Red Herring

The 2017 election just got more interesting.
Democrats are wounded, and their presumed gubernatorial candidate suffers at the hand of current governor Terry McAuliffe.
Several other Dems were already imagining the Republican attack ads in 2017 against Mark Herring, how "this is a guy who is SO far left that even Hillary Clinton's pal, liberal Democrat Gov. Terry McAuliffe, couldn't take it anymore and had to intervene." Ugh.
So much for Democratic hopes for an easy transition to another Democratic governor.

In like Flint

Over at the DaTech Guy, a look at how the Flint water problem could have been prevented.
But somehow Flint authorities made a colossal and possibly deadly mistake by not adding an anti-corrosive that costs $150-a-day into the water supply. That toxic error allowed lead from old pipes to get into the drinking water and yes, into the bodies of Flint residents. Had that additive been used, the expert who uncovered the Flint debacle says the lead crisis never would have occurred.
Never look for the truth when you can blame Republicans.

Costs of the transaction tax

Thanks to the internet, you can get informed commentary on politicians' tax wishes.
Like transaction taxes, the latest ideas of Democrats.

A transaction tax is a totally sexy idea to someone that is not familiar to markets.  But, once enacted they will become very familiar with it as all kinds of bills go up; from the grocery to the fees banks charge them to handle money.  Basically, anywhere they transact business will be more expensive.

I should have added that public companies use the capital markets to raise capital for operations and expansion.  A transaction tax makes accessing these markets significantly more expensive.  That hurts GDP growth, potentially increases unemployment, and continues to make America less competitive.

It will cost you, no matter what Democrats say.

PCUSA helps Trump

Smitty tries to understand Donald Trump's faith journey.
It's pretty simple.

• He went to church as a kid.
• He never left that church.
• He considers himself a church member.

Now, it's likely he's not an involved church member.
Maybe not even a Christmas and Easter church member.
But in his case, that might not be bad.
The Presbyterian Church has changed quite a bit in the 50-plus years since Trump attended that Sunday School.
Now they want to tell people how he differs from current PCUSA thought.
Their input may actually help Trump, not hurt as they hope.

Feel the Bern

Since Bernie Sanders' economic policies will bring back the misery index of the 70s, it's good to see him in period outfits.

Trump still rides high

The Des Moines Register released its final poll before the Iowa caucuses Saturday night.
Donald Trump still leads.
His supporters are firmly behind him.
Those things haven't changed since August.
Sorry, supporters of establishment candidates.

Inside the Gilmore campaign

Jim Gilmore made it to the debate stage Thursday.
The Onion wasn't impressed.

Recycling update

I wanted to recycle my cans last week.
But too much snow.
I went this week, getting 35 cents per pound again.

Saturday song

Hoping for good weather instead of a rainy night in Georgia.

Facebook quote of the week

I wanna sleep!!!!! Too early, but I gotta!!!

Who dressed him?

I tried to watch CNN Thursday. I thought it would be mostly Trump.

Instead they threw in Democratic events as well.

Like Bill Clinton wearing this distracting sweater.

Vulgar and right

Tucker Carlson tells of his first experience with Donald Trump - and sees the attraction people have.
Even Christian who know it's Second Corinthians.
I doubt there are many Christian voters who think Trump could recite the Nicene Creed, or even identify it. Evangelicals have given up trying to elect one of their own. What they’re looking for is a bodyguard, someone to shield them from mounting (and real) threats to their freedom of speech and worship. Trump fits that role nicely, better in fact than many church-going Republicans. For eight years, there was a born-again in the White House. How’d that work out for Christians, here and in Iraq?

Let the Democrats battle

The Attorney General came out with a tough gun restriction recently.
Governor McAuliffe said never mind today.
Good thing the anti-gun people don't have guns.
They are dangerously mad.

Weekend watchdog

It's the weekend of NFL and NHL all-star games.
Do you plan to watch?
The leagues keep tinkering with the format, hoping you will.
Some of the NFL's best - except for those injured or playing in the Super Bowl - gather in Hawaii for the Pro Bowl. Kickoff is Sunday at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
The Pro Bowl used to match AFC vs. NFC. Boring. Now team captains Jerry Rice and Michael Irvin pick their players four days ahead of the contest. Teammates playing against each other - feel the excitement.
The NHL began using 3-on-3 overtime this season, and brings that format to its All-Star game Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
With country singers as celebrity coaches - the game is in Nashville - there will be 20 minutes of action between the two divisions of the Eastern Conference. Then 20 minutes of the West. Winners of those segments will battle for the final 20 minutes.
Got that?
The All-Star skills competition will be Saturday at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
If you like college football the way it used to be, there's the Senior Bowl on NFL network Saturday at 2:30 p.m. As in years past, you'll be watching guys who'll see on Sundays in the fall.
The Australian Open concludes with the men's final Sunday at 3 a.m. and women's final Saturday at 3 a.m. on ESPN.
The Cavaliers host San Antonio on ABC Saturday at 8:30 p.m., and the Bulls meet the Clippers Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
The Wizards visit Houston Saturday at 8 p.m. on Comcast.
VCU faces Davidson Friday at 6 p.m. on ESPN2.
Virginia travels to Louisville Saturday at 1 p.m. on CBS, with Maryland against Ohio State Sunday at 1 p.m.
St. John's hosts Villanova Sunday at noon on Fox.
The ACC network offers Miami-North Carolina State Saturday at 3 p.m. and Wake Forest taking on Notre Dame Sunday at 1 p.m.
ESPN has a quartet of SEC-Big 12 battles Saturday, starting with West Virginia-Florida at noon. Iowa State faces Texas A&M at 2 p.m. with Oklahoma against LSU at 5 p.m. and Kentucky-Kansas at 7 p.m.
There's six games on ESPN2 Saturday, with Vanderbilt against Texas getting things going at noon. Tennessee takes on TCU at 2 p.m. and it's North Carolina against Boston College at 4 p.m. Georgia battles Baylor at 6 p.m., followed by Oklahoma State-Auburn and Pepperdine meeting BYU in the nightcap at 10 p.m.
Butler faces Marquette on FoxSports1 Saturday at noon and it's Providence-Georgetown at 8 p.m. California meets Colorado Sunday at 5 p.m.
Clemson takes on Florida State on Comcast Saturday at noon, followed by Delaware-Towson and Hofstra meets Drexel at 4 p.m. Richmond faces St. Bonaventure Sunday at 3 p.m. and James Madison plays William & Mary at 7 p.m.
Massachusetts meets Fordham Saturday at noon on NBC Sports network, then LaSalle takes on Dayton at 2 p.m. George Washington faces George Mason Sunday at noon.
Princeton plays Brown Friday at 6 p.m. on  MASN.
On the women's court, South Carolina faces Texas A&M on ESPN2 Sunday at 6 p.m.
Villanova clashes with Creighton Friday at 8 p.m. on FoxSports1.
Comcast offers Richmond-St. Bonaventure Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and it's Delaware-Drexel at 5 p.m.
CBS starts its PGA slate with the Farmers Insurance Open Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
On the college ice, Colgate clashes with St. Lawrence Friday at 8 p.m. on MASN and North Dakota takes on Western Michigan Sunday at 8 p.m.
It's an FA Cup weekend, starting Friday at 2:30 p.m. when Darby County meets Manchester United on FoxSports1. Colchester United faces Tottenham Hotspur Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and Arsenal battles Burnley at 10 a.m. Milton Keynes clashes with Chelsea Sunday at 11 a.m.
There's an international friendly between the United States and Iceland Sunday at 4 p.m. on ESPN2.
NBC Sports network has downhill skiing Saturday at 5:30 a.m. and women's giant slalom at 7 p.m. There's women's slalom racing Sunday at 6 a.m. and men's giant slalom at 7:30 a.m.
ESPN has an X Games weekend, with action Friday on ESPN at 7 p.m., Saturday at 9 p.m. and Sunday starting at noon. ABC adds coverage Saturday at 1 p.m.

Where to put the terrorists

During the undercard Republican debate, Jim Gilmore got the question - where to put terror suspects when Gitmo is closed.
He missed the easy answer.
Find out where ex-President Obama will be living and move them into his neighborhood.

How Trump free will it be?

Where will Donald Trump be tonight at 9 p.m.?
If he's not with the rest of the candidates, will they talk about him?
Be asked questions about his decisions?
Can a Trump-free debate truly by Trump free?

Looking back in sadness

Checking back on last year's work, I found this post about Scott Walker doing well in a Drudge Report poll.
He's long gone instead.

Another day in Trump world

Is there another political story besides what Donald Trump will be doing Thursday at 9 p.m.?
Will there be anything else talked about Thursday?

Looking forward to Super Bowl LI

Getting ready for the Super Bowl.
Remember part of the pregame is a newsperson from the network broadcasting the game talking with President Obama.
One last time.
Next year, a new president will have the chance for a pregame interview.
On the network broadcasting Super Bowl LI.
Fox.
Maybe Megyn Kelly will be able to talk to President Trump a few weeks into his term.

Eat donuts, live to 94

With the passing of Abe Vigoda today, I found this clip from Barney Miller.
He ate donuts and lived almost 40 more years after this episode.

Uber for snow plows

People in Waynesboro are upset - why aren't our roads clear?
Reason one - too much snow.
A storm of two feet of snow is more than expected in our area. If we have two winters with no major snows, how do you explain the cost of unused snow equipment.
Maybe it's time for a Uber for snow plows.
You want your area cleared faster?
How much is it worth you to do that?
A Facebook friend in Maryland found himself stuck and needing to get out - he called Uber.
You may not want to buy a four-wheel drive, but you'd pay for those times you need it.
Clearing your area the day of the snow would cost more, but if you and neighbors think it's worth it, then you'd pay for the help.
Paying your own way probably works better than whining about not getting help.
Especially when everyone's in the same boat.

Clear the storm drains

It's 51 in Fishersville this afternoon, so it's melting time.
Which means you better make sure storm drains are clear and the runoff can run off.
Instead of ponding and becoming a frozen zone tonight.
Don't depend on the government or landlord, do the work yourself.
And also look up as you enter buildings.

Four years of Celebrity Apprentice

I never watched Celebrity Apprentice.
I just saw a few commercials over the years.
If Donald Trump is president, I'd bet government will look like the series.
Trump will be the leader and acknowledge others have expertise in their areas. Let's work together.
Scott Adams thinks Trump can lead televised discussions on the issues of the day.
The ideal arrangement for a new government – and one that requires no change to the Constitution – would feature a President Trump running weekly televised meetings (yes, like The Apprentice) to decide the big issues. And sitting in every meeting should be Bernie Sanders and Michael Bloomberg, supported by their experts, arguing their cases.
If you imagine healthcare as a topic, Sanders has a vision of universal coverage. But how? The how would be the topic of the meetings. I want Sanders to show his work, backed by independent experts, and I want to watch Trump challenge the assumptions in real-time. I want Bloomberg in the room as the voice of reason and the promoter of other options. I can think of no better way to educate the public. Ratings would be huge, no matter how you spell that word.
Are you worried that Bernie Sanders’ plans don’t pencil out? Let’s see him show his work. Let’s see some options.

What difference does it make

Thanks to Facebook's looking back feature, I got reminded of this picture posted three years ago.
Some things don't go out of style.

Who to root for?

The Super Bowl is set - Denver against Carolina.
As a Ravens' fan, who gets my rooting interest?
I usually say I want a well-played game.
But family interests give a nudge to Carolina.
Owner Jerry Richardson played for the 1959 Baltimore Colts team that won the NFL title.
My parents attended that game as Colt fans.
Richardson used his championship check to invest in the restaurant business in South Carolina.
I probably eat at some of his stores while living there in the 1980s.
So, go Panthers.

How long?

The interstates are clear.
Which is great if you live on an interstate, which no one does.
Augusta County has cancelled school for Monday.
With snow on most residential roads, you're looking Wednesday at the earliest for kids to go back to school.
Maybe.
Just keep digging, and waiting for your snow plow to arrive.

Paco's snow problem

The snow must be lots worse in Paco's neighborhood.

Snow deja vu

Sunrise this morning, and February 2010.
Both had lots of snow.
And meant lots of shoveling.

An Obama triumph

Just last month, the Obama administration and governments across the world signed an agreement to halt global warming.
And today, there is no sign of global warming on the entire east coast.
Good job, Mr. President.
Now get a shovel and help us dig out.

For your snow needs

If you're stuck in the Mid-Atlantic blizzard, you might need a snow plow.
Homer has some helpful ideas.

Facebook quote of the week

Dear Lord, please don't let ANY of these whiny, immature, horrible people end up in the Oval Office. All three are as nauseating and childish as each other.

You're probably going to get stuck

You don't need to watch local TV news today.
They will get repeat in a loop.
Don't go out, you're probably going to get stuck.

Saturday song

The Monkees sing about Sunday this Saturday morning.

Rhyme for our times

A Facebook friend provides a simple political message.
Don't be a chump vote for Donald Trump
Simple and effective.

Times change, National Review

National Review devotes an issue to reasons not to vote for Donald Trump.
They ask, don't you care about the conservative principals you've believed in for years?
They use the argument type that Democrats have used for years against Republicans on the Obama administration.

• You believed this in the past.
• You act like you don't believe it now.
• Guess that makes you an extremist or racist.

Instead, it's the times that have changed.
Some things we thought would work in the past, but now we realize they probably won't.
We are realistic about the current American situation.
There's huge debt, and still a huge desire for more government.
Democratic plans for this election are simple - you don't want Republicans in charge.
That Trump isn't a true conservative and Republican helps in this atmosphere.
Hillary wants to run like Obama - not on issue but on attacking Republicans.
Neither she nor Bernie Sanders would be sure their attack lines will work against Trump.
A reason to vote for Trump.

Storm advisory

The snow started in Fishersville just after 9 a.m.
Areas to the north are waiting and bracing.
Remember the most important thing about storms like this - don't watch too much TV news.

• Yesterday, it was talk about brining the roads.
• This morning, it's standing outside waiting.
• Tomorrow, it's watching 4-wheel drive vehicles and reminding you that you don't have one.

You've seen it all before.
Again and again.

Weekend watchdog

Brady vs. Peyton.
One more time, maybe for the last time.
Peyton Manning tries to hold back time Sunday, leading his Broncos into the AFC championship game against old nemesis Tom Brady and the Patriots. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. on CBS.
Brady has four Super Bowl rings compared to one for Peyton, but Manning has won two of the three prior matchups in the conference final.
Brady holds the overall lead in matchups with 11 wins and five losses. The teams will meet again next season since both won their divisions, but Manning's late season injury increases the odds it's the last time the duo will take the field together.
In the nightcap, Carolina hosts Arizona for the NFC championship. Fox has coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. Both teams have played and lost in a Super Bowl in recent years.
Cam Newton has led the Panthers to a 15-1 regular season and last week's victory over Seattle. The Cardinals seek their first NFL title since 1947 in Chicago, two cities and 69 years ago.
NFL network has the East-West Shrine game Saturday at 4 p.m., and ESPN2 has the NFLPA all-star game Saturday at 6 p.m.
ABC begins its run of Saturday night NBA contests this week, with Bulls against Cavaliers at 8:30 p.m.
Miami meets Toronto on ESPN Friday at 8 p.m., with Pacers-Warriors in the nightcap.
The Wizards host the Jazz Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on Comcast.
It's George Washington-Rhode Island at 7 p.m. Friday on ESPN2.
CBS has three contests Saturday, starting with Georgetown-Connecticut at noon. It's off to the ACC for Duke against North Carolina State at 2 p.m. and UCLA faces Oregon at 4 p.m.
Villanova hosts Providence on Fox Saturday at noon.
Notre Dame takes on Boston College on the ACC network Saturday at noon, with some areas getting Miami-Wake Forest. Pittsburgh faces Florida State at 4 p.m.
ESPN's Saturday schedule starts at noon with top-ranked Oklahoma against Baylor. Texas takes on Kansas at 2 p.m., followed by Kentucky against Vanderbilt. Maryland meets Michigan State at 6:40 p.m. before Arizona goes against California at 8:40 p.m.
ESPN2 has Indiana against Northwestern Saturday at noon, then it's Nebraska-Michigan and the ACC contest between Georgia Tech and Louisville at 4 p.m. Virginia's game against Syracuse has been rescheduled for Sunday at 7 p.m.
Butler battles Creighton Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on FoxSports1.
On Comcast,.Liberty battles High Point Saturday at noon and it's William & Mary against Hofstra at 4 p.m.
Richmond hosts Davidson on NBC Sports network Saturday at 12:30 p.m., followed by St. Bonaventure-VCU.
On the women's court, Ohio State takes on Rutgers on ESPN2 Sunday at 3 p.m. followed by South Carolina-Mississippi State.
Virginia hosts Pittsburgh Sunday at 1 p.m. and it's North Carolina-Duke at 3 p.m. on Comcast.
VCU faces Richmond Sunday at 3 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
FoxSports1 has Providence-Marquette Friday at 8 p.m. and Baylor battling Iowa State Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
The Capitals host the Ducks Friday at 5 p.m. on Comcast and meet the Penguins Sunday at 12:30 p.m. on NBC.
The Kings tangle with the Sharks on Comcast Sunday at 10 p.m.
On the college ice, Vermont faces Connecticut Friday at 8:30 p.m. on MASN.
ESPN2 brings action from the Australian Open Friday at 9 p.m. Round of 16 play will be Saturday and Sunday at 9 p.m.
Norwich City tangles with Liverpool Saturday at 7:40 a.m. on NBC Sports network and NBC has West Ham against Manchester City. Everton faces Swansea City Sunday 8:25 a.m. before Arsenal-Chelsea.
The United States women have a friendly matchup with Ireland Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
NBC Sports network brings the NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony Friday at 8 p.m.
There's downhill skiing on NBC Sports network Saturday at 5:30 a.m. and freestyle halfpipe Sunday at 2 p.m.

March before the storm

Friday is the annual March for Life.
Looks like the snowstorm will hit after the march finishes at 3 p.m.
D.C. may be panicking about snow, but those who support life will focus on their mission.

Proving Steyn right

Mark Steyn remembers what he wrote 10 years ago - and how Germany is making his thoughts come true quickly.
It's the biggest story of our time, and, ten years on, Europe's leaders still can't talk about it, not to their own peoples, not honestly. For all the "human rights" complaints, and death threats from halfwits, and subtler rejections from old friends who feel I'm no longer quite respectable, I'm glad I brought it up. And it's well past time for others to speak out.

Did you hit the stores yet?

I just visited the local Food Lion.
If you want bread, you are out of luck.
Until the next truck arrives in the morning.

The Jonas bothers

The Weather Channel has named the looming snowstorm Jonas.
Just so you know what they're talking about.

Just Palin around

Sarah Palin has joined the Donald Trump team.
Is she a has-been politically, or the darling of the Tea Party run in 2010?
Let's look at the last week.
South Carolina governor Nikki Haley delivered the Republican response to the State of the Union address.
In the speech, she spoke against "angry voices" like Trump.
Who helped Haley win her current job in 2010?
Palin.
She endorsed her in May, when Haley trailed in the Republican primary.
Now they are on opposite sides.
Only because Palin was on Haley's side in 2010.
In three weeks, the Iowa caucuses will be done and New Hampshire will have voted.
If Trump continues riding high - with Palin's help - we'll know where the power lies this election year.

How did they survive in the olden days?

I only had to go outside a few times today, but it's cold.
It's even a tad cold inside.
And you wonder.
How did people survive 100 or 150 years ago.
Before good insulation, and stronger heating systems.
And I'm cold in Virginia.
How did they survive in the northern plains through a long winter?
They did, and they thrived.
I'm glad they did.
And I'm glad for heating systems.

Baby, it's cold outside

Students in Augusta County get to spend a few more hours in their warm beds before heading off to school Tuesday.
They didn't do that in the old days, when we walked four miles back and forth to school.
Uphill both ways.

Get ready

Reports of a big snowstorm Friday are pouring out of the internet.
I thought we were supposed to be worrying about global warming, and the climate in the mid

Atlantic being too warm for snow.

Never mind.

 

Faith in the Flakes

A weather website I like uses the slogan "Faith in the Flakes" to discuss hopes for snow.
Sounds like Bernie Sanders' campaign strategy.

Cruzin in New York

DaTech Guy notes Ted Cruz wins a poll in New York - and who gets just one percent.
Jeb.
Thanks to Trump.
I don’t doubt that Ted Cruz who has run a flawless campaign would have, in a different situation, would have adapted (after all I doubt he went in planning on Hurricane Donald hitting the establishment GOP) but the kneecapping of the GOP establishment in this cycle has been a Godsend to conservative voters all over the country.
And Jeb Bush represents that establishment.

How will the gun law work?

I survived a few minutes of the Democratic president debate.
Let's talk gun control.
The newest idea for Democrats is making gun manufacturers liable for deaths caused by their products?
How will that work?
Governor O'Malley talked about a 3-year-old shot during a gang shooting at a barber shop.
Democrats would have the boy's family sue gun manufacturers for his injuries.
The gang members did the shooting, but someone else has to pay.
If the liability law were passed, all guns manufactured in the past would be under that.
It wouldn't take too long for those companies to go out of business.
Then we'd still have older guns out there, no new guns to be bought, and no money left to assist new victims.
You pass a law, and yet the problem remains.
Now if you go after the gang members, you might lessen injuries more.
But that's harder than enriching lawyers and breaking up manufacturers.

Coming woes for Democrats

The trouble Hillary Clinton has had nailing down the Democratic presidential nomination show problems for the party down the road.
They rely on demographics to give them an edge.
But these voters may stay home instead of voting for someone they don't like.
And it appears plenty don't like Hillary.

Why we were in Iraq

It's 25 years since the start of Desert Storm.
Don't forget the reason why Iraq became a focus of our attention.

Will Bernie rise to the challenge?

After watching four playoff games in the next 27 hours, will people want to watch the Democratic presidential candidates debate?
Will Bernie Sanders give Hillary Clinton another pass, like when he said he didn't care about emails?
Or does he want to win?
If Sanders wants to capitalize on the party's backfiring plan to hide debates from view, his path is as clear now as it was two months ago. He must make the case to Democratic primary voters that the progressive issues they care about, global warming, income inequality, universal healthcare, campaign finance and the like, will all be eclipsed by Clinton's dishonesty and venality if she wins the nomination.
He must argue that voters who want to spend the next 11 months defending her scandals can vote to nominate her, but those who want to talk about changing society should nominate him instead. Sanders has not risen to this task so far in any of the debates. But then again, there's always Sunday night.

Change on the hill

National Journal tells why President Obama wasn't saying goodbye to working buddies at his final State of the Union address.
Only 185 of the 435 mem­bers of the House were in Con­gress when Obama was a sen­at­or; 250 of his former col­leagues on that side of the Hill have de­par­ted. In the Sen­ate, only 45 of the cur­rent mem­bers served with Obama.
Why the turnover?
Lots due to voting with Obama in his first two years.
They were not invited to return to their positions.

Facebook quote of the week

I want back ground checks for all box cutters, knives, baseball bats, hammers,ice picks, Yeah that will make me safe? Oh and politicians,they appear to be the biggest threat to my life and liberty

Saturday song

David Bowie and Mick Jagger provided this interesting remake in the 80s.
Notice Jaggar taking a drink halfway through.

 

You heard about 9/11. Trump smelled it.

Donald Trump's answer on New York values impressed Scott Adams.
A lot.
By now you know that Ted Cruz made the mistake of questioning the values of New Yorkers. And as you know by now, Donald Trump took the ultimate high ground – a move of sublime political deftness – and got the best of the exchange. If you didn’t see it, read it here. It is one for the ages. 
But Trump did not shed a tear. His lip was not quivering. And he did not show his heart in the way we would want to see it. But in two words, found within his defense of New York, he solved the unsolvable. You just don’t know it yet.
Let me summarize it for you. The realization will start small, and build in the coming days.
If you are wondering why Donald Trump is more of a bad-ass on immigration than you feel is either right or necessary, here’s the difference:
You heard about 9/11. Trump smelled it.

New York state of mind

Did Donald Trump gain respect from his doubters by defending New York?
It's 17 days until Iowa and 25 until the New Hampshire primary.
He's going up instead of down.
If he can make it there, it can make it in the White House.

Weekend watchdog

The four teams with the best regular season records.
The four teams that survived the elements and opposition on the road last weekend.
They meet with hopes of advancing to the league championship games.
The best NFL weekend of the year begins Saturday at 4:30 p.m. when the Chiefs visit the defending champion Patriots on CBS.
The Packers head back to the desert Saturday at 8:15 p.m. on NBC, meeting the Cardinals a few weeks after losing big there.
NFC top seed Carolina hosts Seattle Sunday at 1 p.m. on Fox. The Panthers' 14-0 start included a come-from-behind win over the Seahawks early in the season.
Peyton Manning and the Broncos take on the wounded Steelers in the final contest at 4:40 p.m. on CBS. It will be the eighth postseason meeting between the squads, with the last one in 2011 ending with Tim Tebow's overtime touchdown pass.
By Sunday night, we'll be down to the final four teams.
Oklahoma City hosts the Timberwolves on ESPN Friday at 7 p.m., then it's Cavaliers-Rockets.
The Wizards head to Indiana Friday at 7 p.m. and host Boston Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
George Washington faces Dayton Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2, and it's Evansville-Illinois State in the nightcap at 9 p.m.
Georgetown tangles with Villanova Saturday at 1 p.m. on CBS, and Sunday it's Michigan State-Wisconsin.
Wake Forest hosts Syracuse on the ACC network Saturday at noon and Miami meets Clemson at 2 p.m.
ESPN visits Tobacco Road Saturday at noon, with North Carolina taking on North Carolina State. TCU takes on Kansas at 2 p.m. and it's Kentucky against Auburn at 4 p.m.
There's six games on ESPN2 Saturday, starting at noon with Maryland meeting Ohio State. Duke duels with Notre Dame at 2 p.m. and West Virginia looks for another big upset at Oklahoma at 4 p.m. Oklahoma State takes on Texas at 6 p.m., followed by Florida-Mississippi and San Diego State against Boise State in the nightcap.
The Big East has three contests on FoxSports1 Saturday. Butler faces St. John's at noon before Xavier meets Marquette and Seton Hall-Providence at 4:30 p.m. Creighton clashes with DePaul Sunday at 1 p.m.
Comcast brings three contests Saturday, starting at noon with Virginia Tech-Georgia Tech. Boston College battles Pittsburgh at 2 p.m. followed by Drexel taking on Towson.
Massachusetts meets Davidson Saturday at 12:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network, followed by LaSalle-Rhode Island. George Mason tangles with St. Louis Sunday at 3 p.m.
MASN starts Saturday in the Northeast Conference at noon, with Mount St. Mary's facing St. Francis. Texas El-Paso tangles with Texas-San Antonio at 4 p.m., then it's St. Bonaventure-Duquesne and Marshall meets Rice at 8 p.m.
Old Dominion hosts Middle Tennessee Saturday at 4 p.m. on MASN2, with Xavier-Marquette at 8 p.m.
There's high school basketball Saturday at 6 p.m. as Athlete Institute faces Findlay Prep on ESPN.
On the women's court, ESPN2 offers South Carolina against Texas A&M at 1 p.m. and Baylor-Texas at 3 p.m.
William & Mary meets Hofstra on Comcast Sunday at 1 p.m.
Oklahoma State faces Oklahoma on MASN2 Saturday at 1 p.m. MASN brings Campbell-High Point Sunday at 1 p.m., then it's Lehigh against Holy Cross.
Butler battles DePaul Friday at 7 p.m. on FoxSports1.
The Capitals host the Rangers Sunday at 5 p.m. on Comcast.
NBC Sports network has Flyers against the Red Wings Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
The Stars take on the Sharks Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on Comcast.
On the college ice, Merrimack meets Notre Dame on NBC Sports network Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7 p.m. Boston University battles Boston College on MASN Friday at 7 p.m.
Sunderland takes on Tottenham Hotspur Saturday at 7:40 a.m. on NBC Sports network. It's Liverpool-Manchester United Sunday at 9 a.m. before Stoke City goes against Arsenal.
First round play starts at the Australian Open Sunday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.

Maybe it's time for a businessman

Peter Wehner tells why, as a Republican, he wouldn't vote for Donald Trump.
First, he doesn't like Trump's career path.
There are many reasons to abstain from voting for Mr. Trump if he is nominated, starting with the fact that he would be the most unqualified president in American history. Every one of our 44 presidents has had either government or military experience before being sworn in. Mr. Trump, a real estate mogul and former reality-television star, hasn’t served a day in public office or the armed forces.
But in 2016, maybe the problem with government is those with government experience.
Tough times call for a new way of looking at the problems.
A real estate mogul who has dealt with government entities all his life - and succeeded - might have an advantage over the politician.

How to waste money

If you played Powerball and didn't win anything, you might feel you wasted your $2.
You still probably feel better than people who donated to Jeb Bush's campaign.

Understanding Trump

Dilbert's Scott Adams continues his series of posts on Donald Trump.
Do you like Trump?
Maybe you just know him better than those who don't.
My hypothesis is that the more you know of Trump’s history, the less you worry about his empathy, because his patterns of behavior are consistent to the point of ridiculous. And in those patterns, over a history that stretches for decades, there are curiously few – if any – red flags.
I would like to see a poll that compares each voter’s knowledge of Trump’s history and patterns with people’s opinions of his worthiness as President. My hypothesis is people who understand the consistency of his patterns lose their concerns over his empathy.

Badgers, we don't need no stinkin' Badgers

Wisconsin has issued a 29-point list of actions that should not be done at scholastic events.
Some are good - stand at attention for the national anthem.
Some, questionable.

2. “Over-rated” chant

 Directed in a taunting, disrespectful manner at opponents and their fans.

Sorry, but fans have to boo whoever decided to use two pages to detail this.
UPDATE: Approved by Dustbury.

Enough moves

The NFL will be back in Los Angeles in 2016 - with a team that resided there from 1946 to 1994.
Is one jilted city enough?
Now St. Louis is back in the mix.
In 1987, I received a "Baltimore Cardinals" sweatshirt when we were trying to replace the Colts.
The Cardinals moved to Arizona, and eight years later the Rams came to town with a new domed stadium.
Except more than half of the NFL has built new stadiums or improved their places since 1995.
State of the art didn't last long.
With the NFL at 32 teams, it's hard to see expansion to a slightly higher number.
So cities that have teams will have to fend off cities that want teams.

Won't jump in the river for him

Politico finds Lenny Skutnik, who was honored at the State of the Union address in 1982 after jumping into the Potomac to save an airplane crash victim.
What does he think of President Obama?
I watch the SOTU, to see who’s gonna be the guests. They get carried away with too many guests. I’ve watched every address. It’s the actual politics, the president, whoever it was … . Today they’re talking about the Obama administration—they want to get some Muslims in there, a Syrian refugee. What’s he trying to do? Piss everybody off? He’s an activist president. He’s nuts.

Go away

Roger L. Simon gives Jeb Bush one more chance - to quit and boost what's left of his reputation.
He should pull out now and do just as I recommended months ago -- call on Hillary Clinton to drop out too.
It would be a patriotic act. He would be doing America an immense favor.  Only some aging feminists, Huma Abedin and a few corrupt Chinese businessmen really want Hillary to be president. Who knows if Bill even does?  Much of the country, publicly or privately, wants her out of the picture. Her campaign events seem like zombie conventions for the living dead. How could anyone be enthusiastic? No one wants to go through another Watergate when there are  serious problems to deal with, a Middle East in flames, Europe imploding and the economy in free fall.

State of the Persian Gulf

Why do bad things happen to President Obama?
He wants to give his final State of the Union, and talk about how great he thinks things are.
And a Navy boat has mechanical trouble near an Iranian island.
Just a reminder of problems that loom - and Obama's failure to deal with them.

What to watch

This week we have

• President Obama's final State of the Union address.
• A Republican presidential debate Thursday
• A Democratic presidential debate Sunday.

Which is most important for our future?
Which is least important?
Run your errands tonight - it will be a rerun of his past few years.

Jackpot - good or bad

At Instapundit, Sarah Hoyt thinks of the good of a big jackpot possibility - the dreams.
Right now, we can buy lottery or not, take it or leave it.  BUT when we were incredibly broke, we bought the lottery every weekend.  And we were never disappointed.  You see, we weren’t really buying a chance at millions.  We knew that was unlikely.  (My husband’s degree is Pure Math.) We were buying a chance to dream. Between whenever we bought the lottery and the drawing, we spent all that money a billion different ways, and forgot for a moment that we didn’t actually have enough spare money to buy new paperback books or, you know, buy a movie ticket, or meat for dinner. It was totally worth it.
Even if not everyone shares the thoughts.

Trump is great, nudge, nudge

Dilbert's Scott Adams continues to analyze Donald Trump's rise toward the White House.
Like, why doesn't Trump admit he's wrong?
The first rule of persuasion is that you nudge the other person, but you NEVER let them nudge you. Let me repeat this word a few times: NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER.
That’s exactly how often a good persuader should admit a wrong: NEVER.
Will people who dislike Trump learn?
NEVER.

Too many combinations

Are you going to take a chance at Powerball again before Wednesday?
I bought two tickets last week.
A $4 investment.
I got the powerball on one, so I won $4
I finished even.
But Powerball added 10 ping pong balls in the fall, increasing the main group from 59 to 69.
With some many more combinations, even people buying 440 million tickets didn't guarantee a winner.
With 440 million tickets sold, there was a little more than a 77% chance that at least one person would have won the Powerball last week, Matheson said.
The next jackpot will be over $1.5 billion.
If no one wins, then it's over $2 billion on Saturday.
Odds are, someone will win by Saturday.
It might not be you.

How to stop Trump

No plans to stop Donald Trump seem to be working.
He keeps rolling along atop the polls.
What could make a difference?
Stop calling him a bigot.
or ignorant.
Sounds simple.
When you call Trump a bigot and ignorant, you think it's a threat to his supporters.
You must leave Trump or be shunned.
It hasn't worked.
Maybe calling Trump a bigot and ignorant increases his support.
Trump talks against political correctness.
So using political correctness terms fails.
More thought is needed if you want to stop Trump.

Does Schlafly know conservatism?

The complaint about Donald Trump has been he's not a true conservative.
But Breitbart says Phyllis Schlafly supports Trump.
Does she know what it is to be conservative?
She's been conservative since before most pundits were born.
Before the parents of some pundits were born.
If she can be happy with a Trump candidacy, then many people who've listened to her for years will go along.

Learning from Powerball odds

The Powerball website notes that the odds of winning the grand prize are 1 in 292,201,338.
Still better than Jeb Bush's odds to be the Republican nominee.

How bad will Hillary lose?

Legal Insurrection brings the roundup of polling - and it's not good news for Hillary Clinton.
The newest national poll is from Fox, based on phone interviews that were conducted from Jan 4-7 and featuring 1006 registered voters, the vast majority of whom said they intend to vote. For Republican respondents the margin of error was 5%, which is rather large. For the entire survey, the margin of error was 3%, which is more typical but still worthy of note when the figures are close.
It’s very interesting to see what’s happening with the projected head-to-head battles of some of the Republican leaders against Hillary Clinton. Mostly the results seem to preserve the patterns each candidate has already established for quite some time, with Rubio doing the best of all (a +9 lead, more than he’s had before). Cruz is next with a +7 lead (also bigger than he had before), and Trump has a +3 lead.
Pick up poison, Democrats.

Last was a first

Facebook highlighted a story about The Last Starfighter, one of the first sci-fi movies to use computer graphics in a major way.
It was the last movie I saw at my neighborhood drive-in.
The best thing - the good guys won.

Trump - the fun candidate

Mark Steyn caught Donald Trump's recent visit to Burlington, Vermont. And he found things to like.
Including the location.
~THE VENUE: When was the last time a GOP presidential candidate held (in the frantic run-up to Iowa and New Hampshire) an event in Vermont? Every fourth January, Republican campaigns are focused on the first caucus and the first primary states, as Bush, Rubio, Christie, Kasich, Huckabee, Fiorina et al are right now. But in fact the Green Mountain primary is on March 1st, and its delegates count as much as any other state's. In recent cycles, the American electoral system has diminished and degraded itself by retreating into turnout-model reductionism and seriously competing only over a handful of purple states. Even if he's only doing it as a massive head-fake, Trump understands the importance of symbolism: By going into Berniestan, he's saying he's going for every voter and he's happy to play down the other guy's half of the field.
And the attitude.
That's the point. I think it would help if every member of the pundit class had to attend a Trump rally before cranking out the usual shtick about how he's tapping into what Jeb called "angst and anger". Yes, Trump supporters are indignant (and right to be) about the bipartisan cartel's erasure of the southern border and their preference for unskilled Third World labor over their own citizenry, but "anger" is not the defining quality of a Trump night out. The candidate is clearly having the time of his life, and that's infectious, which is why his supporters are having a good time, too. Had Mitt campaigned like this, he'd be president. But he had no ability to connect with voters. Nor does Jeb ("I've been endorsed by another 27 has-beens") Bush.

Saturday song

Start your morning with the Monkees.

Facebook quote of the week

It is 15 degrees outside and someone says that he doesn't want to wear long pants. Sigh

Curtain falls on Hillary?

One more week until Michael Bay's Benghazi movie hits the theaters.
Care for Hillary Clinton's review?
Critics doubt she'll like it.
It will be the first time many Americans hear the story of the heroes of Benghazi.
They will be moved by the bravery and fortitude of the forces left to fight and die there. When they leave the theater — dizzied from the sensory onslaught — they’ll ask each other, “Where was help?”
The help was thinking up excuses.

Weekend watchdog

Washington Redskins, NFC East champions.
Hard to believe.
Might they be playing February 7 in Santa Clara?
Thanks to a four-game winning streak to close the season, the Redskins get to host the Packers Sunday at 4:40 p.m. in the final game of the first playoff weekend. Fox has coverage of the contest.
The Packers started the season hotter, but fell into the wildcard slot after losing to the Vikings last Sunday. Washington will be making its first postseason appearance since 2012, and hoping for a first Super Bowl appearance since 1992.
ESPN has the opening game Saturday at 4:30 p.m., matching the Texans and the Chiefs. Kansas City snagged the wild-card berth by winning nine straight to end the season, while the Texans squeezed into the postseason at 9-7.
CBS has the Saturday prime time matchup between the Steelers and Bengals. They split their AFC North matchup this season, both winning on the road.
Minnesota hosts Seattle Sunday at 1 p.m. on NBC, as the Seahawks try to reach the Super Bowl for the third straight year.
College football crowns its champion Monday on ESPN, as Alabama faces Clemson in the final of the College Football Playoff at 8:30 p.m.
The Championship Series title game matches North Dakota State and Jacksonville State Saturday at noon on ESPN2.
The Cavaliers take on Minnesota Friday at 8 p.m. on ESPN, with the Thunder clashing with the Lakers at 10:30 p.m.
The Wizards host Toronto Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast and travel to Orlando Saturday at 7 p.m.
Valparaiso takes on Oakland Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2 and FoxSports1 has Utah-Colorado at 9 p.m.
Virginia Tech heads to Duke on ACC network Saturday at noon, then Virginia faces Georgia Tech at 2 p.m.
CBS brings LSU-Florida Saturday at 1:30 p.m., and Indiana takes on Ohio State Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
Maryland meets Wisconsin at noon Saturday on ESPN, and it's North Carolina-Syracuse at 8 p.m.
There's four games on ESPN2 Saturday, starting with Baylor-Iowa State at 3 p.m. Florida State meets Miami at 5 p.m., then it's Memphis-Connecticut and Auburn against Missouri in the nightcap at 9 p.m.
Georgetown meets DePaul on FoxSports1 Saturday at noon, followed by Creighton battling Seton Hall. It's Princeton-Pennsylvania at 4:30 p.m. and Villanova faces Butler Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
Pittsburgh plays Notre Dame Saturday at 4 p.m. on Comcast, with Louisville-Clemson Sunday at noon.
NBC Sports network goes to the Atlantic 10 Sunday, starting at noon with Rhode Island-St. Joseph's. Richmond faces Fordham at 2 p.m. followed by VCU-St. Louis.
It's time for Conference USA on MASN Saturday, as Rice takes on North Texas at 2 p.m. before Texas-San Antonio goes against Middle Tennessee. Sunday at 1 p.m., Detroit battles Valparaiso.
St. John's meets Marquette at 2 p.m. Saturday on MASN2.
On the women's court, top-ranked Connecticut clashes with Houston Friday at 9 p.m. on ESPN2 and faces South Florida Sunday at 5 p.m. on ESPN.
FoxSports1 offers Xavier-Creighton Friday at 7 p.m.
ESPN2 brings North Carolina-Notre Dame Sunday at 1 p.m. followed by Maryland against Iowa.
Comcast has a pair of ACC women's games Sunday, with North Carolina State-Pittsburgh at 2 p.m. followed by Georgia Tech against Florida State.
The Capitals head to New York Satursay at 1 p.m. on Comcast, then it's back home Sunday at 7 p.m. to play Ottawa.
NBC Sports network brings the Devils-Wild Sunday at 8 p.m.
On the college ice, Alaska meets Alabama-Huntsville Friday at 8 p.m. on MASN. Western Michigan faces Notre Dame on NBC Sports network Friday at 7:30 p.m.
NBC Sports network brings World Cup skiing this weekend, with ladies downhill Saturday at 5:30 a.m. and men's giant slalom at 7 a.m. There's ladies Super G Sunday at 5:30 a.m. and men's slalom at 7 a.m.
It's the third round of FA Cup matches, with Liverpool against Exeter City Friday at 3 p.m. on FoxSports1. Aston Villa faces Wycombe Saturday at 7:30 a.m. followed by Arsenal-Sunderland. There's three more games Sunday, starting at 6:50 a.m. as Oxford United plays Swansea. Chelsea clashes with Scunthorpe at 10 a.m. before Tottenham Hotspur battles Leicester City at noon.
The United States meets Dominican Republic in women's volleyball Saturday at 9 p.m. on NBC Sports network.

Paws that refreshes

Monday is the college football championship game.
Clemson fans gearing up for the big game can get a special treat at the local Chick-fil-A.
Biscuits in the shape of a tiger paw.
Think they'll be a regular part of the menu next football season.

Neutering the big dog

Nice job by the Trump team.
Putting Bill Clinton together with Anthony Weiner and Bill Cosby.
Don't need to say much to get the message across.

Remember the big snow

The Charlottesville TV station reminded viewers of the 20th anniversary of the big blizzard of 1996.
I remember wishing we had brought a snow shovel from West Virginia when we moved to town.

Politics in the Netflix era

Morning Joe mentioned the coming onslaught of political ads in New Hampshire.
Just like all recent election cycles.
If you watch TV, they think you'll see lots of political ads.
What if you routinely skip the commercials?
You stream shows and binge watch off Netflix, Amazon or Hulu. What are commercials?
Even if you watch cable, you fast forward through the commercials.
Will political ads have an impact on you?

Don't go there

As the United States presidential election heats up, pundits try to predict how things will go based on past events.
Will Donald Trump's comments on Muslims doom him?
Across the Atlantic, the wave of Muslims has arrived.
There's 10 months until November. Lots of events that might not be considered now could turn out to the game-changers by the fall.

Not only Augusta County

When controversy erupted over Riverheads High School teaching students the Arabic text for "Allah is Supreme," some critics wondered the fuss made Augusta County look bad.
Not welcoming.
Sorry, but the Riverheads parents are not alone.
A recent controversy illustrating this tendency involves high school students in Blaine, Minnesota, instructed to perform a song in their Christmas concert that includes the Arabic phrase Allahu Akbar, which CBS considerately explains in its report on the event “means God is Great.” No, not quite. As Carol Brown comments in American Thinker, it means “Allah is supreme. As in Islamic supremacy.” It is also the cry uttered by legions of jihadists as they commit their acts of terror, slaughtering innocents at will. But students, to the detriment of all of us, are not informed about the implications of the phrase.
Time may show Riverheads at the front society, standing for its beliefs.

Scene from the gang headquarters

President Obama wants to keep guns out of the wrong hands.
Will gangs ask their members to undergo background checks before getting a gun?

Sorry, dude, your check came back bad.
You'll have to rob that store with a knife.

Give me Liberty

Liberty University opens its spring semester with a speech by Donald Trump.
Expect a warm welcome.
Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. told the newspaper that he and his wife, Becki, have stayed in “close contact” with Trump since his 2012 appearance on campus. Falwell and Trump also spoke after Falwell’s December appearance on “The Sean Hannity Show,” in which the school president defended his decision in the wake of the San Bernardino shooting to end a rule prohibiting students from bringing guns into dorms. Becki Falwell told the newspaper that Trump had called Falwell, telling him he was proud of him and that he liked that Falwell had compared Trump favorably to the late Jerry Falwell.

Read more here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/article53069160.html#storylink=cpy

Snow at the beach

Remember the record warm temperatures around Christmas?
Today's time to shiver.
Even on the Outer Banks.

Who's going to the Hall?

It's two days until the baseball writers announce this year's Hall of Fame class.
Closer Billy Wagner, who played high school ball in southwest Virginia, might get some attention.
Looking forward to a player I covered as a high school athlete getting votes for the ultimate baseball honor.

#RanchersLivesMatter

PJMedia looks at the Oregon ranchers and #BlackLivesMatter.
Could they have common bonds?
In truth, the Black Lives Matter movement and the Bundy group have far more in common than they do in contrast. Both groups have grievances with government which they claim have gone unaddressed. Both groups point to ongoing examples of perceived government persecution. Both groups have chosen civil disobedience to draw attention to their cause. Both groups portray themselves as "peaceful" and claim to be engaged in "non-violent" protest.

Let the ads begin

Four weeks until the Iowa caucuses.
Time for Donald Trump to unleash his first ads.
Advertising by Trump has been limited to radio spots until this week. In November, he made a $300,000 buy for four ads that played in early states, including one that promised he would “decisively bomb the hell out of ISIS.”

Trump said he reviewed several proposals for his first television ad but settled on the dark backdrop of “Great Again” because he wanted to showcase what makes him stand apart from the competition: bucking political correctness and speaking in vivid, stark terms about threats to national security.

Memories

Hillary wants to run on good feelings from the 1990s.
And forget the bad side of Bill Clinton.
Will she be allowed to ignore the past charges, or trim the sails of her "War on Women" attack on Republicans?
If Bill is Hillary’s campaigner-in-chief, she can hardly complain if his own personal war on women gets mentioned. Currently, I doubt that ten percent of voters have any idea who Juanita Broaddrick is. But that will change if Hillary’s opponents are persistent. It seems to me that there is a real possibility that Broaddrick et al could become a millstone around Hillary’s neck, especially with younger voters who do not share the geriatric set’s warm feelings toward Bill.

A real brewhaha

SI remembers the runup to the first Bud Bowl.
While Broadcast Arts began toiling away in monastic seclusion, DMB&B’s Pace (the copy writer) and Buchanan (the art director) were tasked with conceiving the look and feel of the ads. Pace was put in charge of brainstorming as many hokey football and beer puns as he could extract from his exhausted brain. What if there was a longneck-bottle coach, with a houndstooth hat, named Beer Bryant? What if Team Bud’s quarterback was nicknamed Budway Joe? What if, during a pivotal point in the game, there was a running back—a giant 40-ounce bottle—named the Freezer, in homage to William (Refrigerator) Perry? What if there was a beer with a rainbow wig in the stands holding a “Bud 3:16” sign? And what if the climactic game-winning field goal was kicked by a tiny, Garo Yepremian-sized seven-ounce beer named Budski?
Enjoy.

It's going to be a fun year

I wonder how Facebook will survive this year.
Some people post things boosting Democrats and trashing Republicans.
Some post stuff like this.

The laughs will be coming until November, at least.

It's the final countdown

Watts Up with That reminds us that we're almost at Al Gore's 10-year deadline.
We only had 10 years to save the planet back then.
Rush Limbaugh talked about it in 2006.
When we get to February, we will have passed Gore's deadline.
So why bother doing what he wants then?

Trump as the alarm clock

Roger L. Simon sees dangerous times ahead.
What can slow the trouble?
A wake up call.
The rise of Donald Trump is a good thing, not because any one man can easily change the course of history, not because he's necessarily the best candidate (although he could be), but because his rise indicates that a lot of people who often ignore things are waking up to this extreme situation.
And extreme situations almost always call for extreme responses, like it or not. Folks like Charles Krauthammer and George Will should try to remember that.  They should also remember that if it is to be Trump, they may not like him, but one of his most important (and difficult) jobs will be to unite the country.  He will need the help of the Krauthammers and Wills to do that.  He will need all of us, actually.

Facebook quote of the week

Ah, back home and ensconced on my couch. Another 500 or so miles in the car today. I love my car but I am a bit tired of sitting in it.

Saturday song

It's 2016, so things from 1966 will be celebrating a 50th anniversary.
Like this song by Napoleon XIV.

Me and The Donald

From 2006, I met the celebrity.
The Donald.
Duck.

Looking back

2015 is done.
Dave Barry remembers.
Amazing that we survived.

Looking ahead

2016 is going to be a good year. It starts with a Friday and Saturday, and ends with a Friday and Saturday.