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.