Ace tells it like it is about Indiana.
There is no principle here. The zealots are not claiming that we must be tolerant towards all -- that is a principle most could agree with.
No, they are instead claiming we must embrace the things they love, and hate -- and persecute -- the things they hate.
This is not "tolerance." This is, at best, simply the replacement of one set of bigotries and hatreds with the left's favored set of bigotries and hatreds.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
April fools
It's Wednesday, April 1 in Switzerland.
Talks with Iran continue.
If John Kerry and crew think they are making the world safer, they are truly April Fools.
Talks with Iran continue.
If John Kerry and crew think they are making the world safer, they are truly April Fools.
Recycling update
I did some early morning, mid-week recycling.
Still 50 cents per pound.
And saw a cool sunrise.
Still 50 cents per pound.
And saw a cool sunrise.
Can't be satisfied
Happy March 31.
Supposedly, the deadline for a deal between Iran and the P+1 on nuclear development.
Except citizens in the United States don't like the deal.
And Iran keeps asking for more.
Do you trust them with nuclear material?
Supposedly, the deadline for a deal between Iran and the P+1 on nuclear development.
Except citizens in the United States don't like the deal.
And Iran keeps asking for more.
Do you trust them with nuclear material?
Monday, March 30, 2015
Bring back the Big Bang
Watching the NCAA tournament has been fun - but enough is enough.
Time to return The Big Bang Theory to the lineup on CBS and TBS.
I need something to watch this week before baseball season starts.
Time to return The Big Bang Theory to the lineup on CBS and TBS.
I need something to watch this week before baseball season starts.
Gloomy or reality
Althouse defends Scott Walker against being a gloomy Gus.
Walker is telling us what's wrong with America. Why not what's right with America? The obvious answer is that if things are going swimmingly, then we should want another Democratic President.
Ward's writing fits squarely into the genre called They'll Tell You Who They're Afraid Of. He proceeds to blabber about "an undertone of testiness in his stump speech, leavened with chest-swelling machismo fueled by his defeat of a recall effort in 2012 and his re-election in 2014."
Testiness and machismo seem like the opposite of gloom, but I guess gloom is the overtone and testiness is the undertone, while machismo is the leavening.
Walker is telling us what's wrong with America. Why not what's right with America? The obvious answer is that if things are going swimmingly, then we should want another Democratic President.
Ward's writing fits squarely into the genre called They'll Tell You Who They're Afraid Of. He proceeds to blabber about "an undertone of testiness in his stump speech, leavened with chest-swelling machismo fueled by his defeat of a recall effort in 2012 and his re-election in 2014."
Testiness and machismo seem like the opposite of gloom, but I guess gloom is the overtone and testiness is the undertone, while machismo is the leavening.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Grin and bear it
In finding home movies from the 1950s, I found dad's family took a trip by Fontana Lake in North Carolina en route to the Smokey Mountains.
I guess we know where they stopped to eat.
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I guess we know where they stopped to eat.
Where has this info been hiding?
So many years of debate about toilet paper - over or under - and only now are we finding the patent information.
Over won in 1891.
Engineer-turned-writer Owen Williams found the 1891 patent for toilet paper (pause: just imagine a time before toilet paper), and it's clear how the inventor intended it to hang.
Time to debate something else.
Over won in 1891.
Engineer-turned-writer Owen Williams found the 1891 patent for toilet paper (pause: just imagine a time before toilet paper), and it's clear how the inventor intended it to hang.
Time to debate something else.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
It's gotta be Mars
A pleasure of parenthood - introducing your teenage son who loves shoes to the classic Air Jordan commercials starring Mars Blackmon.
Story behind PBR
Don Surber tells how Pabst got the Blue Ribbon added to its name.
"The famous Pabst Blue Ribbon beer came about through a combination of marketing and awards won at various fairs and expositions. Pabst's beer won gold medals at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876 and the 1878 Paris World's Fair. In 1882 Pabst began tying blue ribbons around the neck of each bottle of its Select beer to distinguish it from other brands. People soon began asking for blue ribbon beer even though that was not the official name until the 1890s when Pabst beer won the blue ribbon at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago," according to the Wisconsin Historical Society.
"The famous Pabst Blue Ribbon beer came about through a combination of marketing and awards won at various fairs and expositions. Pabst's beer won gold medals at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876 and the 1878 Paris World's Fair. In 1882 Pabst began tying blue ribbons around the neck of each bottle of its Select beer to distinguish it from other brands. People soon began asking for blue ribbon beer even though that was not the official name until the 1890s when Pabst beer won the blue ribbon at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago," according to the Wisconsin Historical Society.
Check before you donate
The Facebook feed brought up a link to Flying Lombardi, a blog about the early NFL.
They report someone donated the sweater worn by Vince Lombardi while coaching Army in the 1940s.
It was purchased for less than a dollar at Goodwill, and sold for many times that.
They report someone donated the sweater worn by Vince Lombardi while coaching Army in the 1940s.
It was purchased for less than a dollar at Goodwill, and sold for many times that.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Teen challenge
Via Instapundit, Dr. Helen is looking for reasons teens might be happier and healthier than 10 years ago.
I wonder if teens are happier now because they spend less time around peers and there are more choices for how to spend one’s free time. Video games, online school and online activities mean that one can find more individualized ways of spending time rather than being around other obnoxious teens and school administrators. The internet and video games have their pros and cons but they do allow for more individual choice, and a way to find others who are more similar to oneself. Instead of getting in trouble on the streets, teens have other options that are a click away.
I wonder if teens are happier now because they spend less time around peers and there are more choices for how to spend one’s free time. Video games, online school and online activities mean that one can find more individualized ways of spending time rather than being around other obnoxious teens and school administrators. The internet and video games have their pros and cons but they do allow for more individual choice, and a way to find others who are more similar to oneself. Instead of getting in trouble on the streets, teens have other options that are a click away.
Viva la France
President Obama wants a deal with Iran.
The other allies? Not so much.
The French ambassador to the UN, Francois Delattre, stated again to the Security Council: Iran's progress was "insufficient" for guaranteeing the longterm peaceful character of its nuclear program.
Maybe France has learned the right lessons in recent years and the United States has not.
The other allies? Not so much.
The French ambassador to the UN, Francois Delattre, stated again to the Security Council: Iran's progress was "insufficient" for guaranteeing the longterm peaceful character of its nuclear program.
Maybe France has learned the right lessons in recent years and the United States has not.
Don't be crabby
Good news for people in Maryland this year - blue crabs are doing better.
Hopefully, they will taste better as well.
Hopefully, they will taste better as well.
Who's in the lead pack?
Charles Krauthammer picks the candidates looking the best as the 2016 Republican primary season kicks off.
Weekend watchdog
Kentucky marches on, with 37 straight wins.
Will the Wildcats remain perfect through the weekend?
The Sweet 16 continues Friday as CBS brings the South Region - UCLA against Gonzaga at 7:15 p.m. followed by Duke-Utah. The ACC battle between Louisville and North Carolina State starts the East Regional on TBS, with Michigan State against Oklahoma meeting at 10 p.m.
Kentucky tries to advance Saturday at 8:49 p.m., taking on Notre Dame on TBS. The day begins at 6 p.m. with top-seeded Wisconsin against Arizona.
CBS covers the other two regions Sunday afternoon, then it's off to Indianapolis.
The women's Sweet 16 starts Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN with North Carolina against South Carolina. Iowa battles Baylor at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2, followed by Arizona State-Florida State. ESPN has the nightcap at 10 p.m. when Stanford meets Notre Dame.
There's four games on ESPN Saturday, starting with Connecticut-Texas at noon and Louisville dueling with Dayton at 2:30 p.m. Maryland meets Duke at 4:30 p.m. before Tennessee takes on Gonzaga.
ESPN has regional finals Sunday at noon and 8:30 p.m.
The best of Division II vie for their championship Saturday at 3 p.m. on CBS.
The Wizards host the Hornets Friday at 7:30 p.m. on Comcast before playing the Rockets on ABC Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
NASCAR heads to Martinsville this weekend, with the Sprint Cup race Sunday at 1 p.m. on Fox. FoxSports1 has the Truck Series Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
The IndyCar season starts in St. Petersburg Sunday at 3 p.m. on ABC.
Formula One visits Malaysia this weekend, with the Grand Prix Sunday at 2:30 a.m. on NBC Sports network. There's qualifying Saturday at 5 a.m.
The Capitals take on the Predators Saturday at 12:30 p.m. on Comcast, then it's off to Madison Square Garden Sunday at 3 p.m. for a battle with the Rangers.
NBC Sports network offers the Penguins and Sharks Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
Denver meets Boston College in the semifinals of the East Regional on ESPN2 Saturday at 5 p.m., and the Northeast Regional is 5:30 p.m.
In preseason baseball, Boston battles the Braves Friday at 1 p.m. on ESPN.
ESPN2 has Arena Football between Philadelphia and Orlando Sunday at 7 p.m.
D.C. United takes on the Galaxy Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast. Philadelphia faces Chicago on ESPN2 Sunday at 4:50 p.m. and Toronto heads to Salt Lake Sunday at 7 p.m. on FoxSports1.
There's an international friendly between Mexico and Ecuador Saturday at 9:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
The road to Euro 2016 continues on ESPN2 Friday at 3:30 p.m. with Spain against Ukraine. Portugal faces Serbia Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Gas up and go to the PGA's Valero Open Saturday and Sunday at 3 p .m. on NBC.
NBC Sports network offers the United States freestyle skiing championship Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
Pennsylvania plays Yale in college lacrosse Saturday at 5 p.m. on FoxSports1.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
First steps
Virginia Right gives its platform to Rep. Dave Brat, who tells of the House's budget proposal.
"While no budget is perfect, this is a solid plan that demonstrates Congress is working to turn this economy around and create an environment that spurs job creation and higher wages for all Americans."
"While no budget is perfect, this is a solid plan that demonstrates Congress is working to turn this economy around and create an environment that spurs job creation and higher wages for all Americans."
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
You evolved to like big butts
Evolution proves Sir Mix-a-lot right, according to this article.
A study, published online in Evolution and Human Behavior, investigated men's mate preference for women with a "theoretically optimal angle of lumbar curvature," a 45.5 degree curve from back to buttocks allowing ancestral women to better support, provide for, and carry out multiple pregnancies.
A study, published online in Evolution and Human Behavior, investigated men's mate preference for women with a "theoretically optimal angle of lumbar curvature," a 45.5 degree curve from back to buttocks allowing ancestral women to better support, provide for, and carry out multiple pregnancies.
The spy who disliked me
Powerline analyzes the story on Israeli spying - and the spying that found the spying.
And the leak that revealed it.
Even if it wasn't direct Israeli spying on the United States, but through other parties.
Indeed, Entous reports in the seventh paragraph of his story: “Israeli officials denied spying directly on U.S. negotiators and said they received their information through other means, including close surveillance of Iranian leaders receiving the latest U.S. and European offers. European officials, particularly the French, also have been more transparent with Israel about the closed-door discussions than the Americans, Israeli and U.S. officials said.” I can’t find a single fact in Entous’s story that belies the Israeli denials.
And the leak that revealed it.
Even if it wasn't direct Israeli spying on the United States, but through other parties.
Indeed, Entous reports in the seventh paragraph of his story: “Israeli officials denied spying directly on U.S. negotiators and said they received their information through other means, including close surveillance of Iranian leaders receiving the latest U.S. and European offers. European officials, particularly the French, also have been more transparent with Israel about the closed-door discussions than the Americans, Israeli and U.S. officials said.” I can’t find a single fact in Entous’s story that belies the Israeli denials.
Blown the cover of the Rolling Stone
Megan McArdle sums up the Rolling Stone/Jackie story.
The police were at pains to say that they don't know that nothing happened on the evening of Sept. 28, 2012, and that they are not closing the investigation, just "suspending" it, since they have no evidence with which to prosecute a crime. But what I took away from their press conference is that whatever happened on that night, it is almost certainly not what Sabrina Rubin Erdely wrote in Rolling Stone.
They wanted to help a cause.
They devastated it instead.
The police were at pains to say that they don't know that nothing happened on the evening of Sept. 28, 2012, and that they are not closing the investigation, just "suspending" it, since they have no evidence with which to prosecute a crime. But what I took away from their press conference is that whatever happened on that night, it is almost certainly not what Sabrina Rubin Erdely wrote in Rolling Stone.
They wanted to help a cause.
They devastated it instead.
T-Mac strikes again
Governor Terry McAuliffe is among the Democratic politicians that appear to have benefitted from "improper influence" from Homeland Security to investors in his company.
There was unusually interest in plans from McAuliffe's electric car company.
In the Gulf Coast example, the inspector general said Mayorkas mounted an "unprecedented" intervention in the denial of an EB-5 application for funding of a firm "to manufacture electric cars through investments in a company in which Terry McAuliffe was the board chairman." The inspector general said that "because of the political prominence of the individuals involved, as well as USCIS' traditional deference to its administrative appeals process, staff perceived it as politically motivated."
There was unusually interest in plans from McAuliffe's electric car company.
In the Gulf Coast example, the inspector general said Mayorkas mounted an "unprecedented" intervention in the denial of an EB-5 application for funding of a firm "to manufacture electric cars through investments in a company in which Terry McAuliffe was the board chairman." The inspector general said that "because of the political prominence of the individuals involved, as well as USCIS' traditional deference to its administrative appeals process, staff perceived it as politically motivated."
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Bavarian Idol
Ed Driscoll remembers another politician who said things to excite followers - and we know how that turned out.
Avoid the press
Powerline notes Hillary Clinton spoke to reporters Tuesday - and didn't take questions from them.
In her remarks, Clinton offered the reporters tough love, or something. She called on them to focus on “serious” and “substantive” journalism going forward.
Translation: Don’t burden my presidential campaign by discussing anything that goes to my character or integrity.
The question is - who will ask a hardball question in the next 12 months?
In her remarks, Clinton offered the reporters tough love, or something. She called on them to focus on “serious” and “substantive” journalism going forward.
Translation: Don’t burden my presidential campaign by discussing anything that goes to my character or integrity.
The question is - who will ask a hardball question in the next 12 months?
What lies at the bottom
Stacy McCain sums up the Rolling Stone/Jackie fiasco.
Jackie’s malicious lie about Phi Kappa Psi was a clear violation of the UVA honor code. Whatever the truth may be, Jackie lied to a national publication, defaming her fellow students, wrongly damaging the reputation of the university.
Jackie must be held accountable for her lies. The university’s institutional prestige is on the line, and only cowardice can prevent UVA officials from expelling her for her dishonesty.
Jackie’s malicious lie about Phi Kappa Psi was a clear violation of the UVA honor code. Whatever the truth may be, Jackie lied to a national publication, defaming her fellow students, wrongly damaging the reputation of the university.
Jackie must be held accountable for her lies. The university’s institutional prestige is on the line, and only cowardice can prevent UVA officials from expelling her for her dishonesty.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Cruz loves the media
Ted Cruz helped the Washington media with his presidential announcement Monday.
They could catch him in Lynchburg in the morning, then stop by Charlottesville in the afternoon for the Rolling Stone news conference.
Two big stories on one trip, and back home for dinner.
He's reducing the carbon footprint of the media by combining trips.
Tell us Ted Cruz doesn't want to save the environment and save the media expense money.
They could catch him in Lynchburg in the morning, then stop by Charlottesville in the afternoon for the Rolling Stone news conference.
Two big stories on one trip, and back home for dinner.
He's reducing the carbon footprint of the media by combining trips.
Tell us Ted Cruz doesn't want to save the environment and save the media expense money.
I was there
Should Ted Cruz have bumped Governor McAuliffe from the schedule to make his presidential announcement?
Of course.
How many times would students have a chance to attend that type of event?
All the media attention at Liberty has to be good for Lynchburg.
We've been talking about 2016 for a while - time for someone to jump into the pool.
Of course.
How many times would students have a chance to attend that type of event?
All the media attention at Liberty has to be good for Lynchburg.
We've been talking about 2016 for a while - time for someone to jump into the pool.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Let's get this party started
Senator Ted Cruz is expected to announce his presidential ambitions Monday at Liberty University.
Liberals and the press love to hate him.
Tea Party members love him.
He promises to bring energy to the Republican debate for 2016.
Bring it on.
Liberals and the press love to hate him.
Tea Party members love him.
He promises to bring energy to the Republican debate for 2016.
Bring it on.
I support the United States, not Obama
Amazing how over the past few years, being against President Obama and his policies have been seen as un-American.
They see no difference between the leader and country.
But how do they see Israel?
They can support the state while disliking the policies of the leader - Benjamin Netanyahu.
The best thing to heal relationship between Israel and the United States? Disown Obama's policies.
If Hillary Clinton can do that without enraging Democrats, that will be something to see.
They see no difference between the leader and country.
But how do they see Israel?
They can support the state while disliking the policies of the leader - Benjamin Netanyahu.
The best thing to heal relationship between Israel and the United States? Disown Obama's policies.
If Hillary Clinton can do that without enraging Democrats, that will be something to see.
Mandatory bracketology
How interesting that President Obama talked about mandatory voting during the week that people who know nothing of college basketball think they can pick 63 games with some degree of accuracy.
Look at the pool of brackets to see what might happen.
On average, people pick the top seeds to make the Final Four.
A few years ago, ESPN ran polls during their breakdown of the bracket. It was top seeds across the board.
You run with the front runners. In politics, you'd have the big spenders in TV commercials rewarded.
Look at President Obama's bracket for other examples.
Usually, a 12th seed will beat a five seed. So Obama picked a pair of those upsets.
But this year, all the fifth seeds won.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Voting is much more important than picking an office basketball poll. Knowledge and interest should be the factors behind voting, not just being born.
Look at the pool of brackets to see what might happen.
On average, people pick the top seeds to make the Final Four.
A few years ago, ESPN ran polls during their breakdown of the bracket. It was top seeds across the board.
You run with the front runners. In politics, you'd have the big spenders in TV commercials rewarded.
Look at President Obama's bracket for other examples.
Usually, a 12th seed will beat a five seed. So Obama picked a pair of those upsets.
But this year, all the fifth seeds won.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Voting is much more important than picking an office basketball poll. Knowledge and interest should be the factors behind voting, not just being born.
Hillary sucks, but ...
It's nice to see progressives coming to grip with their choices in 2016.
Hillary sucks, but what choice do we have?
Our progress is so fragile - changing Supreme Court justices would stop it.
I'm sure the Hillary team looks forward to being Obama's third term.
Republican look forward to those slogans too.
Hillary sucks, but what choice do we have?
Our progress is so fragile - changing Supreme Court justices would stop it.
I'm sure the Hillary team looks forward to being Obama's third term.
Republican look forward to those slogans too.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Nova doesn't go
Our first top-seed has been ousted - Villanova.
I let the computer pick my bracket, and it put Villanova in the final.
So my bracket's busted but no big deal.
I didn't put a lot of thought into the pick, like some people.
I let the computer pick my bracket, and it put Villanova in the final.
So my bracket's busted but no big deal.
I didn't put a lot of thought into the pick, like some people.
Facebook quote of the week
Well, I didn't have corned beef last night (perhaps Friday!) but in true Irish fashion, I did have potatoes... in four different ways on one plate!
Afternoon delight
Hearing the main CBS announcing crew doing Friday's Virginia game meant good news - an early Sunday contest would be coming.
Sure enough, Virginia starts Sunday's play at noon against Michigan State.
If you're not awake, listening to Bill Rafferty will help.
Sure enough, Virginia starts Sunday's play at noon against Michigan State.
If you're not awake, listening to Bill Rafferty will help.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Finally, spring
People, we have survived winter.
It's spring, even if it doesn't feel like it yet.
Put away the snow plows and think warm thoughts.
It's spring, even if it doesn't feel like it yet.
Put away the snow plows and think warm thoughts.
Weekend watchdog
How many double-digit seeds did you think would survive Thursday?
Tell the truth.
At least one will make it to the Sweet 16, and 32 more underdogs hope to shine Friday as the NCAA tournament continues.
Virginia takes the court Friday around 3:20 p.m. on TruTv against Belmont. The day on CBS begins at noon with Kansas against New Mexico State and Duke tackles Robert Morris Friday at 7 p.m.
CBS starts the round of 32 Saturday at noon, with coverage on TBS and TNT in primetime. There's three more games in CBS Sunday, along with doubleheaders on TBS and TNT and a 7:30 p.m. game on TruTV.
Then we'll be down to 16 teams.
The women's tournament starts Friday at noon on ESPN2, with the rest of the field getting underway Saturday at 11 a.m. The second round starts Sunday at noon on ESPN, with games on ESPN at 7 and 9 p.m.
It's Miami-Alabama in the second round of the NIT Saturday at 11 a.m., and another contest Sunday at 11 a.m.
The Wizards battle the Clippers Friday at 10:30 p.m. on Comcast, and face the Kings Sunday at 6 p.m.
It's mat madness on ESPN this weekend, with the NCAA wrestling tournament semifinals Friday at 8 p.m. and finals Saturday at 8 p.m.
Marshall meets UAB on the college diamond Sunday at 1 p.m. on Comcast. Texas Tech takes on Oklahoma Saturday at 3 p.m. on MASN2 and FoxSports1 offers Oklahoma State-TCU Sunday at 3 p.m.
NASCAR visits California for the Auto Club 400 Sunday at 3:30 p.m. on Fox. The Xfinity Series hits the track Saturday at 4 p.m. on FoxSports1.
The Capitals head to Winnipeg Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
The Rangers host the Ducks Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
NBC Sports network has the semifinals of Hockey East Friday at 5 and 8 p.m. and final Saturday at 7 p.m.
Manchester City meets West Bromwich Albion on NBC Sports network Saturday at 8:45 a.m., and West Ham United takes on Sunderland at 1:30 p.m. There's two more contests Sunday, with Liverpool-Manchester United at 9:30 a.m. followed by Hull City clashing with Chelsea at noon.
D.C. United battles the Red Bulls Sunday at 5 p.m. on ESPN2 and Chicago heads to San Jose on FoxSports1 Sunday at 7 p.m.
Army takes on Lehigh in college lacrosse Saturday at 1 p.m. on Comcast.
ESPN has a men's quarterfinals of the Paribas Open Friday at 3 p.m., with semifinals Saturday at 2 p.m. and finals Sunday at 2 p.m.
Comcast offers college softball between UNC-Greensboro and Tennessee-Chattanooga Saturday at 3 p.m.
The Big 12 gymnastic championships will be on MASN2 Saturday at 6 p.m.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
I've fallen, and I'll be back Saturday
A highlight of the first day of the NCAA tournament was a coach falling down.
Georgia State won on the long 3-pointer by the coach's son, and the coach hit the floor after the score.
On the opposite bench - the brother of another player who hit a game-winning trey in a first-round upset in 1998.
Georgia State won on the long 3-pointer by the coach's son, and the coach hit the floor after the score.
On the opposite bench - the brother of another player who hit a game-winning trey in a first-round upset in 1998.
If you like your bracket
At 6 p.m., ESPN was touting how few people had perfect brackets after the first six games.
It's more amazing that anyone picked a pair of 14 seeds winning on the first day.
I joined the Bearing Drift challenge and let the computer pick all high seeds.
So only four right out of the first eight.
One better than President Obama.
Enjoy the games.
Your knowledge might allow to snag an upset, but the numbers are against perfect bracket.
It's more amazing that anyone picked a pair of 14 seeds winning on the first day.
I joined the Bearing Drift challenge and let the computer pick all high seeds.
So only four right out of the first eight.
One better than President Obama.
Enjoy the games.
Your knowledge might allow to snag an upset, but the numbers are against perfect bracket.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Babies on Bibi
Don Surber gathers the pundit predictions before Tuesday's Israeli election - and the whining of the New York Times after.
The real story is not that Bibi is hurt but that Barack Obama once again was humiliated on the world stage. President Obama tried to sabotage an ally's election by pouring millions illegally into the race, and he lost.
The real story is not that Bibi is hurt but that Barack Obama once again was humiliated on the world stage. President Obama tried to sabotage an ally's election by pouring millions illegally into the race, and he lost.
New and improved
If you want to read what Mickey Kaus had to say about immigration coverage on Fox, here it is.
Fox didn’t editorialize in favor of Obama. It just covered other issues. This is a proven pro-amnesty posture, pioneered in the spring of 2013 when the “Gang of 8″ amnesty bill snuck through the Senate while conservatives were distracted by a seeming trifecta of Obama scandals (IRS/Benghazi/seizing AP reporters’ phone records). Given the unpopularity of amnesty with a large swath of voters, any publicity given to the issue is likely to result in an intimidating blizzard of phone calls to the U.S. Capitol, complete with threats against Republicans who might be primaried from the right, Cantor-style. Corporate pro-amnesty lobbyists need peace and quiet to work their influence on Republicans in the face of this GOP-base opposition. No stoking!
Fox didn’t editorialize in favor of Obama. It just covered other issues. This is a proven pro-amnesty posture, pioneered in the spring of 2013 when the “Gang of 8″ amnesty bill snuck through the Senate while conservatives were distracted by a seeming trifecta of Obama scandals (IRS/Benghazi/seizing AP reporters’ phone records). Given the unpopularity of amnesty with a large swath of voters, any publicity given to the issue is likely to result in an intimidating blizzard of phone calls to the U.S. Capitol, complete with threats against Republicans who might be primaried from the right, Cantor-style. Corporate pro-amnesty lobbyists need peace and quiet to work their influence on Republicans in the face of this GOP-base opposition. No stoking!
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Kaus I like his stuff
Mickey Kaus won't be writing for Daily Caller anymore.
I'll have to make sure to check his own website for his insights.
No fence will keep me away.
I'll have to make sure to check his own website for his insights.
No fence will keep me away.
It's Bibi, baby
The polls are looking good for Benjamin Netanyahu returning as the prime minister of Israel.
What could be worse for President Obama?
ESPN could ask Netanyahu to pick an NCAA bracket.
What could be worse for President Obama?
ESPN could ask Netanyahu to pick an NCAA bracket.
Shale yeah
Via Instapundit, the good news about shale production - which means bad news for OPEC.
The cartel is next scheduled to meet in June, but all signs point to continued inaction as the group battles for its share of an oversupplied market. Meanwhile, U.S. companies will continue to find ways to bring down their own costs. We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: bet against American innovation at your own peril.
The cartel is next scheduled to meet in June, but all signs point to continued inaction as the group battles for its share of an oversupplied market. Meanwhile, U.S. companies will continue to find ways to bring down their own costs. We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: bet against American innovation at your own peril.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Big day in Israel
It's early Tuesday morning in Israel, almost time for the polls to open.
By this time tomorrow, we'll have a hint if Benjamin Netanyahu remains as prime minister.
Hoping for a good day for Likud.
By this time tomorrow, we'll have a hint if Benjamin Netanyahu remains as prime minister.
Hoping for a good day for Likud.
Most, not all
Althouse notes the unsure answer by Rep. Elijah Cummings on Benghazi.
He could have said — like many Democratic Party partisans — that the matter has been thoroughly investigated and it's nothing more than partisan politics now. But he said "I don't know." Twice. And then he said "they have resolved most of the questions." Most. Most means not all. So clearly there are questions left.
He could have said — like many Democratic Party partisans — that the matter has been thoroughly investigated and it's nothing more than partisan politics now. But he said "I don't know." Twice. And then he said "they have resolved most of the questions." Most. Most means not all. So clearly there are questions left.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Iran negotiation solution
How do we get the best deal with Iran?
We need to use President Obama's strength to our advantage.
This week, the solution is simple.
President Obama selects his NCAA tournament bracket.
Have Iran leader Ali Khamenei pick his favorites.
Best bracket wins the negotiations.
If Obama's picks are better, Iran must give up its nuclear program.
If Khamenei wins, then they can continue.
You'd think President Obama would have the edge in this.
In negotiations against a tough opponent, use your strength and put them in the disadvantage.
We need to use President Obama's strength to our advantage.
This week, the solution is simple.
President Obama selects his NCAA tournament bracket.
Have Iran leader Ali Khamenei pick his favorites.
Best bracket wins the negotiations.
If Obama's picks are better, Iran must give up its nuclear program.
If Khamenei wins, then they can continue.
You'd think President Obama would have the edge in this.
In negotiations against a tough opponent, use your strength and put them in the disadvantage.
Does Hillary pick a bracket?
We're gearing up for March Madness.
This evening, fans will start making their tournament picks.
President Obama has done a bracket for ESPN since 2009, and likely will appear on ESPN again this week.
He started this tradition, but will it continue after he leaves the White House?
Can you imagine Hillary Clinton doing an NCAA bracket?
If not, Obama has no power to continue this decision into the future.
Like his Iran deal.
Maybe following the bouncing ball will help him realize the limits of his power.
This evening, fans will start making their tournament picks.
President Obama has done a bracket for ESPN since 2009, and likely will appear on ESPN again this week.
He started this tradition, but will it continue after he leaves the White House?
Can you imagine Hillary Clinton doing an NCAA bracket?
If not, Obama has no power to continue this decision into the future.
Like his Iran deal.
Maybe following the bouncing ball will help him realize the limits of his power.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Business owners need money too
The news that some Seattle restaurants are closing begs the question - why?
The increase in the minimum wage that's coming?
For liberals, that can't be the reason.
Must be something else.
Restaurants do close all the time.
Liberals wail that employees need bigger paychecks to pay their bills.
What about owners?
Don't they need money also?
They also don't need the hassle of being told to pay more than they can afford.
The increase in the minimum wage that's coming?
For liberals, that can't be the reason.
Must be something else.
Restaurants do close all the time.
Liberals wail that employees need bigger paychecks to pay their bills.
What about owners?
Don't they need money also?
They also don't need the hassle of being told to pay more than they can afford.
Credit to her gender
Of all of Hillary Clinton's qualifications, she's running on one for 2016 - being a woman.
Many other countries have already had female leaders.
How does she stack up?
At the time of those "historic votes" on a good half of that list, "gender" was not "a built-in advantage" but a built-in disadvantage that skilled and nimble female candidates had to be exceptional to overcome. If I follow Mr Espuelas correctly, he's saying that America is getting round to its "historic vote" so late that "gender" is now such an advantage that any old female candidate can be dragged across the finish line, no matter how shopworn, wooden, charmless, tin-eared and corrupt.
Many other countries have already had female leaders.
How does she stack up?
At the time of those "historic votes" on a good half of that list, "gender" was not "a built-in advantage" but a built-in disadvantage that skilled and nimble female candidates had to be exceptional to overcome. If I follow Mr Espuelas correctly, he's saying that America is getting round to its "historic vote" so late that "gender" is now such an advantage that any old female candidate can be dragged across the finish line, no matter how shopworn, wooden, charmless, tin-eared and corrupt.
Party of Palpatine
I was talking to the 14-year-old the other day about Star Wars.
He was wondering about the plot of the new movies - didn't the Emperor die and end the war?
Yes, but evil still lingers.
There's new evils to defeat.
The Federalist sees a lot of Empire supporters among today's Democrats.
How dare you not listen to our wise leader?
Even if he's wrong.
I wonder how the new movies will deal with the cult of vanquished Sith side.
I hope 2017 and onward don't give us additional ideas of defeated foes clinging to power.
He was wondering about the plot of the new movies - didn't the Emperor die and end the war?
Yes, but evil still lingers.
There's new evils to defeat.
The Federalist sees a lot of Empire supporters among today's Democrats.
How dare you not listen to our wise leader?
Even if he's wrong.
I wonder how the new movies will deal with the cult of vanquished Sith side.
I hope 2017 and onward don't give us additional ideas of defeated foes clinging to power.
So the future burns bright
The Wall Street Journal examines why fossil fuels will continue to light our future.
Mainly, because we keep finding the stuff.
The argument that fossil fuels will soon run out is dead, at least for a while. The collapse of the price of oil over the past six months is the result of abundance: an inevitable consequence of the high oil prices of recent years, which stimulated innovation in hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling, seismology and information technology. The U.S.—the country with the oldest and most developed hydrocarbon fields—has found itself once again, surprisingly, at the top of the energy-producing league, rivaling Saudi Arabia in oil and Russia in gas.
Mainly, because we keep finding the stuff.
The argument that fossil fuels will soon run out is dead, at least for a while. The collapse of the price of oil over the past six months is the result of abundance: an inevitable consequence of the high oil prices of recent years, which stimulated innovation in hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling, seismology and information technology. The U.S.—the country with the oldest and most developed hydrocarbon fields—has found itself once again, surprisingly, at the top of the energy-producing league, rivaling Saudi Arabia in oil and Russia in gas.
Facebook quote of the week
Thank you all for wishing me a happy birthday! It's means a lot to me and I'm very thankful to everyone. I did learn a few things yesterday, the DMV still sucks and SS office is not much better. At least I can get my drivers license renewed next week , after I bring in a quart of blood, last verification they need. ....
Saturday song
Peggy Noonan's column on Hillary - does she have the hunger - reminds me of Eric Carmen's video.
At least there's something for Bill in the video.
At least there's something for Bill in the video.
Friday, March 13, 2015
Hit the road
There's a new way to get around in Fishersville - Lifecore Drive has been completed from Augusta Health to U.S. 250 at the Wilson complex.
A new way to avoid the train track crossing on Mule Academy Road.
A new way to avoid the train track crossing on Mule Academy Road.
Hackers vs. Hillary
James Rosen talks to the tech guys, who find more problems with Hillary Clinton's private email server.
Just the original decision to use a private email account, with Clinton’s own surname embedded in it, has baffled the hacker community. The analyst with experience in the intelligence community, a “white hat” hacker -- the kind corporate firms retain to conduct “penetration testing” that exposes businesses’ cybersecurity lapses -- told Fox News: “If we learned that the foreign minister of a major foreign country was using her own private server to send and receive emails, and was relying on outdated commercial software to operate and protect it, that’d be a hallelujah moment for us.”
Just the original decision to use a private email account, with Clinton’s own surname embedded in it, has baffled the hacker community. The analyst with experience in the intelligence community, a “white hat” hacker -- the kind corporate firms retain to conduct “penetration testing” that exposes businesses’ cybersecurity lapses -- told Fox News: “If we learned that the foreign minister of a major foreign country was using her own private server to send and receive emails, and was relying on outdated commercial software to operate and protect it, that’d be a hallelujah moment for us.”
Weekend watchdog
By the end of the weekend, you can take your clean, perfect NCAA tournament bracket and start worrying about it.
CBS announces the 68-team field Sunday at 6 p.m., and ignites four days of debate and analysis.
Virginia tries to maintain its spot on the top line, taking on North Carolina in the semifinals Friday at 7. Duke battles Notre Dame in the nightcap, with the final Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
CBS has the Big Ten semifinals Saturday at 1 and 3:30 p.m., and the final tips at 3:30 p.m.
The Mountain West crowns its champion Saturday at 6 p.m., with the Atlantic 10 title game Sunday at 1 p.m.
There's two Big Ten quarterfinal games Friday, with Wisconsin against Michigan at noon and 13th-seed Penn State facing Purdue at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN.
Top-seed Villanova meets Providence in the Big East tournament Friday at 7 p.m. on FoxSports1. The second semifinal matching Xavier and Georgetown will be Friday at 9:30 p.m. and the championship starts Saturday at 8 p.m.
ESPN has the second semifinal of the PAC-12 tournament (Utah-Oregon) Friday at 11:30 p.m. and final Saturday at 11 p.m.
The semifinals of the Big 12 tournament are Friday on ESPN2, starting at 7 p.m. and the final Saturday at 6 p.m. on ESPN.
ESPN2 has the American Athletic Conference tournament Friday at noon, with top-seed SMU playing East Carolina before Memphis meets Temple at 2 p.m. The semifinals are Saturday at 3 and 5:30 p.m. and final Sunday at 3:15 p.m. on ESPN.
The Atlantic 10 championship continues Friday at noon NBC Sports network. Davidson battles LaSalle before VCU meets Richmond, then Dayton takes on St. Bonaventure and Rhode Island plays George Washington in the evening contests.
Saturday on ESPN offers the semifinals of the SEC tournament at 1 and 3:30 p.m., with the final Sunday at 1 p.m.
Five berths will be claimed Saturday on ESPN2. Stony Brook faces Albany in the American East final at 11 a.m., then the MEAC crowns its champion at 1 p.m. It's off to the MAC tournament at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Southland and Big West finals.
The Sun Belt final tips Sunday at 1 p.m. on ESPN2.
Conference USA brings its championship game Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on FoxSports1.
The CAA women play on Comcast Friday at noon and 2:30 p.m. The semifinals are Saturday at 1 and 3:30 p.m., and the championship will be Sunday at 1 p.m.
Comcast has the Wizards' game with the Kings Saturday at 7 p.m.
The Thunder host Chicago on ABC Sunday at 1 p.m., then the Clippers take on the Rockets.
NASCAR continues its western tour at Phoenix, with coverage on Fox Sunday at 3:30 p.m. The Xfinity Series hits the track Saturday at 4 p.m. on Fox.
NBC Sports network has the Australian Grand Prix Sunday at 12:30 p.m. There's qualifying Saturday at 2 a.m.
The Orioles' spring training schedule continues Saturday at 1 p.m., playing the Rays on MASN.
West Virginia travels to Texas on the college diamond Sunday at 1:30 p.m. on FoxSports1.
The Islanders host the Canadiens Saturday at 7 p.m. and the Capitals take on the Bruins Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
The Capitals meet the Stars Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast, while NBC offers Red Wings- Penguins Sunday at noon.
The PGA tour paints the town at the Valspar Championship Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. on NBC.
New York City takes on New England in MLS action on ESPN2 Sunday at 5 p.m., and FoxSports1 offers the Galaxy against Portland Sunday at 7 p.m.
The Premier League slate on NBC Sports network starts Saturday at 8:45 a.m. with Crystal Palace facing Queens Park Rangers. Arsenal meets West Ham United before Burnley battles Manchester City. Sunday, Chelsea clashes with Southampton at 9:30 a.m. then it's Manchester United against Tottenham Hotspur.
CBS announces the 68-team field Sunday at 6 p.m., and ignites four days of debate and analysis.
Virginia tries to maintain its spot on the top line, taking on North Carolina in the semifinals Friday at 7. Duke battles Notre Dame in the nightcap, with the final Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
CBS has the Big Ten semifinals Saturday at 1 and 3:30 p.m., and the final tips at 3:30 p.m.
The Mountain West crowns its champion Saturday at 6 p.m., with the Atlantic 10 title game Sunday at 1 p.m.
There's two Big Ten quarterfinal games Friday, with Wisconsin against Michigan at noon and 13th-seed Penn State facing Purdue at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN.
Top-seed Villanova meets Providence in the Big East tournament Friday at 7 p.m. on FoxSports1. The second semifinal matching Xavier and Georgetown will be Friday at 9:30 p.m. and the championship starts Saturday at 8 p.m.
ESPN has the second semifinal of the PAC-12 tournament (Utah-Oregon) Friday at 11:30 p.m. and final Saturday at 11 p.m.
The semifinals of the Big 12 tournament are Friday on ESPN2, starting at 7 p.m. and the final Saturday at 6 p.m. on ESPN.
ESPN2 has the American Athletic Conference tournament Friday at noon, with top-seed SMU playing East Carolina before Memphis meets Temple at 2 p.m. The semifinals are Saturday at 3 and 5:30 p.m. and final Sunday at 3:15 p.m. on ESPN.
The Atlantic 10 championship continues Friday at noon NBC Sports network. Davidson battles LaSalle before VCU meets Richmond, then Dayton takes on St. Bonaventure and Rhode Island plays George Washington in the evening contests.
Saturday on ESPN offers the semifinals of the SEC tournament at 1 and 3:30 p.m., with the final Sunday at 1 p.m.
Five berths will be claimed Saturday on ESPN2. Stony Brook faces Albany in the American East final at 11 a.m., then the MEAC crowns its champion at 1 p.m. It's off to the MAC tournament at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Southland and Big West finals.
The Sun Belt final tips Sunday at 1 p.m. on ESPN2.
Conference USA brings its championship game Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on FoxSports1.
The CAA women play on Comcast Friday at noon and 2:30 p.m. The semifinals are Saturday at 1 and 3:30 p.m., and the championship will be Sunday at 1 p.m.
Comcast has the Wizards' game with the Kings Saturday at 7 p.m.
The Thunder host Chicago on ABC Sunday at 1 p.m., then the Clippers take on the Rockets.
NASCAR continues its western tour at Phoenix, with coverage on Fox Sunday at 3:30 p.m. The Xfinity Series hits the track Saturday at 4 p.m. on Fox.
NBC Sports network has the Australian Grand Prix Sunday at 12:30 p.m. There's qualifying Saturday at 2 a.m.
The Orioles' spring training schedule continues Saturday at 1 p.m., playing the Rays on MASN.
West Virginia travels to Texas on the college diamond Sunday at 1:30 p.m. on FoxSports1.
The Islanders host the Canadiens Saturday at 7 p.m. and the Capitals take on the Bruins Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
The Capitals meet the Stars Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast, while NBC offers Red Wings- Penguins Sunday at noon.
The PGA tour paints the town at the Valspar Championship Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. on NBC.
New York City takes on New England in MLS action on ESPN2 Sunday at 5 p.m., and FoxSports1 offers the Galaxy against Portland Sunday at 7 p.m.
The Premier League slate on NBC Sports network starts Saturday at 8:45 a.m. with Crystal Palace facing Queens Park Rangers. Arsenal meets West Ham United before Burnley battles Manchester City. Sunday, Chelsea clashes with Southampton at 9:30 a.m. then it's Manchester United against Tottenham Hotspur.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Time to explore
If you like Calvin and Hobbes, there's a new book and new interview with its creator - Bill Watterson.
The interview lets you learn more about the cartoonist, who left the field too soon for many fans.
Mostly, though, Watterson sounds eminently grateful for the audiences he got, in the era he first got them, in a format and model that played to so many of his strengths. “I just knew it was time to go,” says Watterson, now a family man in his native Ohio, seemingly at peace with his place and achievement.
Yet “Calvin and Hobbes,” so beloved as a strip ultimately about friendship, continues to find new young readers. And so this new book is not only a treasure-trove for longtime fans; its once-in-a-lifetime interview is also a road map of invaluable, transferable realities for the next generation of creators.
The interview lets you learn more about the cartoonist, who left the field too soon for many fans.
Mostly, though, Watterson sounds eminently grateful for the audiences he got, in the era he first got them, in a format and model that played to so many of his strengths. “I just knew it was time to go,” says Watterson, now a family man in his native Ohio, seemingly at peace with his place and achievement.
Yet “Calvin and Hobbes,” so beloved as a strip ultimately about friendship, continues to find new young readers. And so this new book is not only a treasure-trove for longtime fans; its once-in-a-lifetime interview is also a road map of invaluable, transferable realities for the next generation of creators.
No blind carbon copy
Legal Insurrection provides the latest roundup of Hillary's email troubles.
And it's good to see creativity sparked all across the country.
And it's good to see creativity sparked all across the country.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
What's the next excuse?
Real Clear Politics wonders what Hillary Clinton's team will try next - after several spectacular failures.
Clinton must fear that she is now being cornered into an unthinkable response: honesty. So, ask yourself: why doesn’t she just do that? Why doesn’t she come clean? The reason, I suspect, is the same one Nixon had when he resisted all calls for openness. He alone knew what would be revealed. Those who were asking for disclosure did not. That’s Hillary’s problem in a nutshell. When politicians hide things—their tax records, their college records, whatever—they do it for very good reasons. The stronger the pressures for disclosure, they better the reasons must be for hiding the documents. That’s what we are finding out now.
Maybe the hackers will help us find out.
Clinton must fear that she is now being cornered into an unthinkable response: honesty. So, ask yourself: why doesn’t she just do that? Why doesn’t she come clean? The reason, I suspect, is the same one Nixon had when he resisted all calls for openness. He alone knew what would be revealed. Those who were asking for disclosure did not. That’s Hillary’s problem in a nutshell. When politicians hide things—their tax records, their college records, whatever—they do it for very good reasons. The stronger the pressures for disclosure, they better the reasons must be for hiding the documents. That’s what we are finding out now.
Maybe the hackers will help us find out.
What if Sarah Palin had printed her emails?
Hillary Clinton tries to put a good spin on her email.
Her release is unprecedented.
Her emails could be sorted to eliminate personal ones.
She followed the State Department rules.
But she didn't meet the Sarah Palin standard.
You can find and read Palin's emails on the internet.
Will that ever happen for Clinton's emails?
Her release is unprecedented.
Her emails could be sorted to eliminate personal ones.
She followed the State Department rules.
But she didn't meet the Sarah Palin standard.
You can find and read Palin's emails on the internet.
Will that ever happen for Clinton's emails?
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Kyoto for nukes
For all the Democratic fussing over the Republican Senators' letter to Iran, they forget the Constitution.
A President can sign a treaty, but it's just a signature unless the Senate approves.
Like the Panama Canal treaty in the 1970s, you need the approval to give it full force of the government.
Democrats like to tout the Kyoto Treaty, but it went down in flames in the Senate.
A treaty without Senate approval is just a piece of paper.
Too bad if Democrats and President Obama don't understand that.
A President can sign a treaty, but it's just a signature unless the Senate approves.
Like the Panama Canal treaty in the 1970s, you need the approval to give it full force of the government.
Democrats like to tout the Kyoto Treaty, but it went down in flames in the Senate.
A treaty without Senate approval is just a piece of paper.
Too bad if Democrats and President Obama don't understand that.
Highly insecure
So Hillary Clinton used her own server for email.
What difference does it make at this point?
A server in her New York house could not be as secure as one overseen by the federal government.
It's so simple any voter can understand.
No space rated for SECRET opens with a key from the local hardware store.
What difference does it make at this point?
A server in her New York house could not be as secure as one overseen by the federal government.
It's so simple any voter can understand.
No space rated for SECRET opens with a key from the local hardware store.
Monday, March 9, 2015
Boating in the holler
A West Virginia volunteer firefighter had to improvise the other day when a call came in - a woman in labor and separated from help by a swollen stream.
Wyoming County Emergency Services Director Dean Meadows said 911 operators received the call around 12:51 p.m. Wednesday. Shorter, who is a certified paramedic, drove to the scene until Coon Branch Road disappeared under several feet of water. On the Matheny side of the creek, Crouse went into quick action.
“I think (a water rescue) was our only chance,” Crouse said. “The water was four foot deep in the road, maybe five, and there wasn’t no vehicles coming across it. I think that was our only chance to help her other than getting up in the mountains and walk, and she would have had to walk all that way and that wouldn’t have been good. So I just used my brain and said ‘Hey, I’ve got a jon boat. Let’s try it.’”
Crouse pulled his 12-foot, battery-powered boat out of storage and backed it into the water near Matheny Church of God, using the street as a boat ramp. He motored the boat across the raging creek and picked up Shorter and Ben Bailey, a third volunteer firefighter.
You never know when a boat will come in handy - even in the mountains.
Wyoming County Emergency Services Director Dean Meadows said 911 operators received the call around 12:51 p.m. Wednesday. Shorter, who is a certified paramedic, drove to the scene until Coon Branch Road disappeared under several feet of water. On the Matheny side of the creek, Crouse went into quick action.
“I think (a water rescue) was our only chance,” Crouse said. “The water was four foot deep in the road, maybe five, and there wasn’t no vehicles coming across it. I think that was our only chance to help her other than getting up in the mountains and walk, and she would have had to walk all that way and that wouldn’t have been good. So I just used my brain and said ‘Hey, I’ve got a jon boat. Let’s try it.’”
Crouse pulled his 12-foot, battery-powered boat out of storage and backed it into the water near Matheny Church of God, using the street as a boat ramp. He motored the boat across the raging creek and picked up Shorter and Ben Bailey, a third volunteer firefighter.
You never know when a boat will come in handy - even in the mountains.
Foundation of their corruption
Hillary's emails.
Foreign donations to the Clinton Foundation.
Their little empire is getting deserved scrutiny - with much more to come.
Is the foundation clean? Is it corrupt? Or is the truth in the muddy middle, where we so often find the Clintons? Due to the fact that Hillary Clinton chose to skirt federal regulations and house her State Department emails on an off-the-books server, even the most loyal Democrat can't honestly answer those questions without an independent vetting of her electronic correspondence.
Where are the emails, Secretary Clinton?
Foreign donations to the Clinton Foundation.
Their little empire is getting deserved scrutiny - with much more to come.
Is the foundation clean? Is it corrupt? Or is the truth in the muddy middle, where we so often find the Clintons? Due to the fact that Hillary Clinton chose to skirt federal regulations and house her State Department emails on an off-the-books server, even the most loyal Democrat can't honestly answer those questions without an independent vetting of her electronic correspondence.
Where are the emails, Secretary Clinton?
Man, I feel like a woman
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Thomas Jefferson hasn't turned over his emails
Senator Chuck Schumer said all Secretaries of State to turn over their emails and only Hillary Clinton has complied.
How many does "all" encompass?
There's only four of have served in the email era.
Madelyn Albright and Condi Rice rarely used email.
Colin Powell is trying to help, but who has access to 10-year-old email accounts?
"All" implies more than just a few.
Wonder what Thomas Jefferson is hiding with his emails from the 1790s?
And do Hillary and her friends want you to think she'd a better record keeper than anyone in the department's 225-year history?
How many does "all" encompass?
There's only four of have served in the email era.
Madelyn Albright and Condi Rice rarely used email.
Colin Powell is trying to help, but who has access to 10-year-old email accounts?
"All" implies more than just a few.
Wonder what Thomas Jefferson is hiding with his emails from the 1790s?
And do Hillary and her friends want you to think she'd a better record keeper than anyone in the department's 225-year history?
Another one rides the bus
There was a protest in West Virginia Saturday.
Featuring protesters bussed in from other states.
The Charleston Gazette didn't tell you that.
Don Surber did.
What's the carbon footprint of bringing in protesters from Ohio to West Virginia?
Featuring protesters bussed in from other states.
The Charleston Gazette didn't tell you that.
Don Surber did.
What's the carbon footprint of bringing in protesters from Ohio to West Virginia?
Spring forward
Now in Daylight Savings Time.
But spring is really coming forward with temperatures warm enough to melt the snow.
Time to start growing, trees and grass.
But spring is really coming forward with temperatures warm enough to melt the snow.
Time to start growing, trees and grass.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Bottled up
Powerline went to the store and saw bottled water - and remembered how we got there.
Why did the bottled water market take off the way it did? One reason is that environmentalists kept trying to scare us with stories about how our tap water was “dangerous.” So in addition to arrogant reason, the doctrine of unintended consequences has shown up for duty again, as a chief reason for the bottled water boom was the bobble-headedness of environmentalists. One of the environmental complaints now is that plastic water bottles are ending up in the ocean, etc. Well they should have thought of that before setting out to scare us about tap water, eh?
Why did the bottled water market take off the way it did? One reason is that environmentalists kept trying to scare us with stories about how our tap water was “dangerous.” So in addition to arrogant reason, the doctrine of unintended consequences has shown up for duty again, as a chief reason for the bottled water boom was the bobble-headedness of environmentalists. One of the environmental complaints now is that plastic water bottles are ending up in the ocean, etc. Well they should have thought of that before setting out to scare us about tap water, eh?
Reasons to doubt the proposed deal
Max Boot has thought about the United States' attempt deal with Iran.
And finds pretty of reasons it's a bad deal.
Recall that the only time in recent decades when Iran interrupted its nuclear program was in 2003, because the mullahs were afraid that after the fall of Saddam Hussein, they would be next in the American military’s cross hairs. But when the U.S. got bogged down in Iraq, the Iranian leaders realized they had nothing to fear from George W. Bush, and of course now they have even less to fear from Barack Obama, who is obviously determined to start no new wars on his watch.
And finds pretty of reasons it's a bad deal.
Recall that the only time in recent decades when Iran interrupted its nuclear program was in 2003, because the mullahs were afraid that after the fall of Saddam Hussein, they would be next in the American military’s cross hairs. But when the U.S. got bogged down in Iraq, the Iranian leaders realized they had nothing to fear from George W. Bush, and of course now they have even less to fear from Barack Obama, who is obviously determined to start no new wars on his watch.
Saturday song
A few notes of this song are featured in a new commercial. Good thing today's not a Monday.
Friday, March 6, 2015
So many questions
Why did Hillary Clinton use her own email account and server while serving as Secretary of State.
Why?
Whatever reasons her supporters come up with, they likely won't stand much scrutiny.
Why?
Whatever reasons her supporters come up with, they likely won't stand much scrutiny.
January 2017 is coming
What's the theme of the week?
On Tuesday, Benjamin Netanyahu spoke against President Obama's proposed 10-year deal with Iran on nuclear weapons.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court heard arguments about Obamacare - did the IRS correctly interpret the law on subsidies.
The theme?
President Obama wants to do things and enforce future lawmakers to honor his decisions.
Obama, with two years left in his tenure, wants to bind future presidents about Iran.
The bind would be stronger if Congress approved of the deal.
Instead of persuading, he wants to go it alone.
Obamacare sets subsidies for policies purchased through state exchanges.
Most states failed to create exchanges.
Instead of asking Congress to clarify the meaning, his IRS decided where to give subsidies.
Now comes the sob stories, trying to bind continuing subsides to those who should not have gotten them under the law.
When you leave office, your work can be undone.
President Obama needs to remember that.
On Tuesday, Benjamin Netanyahu spoke against President Obama's proposed 10-year deal with Iran on nuclear weapons.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court heard arguments about Obamacare - did the IRS correctly interpret the law on subsidies.
The theme?
President Obama wants to do things and enforce future lawmakers to honor his decisions.
Obama, with two years left in his tenure, wants to bind future presidents about Iran.
The bind would be stronger if Congress approved of the deal.
Instead of persuading, he wants to go it alone.
Obamacare sets subsidies for policies purchased through state exchanges.
Most states failed to create exchanges.
Instead of asking Congress to clarify the meaning, his IRS decided where to give subsidies.
Now comes the sob stories, trying to bind continuing subsides to those who should not have gotten them under the law.
When you leave office, your work can be undone.
President Obama needs to remember that.
Weekend watchdog
Ready to start the road to Indy and the Final Four?
The first spots in the 2015 NCAA tournament field will be claimed this weekend. And the regular season finales will keep the bubble teams wary as their conference tournaments loom.
The Ohio Valley Conference passes out its bid Saturday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2, and two more spots will be decided Sunday with the Big South championship at 12:30 and Atlantic Sun at 2:30 p.m.
CBS has the Missouri Valley Conference title game Sunday at 2 p.m.
There's a pair of contests from the West Coast Conference quarterfinals on ESPN2 Saturday at 9 and 11:30 p.m. NBC Sports network has the semifinals of the CAA tournament from Baltimore Sunday at 2:30 and 5 p.m.
There's more conference championship games through the week as the big conferences get ready for their tournaments.
Friday's play on ESPN2 starts with Akron-Kent State at 7 p.m. before Texas Tech battles Baylor.
The ACC network brings Wake Forest against Boston College Saturday at 2 p.m. and Clemson's trip to Notre Dame at 4 p.m.
CBS offers three games Saturday, starting at noon with Syracuse against North Carolina State. Top-ranked Kentucky tries to finish an unbeaten regular season against Florida at 2 p.m., then it's Arizona-Stanford. Memphis meets Cincinnati at noon Sunday, and Wisconsin battles Ohio State at 4:30 p.m.
St. John's takes on Villanova Saturday at 2 p.m. on Fox.
Michigan State meets Indiana at noon on ESPN, followed by LSU-Arkansas and Kansas meets Oklahoma at 4 p.m. The ACC closes the night, with Virginia's trip to Louisville at 6:30 p.m. before Duke and North Carolina caps the season at 9 p.m.
Pittsburgh plays Florida State on ESPN2 at noon. Connecticut clashes with Temple at 2 p.m. and Kansas State tangles with Texas at 4 p.m.
Butler battles Providence on FoxSports1 Saturday at noon.
Virginia Tech closes its regular season against Miami Saturday at noon on Comcast.
Massachusetts meets George Washington on NBC Sports network Saturday at 3:30 p.m., followed by VCU-George Mason.
ESPN brings four women's tournament championship games Sunday. The ACC starts the action at 1 p.m., with the SEC at 3:30 p.m. and Big Ten tipping off at 7 p.m. The Pac-12 crowns its champion at 9 p.m.
Comcast has two quarterfinal games from the ACC women's tournament Friday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
ESPN carries Suns-Nets Friday at 8 p.m., then the Mavericks take on the Warriors.
The Wizards host the Heat Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
The Bulls take on the Spurs at 1 p.m. on ABC Sunday, then the Clippers travel to Golden State at 3:30 p.m.
The Capitals host Buffalo Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
Comcast offers the Flyers facing the Devils Sunday at 5 p.m.
Detroit heads to Boston Sunday at noon on NBC, and the Rangers visit Chicago Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
Sports of the summer start this weekend. The Nationals meet the Cardinals Saturday at 1 p.m. on MASN.
D.C. United opens the campaign against Montreal Saturday at 3 p.m. on Comcast. ESPN2 carries Orlando City-New York City Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
The PGA tour has its World Golf Championships on NBC Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
Across the pond, Queens Park Rangers takes on Tottenham Hotspur Saturday at 10 a.m. on NBC Sports network.
NBC offers Premier Boxing champions from Las Vegas Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Return to Scandal Land
Peggy Noonan regrets having to deal with another Hillary Clinton scandal.
Sixteen years ago, when she was first running for the Senate, I wrote a book called “The Case Against Hillary Clinton.” I waded through it all—cattle futures, Travelgate, the lost Rose law firm records, women slimed as bimbos, foreign campaign cash, the stealth and secrecy that marked the creation of the health-care plan, Monica, the vast right-wing conspiracy. As I researched I remembered why, four years into the Clinton administration, the New York Times columnist William Safire called Hillary “a congenital liar . . . compelled to mislead, and to ensnare her subordinates and friends in a web of deceit.”
Do we have to go through all that again?
Sixteen years ago, when she was first running for the Senate, I wrote a book called “The Case Against Hillary Clinton.” I waded through it all—cattle futures, Travelgate, the lost Rose law firm records, women slimed as bimbos, foreign campaign cash, the stealth and secrecy that marked the creation of the health-care plan, Monica, the vast right-wing conspiracy. As I researched I remembered why, four years into the Clinton administration, the New York Times columnist William Safire called Hillary “a congenital liar . . . compelled to mislead, and to ensnare her subordinates and friends in a web of deceit.”
Do we have to go through all that again?
New Cross Fit revolution
Cross Fit is the new rage in fitness.
Winter means snow shoveling.
Can you combine the two?
Yes. It's called Throw a Fit.
Winter means snow shoveling.
Can you combine the two?
Yes. It's called Throw a Fit.
Democrats against Hillary
A Joe Biden supporter notes he won't have email problems like Hillary.
Not a Republican, but a Democrat.
Harpootlian said that throughout Clinton’s more than two decades in public life, she has had a “protective cocoon” of “sycophantic political operatives” around her, but that their response so far has been ham-handed at best.
"She better peel away the layers of protection and come out and talk about this," Harpootlian said. "Who were the e-mails to? What is this about? Why did you do it? Put it to bed. You can’t play rope-a-dope and be elected President of the United States.”
Let the fun begin.
Not a Republican, but a Democrat.
Harpootlian said that throughout Clinton’s more than two decades in public life, she has had a “protective cocoon” of “sycophantic political operatives” around her, but that their response so far has been ham-handed at best.
"She better peel away the layers of protection and come out and talk about this," Harpootlian said. "Who were the e-mails to? What is this about? Why did you do it? Put it to bed. You can’t play rope-a-dope and be elected President of the United States.”
Let the fun begin.
Waiting for the ground truth
All day Wednesday, expectations of big snow filled the snow.
Waking up Thursday, nothing yet.
But schools have closed in anticipation of the snow.
News reporters are showing wet roads this morning and saying "snow and cold are coming."
But when?
Waking up Thursday, nothing yet.
But schools have closed in anticipation of the snow.
News reporters are showing wet roads this morning and saying "snow and cold are coming."
But when?
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
It's a gas
Hillary's State of the Union speech
Hillary's hiding of the emails makes you wonder what kind of State of the Union speech she might give.
"The state of the union is for me to know and you to find out."
"The state of the union is for me to know and you to find out."
Get the discussion going
Benjamin Netanyahu's speech sure got people talking.
If you didn't like his speech, there were plenty of excuses to throw.
And see what sticks.
Through it all, President Obama's reaction didn't look good.
In loosing off all the phony-baloney bipartisan crapola, Netanyahu reminded us how easy it is to play the game, and how small and petty Obama is by comparison. And then, without ever saying it directly, he went on to lay out (or, if you're as touchy as Mother Jones, "mansplain") how pathetic it is to be that small and petty at this tide in the affairs of man.
Mother Jones is right to that extent: it was a man's speech, delivered at times with oblique but intentional Churchillian flourishes - "some change, some moderation," as he said of Rouhani's Iran.
If you didn't like his speech, there were plenty of excuses to throw.
And see what sticks.
Through it all, President Obama's reaction didn't look good.
In loosing off all the phony-baloney bipartisan crapola, Netanyahu reminded us how easy it is to play the game, and how small and petty Obama is by comparison. And then, without ever saying it directly, he went on to lay out (or, if you're as touchy as Mother Jones, "mansplain") how pathetic it is to be that small and petty at this tide in the affairs of man.
Mother Jones is right to that extent: it was a man's speech, delivered at times with oblique but intentional Churchillian flourishes - "some change, some moderation," as he said of Rouhani's Iran.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
He shoots and scores
Benjamin Netanyahu impressed those who wanted to listen.
And bothered those who didn't want to listen.
President Obama was right about one thing - there was nothing new in the speech.
Iran has had the same goals since 1979.
It's nothing new for those paying attention.
And bothered those who didn't want to listen.
President Obama was right about one thing - there was nothing new in the speech.
Iran has had the same goals since 1979.
It's nothing new for those paying attention.
Act like a normal country
Just checking into a Benjamin Netanyahu's speech.
A simple line sums it up.
Iran needs to act like a normal country.
A simple line sums it up.
Iran needs to act like a normal country.
Email neutrality
Nice to see Hillary Clinton on the hot seat about use of email while Secretary of State.
An issue people can understand.
You use your work email for work, and personal for personal stuff.
No differences based on your station.
An issue people can understand.
You use your work email for work, and personal for personal stuff.
No differences based on your station.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Netanyahu's warmup
Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at AIPAC Monday before his address to Congress Tuesday.
In case you need to hear why he's here -
So what is the purpose of his speech tomorrow? Netanyahu explains:
In case you need to hear why he's here -
So what is the purpose of his speech tomorrow? Netanyahu explains:
The purpose of my address to Congress tomorrow is to speak up about a potential deal with Iran that could threaten the survival of Israel. Iran is the foremost state sponsor of terrorism in the world….Iran envelopes the entire world with its tentacles of terror. This is what Iran is doing now without nuclear weapons. Imagine what Iran would do with nuclear weapons. And this same Iran vows to annihilate Israel. If it develops nuclear weapons, it would have the means to achieve that goal. We must not let that happen.
Hail to President Cuban
Sharknado 3 sounds like it's going to be fun - with Mark Cuban as the president and Ann Coulter as vice president.
July can't come soon enough.
July can't come soon enough.
Can they harness wind from lawyers?
One of the first wind farm proposals in the United States - Cape Wind - remains just a proposal after 14 years.
There are lawyers fighting the project.
Lawyers fighting for the project.
Now, lawyers fighting the companies that wanted the power produced - except the deadline passes.
Cape Wind's lawyers will be using a big gust of wind in their defense.
Cape Wind has said the lawsuits triggered a clause in the agreement known as force majeure, which extended deadlines for the project. As a result, the utilities improperly terminated and breached the contracts, Gordon said.
“A force majeure suspends all obligations under the contract,” Gordon said. “We need to sit down with the utilities and work it out.”
I heard Sheldon Cooper use "force majeure" once.
The lawyer didn't listen to him that time.
There are lawyers fighting the project.
Lawyers fighting for the project.
Now, lawyers fighting the companies that wanted the power produced - except the deadline passes.
Cape Wind's lawyers will be using a big gust of wind in their defense.
Cape Wind has said the lawsuits triggered a clause in the agreement known as force majeure, which extended deadlines for the project. As a result, the utilities improperly terminated and breached the contracts, Gordon said.
“A force majeure suspends all obligations under the contract,” Gordon said. “We need to sit down with the utilities and work it out.”
I heard Sheldon Cooper use "force majeure" once.
The lawyer didn't listen to him that time.
He was a cut above
The school principal of "Jihadi John" has the traditional memories of his young charge.
There was no sign of being a radical.
Just the shock of knowing a past acquaintance is a current international killer.
You've seen the same reaction whenever there's a murder, and TV crews interview those of know the murderer.
There was no sign of being a radical.
Just the shock of knowing a past acquaintance is a current international killer.
You've seen the same reaction whenever there's a murder, and TV crews interview those of know the murderer.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
We must maintain the mistake
The big week in Washington continues with oral arguments on King v. Burwell.
The question before the court - does the law means what it says it means.
And can government agencies change rules without Congressional approval.
How did this loophole - no subsidies if you use the federal exchange - happen?
Democrats pushed through the complex bill with tricks - due to Scott Brown winning the Massachusetts Senate race in early 2010.
They didn't have the votes to bring the House and Senate bills in tune, so they pushed it through as it was.
If you're complaining about millions losing their subsidies, it's millions of people who shouldn't have had subsidies in the first place.
The plantiffs didn't make the decision to give subsidies - the IRS did.
You may want to blame Republicans for this possible Obamacare loss, but Democrats created the mess.
And bureaucrats made it obvious.
The question before the court - does the law means what it says it means.
And can government agencies change rules without Congressional approval.
How did this loophole - no subsidies if you use the federal exchange - happen?
Democrats pushed through the complex bill with tricks - due to Scott Brown winning the Massachusetts Senate race in early 2010.
They didn't have the votes to bring the House and Senate bills in tune, so they pushed it through as it was.
If you're complaining about millions losing their subsidies, it's millions of people who shouldn't have had subsidies in the first place.
The plantiffs didn't make the decision to give subsidies - the IRS did.
You may want to blame Republicans for this possible Obamacare loss, but Democrats created the mess.
And bureaucrats made it obvious.
March comes in like...
No video unfortunately, but someone posted the audio of John Belushi explaining how March comes in around the world.
Best thing about Netanyahu speech
Less than 48 hours until Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to Congress.
Ticket demand is high.
But what's the best news.
Joe Biden and John Kerry are out of the country while Netanyahu speaks.
The average intelligence of people in the United States has jumped.
Ticket demand is high.
But what's the best news.
Joe Biden and John Kerry are out of the country while Netanyahu speaks.
The average intelligence of people in the United States has jumped.
Be like Lileks
James Lileks has carved out a nice corner of the internet with his Bleat, including observations of daily life and collections of advertising life from the bygone past.
I found a program from the 1982-83 Baltimore Skipjacks, where I did a three-week internship during college.
I helped put together the program for my grade, but I had nothing to do with this advertiser.
I found a program from the 1982-83 Baltimore Skipjacks, where I did a three-week internship during college.
I helped put together the program for my grade, but I had nothing to do with this advertiser.
Going from illegal to legal
President Obama claims to want illegal aliens living in the United States.
They must fill out forms, pay back taxes and they would be able to live here freely.
Iran has an illegal nuclear weapons program.
Obama feels sanctions, like enforcing the laws against illegal immigration, have failed.
When will Iran have to pay for its past lawbreaking?
Whatever it might be, Benjamin Netanyahu doesn't think it will be enough.
“Our position is simple,” Steinitz said. “Iran built a nuclear program in secret, illegally. They want normal relations with the world? Okay, dismantle it.”
How do you trust a country with nuclear intentions?
They must fill out forms, pay back taxes and they would be able to live here freely.
Iran has an illegal nuclear weapons program.
Obama feels sanctions, like enforcing the laws against illegal immigration, have failed.
When will Iran have to pay for its past lawbreaking?
Whatever it might be, Benjamin Netanyahu doesn't think it will be enough.
“Our position is simple,” Steinitz said. “Iran built a nuclear program in secret, illegally. They want normal relations with the world? Okay, dismantle it.”
How do you trust a country with nuclear intentions?
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