Blame the drunk guy

A new story about Russia has popped up - blame Papadopoulos for the Russia investigation into Trump.
Questions remain.
However, Byron York raises some important questions:

(1) If Papadopoulos actions drove FBI probe, why wait til nearly Feb 2017 to interview him? If done to keep probe quiet before election, why wait more than two months after vote?
(2) When did officials brief Congress about Papadopoulos? They briefed Congress about Carter Page in late summer 2016.
(3) Did officials seek a surveillance warrant on Papadopoulos? They reportedly got one on Carter Page in summer 2016. Did they try to get one on Papadopoulos? If not, why not?

Another false flag leaked to the New York Times?
You can never go wrong jumping to that conclusion.

What are you doing New Year's Eve?

The New York Post suggests avoiding Times Square - but expects two million people to ignore the warning.
When the Boston-based patient advocate, 40, attended the festivities two years ago, She recalled feeling “herded like cattle” inside the sectioned-off pens in the upper 40s, blocks from the ball-dropping action.
“It was absolutely freezing,” she added. “I couldn’t believe how many people brought babies and small children. We felt so badly for kids, we were lifting them over the barriers” — so they could go to the bathroom on the street.
Enjoy.

Watching Democrats struggle

In the Virginia House of Delegates, Democrats picked up 16 seats on Election Day.
One more ties the House, setting up interesting struggles if Democrats then pull together.
If that likely to happen?
The Democratic Caucus has scheduled three caucus meetings since election day to elect their leadership. Leadership elections were postponed entirely at the first two meetings, and at the third meeting, the caucus refused to put forward a candidate for Speaker — instead only re-electing their current minority leadership team, one that reportedly resulted in Toscano storming out of a caucus meeting.

Facebook quote of the week

I went for a walk today to CVS and the Post Office. I'd not recommend it on such a cold day.

Saturday song

Dionne Warwick gets the New Year's weekend going.

The year in fake news

Powerline shares many of the news reports that proved false about President Trump in 2017.
Too many reporters have revealed this year they’re willing to believe the worst of this administration. “Too good to check” has never had it so good. Clearly, the mainstream media has flunked the Trump challenge.

Protests to watch

Iranian cities had protests for the second day Friday.
The Trump administration noticed.
And offered support.
May those who protest the mullahs be safe.

Weekend watchdog

The NCAA's playoff system intends to bring the best four teams together for a chance in the national title.
And it keeps bringing Clemson and Alabama together.
The defending champion Tigers and the Crimson Tide - winners two years ago - meet in the Sugar Bowl Monday at 8:50 p.m. on ESPN. The semifinal matchup is a rematch of the last two national title games.
The Tigers have the top seed in this year's playoff after claiming the ACC championship. Alabama squeezed past Ohio State to make the field despite not winning the SEC or their division.
The other semifinal matches second-seed Oklahoma and Georgia at the Rose Bowl, with kickoff at 5:10 p.m.
The bowl season continues Friday at 1 p.m. with Belk Bowl as Wake Forest faces Texas A&M. CBS has the Sun Bowl between North Carolina State and Arizona State at 3 p.m., and Kentucky takes on Northwestern on ESPN from the Music City Bowl at 5:15 p.m.
Utah State and New Mexico State meet in the Arizona Bowl on CBS Sports network at 5:30 p.m., with Ohio State facing Southern Cal in the Cotton Bowl at 8:30 p.m.
The Taxslayer Bowl matches Louisville and Mississippi State Saturday at noon on ESPN, with Memphis-Iowa State on ABC at 12:30 p.m. in the Liberty Bowl. Penn State battles Washington in the Fiesta Bowl at 4 p.m. on ESPN, followed by the Orange Bowl between Wisconsin and Miami.
There's three games on New Year's Day before the semifinals start. Michigan meets South Carolina in the Outback Bowl on ESPN2 at noon, with Auburn-Central Florida at the Chick-fil-A Bowl at 12:30 p.m. on ESPN and Notre Dame facing LSU in the Citrus Bowl on ABC at 1 p.m.
The NFL season ends Sunday with all games being played at either 1 or 4:25 p.m. Fox will bring the Redskins against Giants at 1 p.m., followed by Panthers-Falcons.
The Ravens try to clinch a playoff berth against the Bengals on CBS at 4:25 p.m., after the Steelers face the winless Browns at 1 p.m.
The Wizards host the Rockets Friday at 7 p.m. and the Bulls Sunday at 3:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
On the college court, ESPN2 has Coastal Carolina's clash with Texas-Arlington Friday at 7 p.m. Kansas takes on Texas at 9 p.m. with Washington State meeting UCLA at 11 p.m.
Kentucky tangles with Louisville Friday at 1 p.m. on CBS.
Maryland meets UMBC on FoxSports1 Friday at 8 p.m. and it's Utah-Oregon at 10 p.m.
There's three games on CBS Saturday, starting at noon with Wichita State facing Connecticut. Florida State faces Duke at 2 p.m. before Villanova battles Butler.
North Carolina battles Wake Forest at noon Saturday on ESPN2, followed by Oklahoma-TCU. Vanderbilt faces Florida at 4 p.m. before Texas A&M takes on Alabama.
Virginia starts ACC play against Boston College Saturday at 2 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
The ACC network brings Pittsburgh-Miami Saturday at 4 p.m.
Brown battles Northwestern on FoxSports1 Saturday at noon, followed by DePaul-Xavier and Georgetown's contest with Marquette. Stanford clashes with California at 10 p.m.
NBC Sports network has three contests from the Atlantic 10 Saturday, with Fordham-VCU at 12:30 p.m. Massachusetts meets St. Bonaventure at 2:30 p.m. followed by Davidson-Richmond.
Kentucky meets Georgia Sunday at 6 p.m. on ESPN.
ESPN2 offers South Carolina-Mississippi at 6 p.m. Sunday and Washington State takes on Southern Cal at 9 p.m.
Providence clashes with Creighton Sunday at 2:30 p.m. on FoxSports1.
In the women's hardcourt, West Virginia travels with Texas Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on MASN2. Ohio State takes on Indiana at 2 p.m. on ESPN2 before Florida faces Auburn.
The Capitals face the Devils Saturday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
NBC Sports network has the Predators tangling with the Wild Friday at 8 p.m.
The 2018 Winter Classic matching the Rangers and Sabres will be on NBC Monday at 1 p.m.
It's Liverpool-Leicester City on NBC Sports network Saturday at 9:55 a.m., with Crystal Palace-Manchester City at 6:55 a.m. Sunday followed by West Bromwich Albion-Arsenal at 11:25 a.m.

Building on the rubble

Scott Adams lists the groups that have been brought down as President Trump makes America great again.
I’m probably leaving out some stuff that got broken. It’s been a busy year.

Bring on the battle

Instapundit opens up the comments to an interesting idea - a knife fight featuring all 44 presidents, at their best physical shape during their terms.
Who would be the last man standing?
Lots of hopes for Teddy Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson making it to the end - if someone sneaky doesn't get them by surprise.

Timber

First Lady Melanie Trump listened to tree experts and agreed an old magnolia on the White House grounds has to come down.
Newsweek tried to take an axe to her.
There goes Newsweek's reputation.
Tim--ber.

So give them grief

If your family's liberals haven't left yet, Kurt Schlichter has advice for their parting.
Now, as your late family gathers together, all dead because of Trump’s authoritarian reign of terror, try to remember that in the spirit of the season, you should mock your liberal friends and family unmercifully. It’s a painful time for them. The economy is booming, ISIS has been beheaded, and Mueller hasn’t found Schiff. That’s why it’s so, so very important to kick them when they are down. Because Christmas is a time where we celebrate giving, so give them grief. Because it’s the only way they’ll ever learn.

Rest up, Santa

Santa's trip to deliver toys has been completed.
Politico tells about NORAD follows the trip.
On Christmas Eve, while monitoring the heavens for North Korean missile launches or Russian military aircraft flying too close to the U.S. or Canada, NORAD will also be reporting the progress of Santa and his reindeer as they travel from the North Pole around the world delivering presents and holiday cheer. It will correlate the jolly elf's journey with its network of 47 radar stations, spy satellites in "geosynchronous" orbit 22,300 miles above the earth, fighter jets and a suite of special high-tech "SantaCams." Or so the publicity stunt's plan goes.

Update your Christmas links

One of my first blog posts was the Christmas hymn "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."
It was included in the 2008 Carnival of Christmas at Cathouse Chat.
I decided to check the link today and it's gone.
But is there a backup site that's still active?
Yes.
And 2009 too.
Enjoy.

President Trump is quite a bonus

Rush received a call this week from someone at Comcast who just got a raise - after the tax bill passing.
CALLER: Yeah. I had a quick comment about Comcast. It’s not just bonuses that they’re giving out. I received $1.50 an hour raise yesterday as well as 10 other folks in my office. So if they’re saying it’s just bonuses, it’s not. I mean, this is fantastic.
Good news all around.

Facebook quote of the week

Went to the train garden, went to the Ellicott City lights, snuggling watching Nemo!!! It doesn’t get any better than this!!!

Saturday song

Two day until Christmas, so hoping you feel stronger every day.

Weekend watchdog

For the second straight year, most of the NFL plays on Christmas Eve.
And the Steelers draw Christmas Day duty again.
The Steelers travel to Houston on NBC Monday at 4:30 p.m. Pittsburgh has already clinched a division title this season, while the Texans will be missing out on the postseason.
The NFL weekend begins Saturday at 4:30 p.m. when the Ravens host the Colts on NFL network. The Packers host the Vikings on NBC at 8:30 p.m.
The Redskins battle the Broncos Sunday at 1 p.m. on CBS. Fox brings Falcons-Saints at 1 p.m., with the Seahawks' trip to Dallas at 4:25 p.m.
The NBA has a full slate on Christmas Day, starting at noon when the 76ers visit the Knicks on ESPN. ABC has the championship rematch between the Warriors and Cavaliers at 3 p.m., followed by Wizards-Celtics at 5:30 p.m.
The Thunder host the Rockets at 8 p.m. on ABC, then the Lakers take on the Timberwolves on TNT at 10:30 p.m.
NBC Sports Washington has the Wizards against Nets Friday at 7:30 p.m., with Saturday's contest against the Magic at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington-plus.
The Clippers visit the Rockets on ESPN Friday at 8 p.m. before the Lakers face the Warriors.
The college bowl season continues Friday as Ohio takes on Alabama-Birmingham in the Bahamas Bowl at 12:30 p.m. on ESPN, followed by Central Michigan-Wyoming in the Famous Potato Bowl.
There's three more bowls Saturday on ESPN, starting at noon with Texas Tech tangles with South Florida in the Birmingham Bowl. Army meets San Diego State in the Armed Forces Bowl at 3:30 p.m., and it's Appalachian State against Toledo in the Dollar General Bowl.
Houston battles Fresno State Sunday at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN.
On the college hardcourt, Northwestern tangles with Oklahoma on ESPN2 Friday at 7 p.m., then it's Texas against Alabama.
Oklahoma State hosts Texas-Rio Grande Valley Friday at 1 p.m. on MASN2, followed by Abilene Christian-Texas Tech. Sacred Heart tangles with Providence Friday at 6:30 p.m. on FoxSports1 then it's Villanova's trip to Hofstra and Southern Illinois going to Nevada at 11 p.m.
CBS offers North Carolina-Ohio State at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by Kentucky-UCLA.
There's five games on ESPN2 Saturday, starting at 12:30 p.m. with Wake Forest-Tennessee. Connecticut takes on Auburn at 2:30 p.m. before the first semifinal of the Diamond Head Classic. Illinois meets Missouri at 8 p.m. and then it's the second semifinal from Diamond Head.
Georgetown hosts Alabama A&M on FoxSports1 Saturday at noon. Southern Illinois meets Duquesne at 8:30 p.m. followed by San Francisco-Nevada.
Manhattan meets Seton Hall Saturday at noon on MASN2.
NBC Sports network brings Dayton-Wagner Saturday at 3 p.m.
The Capitals meet Vegas Saturday at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
Arsenal takes on Liverpool Friday at 2:55 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
Chelsea clashes with Everton Saturday at 7:25 a.m. and Manchester City meets AFC Bournemouth at 9:55 a.m.
NBC has a pair of contests Saturday, with Burnley meeting Tottenham Hotspurt at 12:30 p.m. followed by Leicester City-Manchester United.
NBC Sports network has rugby between the Leicester Tigers and Saracens Sunday at 10 a.m.

What didn't happen in 2017

Scott Adams gives a list of things that haven't happened in 2017.
Donald Trump has been president for 11 months and we're still here.
Nuff said.

Merry Christmas from President Trump

President Trump said there would be a tax cut bill before Christmas.
It's on his desk now, five days before Christmas.
More good news will be coming as we go into 2018.

Taxes cut here

The Republicans are in the middle of cutting your taxes.
Democrats aren't happy.
Why aren't we funding all the priorities they have?
Well, why didn't they in 2009-2010 when they had the White House, Senate and House?
Democrats now worry about deficit spending.
After the national debt jumped $10 trillion from 2008 to 2016 during the Obama years.
They had their chance.
They did not lead.
President Trump and the Republicans will lead the economy.

Reality-based diplomacy

President Trump offered his thoughts and plans on international relations Monday.
Pragmatism is a signature element of President Trump’s approach to solving problems, foreign and domestic. As his chief of staff John Kelly noted in an October press conference, Trump’s agenda is simply “what’s good for America.” His approach is governed not by ideology but by “outcomes,” by what works to advance America’s interests.

Please don't come after me

In my parents' house is a football autographed by members of the 1959 Baltimore Colts championship team.
Including Jerry Richardson.
Richardson used his playoff bonus to start a business with restaurants in South Carolina.
In the mid-80s, I ate lunch often at Quincy's Steakhouse - part of his empire.
The money earned from that helped Richardson get the expansion franchise for Carolina in 1995.
Now his time is up, thanks to news of past sexual harassment settlements.
What's next?

Facebook quote of the week

The true test of how strong a marriage is.....putting the tree up.

Saturday song

The Fifth Dimension won't be rushing to the door in this song.

Weekend watchdog

Before the big games New Year's Day and January 8, more than three dozen teams will be able to end their seasons with a win.
And a shiny new trophy.
Bowl season starts Saturday at noon with the Celebration Bowl from Atlanta, matching North Carolina AT&T and Grambling on ABC.
Troy takes on North Texas in the New Orleans Bowl at 1 p.m. on ESPN, with Western Kentucky against Georgia State on CBS Sports network at 2:30 p.m.
Boise State battles Oregon on ABC in the Las Vegas Bowl at 3:30 p.m., with Marshall-Colorado State on ESPN in the New Mexico Bowl at 4:30 p.m.
 The day concludes with the Camellia Bowl between Middle Tennessee and Arkansas State.
In the Championship Series, it's Sam Houston State against North Dakota State Friday at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.
Texas A&M Commerce meets West Florida for the Division II crown Saturday at 6 p.m. on ESPN2.
The NFL weekend continues Saturday on NFL network with a pair of contests - the Bears battle the Lions at 4:30 p.m. before the Chargers take on the Chiefs at 8:25 p.m.
The Ravens visit the Browns Sunday at 1 p.m. on CBS, followed by Patriots against Steelers in the late afternoon slot. The Redskins host the Cardinals on Fox at 1 p.m.
The Cowboys meet the Raiders on NBC Sunday night, and the Falcons and Bucs tangle on ESPN Monday night.
The Thunder travel to Philadelphia Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN, with Spurs-Rockets as the nightcap at 9:30 p.m.
The Wizards face the Clippers Friday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington
On the college court, FoxSports1 offers Creighton against Maryland-Eastern Shore Friday at 8 p.m.
Fox carries Butler-Purdue Saturday at noon, followed by Notre Dame's contest with Indiana.
Georgetown hosts Syracuse Saturday at 12:30 p.m. on CBS, then it's Cincinnati-UCLA.
ESPN2 has four contests Saturday, starting at noon with Louisville-Memphis. Virginia Tech takes on Kentucky at 2 p.m. and Oklahoma meets Wichita State at 4 p.m. The night concludes with Utah against BYU at 11 p.m.
DePaul faces Northwestern on FoxSports1 Saturday at 2 p.m., with Kansas visiting Nebraska at 8 p.m.
NBC Sports Washington offers North Carolina against North Carolina-Greensboro Saturday at noon.
Georgia meets Massachusetts on NBC Sports network Saturday at 3 p.m.
Xavier hosts East Tennessee State Saturday at 2 p.m. on MASN2.
North Carolina tangles with Tennessee Sunday at 3 p.m. on ESPN and FoxSports1 has Stony Brook-Providence at 2:30 p.m. followed by Iona against St. John's.
On the women's court, Cincinnati clashes with Ohio State on ESPN2 Sunday at 4 p.m.
The Capitals host the Ducks Saturday at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
NBC Sports network brings Canadiens-Senators Saturday at 7 p.m.
The United States women face Canada on the ice Friday at 10 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
In the Premier League, Leicester City meets Crystal Palace Saturday at 7:25 a.m. on NBC Sports network. It's Manchester United against West Bromwich Albion Sunday at 9:10 a.m., followed by Bournemouth-Liverpool.
Stuttgart battles Bayern Munich Saturday at 9:30 a.m. on FoxSports1, with Hannover taking on Leverkusen Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
ESPN has the NCAA volleyball championship Saturday at 9 p.m. on ESPN2.
NBC Sports network has the U.S. Olympic Trials in curling mixed doubles
Friday at 4 p.m., with semifinals Saturday at 10 p.m. and final Sunday at 4 p.m.
Short track speed skating has its trials Friday at 8:30 p.m.

So disappointed

I was really looking forward to a Senate bill co-sponsored by Roy Moore and Al Franken.

Testing

After all of these years, I am using an IPad to create a post.
Fun with technology.

Recycling update

A busy day Saturday started at the recycling center.
Dashing through the snow to get 50 cents per pound on cans.

Facebook quote of the week

I have to stop viewing political posts. My blood pressure can't take it.

Saturday song

On Saturday morning, does it really matter what time it is?

Weekend watchdog

Army ended a 14-year losing streak to Navy last season.
The Black Knights get their chance to extend their run Saturday, and claim the Commander-in-Chief's trophy.
The service academies have their annual grudge match from Philadelphia on CBS at 3 p.m.
Army enters the contest 8-3, with plans to play in Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 23. Navy will be playing in the Military Bowl at their home field on Dec. 28, but has lost five of its last six games.
James Madison continues its quest for the Championship Series title Friday at 7 p.m., meeting Weber State on ESPN2. Wofford tangles with North Dakota State on ESPN2 Saturday at noon.
The Heisman Trophy gets presented Saturday at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
The Redskins visit the Chargers Sunday at 4:05 p.m. on CBS, while Fox brings Cowboys-Giants and the Eagles' contest with the Rams in the late afternoon slot.
The Ravens tangle with the Steelers on NBC Sunday night, with Patriots-Dolphins on ESPN Monday night.
The MLS closes its season with Toronto meeting Seattle in a championship rematch Saturday at 4 p.m. on ESPN.
ESPN has the NCAA men's soccer championship match Sunday at 1 p.m.
The Wizards take on the Clippers Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
The Warriors take on the Pistons Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN, then the Celtics meet the Spurs at 9:30 p.m.
On the college court, Liberty hosts Maryland-Eastern Shore Friday at 7 p.m. on MASN, while Oklahoma faces Southern Cal on ESPN2 at 10:30 p.m.
Michigan meets UCLA on CBS Saturday at noon while Fox brings VCU-Seton Hall at 3 p.m.
Duke takes on Boston College Saturday at noon on ESPN, followed by Indiana-Louisville.
ESPN2 has five contests Saturday, starting at 4 p.m. with Wichita State-Oklahoma State. Florida faces Cincinnati at 6 p.m., then it's West Virginia against Pittsburgh and Alabama-Arizona at 10 p.m. UNLV and Illinois tip at midnight.
Marquette meets Wisconsin on FoxSports1 Saturday at noon, with Nebraska-Creighton at 2:30 p.m. Colorado clashes with Xavier at 5 p.m.
Butler battles Youngstown State Saturday at noon on MASN2 and Baylor meets Randall at 7 p.m.
Dayton faces Pennsylvania on NBC Sports network Saturday at 3 p.m.
ESPN offers Kansas-Arizona State Sunday at 2 p.m. and FoxSports1 has the Philadelphia battle between LaSalle and Villanova at 1 p.m.
On the women's court, MASN2 has UCLA-Oklahoma State Friday at 8 p.m. and Connecticut meets DePaul on FoxSports1 at 7 p.m.
Texas takes on Tennessee on ESPN2 Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Capitals host the Rangers Friday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
West Ham United clashes with Chelsea Saturday at 7:25 a.m. on NBC Sports network, followed by Tottenham Hotspur-Stoke City. NBC has Newcastle United against Leicester at 12:30 p.m.
Southampton battles Arsenal Sunday at 7 a.m., then Liverpool takes on Everton and Manchester United goes against Manchester City at 11:30 a.m.
Bayern Munich faces Eintracht in the Bundesliga on FoxSports1 Saturday at 9 a.m. It's Koln-Freiburg Sunday at 7:20 a.m. and Hannover meets Hoffenheim at 9:30 a.m.

Franken Sense and Mirth

Senator Al Franken resigned Thursday - effective some time down the road.
Is it a trap for Republicans, or part of continued problems for Democrats and their supporters?
You never know who will be exposed in tomorrow's news.

Climategate carol

Time for my favorite parody Christmas carol

Al Gore speaks, no one's listening
In the lane, lights are glistening
Oh what a sight
With houses really bright
Seeing all the Christmas lights are on

Gone away is good science
Here to stay, blind allegiance
We're singing our song
Yet lights come on
Look how all the Christmas lights are on

On computers we can cook some data
then pretend that it is warmer now
They'll ask: Are you sure?
We'll say: You know, man
And here's the hockey stick
that we have found

Later on, we'll conspire,
With warnings, that are dire
Make the people afraid
We'll pass cap and trade
No more seeing Christmas lights turned on

On computers we can cook some data
And say skeptics are just circus clowns
We'll have lots of fun with our bad data
Until our own emails knock us down.

When we speak, ain't it thrilling
People's hearts, they are chilling
We'll frolic and play, the socialist way,
No more seeing Christmas lights turned on

Tomorrow in Jerusalem

President Trump speaks about Israel Wednesday.
The location of Israel’s capital is a question of fact, not opinion, and it is up to Israel. The Arabs may not like it, but Jerusalem is Israel’s capital: the Knesset is in Jerusalem, the Supreme Court is in Jerusalem, the Prime Minister’s office and official residence are in Jerusalem, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and most other government offices are in Jerusalem. To deny that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel is as silly as denying that Paris is the capital of France.
Sounds like it will be a good day.

Empty bowls

The bowl matchups are now set.
CBS Sports ranks from best to worst.
Virginia's contest against Navy ranks 38th of 39.
Beats only being able to watch bowl season.

Let them fight

The 220-page report on the Charlottesville battle of August 12 provides plenty of interesting reading.
Bad quote from the police chief "Let them fight."
Fighting led to the cancellation of the protest.
Which led police to clear the park.
And bring the two fighting sides back together to fight again.
In fact, all the police really succeeded in doing at this point was forcing the white supremacist protesters back toward a crowd of counter-protesters and thereby creating more skirmishes and street battles [emphasis added].

In trouble, and how

Elizabeth Warren doesn't like being called Pocahontas by President Trump.
Real Cherokees don't like her fake appropriation of their heritage.
She was not a hero to me when she failed to foster a haven of support for Native students within Harvard University’s alienating Ivy League culture. She is not a hero for spending years awkwardly avoiding Native leaders. She is not a hero because, despite claiming to be the only Native woman in the U.S. Senate, she has done nothing to advance our rights.
She is not from us. She does not represent us. She is not Cherokee.
That's how to speak to Senator Warren

Saturday song

Hitch a ride on the Midnight Ride with Gladys Knight.

Facebook quote of the week

This Sunday I will begin my duties as a pastor. Thank you for supporting us as we transition into full-time ministry!

Weekend watchdog

Four spots await in the college football playoff set for January 1.
Who goes, and where they go, gets decided this weekend.
The participants of the 2018 Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl will be announced Sunday at noon on ESPN after the conferences crown their champions.
Coming into the weekend, Clemson holds the top spot. The Tigers face Miami in the ACC championship game Saturday at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Second-ranked Auburn battles Georgia in the SEC championship game on CBS Saturday at 4 p.m.
Third-ranked Oklahoma takes on TCU in the Big 12 title tilt Saturday at 12:30 p.m. on Fox, with the Big Ten finale matching No. 4 Wisconsin and Ohio State at 8 p.m.
If this week's top four teams win, they advance. Any loss means the committee must do more sorting.
The weekend begins Friday with the Pac-12 championship game between Southern Cal and Stanford at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
In the American Conference, Memphis visits Central Florida at noon Saturday on ABC. Toledo takes on Akron in the MAC on ESPN, with North Texas against Florida Atlantic from Conference USA on ESPN2.
The Sun Belt Conference brings together Troy and Arkansas State on ESPN2 at 7:30 p.m. with Boise State against Fresno State in the Mountain West at 7:45 p.m.
Fox has the Ravens' contest with the Lions Sunday at 1 p.m., followed by Panthers-Saints. CBS offers the Patriots against the Bills at 1 p.m.
It's Eagles-Seahawks on NBC Sunday night and the Steelers visit the Bengals on ESPN Monday night.
The Wizards tangle with the Pistons Friday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
On the college court, North Carolina duels with Davidson Friday at 8 p.m. on ESPN2 before Creighton meets Gonzaga.
Kentucky hosts Harvard Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN, then it's Kansas-Syracuse. ESPN2 has Duke-South Dakota at 3:30 p.m. and Villanova's contest with St. Joseph's at 5:30 p.m.
Cincinnati clashes with Xavier Saturday at noon on FoxSports1, followed by Butler-St. Louis and Sacred Heart taking on St. John's at 4:30 p.m.
N.C. State meets South Carolina State Saturday at noon on NBC Sports Washington.
North Carolina takes on Tulane Sunday at 2 p.m. and Seton Hall tangles with Louisville at 4:30 p.m.
In the Big Ten, Michigan State meets Nebraska Sunday at 4:30 p.m. before Georgetown hosts Coppin State on FoxSports1.
On the women's court, it's top-ranked Connecticut against Notre Dame Sunday at 4 p.m. FoxSports1 has Baylor-Stanford Sunday at 2 p.m.
The Capitals host the Blue Jackets on NBC Sports Washington Saturday at 7 p.m.
The United States faces Canada in women's ice hockey Sunday at 4 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
Chelsea clashes with Newcastle Saturday at 7:25 a.m. on NBC Sports network, followed by Liverpool against Brighton & Hove Albion. NBC carries Manchester United against Arsenal at 12:30 p.m.
Bournemouth battles Southampton Sunday at 8:25 a.m. then its Manchester City-West Ham United.
In the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich battles Hannover Saturday at 9:30 a.m. on FoxSports1. Hertha Berlin meets Eintracht Sunday at 9 a.m. before Wolfsburg-B M'Gladbach at noon.
Tiger Woods returns to tournament play at the Hero World Challenge Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
NBC Sports network has Alpine skiing Friday at 1 p.m. and women's slalom at 2:30 p.m. There's men's Super G Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

The big win

Don Surber notes the return of 400 Marines from Syria - since their mission has been accomplished.
We supplied the air power and artillery. 
The Arabs -- Iraqis, Syrians, and the Gulf Cooperation Council -- provided the foot soldiers.
This was an urban war. 
That's how it should be. We may by default be the world's policeman, but it is good to see the neighborhood watch take over.

Up what creek is Matt Lauer

The Today Show opened with a shocker Wednesday - Matt Lauer fired for his behavior in his office.
This afternoon, Variety released its story on Lauer.
Make sure no one has a buzzer to lock the door behind you.

Empty chair times 2

Good job by President Trump, holding a press conference sitting between a pair of empty chairs.
Where Senator Schumer and Speaker Pelosi should have been.
The budget is due soon.
Schumer and Pelosi are pouting.
The empty chair picture is a great way to note that.

Why today?

Of all the times for President Trump to bring back the Elizabeth Warren "Pocahontas" theme, he did it today.
Why?
It's the first day of the battle over Warren's Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Does Trump have the authority to hire a new leader of this department, or does the power reside with the department?
Trump reminds everyone today that he has the power - to upend the news cycle with a single word.

Why can't we have a championship game like this

I turned on the CFL's GreyCup on ESPN2.
It's just before halftime.
And snowing hard.
The lines have been cleared and beginning to fill in.
Much more interesting that most Super Bowl sites

Facebook quote of the week

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Thank you for being in my life.

Saturday song

Let the sun shine in with the Fifth Dimension.

Weekend watchdog

After the big day of eating on Thanksgiving, fans have plenty of choices to enjoy along with the leftovers.
The college football weekend continues Friday as Virginia and Virginia Tech close out their regular seasons at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
ABC has a Friday doubleheader, with Miami-Pittsburgh at noon and Central Florida taking on South Florida at 3:30 p.m.
Arkansas tangles with Missouri on CBS at 2:30 p.m., and Texas takes on Texas Tech on Fox at 8 p.m.
ESPN starts its day at noon with Navy meeting Houston.
On FoxSports1, Baylor battles TCU at noon. It's Iowa against Nebraska at 4 p.m. and California clashes with UCLA at 10:30 p.m
Alabama and Auburn meet in the Iron Bowl Saturday on CBS at 3:30 p.m. with a playoff berth in the SEC title game at stake.
Michigan meets Ohio State at noon on Fox, then Rutgers meets Michigan State at 4 p.m. It's the Apple Cup at 8 p.m. between Washington and Washington State.
ABC starts its day at noon with Georgia-Georgia Tech. Wisconsin meets Minnesota at 3:30 p.m. and Stanford hosts Notre Dame at 8 p.m.
Florida faces Florida State at noon on ESPN. West Virginia travels to Oklahoma at 3:45 p.m. and Clemson clashes with South Carolina at 7:30 p.m.
There's a Hoosier State battle between Indiana and Purdue at noon on ESPN2, followed by Kansas State-Iowa State. Oregon takes on Oregon State at 7 p.m. and Utah State plays Air Force in the nightcap at 10:15 p.m.
Kansas clashes with Oklahoma State on FoxSports1 at noon before Ilinois-Northwestern at 4 p.m. It's Utah-Colorado at 10 p.m.
The ACC network carries Syracuse-Boston College at 12:20 p.m.
Duke and Wake Forest clash on NBC Sports Washington at 12:30 p.m.
NBC Sports network has the annual battle between Southern and Grambling State at 5 p.m.
Sunday's play includes the Dolphins and Patriots at 1 p.m. on CBS and Rams-Saints at 4:25 p.m. Fox in Virginia will carry the Eagles against the Bears, with some places seeing Panthers-Jets and others getting the late game between the Seahawks and the 49ers. The Steelers host the Packers on NBC Sunday night, with Texans-Ravens on ESPN Monday night.
ESPN2 carries the CFL's Grey Cup Sunday at 6 p.m., with Calgary taking on Toronto.
The Wizards meet the TrailBlazers on NBC Sports Washington Saturday at 7 p.m.
On the college court, the Battle for Atlantis championship will be Friday at noon on ESPN2, with the third place game at 2:30 p.m. Then there's semifinals from the Advocare Invitational at 5 p.m. and Wooden Legacy at 7 p.m., with action from PK80 at 9 and 11:30 p.m.
At the Las Vegas Invitational, Fox has the championship Friday at 5:30 p.m. followed by the third place game on FoxSports1 at 8 p.m.
Miami meets North Florida Saturday at 4 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington and FoxSports1 has Boston College-Providence at 8 p.m.
The two divisions of PK80 have their third place contests on ESPN Sunday at 1 and 3:30 p.m., with championship games at 8:30 and 11 p.m.
 ESPN2 has fifth place games Sunday at 1 and 3:30 p.m., with the Advocare championship at 9:30 p.m.
Michigan meets California Riverside Sunday at 4 p.m. on FoxSports1 and Temple takes on LaSalle at 5 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
The Capitals tangle with the Lightning Friday at 5 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
NBC has Penguins-Bruins Friday at 1 p.m.
On the college ice, Minnesota meets Notre Dame on NBC Sports network Friday at 7:30 p.m.
NBC Sports network has the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Sunday at 7:30 a.m., after qualifying Saturday at 8 a.m.
West Ham United faces Leicester City Friday at 3 p.m. on NBC Sports network and it's Huddlersfield Town against Manchester City Sunday at 10:55 a.m.
Liverpool meets Chelsea Saturday at 12:30 p.m. on NBC.
Dortmund battles Schalke in the Bundesliga Saturday at 9:30 a.m. on FoxSports1, then Sunday Hamburg faces Hoffenheim at 9:30 a.m. and Koln takes on Hertha Berlin at noon.

Thankful for Trump

Kurt Schlichter plans to have a happy holiday.
No. 1: Be Thankful That Hillary Is Not Our President.
Every day, it is a joy to awaken, unlike Hillary Clinton, without a hangover. Oh yes, and also to awaken knowing that Felonia von Pantsuit is not, and will never be, our president.

Catch the turkey

 
 Hoping you have your turkey ready for Thanksgiving dinner.

You got too friendly with me

Today's list of shame - Hollywood division - includes John Lasseter of Pixar.
How far do these problems go?
To infinity, and beyond.

What's the matter McFly? Chicken?

Al Michaels gives the blame to President Trump for the NFL's troubles with pregame kneeling during the national anthem.
Michaels said it felt like tension over the protests was starting cooling down, until President Trump weighed in during a September rally in Huntsville, Ala., where he called on NFL owners to fire players who decided to protest while the national anthem was being played.
But it reminds me of the Back to the Future series.
Marty McFly's future turned out poorly because he didn't want to seem to be backing down from a challenge.
Thus McFly in 2015 lost his job.
The NFL players didn't have to respond as they did to President Trump.
They decided to kneel since they didn't want to appear to back down to the president.
They lost bigger than they would have if they had ignored Trump.

He was a cut above

The Daily Progress notes the passing of Charlottesville barber Kenneth Staples.
I used his services many times after moving to town in 1995.
The place had the great barber shop feel, with Staples directing which chairs customers would go to.
Former Gov. George Allen, who had his hair cut frequently at the barbershop when he lived in Albemarle County and was in the House of Delegates, called the shop “must go to place for anyone running for office.”
“It was the best place for a haircut as well as commonsense perspective, humor and wisdom. Obviously, they’ll keep going, but they’ll certainly miss Mr. Staples, as they did his father, they’re truly a part of the heritage,” Allen said. “It’s an institution.”

The bloom is off the Rose

After a hard day of work, what's the news story filling the airwaves?
Charlie Rose walking around naked in front of his staff.
The best writers can hardly keep up.
This scandal poses some unique problems for our liberal friends. The Democrats spent decades telling women how Republicans hate them and now, well, it appears the Democrats like women, just the wrong way, and they like obtaining consent not at all. Pervgate is generating gross revelation after gross revelation, and basically America’s ladies are being asked, “Show me on the doll where the bad party touched you.”
They’re answering, “Everywhere, and also on my houseplants.”

Showing the way

Interesting that a band member from AC/DC died on the same weekend as Charles Manson.
Their song shows where people think he's going.

As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly

Time for a Thanksgiving tradition.

Facebook quote of the week

Shall the Senate expel him under the new Roy Moore rule, or does he get the Ted Kennedy You-Can-Kill-a-Woman-and-Stay-in-the-Senate pass?

Saturday song

The things we do to find 10cc on Youtube.

Hey, it's right here.

Weekend watchdog

NASCAR will crown a new champion Sunday - and say farewell to Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Four drivers have a chance to claim the 2017 Monster Cup when the flag drops at Homestead at 3 p.m. on NBC.
Matt Kenseth and Martin Truex Jr. both won three times during the playoff run, with Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski taking one checkered flag in the last nine races. Whoever finishes best at Homestead claims the season crown.
The Xfinity Series has its finale on NBC Sports network Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The last Truck Series race goes on FoxSports1 Friday at 8 p.m.
The Redskins visit New Orleans on Fox Sunday at 1 p.m. CBS offers Ravens-Packers at 1 p.m. with the Patriots' contest against the Raiders in Mexico City in the late afternoon slot.
The Eagles take on the Cowboys on NBC Sunday night, with Falcons-Seahawks on ESPN Monday night.
The college football weekend continues Friday as UNLV takes on New Mexico at 9:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
Virginia travels to Miami on ABC Saturday at noon. It's Ohio State-Illinois at 3:30 p.m. with USC-UCLA at 8 p.m.
CBS has a pair of SEC contests, with Mississippi State-Arkansas at noon followed by Georgia hosting Kentucky.
Notre Dame battles Navy on NBC at 3:30 p.m.
Michigan meets Wisconsin at noon on Fox, then Michigan State takes on Maryland at 4 p.m. It's off to the PAC-12 for Stanford-California at 8 p.m.
ESPN starts its day at noon with Texas tangling with West Virginia. Oklahoma meets Kansas at 3:30 p.m., then LSU takes on Tennessee at 7 p.m. Utah meets Washington at 10:30 p.m.
Auburn faces Louisiana-Monroe at noon on ESPN2, then Kansas State takes on Oklahoma State. In primetime, Texas A&M meets Mississippi at 7 p.m. before Air Force faces Boise State at 10:15 p.m.
Texas Tech tangles with TCU on FoxSports1 at noon and Penn State battles Nebraska at 4 p.m.
The ACC network brings Virginia Tech against Pittsburgh at 12:20 p.m., with some areas getting Clemson's clash with The Citadel.
William & Mary take on Richmond at 3 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
MASN offers Lafayette-Lehigh at noon.
In college hoops, there's tournament semifinals on ESPN2 from Charleston and Myrtle Beach Friday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., then the third place game from the 2K Sports Classic at 5 p.m. The champion of that tournament will be crowned at 7:30 p.m.
Georgetown tangles with Maryland-Eastern Shore Saturday at noon on MASN2.
The Basketball Hall of Fame tip-off tournament championship will be Sunday at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN2, after the third place game at 3 p.m. There's championship action from Myrtle Beach at 7:30 p.m. and Charleston at 9:30 p.m.
Virginia hosts Monmouth Sunday at 1 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington and FoxSports1 has Western Carolina-Minnesota Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
In women's action, Maryland meets Connecticut on ESPN Sunday at 1:30 p.m
ESPN offers the Thunder and Spurs Friday at 8 p.m., with Pelicans-Nuggets in the nightcap.
The Wizards take on the Heat Friday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington before going to Toronto Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
NBC Sports Washington has the Capitals' contest with the Wild Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Arsenal takes on Tottenham Hotspur Saturday at 7:25 a.m. on NBC Sports network, followed by Leicester City-Manchester City. Watford clashes with West Ham United Sunday at 10:55 a.m.
Bayern Munich battles Augsburg in the Bundesliga Saturday at 9 a.m. on FoxSports1 and it's Schalke-Hamburg Sunday at 9 a.m.

1 big headache for the NFL

Clay Travis identifies a big reason for the NFL's ratings problems - lousy games at 1 p.m. Eastern.
Because extra games outside of Sunday afternoon.
For instance, I’m going to watch Titans-Steelers tonight and I’m letting my boys stay up late to watch this game with me tonight. But I’ve already told my wife that we can do whatever she wants on Sunday during the usual Titans window — at one eastern — because we won’t be watching our local team play then
So the NFL will get my viewership on Thursday, but they will lose my viewership on Sunday.
I’m betting that’s true for many Titans or Steelers fan and that situation replicates itself for fans of teams all season long.

How to stop a bad guy

Via Hot Air, a story that might not have gotten much press but deserves attention.
A guy began shooting at a Dollar General store.
Across the street, a business owner gets into his car.
The shooter takes a break and the businessman takes action.
“At that point I put my car in drive and I proceeded to drive as fast as I possibly could to hit the individual,” he said. “I had full intentions to hit him if that’s what it would take to stop him.”
It sounds as if Green tried to leap over the car but didn’t avoid getting clipped. Pinnavaia says there is a shoe print on his roof. In any case, Green gave up on his attack and ran. Pinnavaia and Kaufmann chased after him on foot and moments later police arrived. An officer tackled Green and he was arrested (dash cam video is included in the clip below).
Good job, citizen.

How they saved so many

Via Hot Air, a riveting article from the Emergency Room physician in Las Vegas who helped many of the shooting victims in October.
It starts with preparation, put into place when word of the shooting arrived at his hospital.

At that point, I put into action a plan that I had thought of beforehand. It might sound odd, but I had thought about these problems well ahead of time because of the way I always approached resuscitations:

1. Preplan ahead
2. Ask hard questions
3. Figure out solutions
4. Mentally rehearse plans so that when the problem arrives, you don’t have to jump over a mental hurdle since the solution is already worked out

It’s an open secret that Las Vegas is a big target because of its large crowds. For years I had been planning how I would handle a MCI (Mass Casualty Incident), but I rarely shared it because people might think I was crazy.

How do you like me now?

Scott Adams gives President Trump grades on the top 10 concerns of the country.
A good economy gives the numbers a boost.
I’ll give President Obama 75% credit for the strong economy. But I think consumer confidence and the stock market tell us there is optimism about the current administration. That confidence is buoyed by Trump’s reduction in regulations via executive orders, his tough talk on trade, and his persuasion toward a higher GDP that is already becoming self-fulfilling. If people believe the economy will be better next year than this year, they invest this year, thus making next year better. We might see something good come out of tax reform, but I don’t think it will matter as much as people assume.

Pledge to practice safe lawncare

In light of the Rand Paul incident, I talked with my neighbor.
We promised not to attack each other while mowing the lawn - if we have any disagreement.
Join us and pledge to make neighborhood lawncare safe.

Limbo up north

Football players have been trying to do the best touchdown celebration throughout the season.
In the CFL, Ottawa came up with a great one Sunday.
Unfortunately, they lost in the playoffs.
They have until next July to think up new celebrations.

Facebook quote of the week

Keep an eye on this space for further developments.

Saturday song

Saturday morning is a great time to enjoy old songs, like this one from Barry Manilow.

Weekend watchdog

We know how the college basketball ends - with One Shining Moment after cutting down the nets.
The season starts with some long trips.
West Virginia and Texas A&M begin their hoop seasons with a top-25 battle in Germany. They meet on ESPN Friday at 6 p.m. from Ramstein Air Force Base.
It's off to China at 11:30 p.m. (early Saturday there) with Georgia Tech facing UCLA in Shanghai.
Back in the States, MASN shows Grambling-VCU Friday at 7 p.m. while MASN2 has Morehead State against Xavier at 7 p.m. and Mount St. Marys meeting Marquette at 9 p.m.
Notre Dame visits DePaul on FoxSports1 Saturday at 4 p.m. Seton Hall hosts Monmouth Sunday at 1:30 p.m. on FoxSports1 and Kentucky takes on Vermont on ESPN at 3:30 p.m.
On the women's side, top-ranked Connecticut meets Stanford Sunday at 1:30 p.m. on ESPN.
The college football weekend continues Friday, as Cincinnati clashes with Temple at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2 followed by BYU-UNLV. Washington takes on Stanford on FoxSports1 at 10:30 p.m.
In the Ivy League, NBC Sports network shows Brown-Dartmouth.
Saturday starts on ABC at noon with either Boston College-N.C. State or Iowa State hosting Oklahoma State. The game not shown over the air in your area will be on ESPN2. Unbeaten Wisconsin tries to fend off Iowa at 3:30 p.m. and it's the top 10 battle between Notre Dame and Miami at 8 p.m.
Ohio State and Michigan State battle at noon on Fox, followed by Southern Cal-Colorado at 4 p.m. and TCU taking on Oklahoma for Big 12 lead at 8 p.m.
CBS has a pair of contests, with Florida facing South Carolina at noon before top-ranked Georgia takes on Auburn.
Virginia Tech tries to bounce back against Georgia Tech at 12:20 p.m. on the ACC network.
ESPN starts its day at noon with Arkansas visiting LSU. It's Clemson-Florida State at 3:30 p.m. and second-ranked Alabama meeting Mississippi State at 7 p.m.
West Virginia tangles with Kansas State on ESPN2 at 3:30 p.m., then Purdue clashes with Northwestern at 7 p.m. In the nightcap, Arizona hosts Oregon State at 10 p.m.
Nebraska meets Minnesota at noon on FoxSports1.
MASN shows Presbyterian's contest against Liberty at 3:30 p.m. while James Madison meets Richmond on MASN2.
The Redskins face the Vikings Sunday at 1 p.m. on Fox, followed by Cowboys-Falcons. CBS offers Steelers against the Colts at 1 p.m., while areas around Washington will see the Texans tangle with the Rams at 4:05 p.m.
The Patriots visit Denver on NBC Sunday night, with Panthers-Dolphins on ESPN Monday night.
North of the border, ESPN2 has CFL playoff semifinals Sunday. Ottawa faces Saskatchewan at 1 p.m. followed by Edmonton-Winnipeg at 4:30 p.m.
NBC has NASCAR's Monster Cup race in Phoenix at 2:30 p.m., with the Xfinity race going Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The Truck Series will be on FoxSports1 Friday at 8:30 p.m.
Formula One has its Grand Prix of Brazil Sunday at 10:30 a.m. on NBC Sports network. There's practice Friday at 11 a.m.
The Lakers visit the Wizards on NBC Sports Washington Thursday at 7 p.m. The Hawks come to town Saturday at 7 p.m.
The Bucks battle the Spurs on ESPN Friday at 9 p.m. T
he Penguins tangle with the Capitals on NBC Sports Washington Friday at 7 p.m., with Edmonton visiting Sunday at 7 p.m.
On the college ice, Notre Dame hosts Penn State Saturday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
Sweden tangles with Italy on FoxSports1 Friday at 2:30 p.m. on FoxSports1.

Let there be light

A Massachusetts commission is looking into moving its time zone to the Atlantic, one hour ahead of Eastern Time.
Being so far north and east, it gets dark before 5 p.m. through the late fall and winter months.
No good.
But Massachusetts wants some neighbors to join them in the move.
Okay, if it's just New England.
But it looks like they want to add New York as well.
New York City might like it, being the same longitude as western Massachusetts.
But what about western New York places like Buffalo, so close to the Midwest.
I can't see New York joining a different time zone.
Boston will have to go alone or stay where they are now - in the dark.

All you need to know

It's been 48 hours.
Enough of the complaining about election losses.
Time to focus.

The Trump you have, not the Trump you want

Enough of the blame game over Tuesday's election results for Republicans.
Your memories aren't that short.
Remember 2009.
Remember 2010.
Donald Trump had nothing to do with those.
The protest vote against President Obama inspired Republicans then like protesting President Trump inspires Democrats now.
Protest builds excitement.
If your main thought after Tuesday is to get Donald Trump to change, that's not going to happen.
He's been counted out so many times and yet here he stands.
You can't blindly follow him like Democrats did when Obama led them into the ditch.
But you're going into the next election with the Trump you have, not the Trump you want.

Remembering the good times

Don Surber collects the happy moments from last Election Day.

To save your jobs, pass something

Powerline looks ahead to 2018 after today's tough day for Republicans in Virginia.
In all events, the GOP needs to accomplish more in Congress, starting with tax reform.
I'm ready to look behind the numbers.
In Augusta County, Ed Gillespie drew fewer votes than his ticket mates.
If the trend holds statewide, perhaps he was the weak link.
He did well in 2014 as the protest candidate against Mark Warner.
In 2017, the Democrats were the ones doing the protesting.

Oh happy day

What a glorious week.
Time to relive the Trump victory.
It's always best to skip to the end.
Brian Fallon: We had this issue where the Javits Center needed us out by 3 a.m. The decision was made that someone had to come out and address the crowd. 
Zara Rahim: There were die-hard Hillary supporters that were like, “We’re not going.” Folks who were sobbing and literally couldn’t move because they were so distraught. I remember pieces of memorabilia on the floor, little Hillary pins and “I believe that she will win” placards.

That run down feeling

Legal Insurrection highlights the final days of the Virginia gubernatorial election.
While it’s not at all clear who will win on Tuesday, it is interesting to note that Democrats are concerned.  In an indication of Democrat worries about Gillespie pulling out a win, this race has moved from a “must win” for Democrats to “not the only race we’re focused on.”

What changed?

For years, Democrats loved Donna Brazile.
She ran campaigns.
She ran the Democratic National Committee.
She appeared on news channels.
Never a peep of complaint about her work.
Until her new book tour.
If she's lying now, why?
If not, the spinning must be fast and furious.
This and other claims from Brazile’s book which have come out in the last few hours only confirm me in thinking that her claims are at least self-serving, in other cases highly improbable and in some cases literally impossible.

Don't tug on Trump's cape

Don Surber has a lengthy list of those who attacked Donald Trump - and felt backlash in their lives.
Will they ever learn?

Odor of failure

Donna Brazile's new book should keep everybody talking this week.
Brazile paints a scathing portrait of Clinton as a well-intentioned, historic candidate whose campaign was badly mismanaged, took minority constituencies for granted and made blunders with “stiff” and “stupid” messages. The campaign was so lacking in passion for the candidate, she writes, that its New York headquarters felt like a sterile hospital ward where “someone had died."
Can't wait for President Trump's tweets on this.

Facebook quote of the week

It’s a tomato soup /grilled cheese kinda day.

Saturday song

Hoping for a nice day for a Saturday in the Park.

Weekend watchdog

The college football season enters its final month with a berth in the ACC championship likely on the line.
Virginia Tech travels to unbeaten Miami Saturday at 8 p.m. on ABC. The Hokies have just one conference loss - to Clemson five weeks ago.
Saturday's winner will likely claim the Coastal Division's spot in the ACC championship and keep hopes of a national title alive.
The college football weekend continues Friday when Tulsa takes on Memphis at 8 p.m. on ESPN2. FoxSports1 offers Utah-UCLA at 9:30 p.m. while NBC Sports network has Brown against Yale at 8 p.m.
Wisconsin travels to Indiana Saturday at noon on ABC, then Clemson visits North Carolina State at 3:30 p.m.
Fox has Penn State-Michigan State at noon followed by Stanford's clash with Washington State. Michigan meets Minnesota at 7:30 p.m.
Two of the top four teams in the first bowl championship poll play at 3:30 p.m. Top-ranked Georgia meets South Carolina on CBS while Wake Forest visits number three Notre Dame on NBC.
ESPN starts its day at noon with Texas A&M taking on Auburn. Ohio State heads to Iowa at 3:30 p.m. with Texas tangling with TCU at 7:15 p.m. It's Arizona-USC in the nightcap at 10:45 p.m.
Missouri meets Florida on ESPN2 at noon and West Virginia hosts Iowa State at 3:30 p.m. SMU battles Central Florida at 7:15 p.m. before BYU faces Fresno State at 10:45 p.m.
FoxSports1 offers Kansas State against Texas Tech at noon, then it's Bedlam with Oklahoma-Oklahoma State at 4 p.m. Oregon takes on Washington at 10 p.m.
Virginia hosts Georgia Tech at 3 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
The ACC network carries Florida State-Syracuse at 12:20 p.m.
Baylor battles Kansas on MASN2 at noon while Liberty hosts Duquesne at 3:30 p.m. on MASN.
The Redskins travel to Seattle Sunday at 4:05 p.m. on Fox. CBS offers Ravens-Titans at 1 p.m. before the Chiefs take on the Cowboys.
Miami hosts the Raiders on NBC Sunday night, and it's Lions-Packers Monday night on ESPN.
NASCAR heads to Texas, with the Monster Series on NBC Sports network Sunday at 2 p.m. The Xfinity Series goes Saturday at 8:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network, with the Truck Series on FoxSports1 Friday at 8 p.m.
ESPN brings Cavaliers-Wizards Friday at 7 p.m. and the Thunder takes on the Celtics at 9:30 p.m. The Capitals visit Boston Saturday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
Stoke City clashes with Leicester City Saturday at 8:25 a.m. on NBC Sports network, followed by Newcastle United against Bournemouth. Tottenham Hotspur faces Crystal Palace Sunday at 6:55 a.m., then it's Manchester City-Arsenal and Chelsea meeting Manchester United.
The MLS playoffs continue on ESPN Sunday with the Eastern Conference semifinals, with Toronto taking on the Red Bulls at 3 p.m. followed by New York City against Columbus at 5 p.m.
In the Bundesliga, Koln meets Hoffenheim Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on FoxSports1.
The New York City marathon goes on ESPN2 Sunday at 9 a.m.

A lobbyist - just like Hillary's friends

I have been bothered by the Northam camp's attack on Ed Gillespie as a Washington insider.
It didn't seem to be a winning strategy.
When you think bad things about Washington, you may think lobbyists.
But you also think Democrats.
Now, the final week of the campaign, finds lobbyists in a bad light again.
Paul Manafort being a Republican doesn't help Gillespie.
But lobbyists like the Podesta being mentioned for the first time now doesn't help Northam.
Northam wants you to put him together with Barack Obama.
Instead, he's stuck with the seedy side of Hillary Clinton.

Bring the brimstone

Scott Adams has a persuasive idea to deal with terrorists.
When a would-be terrorist considers his plans, he is probably 100% convinced that paradise awaits him, virgins and all. Our best counter-persuasion would involve injecting some doubt in that belief. Eternity is a long time to spend in Hell, so you might not want to take a five-percent chance of ending up there. A rational loser might risk a five-percent chance of prison, or even a five-percent chance of dying.  But a five-percent chance of burning in Hell for eternity is a scarier proposition.
It's what's waiting for you losers.

What Allahu Akhbar means

The New York City terrorist said Allahu Akhbar during his attack.
CNN didn't use his exact words.
They must think Allahu Akhbar means "CNN is fake news."

Oh my

Not a good day for Kevin Spacey.
Even George Takei is blasting him.
It looks like Spacey's career is collapsing like a ..... House of Cards.

Suck it up and keep driving

Going between Fishersville and Baltimore can mean a trip around the D.C. Beltway.
But I've been avoiding that when I can in recent years.
Especially during rush hour times.
Virginia thinks maybe tolls will help move commuters off the road and into transit.
Good luck with that.

Number nine

This blog hits a milestone tonight - nine years on the internet.
The pace of posting has slowed as life gets busier.
But with Donald Trump as president, life promises to stay interesting for the near future.

Facebook quote of the week

Good Morning everyone, can someone please turn the heat back on. I am not ready for this just yet!

Saturday song

Chicago asks you to look away, but they made a video about it.

Weekend watchdog

It's a busy weekend for the remote control as all four major sports leagues seek their share of the spotlight.
While baseball may have five more games before the World Series champion is crowned, the NFL nears its midpoint and NHL and NBA seasons continue early season action.
Fox has Game 3 of the World Series Friday, with the Astros hosting the Dodgers at 8 p.m. Los Angeles claimed the first game, with the Astros rallying to win Game 2 in extra innings.
The series continues Saturday at 8 p.m., with Game 5 Sunday. If necessary, they will return to Los Angeles Tuesday and Wednesday if necessary.
The NFL weekend continues Sunday as the Chargers visit the Patriots on CBS at 1 p.m. The 49ers meet the Eagles on Fox at 1 p.m., then the Cowboys and Redskins battle in the late afternoon slot.
The Steelers take on the Lions on NBC Sunday night, with ESPN showing the Broncos' visit to Kansas City Monday night.
The Wizards battle the defending NBA champion Warriors Friday at 10:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington and tangle with the Kings Sunday at 6 p.m.
The Capitals have a west coast Canadian swing this weekend, taking on Edmonton Saturday at 10 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington. It's off to Calgary Sunday at 9 a.m.
The college football weekend continues Friday as Florida State tries to bounce back against Boston College Friday at 8 p.m. on ESPN, and Tulsa takes on SMU on ESPN2 at 9 p.m.
West Virginia hosts Oklahoma State Saturday at noon on ABC, followed by either UCLA-Washington or TCU against Iowa State. The game not seen over the air in your area will be on ESPN2.
In primetime on ABC, it's Clemson battles Georgia Tech or Texas Tech-Oklahoma with ESPN2 carrying the alternate contest.
Florida faces Georgia from Jacksonsville at 3:30 p.m. on CBS.
Fox has a top 10 Big Ten battle between Penn State and Ohio State at 3:30 p.m.
Notre Dame takes on North Carolina State at 3:30 p.m. on NBC.
ESPN starts its day at noon with Illinois-Wisconsin, then Northwestern meets Michigan State. Texas A&M takes on Mississippi State at 7:15 p.m. with Southern Cal-Arizona State in the nightcap at 10:45 p.m.
North Carolina tangles with Miami at noon on ESPN2. Hawaii hosts San Diego State at 11:15 p.m.
FoxSports1 has the battle of Kansas between the Jayhawks and Wildcats at 3 p.m. Minnesota meets Iowa at 6:30 p.m.
Virginia visits Pittsburgh at 12:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
The ACC network offers Wake Forest-Louisville at 12:20 p.m.
Cornell clashes with Princeton on NBC Sports network at 7 p.m.
ESPN2 has New Jersey high school football between Bergen Catholic against Don Bosco Prep Friday at 6 p.m.
NASCAR goes to Martinsville Sunday at 3 p.m. on NBC Sports network. The Truck Series goes Saturday at 1 p.m. on FoxSports1.
NBC brings the Mexican Grand Prix Sunday at 3 p.m. NBC Sports network has qualifying Saturday at 2 p.m. after practice Friday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
ESPN has a Western Conference semifinal match in the MLS playoffs Sunday at 5 p.m.
Manchester United meets Tottenham Hotspur Saturday at 7:25 a.m. on NBC Sports network, followed by West Bromwich Albion against Manchester City. Chelsea clashes with Bournesmouth on NBC at 12:30 p.m.
Brighton & Hove Albion battles Southampton Sunday at 9:25 a.m. and NBC carries Everton-Leicester City at noon.
In the Bundesliga, Stuttgart meets Freiburg on FoxSports1 Sunday at 1 p.m.

Focus on crime

Powerline highlights the Virginia gubernatorial race in the final two weeks.
Gillespie is targeting voters in these suburbs with aggressive advertising on television. Although Northam is said to have considerably more money on hand than Gillespie, the Republican is running many more ads in the Northern Virginia market, at least on the television shows I watch — sports and a little bit of cable news.
Many of Gillespie’s ads focus on taxation. In addition, though, he is hammering hard on matters of crime and punishment. I discussed in some detail the ad where Gillespie highlights Northam’s deciding vote in favor of sanctuary cities — a vote Gillespie says increases the threat of the gang MS-13.

Piss poor

Remember the famed dossier about President Trump's bad behavior in Russia.
Guess who paid for it?
Democrats.
And the Clinton campaign, into last fall.
The Clinton campaign and the DNC through the law firm continued to fund Fusion GPS’s research through the end of October 2016, days before Election Day.

Ignore the Chess Club crew

Kurt Schlichter takes his normal-sized bat to the establishment.
Of course, the chess club came out in fussy force after the speech in response to the pushback against Bush’s cattiness. “Why, you wouldn't be offended unless you were secretly convinced in your heart that you were some kind of racist,” they hissed, because, of course, no one has ever been offended by being falsely accused of something, and never in all of human history has a speaker insulted people without expressly using their name.

Settle down for the good of the country

In a few weeks, it will mark one year since Donald Trump won the presidency.
A whole year is a long time to maintain panic and alarm.
Before Trump even had a chance to prove just how unfit for office he was, liberals and Democrats were already preemptively tossing around the word “impeachment.” The vigor for the Russia investigation is driven, in part, by the hope that clear evidence of criminal activity will emerge, thereby justifying the introduction of articles of impeachment. Yet despite no smoking gun, 40 percent of Americans – and more worryingly 72 percent of Democrats – say they would support impeachment, according to one recent poll.
If unimpeachable evidence does, in fact, emerge, then fine. Since some are realizing how unlikely this is, the conversation is now moving onto the 25th amendment, with mainstream outlets covering it as a serious possibility. It’s almost as if the goal is to find a reason to get rid of Trump, by any means, or amendment, possible. The very eagerness with which some on the left (and the never-Trump right) are raising such drastic measures is, itself, cause for concern.

Proving the point

Is the media too hard on President Trump?
Maureen Dowd asked Jimmy Carter.
The USA Today recap proves the point.
Perhaps Carter is seeking to placate Trump as part of a job interview: The 93-year-old former president said he is willing to undertake a diplomatic mission to North Korea to discuss its nuclear weapons program.

A better list

Legal Insurrection provides a better 25 conservatives to follow on Twitter.
Why was the list needed?
The far left site Salon recently published a list of 25 conservatives who are “actually worth following” on Twitter. If you scroll through their list however, it quickly becomes apparent that it’s a “who’s who” of noted Trump haters on the right.

Facebook quote of the week

I believe in love and random acts of kindness...we can't change the world but we can sure try. Instead of trick or treating tonite we gave out treats to our fellow campers. I've never seen so much happiness in a tiny face. We didn't post pics of people's faces but everyone should have seen what I saw

Saturday song

Starting the day with a serving of Meat Loaf.

Weekend watchdog

The Virginia Cavaliers host Boston College Saturday.
By the end of the homecoming weekend, they could be making plans to play in the postseason.
Standing 5-1, the Cavaliers can clinch a bowl berth when they meet the Eagles on NBC Sports Washington at 12:30 p.m.
Virginia has won four straight, including ACC contests against Duke and North Carolina. Boston College knocked off Louisville last week, but stands 3-4 on the season.
The college football weekend continues Friday as Marshall meets Middle Tennessee on ESPN2 Friday at 7 p.m., followed by Colorado State-New Mexico. NBC Sports network offers Princeton against Harvard at 7 p.m.
Texas takes on Oklahoma State on ABC Saturday at noon, then Michigan State meets Indiana at 3:30 p.m. Second-ranked Penn State tangles with Michigan at 7:30 p.m.
Top-ranked Alabama hosts Tennessee at 3:30 p.m.
NBC offers a top 25 battle between Notre Dame and Southern Cal at 7:30 p.m.
There's a pair of Big 12 games on Fox, with Oklahoma-Kansas State at 4 p.m. followed by Kansas against TCU.
ESPN starts its day at noon with Florida State-Louisville. It's Miami's clash with Syracuse at 3:30 p.m. and LSU against Mississippi at 7:15 p.m. The slate closes at 10:45 p.m. with Washington State facing Colorado.
Northwestern heads to Iowa on ESPN2 at noon before Virginia Tech hosts North Carolina at 3:30 p.m. South Florida visits Tulane at 7 p.m. and Wyoming travels to Boise State at 10:15 p.m.
Iowa State faces Texas Tech at noon on FoxSports1, followed by Arizona State-Utah.
It's purple on purple as the Ravens visit the Vikings Sunday at 1 p.m. on CBS, followed by Bengals-Steelers. Fox has 49ers-Cowboys at 4:05 p.m. in the Fishersville area, with Saints-Packers in Charlottesville and southwest Roanoke.
The Steelers tangle with the Lions on NBC Sunday night, while the Redskins battle the Eagles Monday on ESPN.
North of the border, Hamilton visits Montreal Sunday at 1 p.m. on ESPN2.
The Yankees and Astros meet in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series Friday at 8:30 p.m. on FoxSports1, with Game 7 if necessary Saturday at 8 p.m.
The Dodgers await the winner in the World Series starting Tuesday.
NASCAR heads to Kansas Sunday at 3 p.m. on NBC Sports network, with the playoff field dropping from 12 to eight at the race's conclusion.
The Xfinity Series goes Saturday at 3 p.m. on NBC.
The Wizards host the Pistons Friday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
The Cavaliers battle the Bucks on ESPN Friday at 7 p.m., with Warriors-Pelicans in the nightcap.
The Capitals visit the Red Wings Friday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington-plus, then host the Panthers Saturday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
West Ham United tangles with Brighton & Hove Albion Friday at 2:55 p.m. on NBC Sports network. Chelsea clashes with Watford Saturday at 7:25 a.m., followed by Huddersfield Town-Manchester United. It's Everton-Arsenal Sunday at 8:25 a.m. and Tottenham Hotspur takes on Liverpool at 10:55 a.m.
FoxSports1 has the Bundesliga Sunday, with Koln-Werder Bremen at 7:25 a.m. and Hertha Berlin's contest with Freiburg at 9:30 a.m.
There's a women's friendly between the United States and South Korea Sunday at 2 p.m. on ESPN.
The MLS regular season closes with games on ESPN Sunday at 4 p.m.
The Marine Corps Marathon goes through the streets of Washington starting Sunday at 7 a.m. on NBC Sports Washington.
Texas tangles with Oklahoma in women's volleyball on ESPN2 Sunday at 4 p.m.

What Gen. Kelly said

General John Kelly spoke to the press Thursday.
General Kelly stepped forward on behalf of President Trump to address the hysteria fomented by Rep. Fredrica S. Wilson and her impressionable media friends regarding President Trump’s phone call to the Gold Star mom who lost her son in Niger. The substance of the phone call has become the cause celebre this news cycle. General Kelly’s statement should be a cause of another kind. It should be a cause of shame and introspection on the part of the media.
Listen and learn.

Baffled by the Trump bump

Newsbusters shares information on the confusion NBC has over the latest stock market high.
However, after that brief note of credit to the President, co-host Savannah Guthrie skeptically followed up "So often we see what happens in Washington, what happens with politics directly affects the market. So, if the market is strong, does that mean the economy likes President Trump?
Ruhle discounted that possibility, suggesting the market rally was happening in spite of him.
"Well, here’s what’s interesting. People are going, “How come the chaos in Washington is not playing out in the market?” Part of it is because it’s noise. President Trump does say a lot of things that scare us, but he doesn’t necessarily do them. He says things about immigration, about trade, geopolitics, but then his team kind of walks it back. So the market brushes it off unless it actually gets put into play. And it hasn’t so far."

I love Raqqa roll

As Iowahawk tweeted, ISIS is now WASWAS.
Raqqa has fallen to mostly Kurdish forces.
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) spokesman Talal Sello released a statement on Tuesday afternoon announcing that the fighting was over after a four-month assault, BBC reports.
The SDF is expected to make a formal declaration of the city's liberation in the near future. The final assault came at the end of three years of IS control in the city, and involved a final stand from up to 300 IS militants, according to the the BBC.

Oh, say can you C.J.

The same day Colin Kaepernick announced plans to fight the NFL - accusing owners of colluding to keep him from getting a job - the 49ers had a rookie show why Kaepernick is still unemployed.
C.J. Beathard threw for 245 yards and a touchdown against the Redskins Sunday.
He took over before halftime and nearly led the 49ers to their first win of the season.
Every year, numerous college quarterback seek to replace current players on NFL squads.
If you don't produce, you don't stay employed.
Kaepernick could have stood for the anthem all year long in 2016, and still be behind Beathard on the depth chart.
And as a rookie, Beathard has more potential.

Undefeated team watch

For the 45th straight year, the 1972 Miami Dolphins have celebrated when final unbeaten team that season had lost.
It took six weeks this year for the Kansas City Chiefs to lose for the first time.
Enjoy your continuing dominance, Dolphins.

Muster read blogging

Althouse has husband Mead reading the Hillary Clinton book.
He gives her tips and she goes from there.
That's all she can muster.
I've heard it said that the first maybe 100 pages of the book is a pretty good read, but after that it gets boring. I don't know if that's true, but I have found evidence that the first chunk of the book had a different author (or editor) than the rest of the book. The evidence is the word "muster" which I used to find a section of the text Meade and I were talking about, a section about Hillary's decision to show up for the swearing-in of Donald Trump.
The passage in question ended with
That’s how I ended up right inside the door of the Capitol on January 20, waiting to be announced. It had been such a long journey to get here. Now I just had to take a few more steps. I took Bill’s arm and squeezed it, grateful to have him by my side. I took a deep breath and walked out the door with as big a smile as could muster.
I muster return to find what else they find.

Liking what Trump does

Scott Adams notes how showing President Trump's low popularity - compared with the popularity of his program.
Consumer confidence is peaking while the president’s approval rating is in the cellar. That means people expect him to be effective on the big stuff. But they don’t like him because of the other stuff.

What to do with Weinstein's money

Democrats have a quandary.
They received all this money raised by Harvey Weinstein over the past 25 years or more.
Especially Hillary Clinton.
What should be done with this dirty money?
It's obvious.
Give it to the health insurance companies.
There's nothing in Obamacare that says individuals can't give to them.
But if Congress doesn't authorize, no one else in the government can dispense.
They would help more people than shuffling the money off to other Democrats, right?

Saturday song

Get your morning going with Styx and Mr. Roboto.

Facebook quote of the week

Retweeted Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump):
Very proud of my Executive Order which will allow greatly expanded access and far lower costs for HealthCare. Millions of people benefit!

Weekend watchdog

James Madison hosted ESPN's College GameDay in 2015.
The Dukes won the national title in 2016.
Unbeaten so far in 2017, they get another visit from Lee Corso and crew Saturday.
GameDay starts on ESPN Saturday at 9 a.m., after shots during ESPN programming Friday and early Saturday morning.
MASN covers the game Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
Second-ranked Clemson visits Syracuse Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN, followed by Washington State-California.
Michigan meets Indiana on ABC Saturday at noon, followed by Georgia Tech-Miami. In primetime, Southern Cal hosts Utah.
Auburn travels to LSU on CBS at 3:30 p.m.
ESPN starts its day at noon with South Carolina-Tennessee. It's the Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma at 3:30 p.m. and top-ranked Alabama hosts Arkansas at 7:15 p.m. Arizona State tangles with Washington at 10:45 p.m.
Duke hosts Florida State at noon on ESPN2 and Maryland meets Northwestern at 3:30 p.m. Florida faces Texas A&M at 7 p.m. followed by Nevada-Colorado State.
TCU takes on Kansas State at noon on FoxSports1, then Baylor battles Oklahoma State. It's Ohio State-Nebraska at 7:30 p.m.
N.C. State travels to Pittsburgh at noon on NBC Sports Washington, followed by Virginia-North Carolina.
The ACC network carries Boston College-Louisville at 12:20 p.m.
The Redskins host the 49ers on Fox Sunday at 1 p.m., while CBS offers Patriots-Jets and the Steelers against the undefeated Chiefs in the late afternoon slot.
NBC has the Giants and Broncos Sunday night, while the Colts visit the Titans on ESPN Monday at 8:30 p.m.
North of the border, Calgary clashes with Hamilton Friday at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
The American League Championship Series begins Friday at 7:30 p.m. with Houston taking on the Yankees on FoxSports1. Game 2 is Saturday at 4 p.m. on Fox.
Can the Cubs defend their World Series title? The Dodgers host the first two games of the National League Championship Series on TBS, starting Saturday at 8 p.m. with the second game Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
Talledega hosts NASCAR for the weekend, with the Monster Cup Series going Sunday at 2 p.m. on NBC. The Truck Series goes Saturday at 1 p.m. on Fox.
The Capitals visit the Devils Friday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington, then take on the Flyers Saturday at 7 p.m.
In college hockey, Notre Dame hosts Denver Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
Liverpool takes on Manchester United Saturday at 7:25 a.m. on NBC Sports network, followed by Crystal Palace-Chelsea. Everton clashes with Brighton & Hove Albion Sunday at 8:25 a.m. and Southampton takes on Newcastle United at 10:55 a.m.
The Red Bulls face Atlanta on FoxSports1 Sunday at 5 p.m., followed by Seattle-Dallas.
FoxSports1 has a U-17 World Cup contest between France and Honduras Saturday at 7:20 a.m. Leverkusen meets Wolfsburg in the Bunesliga Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on FoxSports1.
Oklahoma State tangles with Texas Tech Friday at 7 p.m. in women's soccer on MASN2.