Left Coast Sports Babe

Aaron Judge was among six New York Yankees who tested positive for COVID today. Aaron Judge was an All-Star. So the worst thing that came out of that MLB All-Star game might not turn out to be those hideous uniforms.

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MLB decided Red Sox & Yankees, scheduled to play on Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights, w/ last two games scheduled to be on national television, should also be the ONLY game today & of course on national television too. Maybe karma is tired of Red Sox-Yankees too.

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Fox News is apoplectic because the NFL 2021 season will apparently include the Black national anthem. Well, we could be done with this and stop playing the national anthem before games altogther.

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Now Senator Tommy Tuberville whining about government spending taxpayer money on people. But Tommy Tuberville didn’t have a problem with taxpayer money being spent on himself when Auburn told him to resign and paid him over $5 MILLION to go away.

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As we see increasing stories about vaccinated people getting COVID-19, reminder that flu shots aren’t 100 percent either. Also, vaccinated people getting COVID, unlike the unvaccinated will almost all live to complain about it.

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So is Donald going to have another book ghostwritten “If I did attempt a coup?”

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Ted Cruz defending the right to peaceful protest… when it’s in Cuba. Can he talk to his buddy Ron DeSantis who wants to lock up peaceful protesters in Florida?

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This is the view from Fox News World – “Tucker Carlson: The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff should be fired. Why? Because Mark Milley describes the Former Guy as “the moral equivalent of Adolph Hitler.” If you didn’t already know that Milley nailed it.

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So wait, GOP clutched their pearls when Bill Clinton and Loretta Lynch had a meeting on the tarmac in June 2016. But Republicans have no problem with Kevin McCarthy meeting with the Former Guy when they both could be called as witnesses before the January 6 select committee.

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Both Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy were at Wednesday night’s White House dinner for Angela Merkel. Wonder if President Biden wanted her to tell them stories of German history from 1933 to 1945.

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As Biden says “Cuba is a failed state and repressing its citizens,” wonder how many democracies around the world are thinking “Florida/Georgia/Texas etc are failed states and repressing THEIR citizens?

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Texas’ GOP House Speaker Dade Phelan says he is chartering a plane and demands Democratic lawmakers in DC get on it “and return to Texas in order to do the state’s business.” Gosh, when people were dying of cold in Texas, wonder why Phelan didn’t make same demand of Cancun Cruz?

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So there are actually conservatives screaming that Americans will just have more babies now to take advantage of the Democrats’ new Child Tax Credit? Uh, aren’t more babies also supposedly the point of the conservative anti-abortion movement?

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Fox News personalities spreading anti-vax lies have almost all, if not all, been vaccinated themselves. It’s Russian Roulette for Ratings. But they’re playing with our lives, not their own.

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Just because January 6 didn’t succeed doesn’t mean it wasn’t a coup attempt.

The Toronto Blue Jays apparently still have no idea whenr they will get permission from the federal government to play in Canada any time soon.

They haven’t played a single game in Toronto this year. Or in 2020.

The Jays are just a few games over .500 but not out of playoff contention. Can their team song be “Kings of the Road?”

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After starting their Olympic preparation/exhibition games 0-2, Team USA men’s basketball beat Argentina 108-80 on Tuesday night. Just maybe they’re actually listening now to coach Popovich?

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Pete Alonso, winner of the Home Run Derby said afterwards “I feel I’m the best power hitter in the planet.” Alonso has 17 HRs in 2021. Nationals’ Kyle Schwarber in about 10 fewer ABs has 25 HRs in 2021 Pete might not even be the best power hitter in the National League East.

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The FBI – Larry Nassar story just gets worse and worse. And I have to wonder, would FBI agents have taken the case more seriously if his victims weren’t all young women and girls?

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Wait, George W. Bush today is warning that Biden is making a mistake in the Mideast…. No words.

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Jim Clyburn & Stacey Abrams have indicated some sort of Voter ID requirement is an acceptable compromise. Amy Klobuchar is negotiating w/ Joe Manchin & presumably Voter ID is on table.

I remain optimistic something will be passed. But when and If Democrats compromise here watch GOP say “we didn’t REALLY mean ID was most important thing.”

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Ted Cruz today in Judiciary launching into his usual lies about Democrats wanting just criminals and felons to vote so they can win. Can’t wait to see Cruz next year trying to demand voting rights for convicted felons from January 6.

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Chicago is telling visitors from Missouri and Arkansas they will have to quarantee for 10 days if they visit. How long until this restriction starts applying to people who live in or have visited Florida?

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Rachel Maddow talking on how Ozark Country, MO Missouri has had to post that “if you are afraid of walking into a public area where you might be seen getting your vaccine we will work to accommodate a private place…” If only Former Guy had gotten HIS COVID vaccine in public….

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Seriously? Marsha Blackburn is railing against President Biden’s nominees as “unserious” and unqualified for the departments they are to lead. I missed Marsha’s speeches against Betsy Devos, Ben Carson, and Rick Perry.

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Alex Padilla in Senate Judiciary Committee points out that GOP always CLAIMS they want to make it “easier to vote and harder to cheat.” But study after study proves we’ve got the “harder to cheat” part down. “.. #ForThePeopleAct

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So wait, people are getting Freedom Phones to “push back” on Big Tech? And they’re bragging about it on Twitter and Facebook? Who wants to tell them.

The day after the MLB All-Star game, used to be considered the biggest drought night in sports.Now we have game 4 of the NBA finals.Don’t anyone tell me we are close to normal yet.

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For all #SFGiants fans who thought “nothing could be worse than those orange Creamsicle uniforms,” MLB just proved with their All Star uniforms it could be worse.

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Who says there’s no good news these days? Per commissioner Rob Manfred “Seven-inning doubleheaders and starting extra innings with runners on second are likely to be dropped by Major League Baseball after this season.”

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Some Democrats in their feelings over President Biden nominating Republican Jeff Flake as Ambassador to Turkey. Uh, if we want Republicans to cross party lines for good of the country, seems like rewarding them with a nice but relatively inconsequential position is a good thing.

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Amazing how same GOP who considers the 2nd Amendment gospel for gun rights is quite happy to ignore the Constitution for voting rights.

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Pounding your head into wall is bad for you, right?

The Former Guys’ Former acting DNI Ric Grenell, running in CA governor recall election today ” Gavin Newsom announced we have to conserve water because of the drought. This is ridiculous. We live on the ocean. Last thing Californians should be worried about is water.”

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For those who don’t know the acronym – DNI is “Director of National INTELLIGENCE!”

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Missing a vote in a special legislature is grounds for arrest per Greg Abbott? I missed the Texas Governor calling at LEAST for felony charges when Ted Cruz abandoned the state in a crisis?

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So since Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law saying basically that protesting is a crime does this mean if people in Florida take to the streets to support the protests in Cuba he’ll have them arrested??

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Justice Clarence Thomas rejected emergency request to block Biden administration’s Covid-19 mask requirement for public travel. Translation: Thomas who is high risk on age, race, weight, still probably flies commercial at times & doesn’t want to risk it with unmasked COVIDiots.

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been vaccinated. He’s not playing Russian Roulette with his own life, he’s playing it with everyone else’s.

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In Texas, GOP wants individuals to be able to sue anyone who helps a woman get an abortion. But if a Texas toddler gets hold of mommy’s gun and accidentally shoots themselves, well, that’s God’s will?

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Give me a bleeping break – conservative Daily Mail posts headline “Texas lawmakers live it up at $200-a-night DC hotel:

Uh, travel agent here: The Washington Plaza, which was pictured and named in the article. is older, even dated hotel – prices July 20-27 for discounted weekly stay. started with a queen room – $89-109 nt – Est ttl: $762.15 (& sure they got group rate.)

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Maybe it’s time to start reminding people again, you absolutely don’t need to wear a mask in your coffin.

Will someone explain to me why we need the National Anthem before the Home Run Derby?

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Always All-Star snubs: But w/ SF Giants Kevin Gausman unable to pitch, why not Anthony DeSclafani 10-3 w/ 2.68 ERA. Or worse snub, Tyler Rogers, 10 saves, 17 holds, 42 all “high-leverage” appearances – 1.47 ERA.

Because he throws 70-85 MPH instead of 100mph? And All-Star manager Dave Roberts doesn’t want to embarrass AL stars?

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Meanwhile, Max Scherzer starting tomorrow’s All-Star Game? So after he blows 8-0 and gives up a grand glam to rookie relief pitcher Daniel Camarena, Roberts figures Scherzer is the All-Star most likely to turn tomorrow’s game into a Home Run Derby?

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Do people commenting about MLB players using an interpreter realize many of them do speak some English, but are justifiably nervous about making an interview mistake or misstatement in their 2nd or 3rd language, and having it make headlines? (Ohtani, btw, also speaks Spanish.)

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So let me get this straight, Texas Republicans want to stop 24 hour voting in the state, but they’re fine with round-the-clock gun sales

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RIP Edwin Edwards, 93. He served 4th terms over 3 decades as Gov. of Louisiana & eventually, served 8 years in prison. When he ran in 1991 for 4th term against David Duke, Edwards inspired perhaps best political bumpersticker of all time “Vote for the crook, it’s important.”

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Marco Rubio is upset because “12 hours later” Joe Biden hadn’t said anything about people ‘bravely taking to the street against tyranny” in Cuba. Uh, six months later, Marco Rubio isn’t saying anything about the would-be tyrant who started an insurrection right here in USA.

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Some “conservatives” apoplectic about Texas Democrats taking off to Washington, DC to prevent quorum while Texas GOP tries to take away voting rights. Maybe if DC were a state, Republicans would have a better chance of demanding interstate extradition? #unintendedconsequences

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Apparently a bill in California passed a “key committee” today that would make “To-Go” cocktails permanently legal. Laissez les bonne temps roulez!

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Now Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas Dems who fled the state “will be arrested when they return to Texas, and forced to get back to work.” Gosh, I missed Abbott making the same threat to Cancun Cruz.

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One of the problems now with COVID is that for all scientists KNOW the Delta variant is mutating we’re dealing with lots of unvaccinated folks who don’t believe in science or evolution.

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Velveeta Voldemort is calling January 6 “a love fest” between insurrectionists and police. If that’s “love”, well, if you had any doubt about sexual assault allegations from Mr. “Grab Them By the P*ssy.”

SF Giants have 57 wins at the 2021 All-Star Break. Arizona Diamondbacks are likely not to have 57 wins for the 2021 season.

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Actually the Diamondbacks and the Baltimore Orioles have 54 wins – between them.

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Pirates drafted Henry Davis #1. But MLB draft never gets attention NBA & NFL drafts do. This might help explain why – Spencer Torkelson, Adley Rutschman, Casey Mize, Royce Lewis, Mickey Noniak, Dansby Swanson, Brady Aiken, Mark Appel, Carlos Correa. Last 9 MLB top draft picks.

LSU president offers National Spelling Bee winner Zaila Avant-garde a full scholarship

Wow, this is an honor for 14 year olds usually reserved for football players.

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For all that media loves to tout the continued strength of Velveeta Voldemort in GOP, both Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz found reasons to skip this weekend’s CPAC in Dallas…

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Can anyone imagine what right-wing media would do if Hunter Biden made a speech sounding half as drugged out as Don Jr. does on a regular basis?

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So when anti-vaxx cult members get sick with the Delta Variant will they just follow Lauren Boebert’s advice and tell their doctors to make their illness go away by turning off CNN?

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Many Democrats, including Stacey Abrams, think there is room to compromise with GOP on voter identification: I SO want some Democratic governor to authorize vaccine cards as voter ID.

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If we’re going to have someone be famous because they died because of January 6 it really should be Brian Sicknick.

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Takes a special kind of evil to try to take credit for vaccine distribution at the same time you’re doing everything you can to discourage your cult members from getting their shots.

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Gov Kristi Noem “We’ve got GOP governors across country pretending they didn’t shut down states, they didn’t close their regions; they didn’t mandate masks…I’m saying we need leaders w/ grit.” 2,039 South Dakota residents would argue w/ her if they weren’t like, you know, dead.

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Another reason we know Democratic voter fraud is a myth: because Republicans have spent more time and money looking for proof of it lately than explorers have over centuries looking for the Loch Ness Monster.

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“The only difference between men and boys is the size of their toys.” I can’t be the only one who really doesn’t care that billionaire men decided that they wanted to play space rockets?

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Ted Cruz has a bill against vaccine passports which he proudly says “prohibits the feds from maintaining a vaccine database.” What’s next, he’ll demand schools not maintain records of Polio, MMR, Diphtheria, Tetanus etc. shots?

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Madison Cawthorn claims President Biden’s plan to send people door to door to offer vaccines is really a plot to confiscate people’s bibles & guns. Next up, Cawthorn & the GOP attack Girl Scouts selling cookies?

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In Texas black man who voted in a primary less than 2 months before his probation from a 1995 burglary arrested & given $100,000 bond.

In Illinois, white man who had guns in his 12th-floor room facing Navy Pier “in a very suspicious position” arrested & given $1,000 bond.

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At this point JD Vance, a now wealthy Yale-educated venture capitalist funded by Peter Thiel, is about as authentic when when he disses New York City as the Former Guy.

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How many times will CPAC meet this year? How many times will the media cover CPAC meeting

Diamondbacks Beat LA with win over Dodgers Friday night.

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Reminder, as bad as D’Backs are, they do, unlike Arizona Republicans, actually continue to play by the rules in search of legitimate victories.

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The Creamsicle uniforms still s*ck. But maybe the SF Giants decided the faster they score the sooner they can get this game over with and take them off.

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All you need to know about what is wrong with the Olympic games: During a COVID state of emergency in Tokyo smoking marijuana is considered disqualifying while not being vaccinated isn’t.

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Estimated wait time w/ Southwest tonight, 53 minutes. Reported wait time from client w/ American last night, 3 hours. Going to need more than Executive Order “suggestion” to DOT that airlines refund baggage fees after 12 hours to fix problems w/ our airline oliogoply system.

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Meanwhile, an Alaska Airlines flight from Las Vegas to San Francisco was delayed and then canceled tonight because it was TOO HOT FOR THE INCOMING PLANE TO LAND at Las Vegas Airport.

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I wish this were a joke. Voter fraud is fake. Climate change is real.

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So who had Senator Marsha Blackburn feuding with Taylor Swift on their 2021 batsh*t bingo card?

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CNN reporting that the percentages of people who voted for Joe Biden in many states almost exactly matched the percentage of people who have been vaccinated.

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Watching GOP hypocrisy over government healthcare regulation makes me really wish Planned Parenthood would introduce masks saying “My body, my choice.”

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Rand Paul wants to repeal mask mandates on planes. The more I learn about Rand Paul, the more I wonder, what took his neighbor so long?

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Need any more proof that Republicans stink at risk assessment? GOP: Voter ID requirements should be tightened. Also GOP: We should have NO ID required to prove if you’ve had a vaccine.

Wonder what kind of odds you could have gotten on the Padres with Max Scherzer on the mound for the Washington Nationals and an 8-0 lead into the bottom of the 4th against San Diego?

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We’re all hearing about Daniel Camarena & his grand slam off Max Scherzer tonight. But SFGiants fans know, Camarena’s still no Caveman. 1st grand slam by MLB reliever since Pirates’ Don Robinson on Sep. 12, 1985. 2 years before Robinson traded to Giants. #ForeverGiant

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The Astros’ Jose Altuve & Carlos Correa said they have decided to sit out the 2021 MLB All-Star game. Wonder if somebody gave them a sign?

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While I prefer Becky Hammon to succeed Gregg Popovich someday as coach of San Antonio Spurs, still irritating to see yet another team, now Orlando Magic, likely to hire another finalist, in this case Jamahl Mosley, as their head coach instead of her. #GoSpursGo

July 7 was anniversary of 1865 execution, by hanging, of 4 conspirators in assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Not that anyone will be executed for January 6. But that no member of Congress (or VP) was assassinated, certainly wasn’t for lack of some of insurrectionists trying – for starters to hang the Vice President.

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Shouldn’t Tomi Lahren be put on a no-fly list for calling flight attendants trying to enforce mask mandates “nazis of the air?”

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Mitch McConnell says he doesn’t want to stop ‘everything’ Biden proposes, just the ‘worst’ Translation, Moscow Mitch wants to stop EVERYTHING President Biden proposes.

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I guess it’s sadly not surprising that the same people who don’t believe in evolution don’t believe that viruses mutate.

Mitch. McConnell: “I’m perplexed by the reluctance of some to get vaccinated, totally perplexed.”

Also Mitch McConnell – “I’m going to keep genuflecting before the Former Guy who is still downplaying COVID and the need for vaccines.”

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If we were all vaccinated, not wearing a mask in public makes sense: But I don’t have a good feeling about the Venn Diagram overlap between those who believe the Big Lie about the 2020 election & those who will lie about being vaccinated to avoid wearing a mask.

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Definition of evil: When you’re smart enough to know virus is deadly, but hide it from everyone, then hide being seriously ill AND downplay your own vaccination, even though you know many of your disciples will die if they don’t get vaccine themselves. #VelveetaVoldemort

Five Tampa Bay pitchers combined for seven hitless innings in the second half of a doubleheader,, and the Rays beat the Indians 4-0. So a complete game with no-hits.

Uh, Rob Manfred, you changed the rule to make doubleheaders 7 innings games. Time to change the rules to call them no-hitters. (You can list them with an asterisk… HOF has plenty of those.)

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With the Olympics due to start in a couple weeks, Tokyo has declared a COVID state of emergency. It’s now quite likely NO fans will be able to attend, even locals.

Of all the stupid decisions the IOC has made over the years, will the stupidest turn out to be the decision to have these games at all?

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Uh oh, Jacob DeGrom is slipping. The Mets star allowed two solo home runs against the Brewers today. And his ERA rose to 1.08.

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Okay, I get he wants to rest his arm, but Jacob deGrom said Wednesday that he will not be attending the All-Star Game at Coors Field. Asked about showing up and not pitching DeGrom said he thought about it but he didn’t “think it’s beneficial for me to fly back to Colorado and back.”(In First Class…. )

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Putting people like Gym Jordan on the January 6 commission is like putting Mrs. O’Leary’s cow on the Chicago Fire commission.

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Thinking Alan Dershowitz didn’t get an invitation again this year to Martha’s Vineyard.

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If Ashli Babbitt had tried to sneak past security at Mar-A-Lago, the Former Guy would be lauding anyone who shot her as a hero

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How many Republicans downplaying Jan 6 insurrection are trying to tell themselves mob wouldn’t have hurt them if Capitol Police officer hadn’t shot that domestic terrorist. (I am TIRED of using her name. If we want to remember a name from Jan 6 it should be Brian Sicknick.)

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Its July 2021, 16 months after the crisis started in New York and Rachel Maddow is pointing out that parts of the US are again dealing with…. ventilator shortages? I missed GOP leaders taking credit.

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Wait, why is Velveeta Voldemort suing Twitter and Facebook for banning him because his new GETTR social media platform was going to be much better? This is SO confusing.

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So as these stories keep emerging in books about horrible things Velveeta Voldemort said and did, have to assume if he were re-elected all these people would have just stayed silent and enabled him?

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GOP wants to criminalize abortion. But what happens if a pregnant woman refuses a vaccine, gets COVID-19, then delivers a baby born too prematurely that dies? Asking for a friend who is tired of this so-called “pro-life” crap.

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Dear media: If you ask most Americans to name the first member of Congress who comes to mind, guessing a whole lot of them would say an ineffectual Representative from Georgia who has been removed from her committee assignments. This is on you. Do better.

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So how does a man who never pays people who work for him AND throws former employees under the bus still find lawyers to file lawsuits for him

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You know who hasn’t been banned on Twitter or Facebook and isn’t facing indictment? Hillary Clinton.

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So let me get this straight, GOP believes private businesses have a right to refuse customers who want cakes for weddings they don’t approve of, but a private social media platform has no right to refuse users who engage in behavior that incites violence?

So do NBA star players who are on the US Olympics team get regularly tested for marijuana?

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Not sure how long they’ll play. But someday SF Giants are going to throw the biggest retirement parties ever for Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado

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LA manager Dave Roberts doesn’t expect Trevor Bauer to immediately return when his 7-day paid administrative leave ends. Bauer makes $38 million in 2021 -more than 1/2 Rays payroll. But hey, Dodgers already have $249 million payroll, what’s another $30 mill or so to replace him?

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DC man is suing Orlando Airport over mask mandate “I can’t wear a mask because of my anxiety. I will not wear a mask. I cannot wear a mask because of my breathing difficulties.” Uh, there’re masks designed for exercise. & doesn’t it cause anxiety to give regular media interviews?

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Watching GOP members of Congress try to take credit for American Rescue Plan and Child Tax Credit at the same time they try to sabotage everything Biden does is a modern day version of the old Twister game.

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Two women were arrested in Texas after stealing $10,000 French bulldog puppy from pet store. And the puppy was returned safely.

Glad it worked out…. but a $!0,000 puppy???!

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So if GOP is so convinced January 6 insurrectionists were tourists, perhaps they can do a Republican only “Open House” at the US Capitol for their supporters? Am sure Democrats and Capitol Police will be happy to give them the run of the place for a day.

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Many in GOP pretending Ashli Babbitt, who was shot climbing on a window trying to break into House chambers, was a Patriot. Many of GOP also support “Stand Your Ground” laws that give permission to shoot someone who so much as sets foot on your property if they make you nervous.

Just wondering, so why would Russian need to hack RNC when they probably have so many GOP members of Congress already on payroll?

As someone who lives in California, I didn’t really care who won the NYC Mayor’s race. But do o want to scream at the 74% of Democrats in New York City who didn’t bother to vote in Primary: “Many of us are working SO hard for voting rights Republicans are trying to take away in USA – & you all couldn’t be bothered to take time to make your choice for city’s next mayor?

One more grumpy thought after seeing that only 26% of Democrats voted in New York City mayoral primary. If you have time to go on social media and bitch, you have time to vote in ALL local and state elections. Period.

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Yes, we liberals are more tolerant. You hear stories about conservatives who don’t want to do flowers for gay weddings. Have you ever heard a story about a liberal florist who refused to do flowers for a COVID-deniers’ funeral?

NBA Finals start Tuesday night, best of seven.

With four wins the Phoenix Suns can not only win a championship – they could again end up with more wins in July than the Diamondbacks.

(The Suns already won more games against the Clippers than the Dbacks did in June.)

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Look, Sha’Carri Richardson admitted she knew the rules and owned her mistake with marijuana. But underage drinking is also illegal in many countries, so should athletes under 21 be tested for that too?

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As SF Giants fan, good seeing Dave Stewart criticize LA for originally doing nothing about Trevor Bauer “Dodgers should have stepped up & they didn’t. You’ve got to have character standards.”

But espec. after 1989, seems really weird to have former Oakland A’s star Dave Stewart described as “Former Dodger,”

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Joe West would be a lot more infamous were it not for Angel Hernandez. Just saying.

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Georgia, now Arizona… well, at least in California we know Velveeta Voldemort didn’t bother to call our Secretary of State after the election.

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As COVID cases start rising in red states what’s the GOP going to do? Downplay the numbers? Or try to figure out a way to blame it on Biden?

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Florida has 6.5% of the US population. Florida has about 17% REPORTED of all COVID new cases in the US. Thank you, Governor Ron DeSantis. #DeathSantis

And it’s got to be much worse than that. DeSantis says COVID is basically harmless so if you’re a cult member and if you feel mildly sick there is no way you’ll go get tested…

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Not thinking you need to get the COVID vaccine because most other people are vaccinated is as stupid as deciding you don’t need to obey traffic laws on the highway because most other people are driving safely.

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Before seatbelt laws in California, my doctor warned us patients – you might survive auto-accident but if your face goes through windshield you’ll be scarred for life. It was effective. Wonder if we tell anti-vaxxers COVID may not kill them but will give them longterm ED?

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West Virginia has COVID vaccine lottery – prizes range from cash to pickup trucks to guns to hunting licenses, even hunting rifles .

Gov. Jim Justice to vaccine hesitant “if you’re vaccinated, we’re going to give you stuff… well you’ve got another lottery going on. And it’s the death lottery.”

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Store I was in today had sign “Masks required for unvaccinated people.” Except unvaccinated people are often the same people who don’t think they need to wear masks. I’m vaxxed AND keeping my mask on in stores.

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Another suggestion for Biden to increase vaccine rates would be to remind Americans of very common long term side effect – lost of sense of taste & smell. Has happened to 2 younger people I know-

Possible PSA “Get the vaccine or all beer will taste like Bud Light?”

I’d like Montreal Canadiens to win this Stanley Cup. (I know, very unlikely down 3-0)

But as a woman, who has frequently been dismissed with with “women don’t get sports” – this is one of the more cringe-worthy comments I have heard. Tampa mayor Jane Castor actually said it “”What we would like is for the Lightning to take it a little bit easy, to give the Canadiens just the smallest break, allow them to win one at home, and then bring it back to the Amalie Arena for the final and the winning of the Stanley Cup,”

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Our Vice President gets a lot of racist and misogynistic criticism.However, as SF Chronicle points out “Harris was busted once wearing a Dodgers cap, though her spokeswoman was quick to defuse the controversy by confirming, “She’s a Giants fan. She had to borrow a hat today because she didn’t bring one.” But does a Giants fan ever wear a Dodgers cap?”

#BeatLA

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How many baseball fans of teams potentially in the hunt for NL Wild Card are rooting for the Mets to win the NL East? Because NO ONE wants their season to come down to a potential one-game playoff with Jacob DeGrom.

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Beach Boys doing “God only knows” for “The Fourth in America” reminds me again how good the “Love Actually” soundtrack is.

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Aroldis Chapman with 4.71 ERA in 32 games is an All-Star.

Tyler Rogers, with 1.38 ERA in 39 innings is not And that’s before he got a save tonight. Player ballots have something to do with it, maybe MLB hitters can’t stand the fact a soft-tossing submarine righty gets them out?

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Foreigner, a popular band in my high school, tonight on CNN’s “The Fourth in America” doing “Feels like the First Time.” Not saying these guys are old. But it might be “Feels like the First Time” because they can’t remember any of the others.

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Isn’t “Defund NPR” cancel culture?

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Wonder again how much overlap there is between the anti-abortion crowd and the anti-vaxxers screaming “my body my choice?

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Something to be thankful for on July 4. The Former Guy no longer had the power today to demand fireworks be set off in a place at serious risk of wildfires.

Have to wonder, are many in GOP secretly trying to discourage Americans from getting their COVID vaccine, because they don’t want to give President Biden the “win” of 70% vaccinated?

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As even bribes and lotteries don’t work to get people willing to get their COVID vaccines with some Republicans…. Wonder if we could get the narrative out that liberals don’t want conservatives to get vaccinated because we are trying to reduce their numbers?

As we are at basically halfway point of the MLB season, didn’t we all have the SF Giants with the best record in baseball on July 4?

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“Siri, are unwanted bobbleheads recyclable?”

From LA Dodgers ticketing site:

Thursday Aug 19 7:10 PM New York Mets Promotion: Trevor Bauer Bobblehead Presented by Budweiser

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Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul says extra rest before NBA Finals has helped ailing right hand. And presumably given him time to figure how any medical bills could be paid by Medicare?

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Do I care who wins in the Bezos, Branson, Musk space race, no. Do I care how much in tax breaks the Former Guy gave them all, yes.

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9 states have fully vaccinated more than 1/2 residents: Calif, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Mass., Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, NY, Oregon, Penn, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington plus DC. Wonder what these states have in common?

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Ron DeSantis’s press secretary denied reports Gov. asked Velveeta Voldemort to cancel Florida rally while over 100 still missing at Surfside. “There was never, at any time, a ‘plea’ from Gov. DeSantis to cancel or postpone the rally.” Translation Ron is still afraid of Donald

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The Former Guy at his vanity rally in Sarasota Florida “You didn’t pay tax on the company car or a company apartment. You didn’t pay tax. Or education for your grandchildren. I don’t even know. Do you have to? Does anybody know answer to that stuff?” Uh, yes, IRS, Manhattan DA & NY AG know the answer. For starters.

And to be honest, I didn’t watch the rally, and I had no idea what Velveeta Voldemort would say at his vanity rally in Florida tonight. And I don’t really care. But one thing I’d bet he wouldn;t say “I’ve been vaccinated and you all should go get your shots as soon as possible too.”-

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Apparently the Former Guy claimed at his vanity rally tonight in Florida to be soliciting donations for the Surfside victims. Does anyone think the victims will actually get that money?

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Will no doubt post this again, but as we approach 2022 elections, this quote – “This demand for purity, this looking down your nose at people who want to compromise, is a recipe for disaster for the Democrats.”

Claire McCaskill, often criticized by left of party, after losing Senate seat in 2018 to Josh Hawley.

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Happy Fourth of July. And whatever our worries today as Americans, at least we’re not worried that our President might be starting a major wildfire at Mount Rushmore just for a vanity fireworks show.

There is a reason the 2021 Diamondbacks are approaching 1962 Mets numbers. They just pitched to Thairo Estrada , making his SF Giants debut, with a runner on 2nd, 2 outs and pitcher Alex Wood on deck. Wood was 0-20 with 17 strikeouts. And yes, Estrada got the RBI.

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But to anyone who thinks Thairo Estrada, 25, might be nervous in his first SF Giants start: In Jan 2018 Estrada, was shot in the hip during a robbery attempt in Venezuela. Bullet wasn’t removed until 6 months later in Tampa. Yeah, that might make you redefine pressure.

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Josh Gordon still on indefinite suspension from NFL since Dec. 2019 for violating substance abuse & PED policies- the wide receiver’s 6th suspension since 2013.. But Gordon has asked Roger Goodell for reinstatement for 2021 season. Part of league’s 10 strikes & you’re out policy?

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Will ANYONE explain to me how marijuana does anything for your performance in a race except slow you down? If Sha’Carri Richardson had only done something less serious, like vandalized a gas station and lied about it. #RyanLochte

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The Former Guy isn’t President anymore. But if he simply made an announcement – or gave an interview — saying that he has been vaccinated and all his supporters should follow suit he would save many lives. Just saying – “Failure to render aid” is a crime.

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New search request update tonight from USPS

“Your package has not yet been recovered, but every effort being made to locate your item(s). Search Request Details: Request Date: 01/04/2021 -(This was a Christmas gift mailed to Chicago)

Did Biden fire DeJoy by mail & Louis doesn’t know it yet?

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Stanford Football announced they are planning to allow fans at full capacity this fall. Uh, I’m an alum and a fan. But to be honest, how often lately pre-pandemic was the stadium filled to full capacity?

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Some conservatives angry w/ Kavanaugh & Barrett for siding w/ SCOTUS liberals in declining case of Southern Baptist florist who refused to sell flowers for a gay wedding. Wonder why none of these florists ever refuse to sell to a straight couple living together before marriage?

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New Kaiser Family Foundation poll found 67% of Democrats say their entire household is vaccinated compared to only 39% of Republicans. Dying to own the libs.

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Another poll found two-thirds of Americans believe democracy in the United States is under threat. Wonder how many of that other one-third are doing the threatening?

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Claire McCaskill being attacked for her comments comparing the attack on the US Capitol to Benghazi.

But Claire was right. January 6 WAS worse than Benghazi. More deaths – and a death toll that but for the Capitol Police would have been far worse. And at least with Benghazi we didn’t worry afterwards that terrorists were working with accomplices in the US government.

So glad the SF Giants are one of those teams who are at 85% vaccinated with COVID. Because otherwise these days I’d hear “Johnny Cueto has a bad cold” and feel a lot more nervous.

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American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, who won the US 100 meter sprint trials, reportedly tested positive for cannabis & might thus be kept off Olympic team. Uh, shouldn’t if anything using pot have made Richardson SLOWER?

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Hey I’m a Stanford alum who saw him play in Maples Pavilion but even I didn’t have “Brook Lopez leads Bucks to game 5 win against Hawks” in my top ten (or 1000) possible headlines tonight.

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Wonder how Dodgers players, most of them married, many with daughters, feel about Dave Roberts treating Trevor Bauer right now as if everything is normal.

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Dave Roberts says “it’s out of our hands,” as far as Trevor Bauer’s scheduled start on Sunday. Uh, give me a bleeping break. In MAY 2021, Dodgers pushed back Bauer’s start just so he could pitch against the SF Giants. No joke.

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It’s been a week of unspeakable horror for those with friends and family members unaccounted in the Surfside condo collapse. Can you imagine if they had had to meet with the Former Guy on top of it?

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It’s so good to have a Comforter-in-chief again.

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If you’re paying sky-high rental car rates this holiday week… AvisBudget Group owns Avis, Budget & Payless. Enterprise Holdings owns Alamo, Enterprise & National. Hertz Global Holdings owns Dollar, Hertz & Thrifty. Competition policy & antitrust is NOT just about Big Tech.

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As Rachel Maddow covers today’s indictment of Trump Organization & CFO for tax crimes, your reminder that in a 2016 debate with Hillary Clinton, Velveeta Voldemort BRAGGED about not paying taxes and said “That makes me smart.”-

Maybe Royal Caribbean didn’t cave as much to Florida Governor De Santis as we thought. They’ve posted a list of places you can’t go if you’re not vaccinated on their ships. One of them is the Casino. So much for feeling lucky.

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Never watch the View, but to those who say liberals don’t want to hear different views – uh, my issue with Meghan McCain has not been that she says things that are conservative, but that she says things that are stupid.

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I understand loyalty. Susan McDougal went to jail rather than testify against Bill Clinton. Velveeta Voldemort is NOT Bill Clinton.

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Kevin McCarthy insisted he’s “not threatening” GOP members of Congress who agree to serve on Jan 6 select committee, but said it was “unprecedented” for Cheney to accept a spot on the panel. Uh, is McCarthy stupid, or does he think we are?

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Stephen Colbert tonight, after House GOP, most of who cowered in terror on Jan 6, mostly now cowered in terror at thought of joining Pelosi’s commission – “So we’ll now have 7 Democrats to grill seditionists. And if that doesn’t work we have 1 Cheney to shoot them in the face.

Well, that’s why they play the game. After NC State had to play one game with 13 players, and forfeit an elimination game due to eight players testing positve for COVID-19, Vanderbilt was set up with two first round draft choice pitchers to have plenty of rest for a 2 of 3 CWS final.

And then Vandy won game 1. So it was over, right? (Well I thought so.) But Mississippi State ran away with game 2, knocked out one of the Commodores’ stars tonight, and won a 9-0 one hitter.

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Somewhere, former Mississippi State and SF Giants star Will Clark is screaming at the television! Yes, I’m old enough I remember those F-bombs in 1987 on live TV when the Giants clinched the West. “I’ve been waiting for this since I was a bleeping amateur.”

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Wonder how many advertisers signed up expecting an NBA finals with the Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets? Oops.

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Trevor Bauer is enough of a star that I hesitate to predict what MLB may do if he’s not arrested for the alleged sexual assault. I will, however, say tonight that I think here is zero chance he will pitch for the LA Dodgers against the SF Giants at Oracle Park in late July.

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So will Bill Cosby now write a book called “If I raped them?”

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There were young WOMEN in that celebratory crowd of Bill Cosby’s team outside his home today. Seriously what were they thinking?

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Velveeta Voldemort rejecting pleas from Florida GOP to postpone weekend rally in Sarasota while first responders are still combing through collapsed Miami condo looking for bodies. An unnamed Republican said Trump needs to “read the room.” Uh, does anyone think he reads ANYTHING?

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Only TWO Republicans, Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, joined all Democrats in voting to establish a Jan. 6 select committee. For comparison, seven Democrats actually joined Republicans in 2014 in voting to investigate Benghazi.

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Do we think GOP would be more likely to go along with a January 6 investigation if the commission promised to spend one day on Benghazi?

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So the GOP plan is basically just to stall out the investigation of January 6 forever or until it’s followed by a worst insurrection?

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Donald Rumsfeld has died.

If you can’t say anything nice….

So, no comment.

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Open note to all television interviewers to any politician they have on their show. Ask them two questions. 1. “Who won the 2020 Presidential election? 2. “Have you been vaccinated?

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Don’t think monopolies matter? There are now only 3 major car companies in US – Hertz owns Dollar & Thrifty, Avis owns Budget, Enterprise owns National. Client had car booked tonight w/ Hertz, he showed up to find the location closed 1 hour early.

When I called the Hertz 800-number to make sure the booking would be held overnight, the recording while on hold said “Please make changes online. There will be a 5% surcharge to modify a reservation via a reservation agent.”

So at this point NBA finals could feature Bucks without Giannis Anteokounmpo, Hawks without Trae Young or Clippers without Kawhi Leonard. Western Conference finals a long way from over but ABC’s got to hope someone puts Chris Paul in bubble wrap.

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So who knew when Toyota’s been saying “Let’s Go Places,” they might have meant ‘to the US Capitol?”

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The Rockies’ German Marquez came a ninth-inning single away from a no-no against the Pirates tonight in Denver. Almost seems like a one-hitter at Coors Field should count as a no-hitter.

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Herschel Walker is running for Senate in Georgia? This is good news, for Senator Warnock.

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Maricopa County officials say they will not reuse voting machines that have been in the hands of Cyber Ninjas because they could have been tampered with… So on top of everything else, how much is this dangerous circus costing Arizona taxpayers?

– Report that eight NC State Players Tested Positive for COVID-19 Delta Variant

The Vanderbilt coach mentioned other teams going out on the town. And the College World Series has has capacity crowds over 20,00 per game. What could have possibly gone wrong?.

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Two doses of Pfizer and Moderna are reportedly 88% effective against the Delta variant. But okay, that leaves 12%. Only 10% of Americans are left-handed. As a leftie myself know that’s still a pretty big number… Not throwing away my masks.

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Many places in California now have signed, masks required only for unvaccinated customers. Only problem is, do we really think the people who are ignoring the science on vaccines will pay attention to the signs?

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Velveeta Voldemort had 4th of July rally in Mobile canceled by park commission.

“It became apparent it was going to be a partisan political event, rather than just a patriotic event planned for that evening,

How often do I say this? “Well-played Alabama.”

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The Pope told Secretary of State Anthony Blinken he has “affection” for the American people. How about affection for the U.S. President who is a good Catholic and one of the most decent men of faith in Washington DC?

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f you are upset by someone “disrespecting” the American flag at the Olympic trials, but not by someone using the flag like this on January 6, may I respectfully suggest you STFU?

“The WNBA says 99% of league’s players are fully vaccinated, all 12 teams have met threshold.” If we needed any more evidence to shatter the myth of male supremacy.

Definition of impossible: Watching Angel Hernandez umpire a baseball game without putting any money in the virtual swear jar. #SFGiants#Dodgers

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What time Tuesday does Vanderbilt get their College World Series trophy? (And will the Commodores thank NC State players who didn’t get vaccinated and basically handed them the championship.)

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GOP Rep Adam Kinzinger & I disagree on a lot. But when asked about MT Greene -She really doesn’t do anything but travel country & attack people & come up w/crazy conspiracy theories & try to be famous. She’s done a good job of being famous. We all know her, so congratulations.”

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Former Guy Chief of Staff Mark Meadows thinks it was “disgusting” Olympic athlete Gwen Berry turned away from flag during National Anthem at US Olympic trials. What Meadows didn’t call “disgusting?” Insurrectionists using flag poles to attack police at US Capitol on January 6.

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Rachel Maddow reports how the Apple Daily, last pro-democracy Hong Kong newspaper sold final issue last Thursday & today police arrested one of their journalists trying to board a plane to London. If The Former Guy had won re-election this could be happening here. No joke.

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So who’s gonna be the first Republican to attack Nancy Pelosi’s January 6 commission for not being bipartisan enough? Gosh, if only there had been an option for a truly bipartisan commission.. #sarcasm

Fox News headline Monday was “Cops under siege.” I missed that headline about January 6.-

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Interesting stat from Hawaii Tourism Authority on visitors in late May. While 76% rated trip excellent, “those w/ household income below $100,000 were more satisfied w/ their trip than those w/ household income above $100,000.” Translation, rich ARE more likely to be snowflakes.

ESPN headline -“Are the Dodgers still MLB’s best team?” Uh, it’s only late June, but right now the Dodgers aren’t even the best team in the NL West.

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Seattle Mariners’ Hector Santiago, ejected for something in his glove, “all I used was rosin.” So is MLB going to have to start a program like drug testing for sticky substances they find?

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Since MLB is looking for everything else, what about good old-fashioned spit?

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The Diamondbacks had a 4-2 lead going to the bottom of the 7th against the Padres… which would have given them a two game winning streak.

Of course, they gave up 3 in the bottom of the 7th and lost 5-4.

#Consistency

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The Giants have won 50 games. The Dbacks MIGHT win 50 games this season. Maybe.

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Not that I really wanted her and hubby there for photo ops, but Ivanka is renting a condo in Surfside and now lives a block or two from collapsed building.. Absolute crickets from her on social media asking her 10 million plus followers to donate to support victims’ families etc. Very on brand.

Chair of Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Jose Diaz says once cause of building collapse is confirmed “I guarantee you, legislation will be taking place so this will never happen again.” & how long afterwards will Gov DeSantis say “we don’t need no stinkin’ legislation?”

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Wonder how many COVIDiots refusing vaccines and mask mandates because they’re “government interference” are still happily cashing their stimulus and child tax credit checks?

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Fox News headline “NYC Times Square shooting leaves tourist hospitalized. Two suspects – both described as Hispanic males – remain at large.” Man shot is in stable condition. But because suspects are “Hispanic males,” guessing Fox won’t say crowd had a “festive atmosphere?”

Why are we surprised that Fox News didn’t cover Trump rally last night. Their whole mission is to promote the Big Lie for their viewers & pretend he was and will be a great President. But actually seeing & listening to him now makes it obvious how pathetic he is

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Wonder who paid for Velveeta Voldemort’s plane ride to Ohio yesterday? Tangentially, wonder how long it took to disinfect Air Force One?

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I’m beginning to think Marjorie Taylor Greene doesn’t want to admit it, but she has a serious crush on AOC.

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Toyota turns out to be the number one donor, by a lot, to those in Congress who supported the Big Lie on January 6 and tried to overturn election results.

“We do not believe it is appropriate to judge members of Congress solely based on their votes on electoral certification,” Toyota spokesperson said in statement to Axios.”

What’s next, “we do not believe it is appropriate to judge actors solely based on their actions one night in Ford’s Theater?”

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A major crash in the Tour De France today happened when a fan with a sign saying hello to their grandparents got too far into the course, and dozens of cyclists went down, including one whole (Jumbo Visma) team

If you needed any more proof that the world forgot how to behave during the last year of this pandemic.

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We’re a LONG way from October. Less than halfway through the season. But the SF Giants, in June, have 50 wins. Las Vegas over-under on their wins for the season? 74.

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On the other hand. I don’t care that SF Giants won Saturday night’s game.

I still hate the extra innings man on second rule. It shouldn’t kick in until at least the 11th or 12th inning.

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Uh oh, Jacob deGrom gave up 2 runs in 6 innings Saturday. I hope this isn’t a sign of the apocalyse.

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So not only was Stanford one strike away from eliminating Vanderbilt, it looks now like the Cardinal was one strike away from the CWS finals… As NC State basically eliminated themselves.

(for those not following, as I understand it, the NCAA didn’t mandate all players be vaccinated, but all unvaccinated players had to be tested, and positive tests meant testing the entire team….)

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Headline “NC State’s baseball season ends in Omaha, dealt a final defeat by COVID-19 protocols.” Better headline “NC State players’ decisions not to be vaccinated against COVID protocols ends their season” (and hopefully doesn’t end any lives.)

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While some NCState players not being vaccinated caused team to be tested during College World Series, NCAA proves there is no situation they can’t make worse. None of 23,000 fans got tested. & “Masks are not required, though unvaccinated attendees are recommended to wear them.”

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Fox News is actually headlining the Miami condo collapse on their website. But for some reason I can’t find any of their usual stories bashing Biden and Democrats for excessive government regulations.

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Getting a lot of the “What’s your perfect White Claw moment” ads so finally figured I’d respond: My perfect White Claw moment is not drinking White Claw.

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While media discusses the Former Guy’s cult rally anyone know what the actual President of the United States was doing on Saturday night? (insert crickets here.) Nice, isn’t it?

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Dear Ohio: You put Sherrod Brown in the Senate. If you put Tim Ryan there to join him in 2022, Velveeta Voldemort will probably be so mad he’ll never come back to your state again. Love, democracy

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Since I have to assume almost everyone at tonight’s MAGA rally is unvaccinated how long until Ohio and neighboring states have a big spike in Delta variant cases?

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Guessing if you asked most Americans to name House Representative, other than their own, or maybe Pelosi/McCarthy, most of them would name AOC or Greene. That’s part of what is wrong w/ media & politics now. It’s not about making headlines, it SHOULD be about getting stuff done.

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I’m so old that I remember when Republicans pretended they wanted most Americans to vote.

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There are 34 Senate seats up for election in 2022 – 14 Democrats, 20 Republicans. Sinema and Manchin are NOT up for election until 2024. So can we as Democrats focus now on the seats we can actually potentially win next year? With a bigger blue majority they matter a lot less.

Now the 23rd MLB team has reached 85% COVID vaccination threshold for players & other on-field personnel, which allows relaxed protocols, but vaccinations have slowed to crawl. Can @MLB release names of 7 teams who haven’t met threshold so we can root against them if we don’t already?

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I admittedly know very little about the NHL these days. But when they ask pundits to predict the Stanley Cup Finals… uh, the Canadiens have been a near unanimous choice to lose to the Maple Leafs, the Jets AND the Golden Knights.

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N.C. State will have only 13 players for their College World Series game today vs. Vanderbilt due to one player testing positive & others held out due to COVID protocols. ALL of team & coaching staff had opportunity to be vaccinated. Not all unforced errors show in the box score.

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Wolfpack coach said he didn’t want to “indoctrinate” his players. Uh, if you have to use the word indoctrinate about a life-saving vaccine, you’re already indoctrinating them.

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More from NC State baseball coach Elliott Avent on team not being vaccinated: “If you want to talk baseball, we can talk baseball. you want to talk politics or stuff like that, you can go talk to my head of sports medicine.” “Politics or stuff like that?”

Who wants to tell him?-

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Another reason I really like SF Giants Lamont Wade Jr:

“Wade usually is an outfielder, but he does enjoy playing first, which is a much more social position.

He got a kick out of meeting Albert Pujols, for instance, when the Giants played the Dodgers.“

That was pretty cool, I talked to my dad about that,” Wade said. “You always say ‘hello’ and ‘good swing’ to the guys who come over there, just be professional and talk about other things. I know everybody’s out here working hard and that little moment that you get to relax is cool.”#adorable

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As the Surfside condo collapse potential death toll rises, Governor Ron DeSantis is responding – by sending 50 law enforcement officers from Florida to the Texas-Mexican border!!?

Uh, if he’s got extra manpower, maybe he should train those officers to inspect buildings?

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Florida Governor Ron De Santis says of the Surfside building collapse “this is a unique kind of tragedy.” Uh, considering how much De Santis hates regulations, maybe not so unique going forward.

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President Biden says he has spoken to Ron DeSantis about the Surfside building disaster and has offered federal help. And I bet our President didn’t tell the Florida governor to rake anything.

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Sad irony, one of the missing women in the Surfside condo collapse is a lawyer who, per NY Daily News “specializes in representing building owners, contractors and developers who run afoul of city codes and regulations.”

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Frontier Airlines instituted then rescinded a $1.59 per flight segment “COVID recovery charge” after bad press and passenger complaints. So wonder how many other airlines dropped planned “COVID recovery charges” they were planning on instituting this summer?

If Velveeta Voldemort thought it would have helped him get re-elected, he’d have cheerfully convinced his followers that seat belts were a Democratic hoax.

22 1/2 years isn’t as much as I would have liked. But it’s better than I was worried about him getting.

And don’t forget, Derek Chauvin still faces federal charges for murdering George Floyd.

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There is nothing I do not like about this headline: “Trump Organization could face criminal charges in New York as soon as next week.”