trained to contend with the threat environment in Benghazi. Indeed, they knew well before the attacks that they could not defend the State Department’s facility against an armed assault.
These State Department agents told the CIA that they had requested additional resources. Their request was still pending on September 11, 2012.
If nothing could have been done - because they were put in a bad situation - that needs to be examined.

Turkey of a forecast

Planning to travel Wednesday night or Thursday morning for Thanksgiving dinner?
It might be over the river
Through the woods
Behind the snowplow.
The Macy's parade in New York might have to replace balloons with snowmen.

Social media rules

A Facebook friend posted the story of an ESPN analyst being suspended from Twitter, supposedly for arguing creation and evolution with Curt Schilling.
Reminded me of what I saw last night, where ESPN doesn't want religious signs at College GameDay.
If you want to ban religious signs from your shows, it makes sense to slow your employees from jumping into controversies outside the sporting realm.
Wonder if those unhappy with the analyst's Twitter ban know of the sign ban?

Facebook quote of the week

When you don't like my status, I get upset. When I get upset, I mope around the house. When I mope around the house, my wife gets mad at me. When my wife gets mad at me, I take it out on the animals. When I'm mean to the animals, my wife kicks me out of the house. When I'm kicked out of the house, I go over to RJs house. When I go over RJs, I get drunk. When I get drunk, I end up out on the streets. When I end up out on the streets, I need protection. When I need protection, I call cousin Chicky. When I call cousin Chicky, people end up wearing concrete shoes at the bottom of the Barge Canal. Don't end up wearing concrete shoes at the bottom of the Barge Canal, like my status. ( Happy Birthday Cousin Chick!!!!!!)

Saturday song

Lorde has a new version, but Tears for Fears has the one we remember.

Finish the job

The Senate races are down to one runoff - so the Ten Buck Friday crew has one last hurrah.
One last chance to boost Bill Cassidy - and boo Mary Landrieu.
One last chance to cheer the efforts of our crew.

Adrienne's Cornerhttp://adriennescatholiccorner.blogspot.com/

Diogenes' Middle Fingerhttp://suckersonparade.blogspot.com/

Fishersville Mikehttp://fishersvillemike.blogspot.com/

For God, Family, and Countryhttp://4gfc.wordpress.com/

Laughing Conservativehttp://laughingconservative.blogspot.com/

Left Coast Rebelhttp://www.leftcoastrebel.com/

Mind Numbed Robothttp://mindnumbedrobot.com/

Polinationhttp://polination.wordpress.com/

Political Clown Paradehttp://politicalclownparade.blogspot.com/

Proof Positivehttp://proof-proofpositive.blogspot.com/

Texas Conservative Newshttp://www.texasconservativenews.com/

Theo Sparkhttp://www.theospark.net/

Wyblog http://wyblog.us/

United States - the best place to be

Why are we having a debate on immigration?
People want to be here.
We're the greatest country.
What other country are people begging to get into?
This is the destination.
The question is - how to keep the country the best?
If the people coming in boost the productivity of the United States, it can be a good thing.
If they add to the welfare rolls and cause trouble with current citizens, then it's bad.
President Obama asks you to trust his vision.
His trouble?
We've seen his vision on health care reform - and don't like it.
And won't trust him on him.

Weekend watchdog

LeBron James left the Wizards' division this offseason, but fans will get to catch the king in action Friday.
James and the Cavaliers come to Washington at 8 p.m., with coverage on Comcast and ESPN.
The Wizards hold the early lead in the NBA's Southeast Division, ahead of James' former team in Miami. Lebron excited the Cleveland fan-base with his return, but the team dropped to 5-5 after Wednesday's loss to the Spurs.
In the ESPN nightcap, the Bulls meet the Trail Blazers at 10:30 p.m.
The Cowboys visit the Giants on NBC Sunday night, while the Ravens return to the Superdome Monday night, meeting the Saints on ESPN.
Fox offers the Lions at Patriots Sunday at 1 p.m. CBS has the doubleheader, with the Titans at Eagles at 1 p.m. before the Redskins head west against the 49ers.
The college football weekend continues Friday when FoxSports1 has Rice against Texas-El Paso Friday at 8 p.m. ESPN shows San Jose State-Utah State at 9:30 p.m.
ACC newcomer Louisville faces Notre Dame on NBC Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
Florida State hosts Boston College on ABC at 3:30 p.m., with other areas getting Wisconsin-Iowa. ESPN2 shows the game not on-the-air in your area. In primetime, Southern Cal takes on UCLA.
CBS stays in the SEC West, with Mississippi playing Arkansas at 3:30 p.m. Baylor clashes with Oklahoma State on Fox at 7:30 p.m.
Virginia Tech tries to become bowl eligible, taking on Wake Forest at 12:30 p.m. on the ACC network.
ESPN starts its day at noon with Minnesota-Nebraska, then it's Arizona against Utah. It's off to the SEC East at 7:30 p.m., with Missouri meeting Tennessee.
Penn State takes on Illinois at noon on ESPN2. Virginia closes its home season at 7 p.m. with Miami before Boise State meets Wyoming at 10:15 p.m.
Kansas travels to Oklahoma at noon on FoxSports1 and Stanford goes against California at 4 p.m.
It's Big South football on MASN at noon, with Gardner-Webb taking on Monmouth. MASN2 starts its day at noon with Western Kentucky facing Texas-San Antonio before Texas Tech travels to Iowa State at 3:30 p.m.
NBC Sports network brings "The Game" - Harvard against Yale - at noon followed by CAA contests between New Hampshire and Maine at 3:30 p.m. before Richmond meets William & Mary at 7:30 p.m.
James Madison takes on Elon on Comcast at noon, followed by Georgia State-Clemson.
North of the border, Montreal faces Hamilton in the CFL Eastern Division final Sunday at 1 p.m. on ESPN.
On the college hardcourt, ESPN2 has the championship of the 2K Classic Friday at 7:30 p.m. Sunday's contests start at 2:30 p.m. with Notre Dame against Providence. It's the third-place game of the Puerto Rico at 4:30 p.m. and the championship at 7 p.m. then the Charleston Classic final tips at 9 p.m.
MASN shows Morehead State-Louisiana Tech Friday at 8 p.m. Presbyterian meets Louisiana Tech Sunday at 5 p.m.
Kansas State takes on Long Beach State on MASN2 Friday at 10:30 p.m., and Marquette meets Nebraska-Omaha Saturday at 7 p.m. Oklahoma hosts Northwestern State Sunday at 3 p.m.
Creighton hosts North Carolina Central Sunday at 4 p.m. on FoxSports1.
The Capitals host Buffalo on Comcast Saturday at 7 p.m.
Notre Dame hosts UMass-Lowell in college ice hockey Friday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
The MLS conference finals start Sunday at 2:30 p.m. with the Red Bulls taking on the Revolution on NBC. The Galaxy and Sounders meet Sunday at 5 p.m. on ESPN.
NBC shows Arsenal against Manchester United Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Chelsea clashes with West Bromwich Albion Saturday at 10 a.m. on NBC Sports network.
The Formula One circuit visits Abu Dhabi this weekend, with the race on NBC Sports network Sunday at 7:30 a.m. There's qualifying on Saturday at 8 a.m. after practice Friday at 8 a.m.

See you in court

Mickey Kaus wonders if a court case against the Obama immigration policy will take long.
On April 8, 1952, during the Korean War, President Truman seized crucial steel facilities. The steel companies immediately sought and got an injunction. On June 2, 1952, less than two months after Truman acted, the Supreme Court swatted him down.
Courts can move quickly when they want to. This smells like one of those cases.

Now serving number 9,000

Just over six years into this blog, we've reached 9,000 posts.
It promises to be an interesting run to 10,000 in the new year.

Obama hates Hillary

President Obama's immigration announcement Thursday appears to be setting the stage for a Republican winning the White House in 2016.
He may not have another campaign to worry about. But how will the Hillary Clinton campaign answer this?
Talking about illegal immigrants and drivers licenses didn't help her in 2008.
He thinks he'll have several million happy voters joining the rolls.
What about the intensely unhappy opposition?
Those people who will be paying extra thanks to his decision.

What will it cost?

Blue Virginia thinks people want to do what Democrats want about global warming.
But look at the charts.
People support what won't cost them money.
The lowest support is for paying an average of $100 more per year for energy.
Thirty-six percent oppose that, either strongly or somewhat.
The percentage will likely rise as the price rises - or wind or solar energy supplies prove unreliable for what they expect in our daily lives.
If liberals would pay for our extra costs of renewable energy - instead of trying to profit from it - then their dreams might have a chance.

The first anti-Hillary

Jim Webb left the Senate in 2012, but wants to return to Washington in the White House.
Does he have a chance?
Webb is already 68 years old; by the time of the next election, he’ll be 70, older than Hillary Clinton. That’s not too old to run for President, but it’s certainly old enough to wonder whether Democrats really need another aging Baby Boomer in the crowd. The Republican contenders are already much younger than the Democrats presumed to be in the race, and here comes a blast from the Reagan Era past to underscore that disparity and make it official. The youth vote that lifted Obama in 2008 will only be eight years older in 2016, not twenty-eight years older.
Let the fun begin.

Really lame duck

All year long, President Obama has said he would do something about immigration.
Now, he wants to announce his plan.
Unfortunately for him, the rest of government has a say.
And might look to look more closely at Obamacare after watching this exercise.
This might turn out to be the last gasp of a lame duck before the nation moves on.

Do legal immigrants get a refund?

All the talk about President Obama's legalization plan ignores the effort of those who followed the rules to become United States citizens.
They waited their turn to come here.
They attended classes and learned our history.
They gave up free time.
They spent their earnings to officially become Americans.
Now, President Obama opens this privilege up to anybody who ignored the rules.
Can legal immigrants get their money back?

Scaring you now

It's below freezing for the second straight day in Fishersville.
I'm supposed to be worried about a novel putting extreme global warming 29 years in the future?
If there's going to be two degrees of warming by 2100, where it is now?

With friends like these

Democrats mustered 41 votes against the Keystone pipeline.
Mary Landrieu's last gasp for re-election looks doomed.
Will they help her pack her office in December?

Be nicer on the internet

Mike Rowe likes dirty jobs.
Even dealing with internet trolls.
If only they'd listen to his advice.
Consider limiting each blurb to a single entry. When you post the identical screed four times in a row, it looks very much like a broken record sounds. This will lead people to conclude that you’re either a) inept at posting, or b) deliberately obnoxious. Neither conclusion is likely to lead to a sale. Remember, most people see posts like yours as small piles of vomit that they can quickly step around. But when the same vomitus post appears multiple times, you force my friends here to slosh through a virtual lake of spew.

We lost and you're stupid

Blue Virginia gives space to another whine by a liberal about why Democrats lost Election Day.
Like Jonathan Gruber, the author blames the stupidity of the American voter.
1. Everyone lost. But we the citizens lost big time. The 1% has gerrymandered and vote-suppressed us in numerous ways. If only they turned their creativity into solving real problems. But this is a post-Citizens United world and the GOP and their voters are too obtuse to know they lost too.
You can believe others view things differently.
Or that they're stupid.
Which is probably the most stupid way to explain Democratic losses.

90 days until the big test

Megan McArdle tries to get a handle on how Obamcare is doing going into the second year of open enrollment.
Remembering that a big test comes from those who didn't enroll in 2014.
Another thing to keep in mind, however: This open enrollment period isn't the biggest test for Obamacare in the next 12 months.  The biggest test will be what happens on or around April 15th.  That's the first time all the people who didn't buy insurance will get hit with the individual mandate penalty, and the ones who thought that it was a nominal $95 fee are in for a nasty shock .  April 15th will also be the first time that people who got too much in subsidies are going to be asked to pay back some of that money.
But will we have to wait until April 15 to see that impact?
How about February 15?
If you expect a tax refund, you file as soon as you can. You get your W-2 and sent it in.
H.R. Block will give you a loan in advance of your refund.
Except if there's no refund coming.
Soon after the W-2 come out, some people who usually have refunds will get their big surprise.
And they will not be happy.
What will Obamacare supporters do then?

Lady

The Huffington Post brings up the discussion of women's sports teams being called "Lady."
Old news for me.
Back in 1995, I printed a small headline for "Lady Cavs" at the Charlottesville Daily Progress.
I was immediately told they didn't use "Lady" for the Virginia women's program.
The term does help quickly tell which team is featured in an article.
But "Lady Vols" ought to rule as long as they want.

Those lazy, crazy days of winter

Dustbury tries to find a bright spot in the looming cold season.
He wasn't lazy when it comes to finding a winter booster.
However, if you take away the ice, snow, and slush, winter can be a lazy person’s ticket to paradise. Although it may appear that I am trying to find the silver lining, trust me when I say: I lean more towards lethargic than evolved.

Internet never forgets

Now that videos of Jonathan Gruber have surfaced, the Obama team and Democrats want to say they don't know the man.
Except the archives show they did.
They worked closely with him.
We advised their plans.
Al Gore should have thought about this problem when he invented the internet.

Inside the Warren 2016 campaign

Staffer: I have an idea to boost your electoral chances.
Warren: How?
Staffer: Meet a group that donates $200,000 a year to political causes and deride the influence of money in politics.

Clothes make the controversy

DaTech Guy sums up the comet guy shirt kerfuffle in two tweets.

What's that smell?

The older brother of one of my high school friends tells the tale of Brussels Sprouts gone bad.
Another brother didn't want to eat the Brussels Sprouts on that night's menu.
He thought he found a spot under a built-in bench to hide them.
He didn't choose wisely.
Jerry's deceit was discovered when, a day or so later, a smell of rotting food began to emanate from beneath the bench, beside the register. As the Brussels sprouts decayed, the rotting was enhanced by the warm air coming out of the heat register. The smell was foul, and there was no way to clean it up, short of completely demolishing the built-in table and bench, which wasn't an option. So we just had to put up with the stench until the Brussels sprouts had completely decayed and stopped stinking.

Time for repeal-o

The videos keep coming with Jonathan Gruber tells how Obamacare snuck into law.
First, it was just a typo.
Or a speak-o.
Turns out Gruber would speak-o to anyone who would pay-o.
And tell-o the same story-o all the time.
Republicans and the Supreme Court are very interested in what he's got to say.
For Democrats, it's an oh-no.

Facebook quote of the week

Desire backed by faith does not know the word impossible...

The Keystone block didn't stop us

Blue Virginia highlights an Oklahoma oil man who says the Keystone XL pipeline isn't needed now.
I wonder if they read the whole story.
Why is Keystone unnecessary now?
The oil industry has worked around the Democrats' block of their project.
Hamm said his company, which had planned to use Keystone to ship some of its North Dakota crude, is already using other pipelines for half of its oil. And the percentage is growing.
“We’re supporting other pipelines out there, we’re not waiting on Keystone. Nobody is,” said Hamm, a former energy adviser to Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign, who made a vast fortune as an early investor in North Dakota’s booming Bakken oil shale region. “That thing … needed action on it six years ago. I just think it’s too late and we need to move on.”
Liberals think they can keep the tar sands in the ground if they block Keystone XL.
The crude oil flows and their protests remind ineffective.

Saturday song

The official song of Democrats since Election Night - Dream on.

Weekend watchdog

NASCAR's new Chase for the Cup format brings four top drivers together this weekend.
Whoever finishes best among them at Homestead wins the season's crown. ESPN coverage starts at 3 p.m. Sunday.
Kevin Harvick nudged his way into the final four with a win at Phoenix last week. Denny Hamlin, Joey Lagano and Ryan Newman round out the contenders. The rest of the field will be looking for a season-ending win as a stepping stone to win the Chase in 2015.
The Nationwide racers close their season Saturday at 4:30 p.m. on ESPN2, and FoxSports1 has the Truck Series finale Friday at 8 p.m.
The Redskins host Tampa Bay Sunday at 1 p.m. on Fox, followed by the Packers against Eagles. CBS offers the Broncos at St. Louis at 1 p.m.
It's Patriots-Colts on NBC Sunday night, and the Steelers' trip to Tennessee closes the week Monday night on ESPN.
The college football continues Friday when Tulsa meets Central Florida on ESPN2 at 8 p.m.
Saturday's big game matches top-ranked Mississippi State and No. 5 Alabama on CBS at 3:30 p.m.
ABC offers three games, starting at noon with Ohio State-Minnesota. Nebraska tangles with Wisconsin at 3:30 p.m., then it's off to the ACC for second-ranked Florida State taking on Miami.
Notre Dame hosts Northwestern on NBC at 3:30 p.m. Fox brings two games, with Washington facing Arizona at 4 p.m. before Texas and Oklahoma State clash at 7:30 p.m.
ESPN starts its day at noon with Clemson taking on Georgia Tech and Oklahoma heads to Texas Tech at 3:30 p.m. Auburn tries to bounce back at Georgia at 7:15 p.m., and the night closes with Arizona State meeting Oregon State at 10:45 p.m.
Penn State plays Temple at noon on ESPN2, and LSU battles Arkansas at 8 p.m.
TCU aims to boost its chances to make the playoff field, traveling to Kansas at 3 p.m. on FoxSports1. It's North Texas against Texas-El Paso at 10 p.m.
ACC network offers Pittsburgh-North Carolina at 12:30 p.m.
In the CAA, James Madison visits Richmond on NBC Sports network at 12:30 p.m. while Towson takes on William & Mary at 3 p.m. on Comcast.
MASN has a pair of games from the Big South, with Presbyterian against Gardner-Webb at noon followed by Charleston Southern visiting Liberty.
Marshall hosts Rice on MASN2 at 2:30 p.m.
Edmonton faces Saskatchewan in the CFL playoffs Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
The Spurs visit the Lakers Friday at 10 p.m. on ESPN. The Wizards take on the Magic Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
The college basketball season gets going this weekend. New ACC member Louisville faces Minnesota Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
MASN has Elon against Florida Atlantic Friday at 8 p.m., while MASN2 offers a pair of Big East teams facing non-conference foes - St. John's meeting New Jersey Institute of Tech at 7 p.m. before Marquette meets UT-Martin at 9:30 p.m.
Georgetown faces Saturday at noon on MASN2, then Seton Hall battles Mercer Sunday at noon. Charlotte plays Elon at 5:30 p.m. on MASN.
Comcast has a pair of ACC teams against non-conference foes Sunday, with Samford-Pittsburgh at 1 p.m. and Virginia opening its home season against Norfolk State at 7 p.m.
Creighton clashes with Chicago State on FoxSports1 Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
London hosts the ATP World Tour finals this week, with coverage on ESPN2 Friday at 3 p.m.
The Capitals host New Jersey Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
The United States meets Colombia in an international friendly on ESPN Friday at 2:30 p.m. Getting ready for Euro2016, Italy meets Croatia on FoxSports1 Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
MASN2 has the Conference USA men's soccer championship game Sunday at 2 p.m.

You're partisan and we're not

It's been a week since the Supreme Court decided to hear the case that might derail Obamacare.
A week for liberals to complain.
They see the Supreme Court being partisan in injecting itself into the case.
But why now?
The D.C. circuit of the Court of Appeals became more partisan this year.
And made a partisan move to remove a 2-to-1 decision in the case.
So it's not partisan to remove a case that would cause the Court to take a case.
But it is partisan for the Supreme Court to see that move and jump in anyway.
The Supreme Court defending the Constitution isn't partisan - unless one side ignores it so much the Court has to step in.

Stuck in the tar sands

It's enjoyable to watch the Blue Virginia crew moan and whine about the Keystone XL pipeline.
If only, they think, Democrats were true to their liberals ideals, life would be so much better.
But the Democratic leadership must think there is some benefit to pushing the pipeline now.
If the people opposed the pipeline as much as the Blue Virginia crew thinks they do, politicians would be against it.
Politicians know how to count votes - and usually join the side with the majority.

Inside the minority caucus

Staffer: I have idea to make Hillary Clinton's campaign sweat.
Warren: How?
Staffer: Accept a leadership role among the Senate Democrats.

Money gruber

Allahpundit seeks a prize - a picture of Jonathan Gruber with members of Congress.
Maybe Nancy Pelosi took a picture and posted it on her facebook page.

Know your Grubers

Proof-Positive examines the family tree of Obamacare advisor Jonathan Gruber.
Hans underestimated John McClane as well.

Failure of Democracy

You have to go to the end of Talking Point Memo's piece defending Jonathan Gruber to get a quote I agree with.
"It's literally insane to think that because of a typo in the law," Gruber told MSNBC last week, "that that typo would bring down the law is just a failure of democracy."
How the law passed was a failure of democracy.
Failure by Democrats.
It's not a failure of democracy for Republican to point out mistakes and evasions that helped pass the law in 2010.

Not going to help

Before Election Day, Mary Landrieu said people in Louisiana were racist and sexist.
Now, before the runoff, she must think they are really stupid.
Why else would she think a quick vote on the XL pipeline would keep her in the Senate?
The votes of the eight states that replaced Democrats with Republican senators in the incoming Congress pushed the XL pipeline a step closer to reality.
Landrieu and her Democratic friends kept it bottled up for the past few years.

Not that gullible

Bloomberg finds the man who discovered the comments from Obamacare architect Jonathan Gruber.
Weinstein dates his accidental citizen journalism back to the end of 2013 and the first run of insurance cancellations or policy changes. He was among the people who got a letter informing him that his old policy did not meet ACA standards.
“When Obama said 'If you like your plan, you can keep your plan, period'—frankly, I believed him,” says Weinstein. “He very often speaks with qualifiers. When he said 'period,' there were no qualifiers. You can understand that when I lost my own plan, and the replacement cost twice as much, I wasn’t happy. So I’m watching the news, and at that time I was thinking: Hey, the administration was not telling people the truth, and the media was doing nothing!”
This year, there will be more people losing their coverage.
And they'll have more incentive to find more discussion behind the Obamacare push.

Veteran's Day song

In honor of Veteran's Day, here's John Michael Montgomery's "Letters from Home."

Eugene as Obama

The Walking Dead had a big plot point this week - Eugene admitted he isn't the scientist who can save the world.
His lie provided hope in a tough time for Abraham Ford - giving him a focus that the world could be better. His mission was clear - get Eugene to Washington.
Now he's found that hope is a lie.
How will he react?
Btw, how will Democrats react now that their hope (Obama) has been exposed?

MSNBC - Moving sluggish, nobody cares

MSNBC isn't looking forward to the next two years.
If they have any viewers left.
MSNBC's problem is almost exactly the same as the Democrats' problem: It built its future around a vivid and dramatic hero who, unfortunately, turned out to be both opaque and conflict averse. MSNBC now has a lineup of ever-righteous and often sulky defenders of President Barack Obama, who seem, not just to conservatives but to many liberals, too, bizarrely tone deaf and lost in time.
I only watch MSNBC on Election Nights when Republicans win.
I wonder if they will still be on the air in November 2016.

Remember us?

It's enjoyable to watch liberals say Republicans have to go along with President Obama's immigration plans.
Like the only choices are give Obama what he wants or watch Obama impose what he wants.
They forget one group.
The Supreme Court.
The ones who decided to hear an Obamacare case they knew - knew - would not be challenged if there was no split among the circuit courts.
Yet, there's a challenge to be heard soon.
Whatever executive action President Obama undertakes, the court will have a say.
Republicans don't have to assist a bad bill.
They can work with the court to keep bad bills from taking effect.

Ready for drivers

For over a year, the Fishersville exit at I-64 has undergone construction to add two lanes to a mile of roadway.
This week, drivers can begin using the new road and bridge over the interstate.
Pay attention as you travel.

Coal hard facts

Politico sees a death knell for Democrats in coal country.
Although they try to boost the congressional Democrats ousted Tuesday.
With the defeats (Nick) Rahall (D-W.Va.), Bill Enyart (D-Ill.) and John Barrow (D-Ga.), “it is going to be much harder crafting bipartisan legislation on energy and environmental issues in the House,” Wheeler said.
Enyart, a co-chairman of the congressional coal caucus, represented a southern Illinois district heavily reliant on coal, and Barrow and Rahall held the center on the House Energy and Commerce Committee as “go-to Democrats for sponsorship of Republican-led and industry-favored legislation and letters,” Wheeler said. “Their defeat means it will be harder to attract Democrats to such efforts.”
The trio didn't have much success convincing fellow Democrats to ease up on coal the past six years. Maybe their losses will wake up the remaining Democrats.

We hate him too

Bob Woodward has a scoop this Sunday.
HOST BOB SCHIEFFER: I’m wondering about the talk after this election, I think the president’s relations with the Democrats in the Senate may be as bad as his relations with the Republicans.
WOODWARD: That’s absolutely true. You get the Democrats in private, and they are on fire! Because he won’t spend the time, because he won’t listen.
At least Republicans listened and learned in this election.

Who will debate Hillary?

It appears Republicans will have a big policy debate as the 2016 primary season starts.
Will there be any debate on the Democratic side?
Howard Dean's Democracy for America is asking its supporters who should join the primary field.
Any of these excite you?
Think any could match Rand Paul or Marco Rubio with ideas?
They appear either too far left for the American public, or too far right for the Democratic primary voters.
The Democratic primary campaign debates in 2016 ought to be interesting - even if likely boring if Hillary's the only one taking questions.

Obama's shadow is on the ballot

How does the terrain look for 2016 now?
Politico ask pollsters for their opinions.
Reading between the lines, the battlefield will be the same in 2016 as today.
Do voters like President Obama and his policies or not?
If they like, Democrats have a chance in 2016.
If not, Republicans will have majorities in the House, Senate to go with the White House in 2017.
For all the discussions that Republicans have to get thing done the next two years, it ignores the shadow of Obama.
If Obama doesn't work with them, the negative feelings of gridlock stick to him.
Republicans have two years to express their agenda for the future.
Parts blocked by Obama become reasons to vote for them in 2016.
Parts becoming law become reasons to vote for them in 2016.
Over the past six years, Obama has not taken rejection well.
If that pattern continues, he'll be welcoming a Republican into the White House when he leaves in two years.

Facebook quote of the week

Today Obama said he heard the message of the two-thirds of eligible voters who did not vote. I would have to admit that Obama does represent Americans who stay at home and do nothing.

Saturday song

Feeling better after Tuesday's elections?
Brooks and Dunn offer their take on America's spirit.

I meant to do that

The newest Obamacare challenge should be a doozy.
Does intent overrule the wording of the law?
Democratic staffers know what they meant.
But if the law doesn't state what they intended, who's fault is that?
There is a bit of disagreement among staff over whether the actual language of Obamacare captures this intent — particularly in two key sections, 1311 and 1401.
Section 1311 is the section that indicates the rules and regulations for setting up a health insurance exchange, which 14 states ultimately decided to do in 2014. There's a separate section, 1321, that allows the federal government to run an exchange if a state decides to forgo the option — more on that later.
Section 1401 lays out the rules for who can get a federal subsidy. And there, the law says that the only people eligible for financial help are those who are "enrolled ... through an Exchange established by the State under 1311." And that is where the argument lies that only people who buy insurance on a state-run marketplace are eligible for financial help.
If the work was sloppy, Congress can always go back and fix it.
Except so many who voted for this aren't in Congress anymore.
That was the voter's intent.

The losing winner

How happy should Mark Warner be on his re-election?
His Democratic friends aren't happy with him.
The numbers look terrible.
And he's now a member of the Senate minority - where the only action will be helping Republicans.
Enjoy your new term, Senator.

Christmas comes early

Remember when Santa Claus didn't arrive at the mall until after Thanksgiving?
Then he started showing up the Friday before Thanksgiving.
Today, Santa arrived at Harrionsburg's mall - three weeks before Thanksgiving.
But that's okay.
Republicans got their Christmas present on Tuesday night.

Weekend watchdog

The NFL has a special guest for its final London game in 2014.
The Cowboys face the Jaguars Sunday at Wembley Stadium, the first regular season appearance of America's Team in the British capital. Fox has coverage of the contest at 1 p.m.
Dallas dropped its last two games after starting 6-1, and may have to play without Tony Romo for the second straight week.
The Ravens try to bounce back against Tennessee at 1 p.m. on CBS. Fox brings the Giants and Seahawks in the late afternoon slot.
The Bears and Packers battle Sunday night on NBC, while ESPN shows Panthers and Eagles Monday at 8:30 p.m.
The college football weekend continues Friday at 8 p.m. when Utah State visits Wyoming on ESPN2.
CBS offers a pair of big games in the SEC West Saturday, with Texas A&M-Auburn at 3:30 p.m. before LSU battles Alabama at 8 p.m.
Notre Dame takes on Arizona State on ABC at 3:30 p.m., with the Big Ten battle between Ohio State and Michigan State at 8 p.m.
TCU takes on Kansas State in a top 10 battle on Fox at 7:30 p.m.
ESPN starts its day at noon with Georgia against Kentucky, then Virginia heads to Florida State at 6:30 p.m. Utah-Oregon caps the day at 10 p.m.
Minnesota meets Iowa at noon on ESPN2, and Michigan takes on Northwestern at 3:30 p.m. ACC foes battle when Louisville heads to Boston College at 7:15 p.m.
Baylor clashes with Oklahoma at noon on FoxSports1, then West Virginia visits Texas. UCLA faces Washington at 7 p.m.
The ACC network offers Georgia Tech against N.C. State at 12:30 p.m.
Duke takes on Syracuse at 12:30 p.m. on Comcast, followed by Elon against William & Mary.
In the Ivy League, Pennsylvania plays Princeton at 3:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
Liberty hosts Monmouth at 3:30 p.m. on MASN. MASN2 offers Texas-San Antonio against Rice at noon before Iowa State takes on Kansas at 3:30 p.m.
Eight NASCAR drivers head to Phoenix and only four will be competing for the Sprint Cup championship the following week. ESPN has coverage at 3 p.m. Sunday, and the Nationwide racers go Saturday at 4 p.m. on ESPN. FoxSports1 has the truck series Friday at 8:30 p.m.
Formula One visits Brazil this week, with the race in Sao Paolo Sunday at 1:30 p.m. on NBC. NBC Sports network covers practice Friday at 11 a.m.
The Grizzlies visit the wounded Thunder on ESPN Friday at 8 p.m. and it's Cavaliers against Nuggets in the nightcap. The Wizards visit the Raptors Friday at 7:30 p.m. on Comcast and take on the Pacers Saturday at 7 p.m.
On the ice, the Capitals will be on Comcast-plus this weekend - against Chicago Friday at 8:30 p.m. and hosting the Hurricanes Saturday at 8 p.m. Comcast shows San Jose against Chicago Sunday at 7 p.m.
Boston University and Boston College clash on the college ice Friday at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
D.C. United meets the Red Bulls in their playoff series Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on NBC. ESPN2 has a pair of games Sunday, with New England facing Columbus at 5 p.m. and the Galaxy against Real Salt Lake at 7:15 p.m.
NBC offers Queens Park Rangers against Manchester City Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Liverpool faces Chelsea Saturday at 7:45 a.m. on NBC Sports network, followed by Manchester United-Crystal Palace. Sunderland meets Everton Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and Swansea City takes on Arsenal at 11 a.m.
MASN2 has the Conference USA's women's soccer championship Sunday at 2 p.m. The Big East crowns its champion on FoxSports1 Sunday at 2 p.m. and the Big Ten has its finale at 4:30 p.m.

After the thumping

Peggy Noonan examines Election Day - and the president's reaction.
First, the reality.
It was not in the least a charisma election, a sweeping expression of support for a character or personality or movement. It was a message election. Sweeps like this come down to policy and governance. America on Tuesday told one party no, you’re not doing it right, we don’t like what we’re seeing, and your preoccupations (birth control, “War on Women”) are not our priorities.
The president said he was not on the ballot but his policies were. Those policies were resoundingly repudiated.
And Obama's reaction at his press conference.
His answers were long, filibuster-y, meant to run out the clock. It was clear the White House wanted to say he met with reporters for more than an hour. He did. At one point he tried to smile but couldn’t quite pull it off; it came across as a Nixon-like flexing of the rictus muscles. (I tried to describe it in my notes. “Hatey” was the best I could do.)

Landrieu's debate challenge

I think Bill Cassidy's response to a challenge for six debates for the Louisiana Senate runoff.
One debate.
Another one if Barack Obama comes to the state.
Two more if he comes twice.
He'd probably let Obama share the stage with him and Landrieu.

Voting present

President Obama caused a stir Wednesday when claiming he heard the voices of those who didn't vote.
How could he do that?
He voted present 130 times during his time in the Illinois senate.
He understands not wanting to be involved.
Their apathy is his apathy.
If you're not against him, you must be for him.
Not necessarily.

Saluting Hogan's heroes

The best Republican win Tuesday was Larry Hogan becoming governor-elect.
NRO tells how.
“For the past year I’ve been telling everybody that this was the sleeper race of the year, and they would look at me like I was crazy,” says Russ Schriefer, Hogan’s media consultant and a veteran of several presidential campaigns. His belief was bolstered by polls he conducted over the summer showing that Brown’s favorability ratings were low. “He’s a Democrat running in Maryland and you couldn’t blast this guy over 45 [percent favorability],” Schriefer says. In one poll, asked whether they would vote for a third term of the O’Malley administration, 58 percent of those surveyed said no.
Republicans have now won two of the four gubernatorial races since 2000. Maybe there's change in the air.

Bubblegum pops Democrats' dreams

I left West Virginia in 1995.
Back then, Democrats held both United States Senate seats and all three House seats.
Plus the state House and Senate.
After Tuesday, they only have Joe Manchin in the U.S. Senate.
Republicans won seven Senate seats Tuesday to knot the chamber 17-17, then state Senator Danny Hall switched sides Wednesday evening to give Republicans control.
The new senators include Jeff "Bubblegum" Mullins.
He was a college basketball player in the late 1980s at a local college when I arrived in the state.
I covered his play in numerous contests.
Now he's popped the Democrats' bubble.

The tallest dwarf

Vox stretches to find nine takeaways from Tuesday's election.
They even think Hillary Clinton was a winner.
Rand Paul doesn't agree.
See if you agree with the reasoning.
A more Democratic year could have led to some new stars who might have been able to challenge her in 2016. Instead, some potential challengers were cut down. Gov. Martin O'Malley, for instance, saw Anthony Brown, his lt. governor and handpicked successor, defeated in Maryland. That's not going to help him make the case that he can appeal to voters she can't.
She's the only candidate left.
She's the tallest dwarf.
Whoever the Republicans nominate won't be a dwarf like her fellow Democrats.

Not much

I love this picture from Tea Party Express.

We did good

The last two months, I've joined the Ten Buck Friday crew.
How did we do?
Seven wins out of eight.
Good to be part of the winning team.

How the Democrats lost

It didn't take long for the Washington Post to tell how Democrats lost.
And for their team to start pointing fingers.

Make 'em squeal

It's a day to enjoy seeing Democratic suffering.
While they struggle to find a few scraps of joy.
Ousting Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett (R) and avoiding what would have been an unbelievable upset of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) are about the only small morsels that Democrats can hold onto. Otherwise, the map couldn't have been any worse for Democrats -- or better for Republicans.

Enjoy the wave

In the days to come, Republican victories Tuesday will be viewed by the media as a problem - will they be able to work together?
But it's not the major problem.
How are Democrats going to react to being back in the minority?
Will they work with the Republicans?
I just can't wait for Democrats to squeal.

This is the moment to get rewrite

Remember President Obama's big speech in June 2008, when he clinched the Democratic nomination.
After this mid-term, time to rewrite the ending.

Because we are willing to work for it, and fight for it, and believe in it, then I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we ended the national nightmare of strife; this was the moment when the rise of political hype began to recede and our nation began to heal; this was the moment when we awoke from our stupor and reclaimed our nation's status as the last, best hope on Earth. This was the moment - this was the time - when we came together to restore this great nation so that it may always reflect our very best selves, and our highest ideals.

Check the desk

Ace of Spades Decision Desk is live with your election needs.

Rooting for Hillary

Who might be the Republicans' best friend the next few weeks?
Hillary Clinton.
The one who wants to be president.
Some conservatives worry what kind of executive actions President Obama could take now that he's wounded.
Who's the only person who can slow him down?
Hillary Clinton.
Even if Obama doesn't care about 2016, she does.
She knows what actions will be impossible to defend while she's on the campaign trail.
She knows she's tied to him and his actions.
She can't trash his actions to Obama voters and have a chance to win in 2016.
She can's support his actions and have a chance to win over skeptical voters in 2016.
The more Obama does what he wants - without caring about the outcomes - and more Hillary's chances suffer.
The next few weeks will be fun to watch.

How long ya got?

The Washington Post asks "Where did Obama go wrong?"
Set aside some time.
It's a lengthy list.

Wrong number

Lynn Mitchell's friend heard a surprising voice on the phone today - President Obama asking him to vote for Mark Warner.
The friend looked out at his Ed Gillespie signs in the front yard and laughed.

The problem in three words

As Democrats whine in anticipation of Tuesday's whipping, Blue Virginia highlights an essay on the failure to correctly brand their party.
There's three words that explain their problem.
Democrats believe in an
active, competent government
They have not been that the past six years. Which is why they are struggling.

Did they think this in 2006?

The New York Times posted an op-ed Sunday about cancelling the mid-term elections.
Look at the cost.
Look at the different voter pool.
I'd rather look at the archives.
Did the authors write the same thing in 2006?
Will they push their proposal when a Republican is president?
Doubt it.

Democrats' war on women

Iowa Democrats aren't happy Joni Ernst leads the polls.
“In this Senate race, I’ve been watching some of these ads,” Harkin said at the Story County Democrats’ annual fall barbecue last week honoring the retiring senator. “And there’s sort of this sense that, ‘Well, I hear so much about Joni Ernst. She is really attractive, and she sounds nice.’”
“Well I gotta to thinking about that. I don’t care if she’s as good looking as Taylor Swift or as nice as Mr. Rogers, but if she votes like Michele Bachmann, she’s wrong for the state of Iowa.”
It's good to hear when squeal.

Republicans ride the country roads

Don Surber offers his forecast for elections in West Virginia - and he sees very good things for Republicans.
And bad for Nick Rahall's attempt to win his 20th term.
Republican state Senator Evan Jenkins has run a tough but clean campaign. Rahall earned four Pinocchios from the Washington Post for his ad that said Jenkins would pull the plug on black lung benefits. Rahall ran ads against Jenkins that showed the bleak rural towns that Rahall has represented for 38 years. Those ads likely backfired.

Hey lady, great post

Dr. Helen defends catcalling against its attackers.
 Often, women would complain that the men yelled out some kind of compliment or leer such as “looking good” or they would smack their lips. I can understand that this is not welcome for most women who just want to get to work or school without a leering squad. However, this is the only quality that these women remembered about the construction workers or men around the city who were providing services to them on a daily basis; the men’s better qualities and what they were doing escaped them. Many of the women were very angry and wanted something done about the men looking at them on the street. Gathering them up and putting them in jail for simply looking was fair justice for some of these women.

MAC - Middle of the week Athletic Conference

With the World Series over, sports fans look for contests to tide them over until the weekend.
The Mid-American Conference provides that, with two games on Tuesdays and two on Wednesdays the next three weeks.
If you're not a fan of Big Bang Theory on TBS, you've got to find something to watch.

Ice, ice baby

Sometimes, you're too far north for snow.
It snowed in far southwest Virginia today.
And the mountains of North Carolina.
Even in the capital of South Carolina.
Remember when people talking about global warming?

Won't you go home, Bruce Bailey

How can Democrats expect their candidate to win in Iowa if people don't know his name?
Maybe he's preparing to enter the witness protection program.

Getting trounced but not slaughtered

The New York Times continues to boost Democratic hopes in the face of the Republican wave.
First, it's touting the lead among women while men overwhelming reject their message.
Second, it's looking at early voting numbers as not so bad.
Sure, there's more Republican votes in the bank but they vote anyway.
Democrats just need Obama voters to come out one more time.
And vote for candidates who don't like how Obama has led the past two years.
Reading between the lines, these stories say Democrats have some hope Tuesday.
Slim and none.
And didn't I just see Slim leaving town?

Recycling update

Another Saturday morning to recycle aluminum cans.
It's now 50 cents a pound, a drop of five cents since mid-September.
What might that mean for the economy?

Facebook quote of the week

Playing "Candy Man" on the porch. Enjoying the various costumes and the enthusiasm these kids have!

Saturday song

Open the month with some Earth, Wind and Fire.