Literally beyond parody

Given that most sketch comedy programs as well as network & cable TV talk shows (prime time and late night) make their nut caricaturing folks politically right-of-center, many conservatives wonder why there is no righty alternative. My response to that for more than a decade has been that it's difficult to make fun of something (i.e. leftism) that is self-parodying.

What's frightening is that philosophy is more true today than when I suggested such a thing a decade ago.

And when the Dems are called on their lunacy, they'll have their media lap dogs spring to their defense. 

This is one of many examples where news outlets will gloss over deplorable behavior of leftists by insinuating that the indignation shown by conservatives is the more egregious offense. 

It used to be a running joke that mainstream media was becoming indistinguishable from The Onion or The Daily Show. Truth be told, the aforementioned satirical outlets may actually have more legit news today than The Washington Post or CNN's Reliable Sources. 

---------------------------------------------

Fun facts

Say, have you heard how cold it is in the Twin Cities?????

For the past couple of days, my Facebook feed has been a glut of photos with the temperature reading of Minneapolis side-by-side with that of Antarctica's temp. In most cases it shows how Minnesota's air temp is actually colder than in the Arctic.

Look, I understand why so many folks choose to post such a thing. It's a coping mechanism, as if to say "If we're going to suffer we might as well have a chuckle in doing so." Well, I hate to burst everyone's bubble (BAH! No I don't), but it's not an apples-to-apples comparison. In fact, this time of year may be the most desirable time frame to travel to Antarctica.

December to Early February: December and January are the months with the most sunlight (up to 20 hours a day), and daily temperatures are at their warmest. In January, temperatures at the Peninsula average 34 Fahrenheit. Penguins begin hatching and wildlife, especially penguin chicks, is most plentiful during this time of year.

Mid-February and March: Late summer in Antarctica, February and early March, is the best time to spot whales. However, you are taking the risk that other wildlife may already be gone out to sea. By March, the chicks are quite large, and they start to fledge. Weather wise, temperatures are beginning to drop as the season starts to change. Daily highs average roughly 29 Fahrenheit on the Peninsula. There tend to be less vessels operating at this time, which means you won't have to compete with other ships for landings. This time of year you are also likely to have better access to areas further south as polar ice melts. You will rarely walk on snow during this time; expect rocky and muddy landings.

via GIPHY


-------------------------------------------------------

Howard Schultz: unifying presence

Big news this past weekend in that Starbucks founder Howard Schultz is contemplating a third party candidacy for President in 2020.

I love our country, and I am seriously considering running for president as a centrist independent.

— Howard Schultz (@HowardSchultz) January 28, 2019

Naturally it's the leftists who are having the collective freak out due to their worry that a candidate Schultz would siphon off Democrat votes, thus handing reelection to President Trump in 2020.

Perhaps my favorite raging spittle came from "Think" "Progress" guy Ian Millhiser.

If Howard Schultz gets into the presidential race, @MoveOn, @IndivisibleTeam, the @DNC, the major unions, and the major presidential campaigns should all use their email lists to promote a Starbucks boycott until he drops out.

— Ian Millhiser (@imillhiser) January 27, 2019

The only previous high profile boycotts against Starbucks came courtesy of some Christians who objected to the design of their holiday coffee cups. If nothing else, Schultz has done something which few thought possible in this era of deep political divides: He unified secular progressives and fundamentalist Christians in their respective disdains towards his company.

----------------------------------------

They come from the wrong side of the track, born a breed apart......

The temperature may not get above zero, but I'm looking to bring the heat on today's edition of The Closer. The two-hour blitz begins at 1:00 PM Central Time.

I will weigh in on the continuing saga surrounding the Covington Catholic boys and how so many got the initial story wrong. Also, New York state passes a horrific new abortion law.

On the local scene, I will recap my day at the MN State Capitol this past Thursday where I attended Gun Owners Lobby Day. Also, it was another bad week for MN CD5 Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.

At 2:30, I will be joined by Jeremy Swenson of the organization Abstract Forward. Jeremy will be one of the speakers at this Thursday's Prepare & Respond event which serves to help churches, schools and small businesses respond in the event disaster strikes.


So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Echo (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page.

Until then.....

---------------------------------------

Quick Hits: Volume CLXXXI

- I've said many a time in this space that I'm not a fan of President Trump labeling media outlets the "enemy of the people." I also don't join in on any schadenfreude when the media industry in general suffers mass layoffs.

With all that said, it's becoming increasingly difficult to defend certain publications when they engage in blatant attempts to validate leftist narratives.

And they wonder why people (uncharitably, to be sure) cheer layoffs in the media. A reporter from the New York Times went on Twitter yesterday afternoon and asked millennials to help him write a story that would, ahem, #ExposeChristianSchools. This project launched just days after the NYT the rest of the national media shredded their credibility in covering what happened to a group of Catholic-school teenagers.

Gee, I wonder how the paper got its Covington Catholic High School reporting so wrong?

There is a growing hostility towards Christianity in this country, especially in light of a devout evangelical serving as Vice President of the United States. That wouldn't be nearly as alarming if the increasing acrimony lied solely within the media. Unfortunately there are actual elected officials (looking at you Sens. Sanders, Feinstein, Harris and Hirono) joining in on the melee.

It's never been more imperative than the present for Christ followers to stand in the gap.


- Let's go now to audio footage of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell weighing in on the egregious non-calls of pass interference and unnecessary roughness late in last Sunday's NFC Championship Game ====> **audio**


- The Infant Death Penalty Reproductive Health Act passed by legislators in New York and subsequently signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo is literally abortion on demand. The pro "choice" crowd can spin it any way they want, but it is absolutely abortion made legal right up until a woman is about to give birth.

Given this ghoulish new law, one would surmise that it would be impossible to find a proverbial silver lining. Somehow Allie Stuckey (aka The Conservative Millennial) may have done so.

The outrage in the wake of the law from pro-lifers, both conservative and moderate, is palpable. It’s also encouraging. Christian influencers who otherwise are generally quiet on politics have spoken up about the importance of protecting unborn life. I’ve received at least a hundred messages from young women telling me how heartbroken and inspired they are to volunteer and donate to their local pregnancy center. Praise God.

I think—and hope—that this act has shown otherwise ambivalent people exactly what the aim of the pro-choice movement has always been: abortion on-demand without apology through all nine months. Most people, whether the left likes it or not, just aren’t on board with that.

Indeed. But now more than ever it's vital that we tout our cause. In my opinion, supporting organizations like Live Action and Save the Storks are great places to start.

 -----------------------------------------

On The Mission

I will be filling in on Lee Michaels Live today from 4:00 until 6:00 PM Central Time on Twin Cities station AM 980 The Mission.

Guests on today's show:

Leah Darrow, a former contestant on America's Next Top Model and now a renown international Catholic speaker & writer, will appear right at 4:00.

Dr. Everett Piper, president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University and political/social commentator, will join the broadcast at 5:00.


So please call (651) 289-4499 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 980 on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Echo (just say "Alexa, play The Mission Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Northern Alliance Radio Network Facebook page.

Until then.....

---------------------------------------

Doubling down

I haven't officially weighed in on the Covington Catholic boys kerfuffle, but I doubt that I will conjure up anything original. This whole saga has pretty much proven to be a situation where overzealous leftists will look for anything they perceive to be egregious (context be damned) in an effort to perpetuate narratives and/or push an agenda.

Hmmmm. Sounds awfully similar to what progs do in the aftermath of mass shootings, particularly after the February 2018 tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL.

MSD student Kyle Kashuv certainly noticed a double standard.

Heck, you need to look no further than CNN for validation of Kashuv's assertions. Anchor Brian Stelter pretty much admitted he allowed MSD students to make factually dubious statements on his program while contributor Bakari Sellers said via Twitter that Covington student Nick Sandmann had a "punchable face."

Leftists also pitched an absolute fit over the fact the NBC's Today Show was having Sandmann, the student who has been labeled as "smirking boy, " on its program. Then when Sandmann appeared on the broadcast, host Savannah Guthrie almost seemed to suggest he and his classmates were as responsible as (if not more so than) Nathan Phillips and the Black Hebrew Israelites. But since it has been largely debunked that the Covington boys started this whole saga, many leftists still cling to the one irrefutable truth to justify their jumping to conclusions: the boys were wearing red MAGA caps. Y'see, the disdain for President Donald Trump is so deep-rooted that Trump's detractors just can't help but have such visceral reactions. In essence, the Covington boys and their white privilege had it comin'.

Man, leftists really have no innate ability to take an "L," do they?

---------------------------------------------------

Sandman enters Hall of Fame

On Tuesday, there were four new members voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Starting pitchers Roy Halladay and Mike Mussina, designated hitter Edgar Martinez and indisputably the greatest relief pitcher of all time, Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees. And Rivera also made history by becoming the first player to be a unanimous selection.

Before Rivera, the highest vote percentage to gain Hall entry belonged to Ken Griffey Jr. in 2016, when he received 99.3 percent (named on 437 of 440 ballots).

"This was just beyond my imagination," Rivera said on a conference call with reporters. "Just to be considered a Hall of Famer is an honor, but to be unanimous is just amazing."

As if his couldn't have been more awesome, Rivera received congratulations and well wishes from perhaps the greatest metal band of all time.





Upon Rivera entering a game in the ninth inning, the Yankee Stadium P.A. system would blast Metallica's tune Enter Sandman. Rather appropriate given Rivera coming in with a lead was essentially like saying good night.

¡ Felicidades, Mariano!

--------------------------------------------------

Upon further review.....

I decided to look closely at video footage of the teens surrounding an elderly man in Washington, D.C. Not only were the young people clearly in the wrong, but a case can be made to charge them with assault.

Don't believe me? Check out the video for yourself ====> *click here*

-----------------------------------------------

That feeling when.....

....you're going to your 9th Super Bowl in 18 years as a starting quarterback.




via GIPHY


Brady by the numbers: 

• 18 seasons as a starting QB (But really 17 if you consider that he only played the 1st quarter of the 2008 opener)
• 16 playoff appearances
• 13 AFC Championship games
• 9 Super Bowls
• 5 (and maybe 6) world championships. 

Just staggering.

----------------------------------------

The future teaches you to be alone, the present to be afraid and cold.....

It's Championship Sunday in the NFL, but the Northern Alliance  Radio Network goes on despite such a monumental day. The two-hour edition of The Closer gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time.

A lot to discuss today including the latest on the federal government shutdown lingering on, Buzzfeed's bombshell report on Trump-Russia refuted by Robert Mueller's office, Ilhan Omar's bad week, etc. 

So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Echo (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page.

Until then.....

---------------------------------------

2018 NFL Playoffs: Conference Championship games

Los Angeles Rams (+3.5) at New Orleans Saints: This is a rematch of a Week 9 game where the two teams combined for 80 points and nearly 1,000 yards offense in the Saints' 45-35 win.

Last week in their win over the Dallas Cowboys, the Rams relied heavily on the run to the tune of 273 rush yards. However, the Saints only allow 3.6 yards per rush so L.A. may have to try to win another shootout. I believe 40-year old Saints QB Drew Brees is up for the challenge.
New Orleans 35 Los Angeles 27


New England Patriots (+3) at Kansas City Chiefs: Like the NFC matchup, this game is also a rematch of an explosive offensive contest. In a 43-40 Patriots win in Week 6, the two clubs combined to put up 946 yards of offense.

While the Pats have been unbeatable at home this season (9-0, including postseason), they were a mediocre 3-5 on the road. And in the Bill Belichick/Tom Brady era, they're merely 3-4 in away postseason games, including three consecutive road playoff game defeats. The only glimmer of hope the Pats have is to grind out yards on the ground and keep stud KC quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5,097 pass yards and FIFTY TD passes in the regular season) off the field. That's feasible given the Chiefs ranked next to last in rush yards allowed per attempt (5.0).

I believe home field will be the difference in this one.
Kansas City 30 New England 24





My 2018 Postseason Record:
Against the Spread: 1-6-1
Straight Up: 5-3

---------------------------------------------------

Life is good

The March For Life is an annual event which draws hundreds of thousands across the country to speak on behalf of the most vulnerable (i.e. the unborn). Despite it being perhaps the largest attended rally in America (and has been taking place for 40+ years), it receives very little media coverage. Of course when it's the pu**y hat brigade Women's March or gun grabbers mob March For Our Lives, CNN will broadcast live from those venues.

To that point, Matt Walsh nailed it when describing the spirit of the March For Life.

Here's what separates the March For Life from any other march: nobody in attendance is marching for themselves. Nobody is demanding rights or privileges for themselves. Everyone is marching on behalf of those who cannot march.

— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) January 18, 2019

As such, those participating in the pro life cause aren't openly seeking publicity.

Check out this incredible video from the Washington, D.C. march.




Kinda speaks for itself, doesn't it?

--------------------------------------------------------

Quick Hits: Volume CLXXX

- Have you seen the virtue-signaling advertisement released by Gillette where they condemn "toxic masculinity?"

If not, here it is:





I'm not going to deny that a small part of this ad has merit. But the universal dismissal of the old saying "boys will be boys" misses the mark, per Matt Walsh.

In any case, "boys will be boys" does not generally function as an excuse. It is a cliche but, like many cliches, it contains great wisdom. Boys will indeed be boys, and should be boys, and should be allowed to be boys without their natural boy-ness being constantly suppressed. Boys are energetic, aggressive, creative, competitive. They need safe and accepting outlets for these impulses. Incidentally, rolling around and roughhousing is one such outlet. The ad shows an enlightened man swooping in to stop a couple of young boys from wrestling around in the grass, which is exactly the wrong approach. As long as it's all in good fun, and nobody is getting seriously hurt, and it is not a case of assault or actual bullying, then the fatherly instinct to step back and let the boys be boys is correct.

I'd love to see a Venn diagram of those who invalidate the "boys will be boys" mantra and those who find it perfectly acceptable for young boys to dress in drag to perform for adults.


- Say, did you hear the bizarre story about the Menendez brothers showing up in the background of New York Knicks guard Mark Jackson's trading card from nearly 30 years ago? That particular game (where Lyle & Erik sat court side) was one of the activities in which they partook after murdering their parents.

Check out the crazy story here.


- A bipartisan group of Minnesota's elected officials gathered Tuesday to discuss plans on easing the burden of the state's federal workers (and those on federal assistance) due to the government shutdown.

The complete impact of the shutdown on Minnesota won’t be understood for a while, but some things have already become clear: It’s costing the state money — an estimated $100 million so far — and Minnesota leaders aren’t afraid to demand every penny in federal funding the state is owed.

Walz, with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Attorney General Keith Ellison, state lawmakers from both parties and religious leaders at his side, reassured residents Tuesday that a lack of federal funding won’t hurt the safety net so many rely on — for now.

So, $100 million, huh? Perhaps the state can recoup that amount which went missing in the daycare fraud saga. I'm certain new MN Attorney General Keith Ellison is ON IT!!!

-------------------------------------

All I could think of....

.....when I saw this......

Hey @daveweigel here is what appears to be logo/theme mockups for @amyklobuchar Presidential campaign. Left on a table at a DC coffee shop in NW. pic.twitter.com/LMBVn5XZbu

— Max Marshall (@maxgmarshall) January 15, 2019

...was this:

-----------------------------------------------

Depraved

But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
-Matthew 18:6


Allowing a 10-year old male child to dress in drag is twisted enough. But then to allow him to be photographed with a mostly nude adult drag queen?!?!?! Appalling.

Young Nemis, whose drag name is "Queen Lactacia," was shot by photographer Jonathan Frederick Turton for the spread. In one of the shots that did not make the magazine, Nemis, in full drag makeup and a black dress, is posing for a photo with the Season 7 winner of "RuPaul's Drag Race," Violet Chachki. In the shocking photo, Violet is wearing nothing but a pair of heels and a small piece of fabric covering his genitals.

When reading a story like this, the first question which comes to mind is where are the parents of this child? Sure enough, Nemis' mother provided her insights.

“We would never try to overtly sexualise our child. But if he wears something that makes him feel beautiful, what right do I have to stop him wearing that dress because it might cause people to think things they shouldn’t be thinking?"

What right do *you* have?!?!? YOU'RE THE CHILD'S MOTHER AND LEGAL GUARDIAN!!!! It should be instinctual to keep your child from being exposed to such depravity, to say nothing of indulging in it. I don't care how mature you believe your 10-year old to be. Drawing battle lines is part of being a parent.

Have I mentioned lately how we live in very stupid times?

--------------------------------------------------------

Don't look back, you've been there........

Another Sunday in the Patriot bunker where I'll be broadcasting my weekly radio program The Closer. The 2-hour bonanza kicks off at 1:00 PM Central Time.

On the national level, I'll discuss the latest in the federal government shutdown and the leftists' inability to avoid stepping on proverbial rakes. On a local level, the DFL is pulling out all the stops to put through draconian "gun control" bills.

At 1:30, author James Robbins will check in to discuss his latest book Erasing America: Losing Our Future by Destroying Our Past. 

Then at 2:30 my friend and basketball wonk Mike McCollow will join the broadcast to discuss the Timberwolves' firing of head coach and President of Basketball Operations Tom Thibodeau and the Wolves path forward. I'l definitely be interested in Mike's perspective on interim coach Ryan Saunders whom Mike has known literally since the day Saunders was born.


So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Echo (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page.

Until then.....

---------------------------------------

2018 NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round

Indianapolis Colts (+5-1/2) at Kansas City Chiefs: These teams met in the postseason five years ago, and oh what a memorable game it was. Trailing by 28 points in the third quarter at home, the Colts made a furious rally to escape with a 45-44 victory. Add to that the fact the Chiefs haven't won a home playoff game since the 1993 postseason (when Joe Montana was their quarterback), they have some serious demons to exorcise. Given Kansas City had the top ranked offense in the 2018 regular season in terms of yardage and points scored, they're in a good position to break through. However, Andrew Luck and the Colts will get theirs against KC's defense which ranked 31st in yards allowed.
Kansas City 45 Indianapolis 44


Dallas Cowboys (+7) at Los Angeles Rams: After a blistering start to the regular season (11-1), the Rams cooled off down the stretch, finishing 2-2. Sure, they still finished the season with the second ranked offense in scoring and yardage, but their run defense is in a very vulnerable spot this game. In the regular season, the Rams allowed a league worst 5.1 yards per carry, which has to have Cowboys running back (and NFL rushing champion) Ezekiel Elliott licking his proverbial chops. 
Dallas 31 Los Angeles Rams 27


Los Angeles Chargers (+4) at New England Patriots: Chargers QB Philip Rivers is 0-7 lifetime in head-to-head matchups with Pats quarterback Tom Brady. And the head coach-QB duo of Bill Belichick and Brady is 19-3 in home playoff games, including 8 consecutive postseason wins on their home field.

Once again I stick with my simple philosophy that I don't go against Belichick/Brady at home in the postseason.
New England 27 Los Angeles Chargers 24


Philadelphia Eagles (+8) at New Orleans Saints: This is a rematch from Week 11 where New Orleans crushed Philly 48-7. The Eagles fell to 4-6 after that game, so there was no scenario I could envision where they'd have another crack at the Saints in the postseason, but here we are.

The Eagles had two first half turnovers in their game last week against the Chicago Bears. However, a pedestrian Bears offense could only muster 3 points off those two miscues. If Philly turns it over against the Saints, Drew Brees and Co. will make them pay big time.

I don't see New Orleans prevailing by 41 points again but I do believe they win comfortably.
New Orleans 38 Philadelphia 21




My 2018 Postseason Record:
Against the Spread: 1-2-1
Straight Up: 2-2

--------------------------------------------------

Dim Jim

President Donald Trump's detractors (especially within the media) are always so eager to "own" him that all too often they embarrass themselves silly. I've never understood that mindset, especially since Trump provides more than enough fodder to make himself look foolish. Just air unedited video of Trump speaking and it'll more than suffice.

Perhaps the most imbecilic individual among high profile Trump critics is CNN's Jim Acosta. About two months ago, Acosta made an absolute jackass of himself when challenging the president's assertion that the migrant caravan making its way to the U.S. from Central America was looking to cause chaos. Not only was Acosta's methodology in questioning Trump utterly obnoxious, he was also proven wrong when the caravan did indeed cause an incident at the Mexico-U.S. border.

Just when one figured that Acosta couldn't come off as any more of a buffoon, he managed to do so Thursday in McAllen, TX, which is less than 20 miles from Mexico.

I found some steel slats down on the border. But I don’t see anything resembling a national emergency situation.. at least not in the McAllen TX area of the border where Trump will be today. pic.twitter.com/KRoLdszLUu

— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) January 10, 2019

To summarize, Acosta is using this area of Texas as an example why Trump's demand for a border wall is unnecessary because the area is quite peaceful....THANKS TO THE BORDER WALL HE'S POINTING OUT.

I've been a frequent critic of President Trump, but I am willing to give him props for any noteworthy accomplishments. In this case, his ability to cause his most fervent critics to look utterly stupid is most definitely a gift.

---------------------------------------------------

Dream Team

Former South Carolina governor and recently departed U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley was at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA Monday evening to watch her home state Clemson Tigers take on the University of Alabama in the College Football Playoff championship game. While there, Haley received a visit from former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.


Twitter user @KNayyeh speculated on how the two could team up for an even bigger cause.

Can you even imagine if a Haley-Rice ticket came to fruition in, say, 2024? How amazing would it be to watch in real time how the sacred concept of "intersectionality" would no longer be the Dems' top prioirty, particularly if a lily white male Biden-O'Rourke ticket emerged as the opposition?

Dare to dream.

--------------------------------------------

Something to keep an eye upon

We all witnessed the despicable antics put on display by "progressives" during confirmation hearings for each of President Trump's two U.S. Supreme Court nominees. Truth be told, I'm not exactly looking forward the unhinged prog lunacy if Trump were given the opportunity to replace one of the high court's leftist icons.

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is missing oral arguments on Monday for the first time since she joined the court in 1993, as she recuperates from a recent cancer surgery.

A Supreme Court spokesperson told Fox News that Ginsburg, who underwent lung surgery in New York City last month to remove cancerous growths, is continuing to recuperate from the surgery.

The spokesperson said that Ginsburg would participate in the consideration of the cases through written briefs and transcripts, but there has yet to be a date decided for when she will return to the bench.

Ginsburg, 85, last month underwent a pulmonary lobectomy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center after two nodules in the lower lobe of her left lung were discovered, the Supreme Court said in a statement. The discovery came incidentally during tests after she fractured several ribs during a fall in November.

RBG has not been in the greatest of health for the past few years. In fact, when it appeared Democrats were going to lose the majority in the U.S. Senate after the 2014 midterm elections, there were rumors that she was encouraged to step down so as to afford President Barack Obama the opportunity to replace her with a leftist judge.

With the GOP now holding the majority in the Senate combined with having changed the rules to where merely 51 votes (Republicans have 53 members) ends a filibuster of SCOTUS nominees, Trump almost has carte blanche regarding a potential replacement for Ginsburg should she retire.

Here's a prediction: If indeed RBG chooses to step down this year, there will be a veritable mob outside her residence imploring her to remain on the bench. And you will most likely hear shrieks of "LIFETIME APPOINTMENT MEANS LIFETIME APPOINTMENT!!!!!!!" from what will no doubt be a frothing bunch. It will make the disgusting spectacle of the Brett Kavanaugh hearings appear downright dignified in comparison.

---------------------------------------------

Seems like I should be getting somewhere.....

With my friend and Northern Alliance Radio Network colleague Mitch Berg on assignment, I will be assuming the reins of The Headliner edition of the NARN this afternoon. The 2-hour festivities get kicked off at 1:00 PM Central Time.

A new U.S. Congress was sworn in this past week, so Dems are officially the majority party in the  U.S. House. And as predicted, they can't help but come off as raving loonies. Also, does disgraced comedian Louis C. K. still have a right to perform comedy, even if it means mocking teen-aged mass shooting survivors?

At 1:15, national political wonk Matt Mackowiak will check in to discuss Mitt Romney's scathing op-ed which was highly critical of President Trump. We'll also discuss the latest in the Federal government shutdown.


So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Echo (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page.

Until then.....

---------------------------------------

2018 NFL Playoffs: Wildcard

Indianapolis Colts (+1) at Houston Texans: These AFC South rivals split their two regular season matchups with the road team prevailing in both contests. These clubs are also similar in that both got off to slow starts to the season only to finish strong (Indy went from 1-5 to 10-6; Houston 0-3 to 11-5).

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck led his squad to the playoffs each of his first three seasons (2012-2014) in the NFL. However, injuries plagued Luck the following three years (0 playoff appearances), including missing all of 2017 with a bum shoulder. But he rebounded nicely in 2018, putting some of the best numbers (4,593 yards and 39 TDs) of his career.

The Texans have themselves a nice option at QB too, with second year player Deshaun Watson. Not only did Watson exceed 4,000 yards passing in 2018, he amassed 551 rush yards, which was third best among quarterbacks.

This game is a more favorable matchup for the Colts given that the Texans rank 28th in total pass yards allowed. Once again the road team will emerge victorious
Indianapolis 30 Houston 27


Seattle Seahawks (+2) at Dallas Cowboys: The Seahawks are back in the postseason for the sixth time in quarterback Russell Wilson's seven seasons. Amazingly, Wilson's teams have never been "one and done" in the playoffs. And despite losing defensive stalwarts Richard Sherman, Michael Bennett, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor over the past couple of years, Seattle has not had the obligatory dramatic falloff that other teams usually endure.

After going "one and done" in the 2016 postseason, the Cowboys are looking to continue their solid play after winning 7 of their final 8 regular season games. However, Dallas has fallen back to earth somewhat by failing to compile 300 yards of offense in weeks 15 and 16. Sure, they racked up 400+ last week but it was against an opponent (NY Giants) with nothing on the line in a game where Dallas's playoff seeding had already been known.

To me, the key matchup is Dallas running back (and NFL rushing leader) Ezekiel Elliott vs. a Seattle defense which allowed 4.9 yards per rush in 2018, which was third worse in the NFL. Running the ball is a good strategy for the Cowboys in general if it helps keep playmaker Wilson off the field.
Dallas 21 Seattle 17


San Diego Los Angeles Chargers (+3) at Baltimore Ravens: This is a rematch of a Week 16 game where the Ravens went into L.A. and whipped the Chargers 22-10. Perhaps the most eye-popping stat was the prolific Los Angeles offense mustered only 198 total yards.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, in his 15th season, showed no signs of slowing up in 2018. He compiled another 4,000-yard passing season while also tossing 32 touchdowns. He would greatly benefit in this game by a productive outing from the team's leading rusher Melvin Gordon, who has been slowed by an ankle injury. 

Yes, the Ravens are back to playing the stout defense we've become accustom to, finishing #1 in fewest yards allowed in 2018. However, rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson has breathed life into what had been a pedestrian Baltimore offense by going 6-1 as a starter. He's not the type to put up big passing numbers but he doesn't turn the ball over much and is the leading rusher in the NFL among QBs. That'll be the key this game for the Ravens. Take care of the ball and don't let Rivers and Co. have too many possessions.
Baltimore 20 Los Angeles Chargers 14



Philadelphia Eagles (+6) at Chicago Bears: Is Eagles quarterback Nick Foles poised to once again lead Philly on an improbable Super Bowl run? After taking the reins in 2017 after legit MVP candidate Carson Wentz suffered a season-ending knee injury in December, Foles led the Eagles to a Super Bowl win, culminating it with the game's MVP award. Then this season, Wentz was declared out with a bad back after Week 14 resulting in Foles taking over the struggling 6-7 squad. Once again he looked fantastic in leading the Eagles to wins in the final three regular season games.

For the Bears to win in their first postseason appearance in eight years, QB Mitch Trubisky merely has to be a game manager. While I don't believe he's a Super Bowl caliber quarterback, the Bears defense absolutely has a championship makeup. I have a feeling Khalil Mack is going to get well acquainted with the sore-ribbed Foles in this one.
Chicago 20 Philadelphia 9

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Quick Hits: Volume CLXXIX (UPDATE: I fell for it)

- I'm certain many of you have read (or have at least heard about) the New Year's Day WaPo op-ed where Mitt Romney was highly critical of President Trump. The president then replied via Twitter.

I've made it known several times that I would've preferred Romney had emerged victorious in the 2012 presidential race and thus we would have been spared Trump in 2016. And I also find it difficult to disagree with much of the criticisms he levied towards Trump's character in the aforementioned op-ed. But why just days ahead of being sworn in as a U.S. senator out of Utah is Romney re-litigating these old issues? Is this a preemptive strike towards a 2020 GOP primary challenge to Trump? Is Romney still bitter over not being chosen as Trump's Secretary of State? Did he feel he could shame the president into acting with more decorum going forward?

I'd like to think this is little more than high profile venting and thus he won't morph into another edition of John McCain, Bob Corker or Jeff Flake. Sadly, it's likely that I'm being too optimistic with that assessment.


- It appears some in the "thought police" are going to be even more insufferable in 2019.

Of the many amusing aspects of this tweet, perhaps the most uproarious is how she this person uses the term "fascists" without a hint of irony.

UPDATE: Yep, I fell for it. This is a parody account, and a brilliant one at that. 


- I'm confused by a lot of "progressive" logic, not the least of which who is allowed to convey partisan opinions.

From what I can gather from progs, if one is a member of the U.S. Supreme Court (a part of the supposed independent judiciary branch of government) and espouses views which are critical of President Trump or diametrically opposed to Trump's opinions (i.e. Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Chief Justice John Roberts), it's all good. But if the spouse of a SCOTUS justice speaks out? Controversial!

Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, has generated controversy with her use of of social media to spread far-right rhetoric.

CNN and The Washington Post published separate reports in recent days highlighting Thomas's use of social media. She has in recent months shared posts on Facebook alleging Democrats committed voter fraud, claiming survivors of a mass shooting at a Parkland, Fla., high school are a threat to the country, and that Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) was the subject of "false accusations" because he "threatens the elite."

Thomas previously founded Liberty Central, a nonprofit conservative advocacy group.

The Post reported that Thomas's spread of baseless claims and conservative commentary has generated criticism from some who worry she is further politicizing the Supreme Court.

Um, how is she further politicizing the Court? SHE'S NOT A SITTING JUSTICE! Her opinions have zero impact on rulings made by SCOTUS

Ah, but let's not pretend we don't know what this is all about. The crux of the matter is Mrs. Thomas's views aren't aligned with the voter bloc (i.e. women) which the left feels should be in lockstep with their ideology. And the fact she's married to a black man who many perceive leans to the right politically? Exponentially outrageous.

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Count me out

I can't recall the last time I watched a New Year's Eve TV special to ring in a new year. However, it sounds as thought the NYE broadcast standards have plummeted significantly since the days of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. So much so that the hosts are now talking about vaginal steaming and a sexual escapade involving Gloria Vanderbilt.

If these are the new standards for prime time New Year's Eve broadcasts, then I'm taking a hard pass.

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