Left Coast Sports Babe

Five bowl game on New Year’s Eve. Thinking I speak for many Americans when I ask “Could we just have another PopTarts bowl?

LeBron James, 40, LeBron says he could play at high level 5 to 7 more years.

Even Tom Brady is going “dude, give it up already.”

–

How’d this happen. Somehow the New Orleans Saints are only a game behind the SF 49ers?

–

Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted after Jimmy Carter’s death that he and his wife “send their condolences to First Lady Rosalynn Carter and the Carter family.”

Five words ‘Damn I miss Molly Ivins.”

—

Had to watch “HIMS” ads for ED medication on Hulu while watching “Only murders in the Building.”

But occurs to me. If GOP stops the abortion pill being sent by mail due to the Comstock Act, should stop Viagra etc by mail too..

–

Meanwhile, norovirus is surging in the US. What’s next? “Own the libs! Stop washing your hands!”

–

Bob Kroll, former Police Union Chief in Minneapolis, reacted to George Floyd’s murder by saying “Now is not the time to rush to judgement and immediately condemn our officers.” And Kroll made MANY more racist comments after the murder He then settled lawsuits over police violence against protestors by agreeing not to work for 10 years as a police officer in Minnesota’s three largest counties.

So of course Bob has applied to be a US Marshall under Trump.

–

As much as I would have loved President Carter to have lived forever, thank God he passed away when he did. Can anyone imagine what it would be like with Velveeta Voldemort planning events after the inaugural?

–

We’re all inundated end of year with donation requests. But how cool would it be – & in total how much of a big difference would it make – if we all made even small donations to Habitat for Humanity in honor of Jimmy Carter? (I just donated.)

–

Took a miracle comeback for the USC Trojans to pull out a 35-31 in against Texas A & M in the Las Vegas Bowl. And finish 7-6 on the seasn.

Yes, Texas A & M Aggies who since October had been 1-3 with their only win vs New Mexico.

USC was the school whose departure, dragging UCLA with them basically destroyed the Pac 12, one of college football’s greatest conference. And their prize in year one was a win in SRS Distribution Bowl on a Friday night..before the big games happen this weekend and on New Year’s? Okay then.

–

All of these random games between conferences that don’t make sense. Maybe time to hire Chicago to play pre-game music for ESPN “Does anyone really know what bowl it is?”

–

Okay, just less than halfway through the NBA season. But who had the Golden State Warriors basically tied with the San Antonio Spurs, for what would be a matchup in the play-in game? Not even Spurs fans #PorVida

–

So who had “cannibalistic face-eating leopards” on their pre-inaugural MAGA bingo card?

–

Gotta love GOP pushing for an end to remote work while they knowingly had a member of Congress who’s been paid for months while living in a Texas memory care unit.

–

Why is ANYONE shocked that billionaire tech bros want to hire more H1B visa engineers?

1. They work for less than Americans

2. With their visa tied to their employer, they can’t just quit. And if they do they need another job in 60 days.

3. They can’t vote. If you educate American citizens they are more likely to vote for Democrats.

–

With all the after Christmas sales on cards and wrapping, wonder if after his holiday Truth Social post does DonOld Trump plan have a sale on Christmas cards with “Go to Hell” as their message?

All presents and other deliveries are clearly vehicles to help cats celebrate Boxing Day.

The NFL often frustrates fans by putting Thursday Night Football on Prime and not available to regular network/cable subscribers.

But (no, I didn’t watch), after reading about tonight’s Seahawks -Bears 6-3 debacle, I think all NFL fans who had to find something else other than seeing the game are thinking “Thank you.”

–

Meanwhile in the GameAbove Sports Bowl (whatever that is) Toledo was positive they won the game twice, only to have the play overturned, twice, once on a penalty, once on a replay review… Toledo finally beat Pitt in the SIXTH OT.

This was football equivalent of “They shoot horses, don’t they?'”

–

Was online browsing for some discounted clearance skincare after Christmas and apparently there was a “Secret Deodorant Holiday Gift Pack!”

And who thought THAT was a good idea?

–

Just how crazy a theory or plan would Trump have to throw out there before his cult members would say he’s insane?

–

When people vote against their own best interests and it comes back to really hurt them, how do you say “I told you so” without alienating them further. Asking for a lot of center-left friends?

–

Now that the President Non Elect is referring to himself as “Ozempic Santa,” with his slimmer figure, will we know the bromance is over when Leon starts referring to his VP DonOld as “chubby?”

–

But apparently MAGA is turning on each other on social media. (Especially Twitter, for those who indulger) Who knew face-eating leopards are cannibalistic?

–

Marianne Williamson says she is running for DNC chair? Has she been thinking Tulsi Gabbard has gotten too much attention?

–

No way of really knowing at this point if rumors of Russia plans to attack Finland and the Baltics are true. But if rumors were true, Trump would be doing all he could to sow distrust of NATO and antagonize other US allies for distraction…. Just saying.

Merry Christmas or merry whatever to all

But remember, the ultimate cat holiday is ALWAYS Boxing Day.

Hey folks, enough people are sharing Velveeta Voldemort’s Christmas hate message. Two things. 1. He’s just feeling stressed because everyone knows Elon is the real President. 2. Many Democratic leaders are posting POSITIVE messages. Look for or share those.

–

Since this is the time of year to rewatch classic Christmas movies.. I was this many years old when I realized that Frank Morgan, who played Hugo Matuschek in “The Shop Around the Corner.” was also the Wizard in “The Wizard of Oz.”

Aaron Rodgers today joked about being released at the end of the season “”Being released would be a first; being released by a teenager, that would also be a first,” (this after the Athletic reported that Jets owner Woody Johnson, 77, takes advice from his teenage sons.)

Thinking Woody doesn’t need to talk to his kids to know a 41 yr old QB with a 52 QB rating when your team has a 4-11 record, might not be your best long term bet.

–

Meanwhile, shouldn’t being the first NFL team shut out in 2024 mean some small bonus with draft picks? #whodat#Saints

–

In Orlando, FL drone show put on by a Texas company, two drones collided and injured a little boy who will need surgery… reportedly heart surgery. But hey, who needs pesky regulations?

–

As DonOld claims he picked RFK Jr. now in part to look into the generally debunked idea that vaccines cause autism…

Some research suggests that babies born to older parents — particularly an older father — may be at increased risk of autism.

Is Don maybe jealous of all of Musk’s kids and planning on another wife and baby?

–

So has anyone asked President Non Elect Musk how he’s going to cut government spending while his VP Don tries to annex every country that has annoyed him?

As much as some women are attracted to even low-level power and the least attractive men somethings even in low-level political offices, it’s really astonishing how often sitting US Congressman Matt Gaetz needed to pay for sex.

–

Almost like we need a twisted Trump advent calendar where behind every window is the country he’s insulted on that day.

–

Some are wondering why Trump still nominated Matt Gaetz, while still knowing the allegations against him. Isn’t it likely that DonOld found Matt’s behavior not repulsive but aspirational?

–

Amy Klobuchar prescient Twitter post from August 2019 – “The difference between Donald Trump and Greenland? Greenland is not for sale.”

Not mine but with Hannukhah and Christmas on the same day, sharing this oldie but goodie favorite from a friend. CHRISTMAS!

There were five houses of religion in a small Texas town:

The Presbyterian Church, the Baptist Church, the Methodist Church, the Catholic Church and the Jewish Synagogue.

Each church and Synagogue was overrun with pesky squirrels.

One day, the Presbyterian Church called a meeting to decide what to do about the squirrels. After much prayer and consideration they determined that the squirrels were predestined to be there and they shouldn’t interfere with God’s divine will.

In The Baptist Church the squirrels had taken up habitation in the baptistery. The deacons met and decided to put a cover on the baptistery and drown the squirrels in it. The squirrels escaped somehow and there were twice as many there the next week.

The Methodist Church got together and decided that they were not in a position to harm any of God’s creation. So, they humanely trapped the squirrels and set them free a few miles outside of town. Three days later, the squirrels were back.

But — The Catholic Church came up with the best and most effective solution. They baptized the squirrels and registered them as members of the church. Now they only see them on Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday and Easter …

Not much was heard about the Jewish Synagogue, but they took one squirrel and had a short service with him called circumcision and they haven’t seen a squirrel on the property since.

Carry on.

Not an SF 49ers fan, but sympathetic to friends who are as it’s been a rough year.

OTOH. the 6-9 49ers have won as many games at the NY Giants and NY Jets put together.

–

Meanwhile, anti-vaxxers Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins have QB ratings of about 52 – 23rd and 24th respectively in the league. Maybe they should have done more of their own research on the teams’ playbooks?

–

Paul Goldschmidt, 37, has signed with the New Yankees. Which means at least he won’t be regularly torturing SF Giants pitchers any more

–

Top five MLB teams paying 2025 luxury tax:

Dodgers $103,016,896. Mets $97,115,609. Yankees $62,512,111 Phillies $14,351,954, Braves $14,026,496 Probably top five favorite teams to win 2025 World Series.

Rich get richer

(the Dodgers luxury tax alone is more than the 2024 payrolls for FIVE MLB teams)

–

So the man who wants to take birthright citizenship out of the Constitution somehow thinks his billionaire boss can’t figure out a way to get rid of that little “natural born citizen” President clause?” Isn’t that cute.

–

As CNN ratings tank, now they have a subscription model for their website. Hard pass.

Stupidest man in the Senate strikes again: Tuberville calls for Farm Bill ‘focused on farmers, not food stamps’ In Alabama residents 15% of the state population is on SNAP. More than 37% of SNAP recipients are in working families

Did not see this coming. DonOld’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump has withdrawn her candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat what will be vacated by Marco Rubio in Florida. What could Lara possibly be hiding that she feels could be disqualifying?

Or was it simply that a lot of GOP Senators, imagining that one of their own in private lunches and meetings could be running to daddy-in-law with stories, told Ron DeathSantis if he wanted ANY future in politics he’d pick someone else?

–

As the story emerges that Texas GOP member of Congress Kaye Granger, who hasn’t voted since July 24 has been in a memory care facility for months, wonder if/when President Non Elect Leon will check DonOld into a memory care facility?

As Trump talks again about taking over Greenland, your reminder that Amy Klobuchar nailed it in a tweet over five years ago. August 2019 “The difference between Donald Trump and Greenland? Greenland is not for sale.”

What country will Donald Trump insult next? So far, Canada, Mexico, France, Panama. Greece, Denmark/Greenland. Anyone got bingo?

SoFi Stadium has a capacity of 70,000.

Apparently 24,000 or so showed up to see Cal lose to UNLV at the “Art of Sport LA Bowl.”

Well, not as if either team was that close to the venue. It was an hour flight or whole 6 hour drive from Berkeley / 4 and a half hours from Vegas. #sarcasm

It’s all about programming for ESPN

–

All you need to know about the Musk/Vivek ordered government shutdown. Fox News and other right wing media were just fine with the funding bill until Elon told his DonOld to kill it.

–

When you can’t afford Christmas – or can’t visit a national park or museum – or face TSA chaos- because of the government shutdown that President Musk decided he wants just tell the kids that Elon said “we will be fine for 33 days.”

–

A major flaw with this primary threat idea. If GOP screws up things as badly as it looks like they will be doing, Americans are likely to vote for people who are as distant as possible from the administration.

–

Let’s be very clear. Trump was happily playing golf and picking ambassadors when President Musk decided he was unhappy about the continuing resolution to keep the government open. So DonOld had to call JD and they had to do as they were told. #Elonistherealpresident

–

Marsha Blackburn complaining about government spending. Ted Cruz saying Congress spends like a bunch of drunken sailors.

Sorry folks, can’t take ANYONE seriously about the deficit who doesn’t say a word about Trump millionaire/billionaire tax cuts.

–

Such lovely tributes this week to departing Senators, especially Bob Casey and Sherrod Brown. Was there a single speech by a fellow Senator about Kyrsten Sinema

A U.S Senate probe found Amazon manipulated injury data to make warehouses appear safer. Amazon’s warehouse injuries are twice as high as other warehouse jobs.

Well, in case you still wonder why Jeff Bezos pulled the Washington Post endorsement of Kamala Harris…

–

So where can we sign up to predict on what day embattled New York City mayor Eric Adams will announce that he is becoming a Republican?

–

Most of Fox News headline today on fear & crime -mostly they’re trying to tie to immigrants.

But one headline “Idaho murder victim’s mom breaks silence two years after daughter’s killing” doesnt mention suspect. Quadruple murder was awful. But it was committed by a US Citizen.

–

Can we STOP with this “resounding victory” and “mandate” BS GOP is using to justify any and all drastic changes they want to implement?

49.8% is neither a resounding victory nor a mandate. It’s a plurality and a close election.

–

What about making the USA into Canada’s 11th Province

Sherrod Brown, bidding farewell to the US Senate, for now. A standing ovation and some tears. A working class hero and beloved by his colleagues. Ohio, you made a mistake you can rectify in 2026.

–

While Willy Adames signed with the SF GIants, still seems like almost all the offseason is stars going to the Dodgers, Mets or Yankees.

Tell me again how billionaire owners need tax cuts.

–

As a Saints fan who believes in vaccines and dislikes the Falcons, my better angels are socially distanced on this story:

The Falcons just benched Kirk Cousins. Who signed a four-year, $180 million contract this offseason with Atlanta that includes $100 million guaranteed.

–

As Trump’s latest idea to hurt average Americans is privatizing USPS, how many people know that the biggest thing affecting USPS solvency is requirement to pre-fund retiree healthcare benefits?

–

Sometimes I just love President Biden He called for a ban on Congressional Stock Trading. “Nobody in the Congress should be able to make money in the stock market while they’re in the Congress.” He’s right.

–

And in a Truth Social post Donald talked about the “Great State” of Canada and attacked their “Governor” Justin Trudeau.

Which would put Canada in the lead for the country he most insulted today. Except then he nominated Herschel Walker as Ambassador to the Bahamas.

–

These days if the Star of Bethlehem appeared in the sky after Jesus’s birth, could we find three wise men to follow it? Or would everyone think it was a drone?

Although the Atlanta Falcons beat the Las Vegas Raiders 15-9, Kirk Cousins struggled again – he has nine inteceptions and one touchdown in his last five games. This is the same Kirk Cousins who had to sit out games in 2021 because he was unvaccinated and said he was “going to be vigilant about avoiding a close contact.”

Sounds like Cousins in 2024 needs to figure out about closer contacts with his receivers.

–

Anyone remember who won the NBA cup?

Me neither

–

As Trump nominees tour Capitol- did Senators learn NOTHING from Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Barrett hearings?

They pretended to be reasonable about Roe and settled law & precedent etc.

Then once confirmed, turned around and became radical beyond many of our wildest nightmares.

–

Seriously?

DonOld on how his daughter-in-law is qualified to be US Senator from Florida:

“Lara’s unbelievable. She’s so highly respected by women. Even her workout routines are through the roof. She lifts 150 pounds. By that token DeSantis should appoint Hulk Hogan to Senate.

–
President Biden didn’t have to threaten his own Democratic party Senators to vote for his Cabinet picks. Pass it on.

–

WTAF? Just caught a snippet from Velveeta Voldemort’s press conference: “The world leaders are calling me… I have spoken to way over 100… You wouldn’t believe how many countries there are.” So he’s telling us the list of things he knows nothing about includes geography?

–

Media capitulating in so many ways. Amy Klobuchar said Sunday on Face the Nation that Presidential pardon process needs reform:

Headlines mention that she talked about Biden pardons or pardons in general: Not a single headline that also said – “Klobuchar said she disagreed with number of pardons that President-elect Donald Trump made during his first term.”

–

The Orange Face Eating Leopard ranting this morning about how he’s filing more lawsuits against media he doesn’t like (translation anyone but Fox and right-wing wing media) “We have to straighten out the press.” Thanks ABC

It’s December 16.

Two college football games have already happened.

With the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl tomorrow, and the Boca Raton and Art of Sport LA Bowl Wednesday.

Ah for the simpler days of the when we all knew their names, like the late but still lamented Poulan Weed Eater Bowl

–

–

The real winners of today’s Buffalo Bills-Detroit Lons game? People who bet the over (55.5) –

Final score Bills 48- Lions 42..

–

There are no moral victories in football. But the New Orleans Saints came close. 20-19 loss with missed 2-point conversion at end after being left for dead, with Kamara injured on top of Carr & Taysom. 5 first downs in 1st three quarters, 12 in the 4th quarter. #WhoDat

CNN reports “8 incoming Cabinet picks (so far) & their spouses donated over $37 million combined from their personal accounts to aid Trump.”

Government of the billionaires, by the billionaires, for the billionaires. But tell me again how Democrats don’t get the working class?

–

Unqualified people often crave power, including rich donors on both sides of aisle. That’s why Senate confirmation for cabinet members is so important. Unless GOP plan never to have another Democratic president they should want confirmation hearings for all Cabinet picks, period.

–

As Elon Musk apparently is pushing Trump to discard a requirement for Teslas to report all self-driving vehicle crashes..

Opponents of regulation say, let the market decide. But what if the market doesn’t know.?

Not the Onion.

DonOld, who routinely has lied about saving Christmas, is actually sending this email to make money for himself: “Make your liberal relatives squirm by wrapping your gifts in MAGA Wrapping Paper!”

–

Confirmation hearings for Pete Hegseth will reveal a lot of truths. But in the meantime, why is anyone shocked that Pete is having pleasant conversations with some Senators? Hegseth is a news host. He can read from a script.

–

ABC, with an eminently winnable case against Trump’s defamation allegations, caved and settled for $15 million.

–

Uh, ABC, throwing some steak to the face-eating leopard just means the leopard has an appetizer before eating you.

OTOH ABC is owned by Disney. If they were trying to prove they are a Mickey Mouse organization.

–

Now that his buddy NoJoy has made the USPS so much worse, Trump is considering privatizing it.

Have to wonder though, with so much of his support from red rural states and members of Congress who owe their jobs to rural voters, how’s that going to go over?

–

–

Apparently US Ambassador to the United Kingdom is a position that often goes to top fundraisers.

So what’s doing on with DonOld not choosing someone for that nomination yet. Is he taking bids? Or just trying to think of who will most p*ss off the British?

=

From the better Time Magazine interview this week:

Caitlin Clark “I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege. A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them. The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible, I think it’s very important. I have to continue to try to change that. The more we can elevate Black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing.”

–

People who are cheering RFK Jr. and his campaign against vaccines should spend some time in an old graveyard. And look at the number of tombstones for children.

–

SF 49ers are apparently cutting ties with De’Vondre Campbell after he refused to play last night. Meaning the linebacker is likely to be able to sign with another team. And who wouldn’t want a player who flat out quits in the middle of a game?

–

San Antonio Spurs down 17 with 8 minutes to go in the 4th quarter… and win 118-116. Not sure when Pop will be back. But his team, led by Wemby, is getting good at basketball. #GoSpursGo#PorVida

–

Every interview with a Republican Senator before RFK Jr’s confirmation should start with a question: How do you feel about vaccinations for your children and grandchildren?

–

If Leon gets his way Tesla won’t have to report crash statistics on self-driving cars. We already know Fox News doesn’t cover major Tesla crashes, including horrific Cybertruck fiery crash that killed 3 college students in Piedmont CA -they burned to death.

–

So basically, it comes down to “trust me.” Got it.

–

Wasn’t on the jury that decided not to convict the man who killed a homeless man with a chokehold, so will respect their decision.

But in what universe is killing an unarmed man experiencing a mental health crisis on the subway cause for celebrating that killer?

–

Now Donald wants to end Daylight Savings Time. He didn’t get a big enough donation from the sun?

Tough year to be a New Orleans Saints fan. OTOH, at least expectations were low.

And who expected they’d have about the same record as both the Dallas Cowboys and SF 49ers?

–

Reports now that Juan Soto signed with Mets in part because when he asked owner Steve Cohen how many world championships he planned to win in the next decade, Cohen answered “two to four.”

Bookmark this page.

–

People Magazine had interview with Jude Law where they asked if he watched “The Holiday” with his family. And his laughing response.

“See dad with Cameron (Diaz)? I’m not sure.”

Yes, I can imagine it’s hard to see your dad with a woman not your mom.

Except that Jude has seven children with three ex’s and one current wife.

–

Wonder how Fox News covered and explained Trump’s backtracking on lowering prices, along with making up a story about refrigerated apples? Surprise, surprise, surprise. Neither story is mentioned AT ALL on their website.

Imagine if Kamala Harris had won the Presidential election and had so much as invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House tree lighting ceremony let alone her inauguration….

–

After Trump invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to his inaugural, XI declined. Poor Donald. Nobody loves him.

This is a good time to point out that unlike most past inaugurations there are actually rooms available in DC hotels a month out.

–

Trump, now backtracking on lowering prices for Americans. “It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up…” Hmm, that’s not what Stormy Daniels said…

–

Today it’s high prices are “hard.” How long before he backtracks on “no tax on tips?”

–

And again, a reminder, Biden administration and (mostly) Democrats got the Kroger-Albertson merger blocked. Something that WILL help avoid higher prices. And media mostly just shrugs and ignores the story.

–

As some GOP Senators face attacks from MAGA Trump supporters about confirming Donald’s more outlandish choices, one question. If they become completely neutered servants to a wannabe dictator king, what’s the point of being a Senator anyway?

Plurality: Noun – the number of votes cast for a candidate who receives more than any other but does not receive an absolute majority. If you know anyone who insists this Presidential election was a “mandate” perhaps refer them to a dictionary.

Does anyone really care about the NBA Cup?

Although apparently Trae Young taunted the NY Knicks by mimicking throwing dice at midcourt after the Hawks beat the Knicks to advance to Las Vegas for that NBA Cup,

At least he didn’t try to plant an NBA flag.

(Which an Ohio legislator is apparently trying to make illegal in their state. No joke. Hint to the Buckeyes. Don’t want a flag planted on your field? Don’t lose to your rival when you are favored by multiple TDs._

–

Bill Belichick, 72, is going to be the Head Coach of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.

Was part of the deal that UNC would allow his girlfriend, Jordan Hudson, 24, to attend grad school?

–

–

Why isn’t this bigger story? GOP cheers Sarah Huckabee’s push to make unhealthy foods & sugar-sweetened drinks ineligible for purchase w/ SNAP (food stamps.) Same GOP who lost their minds when Michelle Obama was pushing healthy food in schools etc. Only rich kids get junk food?

–

As Nancy Mace continues to try to get headlines for her new campaign to convince Americans that transgender bathroom usage is the most important issue in this country, could someone ask her on camera why she never said a word when Republican Caitlyn Jenner visited the Capitol?

–

Shooting healthcare CEO’s won’t change anything, except maybe higher premiums as they start paying for 24-7 security.

Could media step away from their fascination with the killer & talk about Trump putting RFK Jr & cronies in charge of HHS wlll probably mean even less government help for Americans facing insurance crises?

–

In Coach Tuberville’s ramble today on the Senate floor he referenced something being like a “Charles Dickens movie.” A small thing in the grand scheme of things… But does he think Dickens was an actor, director or scriptwriter?

–

Hitler was Man of the Year too. (In 1938) Just saying.

–

–

Stephen Colbert reminds us about the sexual harassment alllegations that got Kimberly Guilfoyle fired from Fox News, including allegedly showing pictures of her former partner’s genitalia.

“She’s clearly got pics of Don Jr’s, Junior Dong.”

–

We really really need to spend time amplifying the GOOD people in politics. Many Americans weren’t big Trump fans but had sense Democrats weren’t doing anything. Even now, blocking the Kroger-Albertson’s merger is big Biden/Democratic win for consumers… it barely got covered.

–

Good news for New Orleans fans: Saints blocked a field goal to win their game today.

Bad news for New Orleans fans: They needed to block the field goal to beat the 2-11 NY Giants.

–

Alabama fans are big mad that their 9-3 team didn’t make the college football playoffs. And their coach was complaining about their challenging schedule. Uh, out of conference games included Mercer, Western Kentucky and 5-7 Wisconsin (15th in the Big 10.)

And then Alabama lost to Vanderbilt, the Stanford of the SEC AND 6-6 Oklahoma 24-3.

Cry me a river tide.

–

Elon Musk is spending far more time with Donald Trump than Donald’s wife Melania is..

Meanwhile, we ARE seeing more of Melania than we are of J.D. Vance.

–

The fall of Syria is a great loss to Russia. On the other hand Russia has to feel that 2024 overall has been a positive year, what with winning the USA election and all.

–

As Trump talks about pulling the US out of NATO remember: NATO has invoked Article 5 of its founding treaty, which commits each member state to consider an armed attack on one member state as an attack on all exactly once -in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on US

–

Mike Johnson says “we’ve all made mistakes” & he “believes in redemption” regarding serial adulterer & alcoholic Pete Hegseth, credibly accused of sexual assault and nominated to lead US military. But how many taxpayer dollars has he spent on private citizen Hunter Biden?

Spokesman for Trump administration says his cabinet picks will “return health care to the Gold Standard.” Translation, the standard will be if you have lots of gold, you get healthcare.

–

Simon Tisdall writing in the UK Observer “At 78, Trump more than ever is a capricious, egotistic, indecisive, irrational man child. He himself doesn’t know what he’ll do next, let alone anyone else.”

No lies detected.

=

Billionaire from South Africa who never paid into US Social Securty hired to gut it.

Millionaire talk show host who never served in military hired to cut Veterans benefits.

Millionaire trust fund baby who doesn’t believe in science hired to cut NIH money. See the Trump pattern?

Bill Belichick, 72, now may be considering a job in college football coaching. So he now feels he can relate to young men in their 20s now that he’s dating a 24 year old?

–

So now that there’s a tsunami warning for much of the California coast, over under on the number of would be Darwin Award winners who are going to go down to the beaches and look for the waves?

–

Hegseth says of his potentially difficult Senate confirmation “And as long as Donald Trump wants me in this fight, I”m going to be standing right here in this fight.” Standing? Or swaying, as the the case may be?

(Being an alcoholic isn’t funny. But being a racist, misogynistic alcoholic in angry denial…. well, my better angels are sitting this one out.)

–

So what exactly is the point of Democrats criticizing President Biden for pardoning his son?

–

As GOP talks about cutting federal bureaucracy and eliminating works, we’re about to find out how many Americans think government is unnecessary until THEY need something from it.

–

So what about making the United States Canada’s 11th province?

–

MAGA will cheer if Trump fires as many civil servants as he threatends. . Until they try to get calls answered about Social Security or IRS issues, have issues with benefits, find out AFTER getting sick from contaminated food, wait in hours long TSA lines… Leaving aside issues like potential terrorist attacks because of a gutted FBI.

–

–

About three million people work as civil servants in the Federal Government. Many live in suburbs outside the district If Trump fires half of them, wonder how GOP Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will feel when Donold tanks the state’s economy?

–

You know you’re American when you are traveling in France and someone asks if you’ve heard about today’s shooting.. and as awful as it was with the healthcare CEO in NY, you Google it and are relieved it was only one person.