February 14, 2016

Prayuth Chan-ocha's push for new constitution tests Thailand's relations with U.S.

BANGKOK — As its prime minister prepares to meet with President Obama at a high-profile summit of Southeast Asian leaders, Thailand's coup-installed government is writing a new constitution that opposition parties and human rights groups fear will extend its domination backed by a new legislature stacked with pro-junta appointees.

Critics ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Poll: High Tax Rates Make People Want To Leave Their States

Almost half of Connecticut residents said they wanted to move

Via: The Daily Caller

Peyton Manning Mentioned in Lawsuit Filed Against U. of Tennessee

One paragraph in the 64-page document includes a sexual harassment complaint made by a Tennessee trainer in 1996 involving an incident that occurred in a training room while she was treating Manning.

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Socialism, it could happen here and probably will

(Paul Mirengoff) Yoav Frommer, a leftist who teaches American history in Israel, argues in the Washington Post that Bernie Sanders' democratic socialism might well become the mainstream view of the Democratic Party before long. I think he's right. And if he is, it's likely that the natural course of politics will produce a Bernie Sanders style president and congressional majority in the not too distant future. And why not? It has happened

Source: Power Line

Antonin Scalia, conservative Supreme Court justice, remembered for caustic words, wit

The arguments were nearly an hour old in December's affirmative action case when Justice Antonin Scalia, apparently tired of dancing around the crux of the matter, plowed forward: Maybe black students were done a disservice by being recruited to top-notch colleges for which they weren't prepared.

"I don't think it ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Worse Than A Cold Call? Polar Bear Pitching In The Arctic Circle

qmGNY_vyCZY1PI_J5MXM4RV-6y5ZaWpzgW5ZDU4SBKLV6HFkjleSSIII_s3pO6LHlxHH4hEbTQ-HvAMjnJdwvpQo3HYJkSkC95hWP13rxfXTjYZ9_zRs5-eQLffVrODluawz3dPQ (1) Strong in tech, but lacking in either sunlight or warmth, the third annual Polar Bear Pitching competition, which took place on February 10–11, has found a perfect home in the city of Oulu, which lies 600 km north of Helsinki (and is reminiscent of the fictional depiction of the real city of Fargo, N.D.). Read More

Source: TechCrunch

Gaming the Scalia Seat (Updated)

(Steven Hayward) Just curious: is the Senate in recess this weekend? If not, Mitch McConnell might want to have someone rush down to the floor right away to gavel it into session so Obama doesn't fill Scalia's seat today or tomorrow with a recess appointment, no doubt citing the grounds that he needs to end-run Republican obstructionism. [UPDATE: Elizabeth Price Foley explains why the Senate may indeed be in recess right now,

Source: Power Line

Floridians injured by government struggle for compensation

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Some two dozen bills are filed in this year's legislative session to compensate people injured by the mistakes or negligence of government agencies, including wrongly convicted prisoners, children abused by foster parents, people maimed or killed in accidents with police vehicles, and even a football player ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

The Internet Is Going Hog Wild Over This Pig Born With Testicles For Eyes [PHOTOS]

'I'm not even sure if it was male or female.'

Via: The Daily Caller

Sanders Says He 'Would Have No Objections' to Fox News Democratic Debate — With These Conditions

"Would you be willing to participate in a Democratic debate on Fox News?"

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Photo of Israeli Soldier Balancing His Gun as He Soothes His Baby Is Getting A Lot of Attention

"I came over and said, 'I love everything going on over here. Can I please take a picture of you?'"

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

The Apple Watch Is On Sale Again, But It Doesn't Mean A Watch 2 Is Coming Just Yet

apple-watch-tight-desk The Apple Watch is now available with a $100 discount at Best Buy, B&H and possibly other stores. For instance, the 38mm Sport model now costs $249 and the 42mm version costs $299. You might think that it means that the Apple Watch 2 is right around the corner, but it's unlikely. Read More

Source: TechCrunch

A 2A Novel You Won't Put Down: Mercy Shot by S.C. Sherman

MS Cover 2Are you prepared to return fire?

The post A 2A Novel You Won't Put Down: Mercy Shot by S.C. Sherman appeared first on DailySurge.

Source: DailySurge

Patrick Leahy Accused of Hypocrisy for Advocating Vote on SCOTUS Replacement

The post Patrick Leahy Accused of Hypocrisy for Advocating Vote on SCOTUS Replacement appeared first on Washington Free Beacon.

Source: Washington Free Beacon

Donald Trump doubles down on 9/11 criticisms of Bushes

Flamboyant businessman Donald Trump didn't hesitate Sunday when he was asked if President George W. Bush kept America safe.

"No, because the World Trade Center was knocked down," Mr. Trump told NBC's "Meet the Press." "I wish he did."

"I had many friends in that tragedy," Mr. Trump added, calling ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Leading Tobacco Control Expert Says Anti-E-Cig Lobby Is Like 'Abstinence Only' Movement

World renowned tobacco control expert explains militant opposition to vaping

Via: The Daily Caller

Ted Cruz Says Second Amendment Will Be 'Written Out of the Constitution' If Any of These Presidential Candidates Are Elected

"We'll also see our religious liberty torn down, our basic rights."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

MORE: Clinton Leads Sanders in S.C. by 19 Pts: CBS

Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton gets support from 59% of likely Democratic voters in South Carolina in CBS News poll released Sunday. Rival Bernie Sanders gets support from 40% S.C. Dem primary Feb. 27 Margin of error +/- 8.7%

Source: Bloomberg Politics

Chris Wallace Hits Hillary Clinton for Turning Down Interview Requests

The post Chris Wallace Hits Hillary Clinton for Turning Down Interview Requests appeared first on Washington Free Beacon.

Source: Washington Free Beacon

Ted Cruz says Donald Trump would not appoint a conservative Supreme Court justice

Sen. Ted Cruz said Sunday that the right to bear arms and other "basic liberties" will be hanging in the balance whenever the Senate votes to confirm a replacement for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, whose sudden death Saturday upended the presidential race and set off a tenacious fight over ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Gun Deaths Among Law Enforcement Up 700 Percent

'Senseless killing'

Via: The Daily Caller

Grover Norquist Had An Idea of Who Should 'Rush the Stage' During the GOP Debate Saturday: 'She Would Be a Great Candidate'

A "model for being pro-roads & anti-tax hike."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Magnitude-5.8 Earthquake Shakes New Zealand City of Christchurch

Sunday's quake was one of the largest since 2011.

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

The Land Of Milk, Honey And Fraud Prevention

Security concept: Red Shield With Keyhole on digital background, 3d render Israel has become a hotbed for startups in the fields of identity verification and fraud prevention. The IDF Unit 8200 develops systems for gathering intelligence, automatically sifting through data to flag dangers, and escalating serious threats for manual review. Read More

Source: TechCrunch

Breakfast with Justice Scalia

(Scott Johnson) Justice Scalia's death in Texas yesterday represents a tragic loss for the Supreme Court and for our country. His nearly 30-year tenure on the Court is most notable for his adherence to, and elaboration of, the original meaning of the Constitution and amendments as publicly understood at the time of ratification. The brilliant style in which he explained himself in his opinions magnified his impact. He made an enormous contribution

Source: Power Line

Opposition activists say Turkey shelling Kurds in Syria

BEIRUT (AP) - Turkey shelled positions held by the main Kurdish militia in northern Syria for a second day Sunday, drawing condemnation from the Syrian government and adding complexity to an inflamed situation in the area where Russian-backed Syrian government forces are also on the march, opposition activists said.

The ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

Bill Clinton Downplays The Fact Obama Was First Black President

'We are all mixed race people'

Via: The Daily Caller

Utah Teen Buys 900 Valentine's Day Flowers — One For Every Girl at His High School

"I wanted to make as many people happy as possible."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Freed Washington Post Reporter Tweets Photo of Himself Enjoying Quintessential Taste of Home

"Never been so happy to see a photo of a guy eating a burrito."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

GOP Debate Turns Into Free For All – Trump v. Jeb Exchange Vicious Shots About Jeb's Mom

jebtrumpMy Mom can beat up your Mom!

The post GOP Debate Turns Into Free For All – Trump v. Jeb Exchange Vicious Shots About Jeb's Mom appeared first on DailySurge.

Source: DailySurge

Supreme Court Vacancy Should Be Top Issue in Election, Cruz Says

The U.S. Supreme Court should be a top issue in this year's elections as the president and Congress grapple with choosing a successor to Antonin Scalia, Texas Senator Ted Cruz said on NBC News' "Meet the Press."

Source: Bloomberg Politics

'SNL' Opens With 'I Can't Make You Love Me' Musical Number Featuring Clinton After New Hampshire Loss

"Did anyone else get so cold for a minute?"

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

John Kerry Says Migrants Pose 'Near Existential' Threat to Europe — Months After Obama Mocked GOP Opponents of Syrian Refugees to U.S.

Flashback Nov. 17, 2015: Obama described Republican opponents of Syrian refugee resettlement as "scared of widows and orphans."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Making Sense Of The Valuation Disequilibrium

worried To bring the market back into equilibrium more quickly, VCs, particularly growth-stage VCs, owe it to entrepreneurs to offer candor and transparency about how we think about valuing companies. Read More

Source: TechCrunch

Pregnant Reporter Took Hidden Camera to See If Anyone Would Offer Her Subway Seat. How Many Do You Think Got Up for Her?

"I already know how people look when they try to act like they haven't seen me. The newspaper is held up a little higher, the phone comes out, headphones are placed in ears."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Republic of Congo: Ex-army chief to run for president

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo (AP) - The former chief of staff of Republic of Congo's army has announced he will be running as a candidate in the March 20 presidential election.

Gen. Jean Marie Michel Mokoko, 69, made the announcement Saturday, saying he is taking the side of the people. ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

The End of the Republic

In his Republic, Cicero produced one of history's staunchest defenses for a career in politics. Composed in the late 50s B.C. while the Roman republic enjoyed a period of precarious stability under the triumvirate of Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus, and styled after the famous work of Plato, the Republic first addressed the claims of those who want nothing to do with governing the state, and would prefer a quiet life unsullied by politics. Politicians, after all, tend to be "worthless," according to these critics. Moreover, who would want to try to rule a capricious citizenry, or subject themselves to "foul abuse" from "corrupt and uncivilized opponents?"

The post The End of the Republic appeared first on Washington Free Beacon.

Source: Washington Free Beacon

Listen To The Apprentice's Vana Koutsomitis Talk Online Dating, And Doing Reality TV

Vana Koutsomitis It's Valentine's Day, so what better time to interview Vana Koutsomitis, the self-proclaimed dating expert and finalist of this year's U.K. version of The Apprentice. Koutsomitis almost certainly qualifies as a serial entrepreneur, having previously founded The CityStreet, a sort of Facebook for the banking and financial services sector, and most recently launched her own… Read More

Source: TechCrunch

In victory or dissent, Scalia was a man of strong opinions

WASHINGTON (AP) - Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia kept your attention, whether you liked him or not.

He was a big personality who rather enjoyed the spotlight, and he did not often shy from controversy.

Scalia deeply influenced a generation of conservative legal thinkers and was a lightning rod for ...

Source: www.washingtontimes.com stories: Politics

For Keith Olbermann, Dan Savage and Others, Death of Conservative Justice Scalia Is Not a Cause for Mourning

"Dedicating the rest of this weekend's marital sodomy to the memory of Antonin Scalia."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Imagining Snapchat's Future

snapchat-repeat-bg Snapchat could be used by over 1 billion daily active users in time and substantially accelerate how many videos and photos people share and consume. But there's more to be done and questions to be answered. Read More

Source: TechCrunch

The 'You Lie' Debate: Republicans Running Out of Time to Stop Trump in South Carolina

A Republican slugfest in South Carolina Saturday night pitted Marco Rubio against Ted Cruz, Jeb Bush against John Kasich and Donald Trump against just about all of them.

Source: Bloomberg Politics

A good night for Bush and Rubio, if that's possible

(Paul Mirengoff) In an earlier post, I wrote at length about what I thought was the big moment of tonight's debate — Donald Trump's attack on George W. Bush. I'll now offer my overall impression of how the various candidates did. I thought Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio had the best debates. Jeb went toe-to-toe with Trump and was considerably more forceful than in their previous encounters, especially the early ones. Bush

Source: Power Line

Donald Trump's Michael Moore Moment

Donald Trump sounded a lot like Michael Moore during a crucial part of Saturday's GOP debate in South Carolina. "They said there were weapons of mass destruction and there were none," Trump said during a fiery exchange with Jeb Bush while speaking of George W. Bush and and the war in Iraq. "And they knew there […]

Via: The Daily Caller

GOP Sen. Lights A Path In Congress To Protect Americans From 'Heinous Crimes'

'A sense of fear in the country'

Via: The Daily Caller

Glenn Beck Goes Nuclear on 'Narcissistic Psychopath' Donald Trump: 'Four Years of This Bully Will Lead to Civil War'

"The poison that is being injected into our body couldn't be more toxic."

Source: TheBlaze.com - Stories

Scalia's Death Spurs Test of Political Will for Obama, Republicans

The death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia 11 months before President Barack Obama leaves office, amid an already heated presidential campaign, sets up a titanic test of political wills with risks for both Republicans and Democrats.

Source: Bloomberg Politics