POTpourri

• More polling shows continued support for marijuana legalization. 
• A national chain of marijuana stores?  Why didn't I think of that? 
• Pacer Forward Paul George has really taken his game to a higher level.
• More amazing video footage of the Moore, Oklahoma tornado here.
• Candice Swanepoel continues to amaze! 
• Paul Krugman has a nice take on Obamacare.  The GOP not so much. 
• Memo to the GOP, employers were cutting worker's hours long before Obamacare.
• Apple is a great company but they have a long way to go to earn my respect. 
• Pamela Anderson appears to be holding up quite well. 
• This just in, high debt does not slow growth.  Seems obvious to me. 
• Republicans continue their war on the nations poorest citizens. 
• All you need to know about the IRS 'scandal' can be found here.
• Speaking of 'scandals', isn't the GOP getting a little carried away?  How about governing!
• Top 20 Hottest Brazilian Women?  Lots to pick from.   
• Is Diet Soda worse for your teeth than Methamphetamine?
• Karma sounds like an intriguing mobile wi-fi hotspot.
• Isn't it time we legalize prostitution?  Why are we legislating the actions of consenting adults?
• Jesse Ventura for President in 2016?  Ugh. 

Michelle Bachmann Calls It Quits

What a shame!  I'll miss her, she was comic gold.  Amazingly, for all of her bluster, she really didn't accomplish much.  I'm guessing she finds a way to stay in the public eye. 

The Hangover Part III

"The Hangover Part III" - starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms & Zack Galifianakis.  After seeing "The Hangover Part II", I went into this one with rather low expectations but I was pleasantly surprised, it really wasn't bad.  Don't get me wrong, it wasn't nearly as good as the original "The Hangover" but it's certainly well worth a watch.  Unlike Part II, they actually came up with a new storyline on this one. Galifianakis, Helms & Cooper really played off each well, Ken Jeong also did a new job as Mr Chow.  I laughed quite a bit.  They also tied up all the loose ends rather nicely, I think I may miss the Wolfpack.  As with the first two movies, don't leave before all of the final credits have played either, you won't be disappointed.  Give it a watch.

I will give it 3 out of 5 stars (*****).  

Brittney Griner's WNBA Debut

Nice WNBA debut for Brittney Griner.

Phoenix Suns Hire Jeff Hornacek

The Phoenix Suns have hired Jeff Hornacek as their head basketball coach.  Let me start by saying that I'm very happy for Jeff Hornacek, I was a big fan of his during his time as a player, he was always the epitome of class and professionalism.  I have mixed thoughts on this hire though. 

On one hand, there is no doubt that Hornacek knows the game of basketball, he knows the NBA, he also played under a couple of the best in Jerry Sloan and Cotton Fitzsimmons, he was also a fan favorite here in Arizona.  Karl Malone also once called him the smartest NBA player ever, that's high praise coming from one of the best players in the history of the NBA. So he does have a lot going for him. 

On the other hand though, I can't help but wonder about his ability to motivate and discipline his players.  He just always seemed so mild mannered.  You can't help but wonder if he can really get the most out of his players.  Can he push the right buttons?  I honestly don't know on both counts.  I hope I'm wrong, I would love to see him succeed.  

Bob Dole Tells It Like It Is

Today's Republican Party could learn a thing or two from Bob Dole.

AZ Tidbits

• Federal Appeals court strikes down Arizona's 20 month abortion bill. 
• You are embarrassing yourself now Jeff Flake.  
• Former Sun Devil Cain Velasquez retains the UFC Heavyweight title.  
• NHL approves sale of Phoenix Coyotes.  Contingent upon lease deal.  
• Judge says Sheriff Joe Arpaio profiled Latinos.  No shit.
• Jodi Arias trial sentencing phase ends in a hung jury.  Movie trailer here. 
• Phoenix Coyotes sign GM Don Maloney to long term extension
• CBS Sports names ASU LB Carl Bradford a freak! 
• Aurora shooting victim's Mom blasts Jeff Flake in new ad. 
• The Phoenix Suns to pick 5th in the 2013 NBA Draft. 
• Count me as a fan of Bourbon Street in Phoenix.
• SEC football powers hitting the Arizona recruiting trail harder than ever.
• Is that really Jan Brewer standing up to the far right zealots?  Go Jan Go!!
• Isn't it nice when the old John McCain makes an occasional appearance?
• The Hantavirus is still alive and well in Arizona.
• Arizona Senate advances bill for religious groups. 
• Former Sun Devil & NFL QB Andrew Walter sets sights on U.S. congressional seat.
• Keep an eye out for Arizona Diamondbacks pitching prospect Archie Bradley.
• Scottsdale eatery re-opens after bad TV show reviews.
• Arizona ranks highly amongst states for cyber crimes. 

Beach Towel?

I think this just may be the nicest beach towel I have ever seen.  That's Lais Ribeiro by the way.

POTpourri

• Will their current strategy of obstruction ruin the GOP? 
• Has the GOP moved beyond obstruction to treason?   I vote yes.
• RIP Dick Trickle & Ken Venturi.  
• I think Wonkette is my new favorite website, how did I not know about this site? 
• Candice Glover wins 'American Idol' Season 12 crown.  
• Charlotte Bobcats are reportedly changing their name back to the Hornets.  
• Hello Fernanda Marin!  Where have you been all my life?  
• It doesn't appear that the GOP learned much from their 2012 election loses. 
• Chicago Bears Linebacker Brian Urlacher announces his retirement.  
• Did you notice that healthcare prices are falling since the implementation of Obamacare?   
• Tread carefully GOP, you are in walking a very thin line. 
• Have you heard about the real Benghazi scandal?  Or the real IRS scandal?
• The NFL Draft is moving from April to May, at least for 2014.  
• Laura Michelle Prestin knows how to tweet and tumblr.
• Nate Silver, acting as the voice of reason, calls out Peggy Noonan.    
• Oxbow wins the Preakness Stakes.  Once again, no Triple Crown winner.  
• Cleveland Cavaliers win the NBA Draft Lottery.  Again. 
• Anthony Weiner announces run for New York City Mayor.  
• Are we finally going to get filibuster reform?   Let's hope so.
• Have I mentioned my Asian fetish?   They are so hot!

Steve Benson

Steve Benson has got to be one of the best political cartoonists out there today.

Oklahoma Tornado

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the people affected by the killer tornado that struck Oklahoma City on Monday.

Top 10 TV Shows of 2012-2013 Season

I admit it, I'm a TV addict, here are my picks for the Top 10 TV Shows of the 2012-2013 TV season.

1. Breaking Bad (AMC)
2. The Walking Dead (AMC)
3. Parks & Recreation (NBC)
4. Modern Family (ABC) 
5. The Americans (FX)
6. Vikings (History)
7. The League (FX) 
8. Grimm (NBC) 
9. How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
10. The Office (NBC) 

I included "Breaking Bad" because they ran the first half of their 5th (and final) season in the summer of 2012 and will run the final half of their last season in the summer of 2013, so they kind of bracketed the 2012-2013 TV season.  I love this show, I rank it with "The Sopranos" as the 2 best television shows of all time.  I can't wait to see what becomes of Walter White.

"The Walking Dead" is not far behind "Breaking Bad", it's a fantastic show.  Don't let the zombie aspect of the show scare you away, it's about much more than zombies.  AMC is certainly doing something right.

"Parks and Recreation" IMO has emerged as the top comedy show on TV, their cast is outstanding, there's not a weak link in the bunch.  "Modern Family" still ranks right up there too, how you can not laugh at the antics of Phil Dunphy is beyond me.

"The Americans" on FX surprised me, I wasn't a big fan at first, as there was really nobody in it that was all that likeable, but it grew on me, the cast is strong, the story is fast paced and suspenseful, there's plenty of action and top it off, it's got Annet Mahendru to ogle. 

I admit, I was skeptical when I heard that the History Channel was getting into scripted dramas, but I was pleasantly surprised with "Vikings".   It's a fast paced, barbaric and highly enjoyable look at the early years of Norse legend Ragnar Lodbrok. 

"The League" has surpassed "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" as my favorite FX comedy.  It's rude, it's crude and it's funny as hell.  A little more Sofia and Rafi and this one would move into my top 5. 

"Grimm" probably won't win many Emmy's but I find myself looking forward to it every week. It's a very unique twist to the traditional cop drama show.

"How I Met Your Mother" is still going strong with plenty of laughs, although I think single Barney Stinson is much funnier than relationship Barney Stinson.  It appears that next year will be the year that they finally explore Ted's meeting of his children's mother, that should be interesting (although I still wouldn't rule out it turning out to be Robin Scherbatsky).

I threw "The Office" in at the number ten slot, that's more out of respect for the series than out of quality of the show as it has dropped in quality quite a bit over the past 2 season.  Still, it had some good laughs and I really enjoyed how they ended the series, it was done quite well. 

I didn't include any series from any of the pay channels on my list, I'm too cheap to pay for those, although I do watch them once they hit DVD.  Had I included them I would imagine that "Game of Thrones" and "Homeland" would have no doubt made the list.  The same could be said of "House of Cards" on Netflix, what an absolutely tremendous show, it just may change TV as we now know it too. 

I've heard good things about "Mad Men", "Sons of Anarchy", "Justified" and "American Horror Story" but I just don't have time to watch all these shows so I can't add them. 

Of the new shows, I also enjoyed "Elementary" and "Nashville", they could very well crack next years list.

Special mention to my guilty pleasure "SMASH" too, oddly enough I will miss it.  

Here were my picks for the 2011-2012 TV season BTW.  

The Obama Stock Market

Fixing America

I posted this once before, but given the lack of progress I'm seeing out of our current congress I'm going to post it again today. 

20 Political Reforms to Reshape & Fix America:

1. Filibuster Reform - filibuster abuse by the GOP has gotten out of hand, I think I'm fairly safe in saying that the current use of the filibuster was not what the founding fathers had in mind, let's fix it. 
2. Electoral College - any system that allows someone to win the Presidency without a majority of the popular vote is flawed and in need of reform.  Let's move to a national popular vote. 
3. Senate Composition - why does a state the size of Delaware have the same number of Senators as a state the size of California or Texas?  How about we give one of Delaware's Senate seats to a larger state, such as New York (thus giving Delaware 1 Senator & New York 3 Senators)?  Or we could just increase the number of Senators, say from 100 to 120 or so with the larger states gaining more Senate seats. 
4. Redistricting - the gerrymandering of congressional districts is taking away any real competition in many districts. In the 2012 elections Democratic House candidates won more votes than Republican House candidates yet the Republicans maintained their control of the House of Representatives, how is that a representative government?   The states obviously cannot be trusted to end this practice so let's pass federal legislation to prohibit partisan politicians from having a say in the composition of congressional districts.   
5. Lobbying reform - right now, we are a country that has been bought by corporate interests, we desperately need to get money out of politics.  One way to do that would be to put restrictions of former government officials from moving straight to K-Street after leaving office. More transparency and disclosure would also be helpful.
6. Election Day - Federal standards are needed, the Voter Empowerment Act is a good place to start.  I'd also make election day a national holiday in an attempt to get more people to participate.  We should be making it easier for people to vote not doing everything in our power to discourage it.
7. Trade Pacts - I'd renegotiate all existing 'free trade' pacts to include 'fair trade' provisions and enforce the 'fair trade' provisions that already exist but are not enforced.  Many of these free trade pacts have had a negative impact on middle class Americans, shouldn't we all be playing on an even playing field?  
8. Dream Act - we live in a country made up of immigrants, I don't see an issue with keeping the best and brightest immigrants here.  There are lots of economic benefits to this too. It's also not too realistic that we can round up all of the illegal immigrants and ship them out of the country anyways.  Pass the Dream Act.
9. Single Payer Healthcare -  we pay more for healthcare than any other country in the world yet our healthcare system ranks #37 in the world, that's not acceptable.  It also appalls me that millions of Americans are going without healthcare.  Obamacare was a step in the right direction, but we can still do better.  
10. Assault Weapon Ban - nobody needs to own an assault weapon, they were designed for warfare, that's what they should be used for.  I'm tired of all the mass killings, it's time for action.  
11. Tax Reform - it's not right that the wealthy are paying less in taxes than those in the middle class, implementing the Buffet Rule would be a good starting point.  There's also absolutely no reason that dividends and capital gains shouldn't be taxed as income, let's fix that.  Putting an end to offshore tax havens should also be a priority as should stiffer penalties for tax evasion.  I'd also institute the Financial Transaction Tax. 
12. Legalize Marijuana - our war on drugs is not going anywhere, a different approach is needed.  Is marijuana really any worse than alcohol?  There's economic benefits to legalization too.  It's time to legalize it, regulate it and tax it.    
13. Campaign Finance Reform - the Citizens United ruling was an atrocity and needs to be repealed.  Being that it's doubtful that the U.S. Supreme Court will reverse it's decision the only answer is a constitution amendment forbidding corporate personhood, let's get it done. We need to get money out of politics and this would be a good start.  
14. Supreme Court Term Limits - why do Supreme Court Justices have lifetime terms?  That's ridiculously long, how about 1 ten year term, then out with the old and in with the new. 
15. Ban the Death Penalty - it's barbaric, it's racially biased, it's costly, it's entirely possible we are sending innocent people to their death, most of the civilized world has already outlawed it, it's time we follow suit.  
16. Legalize Prostitution - why are we prohibiting the actions of consenting adults?  Legalize it, regulate it, tax it and I wouldn't have an issue with it.  Regulating it would of course be the key.  
17. Reform Social Security - why would anybody want to end this program?  It's been wildly successful.  There's an easy fix too, just remove (or raise) the cap on income subject to social security taxes.  Most people pay this tax on 100% of their income, why doesn't this apply to everybody? 
18. Save the Post Office - another easy fix, the Republicans manufactured the crisis within the post office (I assume to privatize it and to rid themselves of a powerful union) by forcing the USPS to pre-fund their pension plans 75 years in advance and gave them 10 years to do it.  What business do you know of that could survive that type of stipulation?  Remove that arbitrarily selected 75 year funding limit (or lower to say 10-15 years) and problem solved.  I don't want to privatize this service, I doubt they could do it as cheaply or as effectively.  I also don't want to see the end of Saturday mail. 
19. End Affirmative Action - it had it's purpose, it was needed at one time, it did what it was suppose to do, but it's jumped the shark, all it leads to now is a form of reverse discrimination, academic mismatches and negative psychological tolls, it's time to end it.  Let's judge people on their merits, not on their race, sex, age or sexual preference.  
20. Legalize Gay Marriage - if two people love each other and want to share their lives together, who are we to tell them no?   Let's keep government out of the bedrooms, what happens between 2 consenting adults should only be of concern of those consenting adults. 

RIP 'The Office'

So long "The Office", it was a nice run!  I really enjoyed the series finale. 

POTpourri

• GOP votes to alter the 40 hour work week.  Who are they looking after? 
• Atmospheric CO2 concentrations reach 400 PPM milestone.  
• Big Oil rakes in huge first quarter profits. 
• How Big Oil uses the Republican Party to subvert American democracy.
• Raquel Pomplun named Playboy Magazine's Playmate of the Year 2013.   
• Shouldn't the IRS be taking a closer look at tax exemption claims of political groups? 
• Republicans vote to repeal Obamacare for 37th time.  
• Vogue calls Kate Upton the Hottest Supermodel on Earth.  
• Welcome back Ed Schultz, your voice has been missed.  
• RIP Dr Joyce Brothers & Chuck Muncie.
• Seth Meyers tapped to replace Jimmy Fallon on "Late Night".  
• Have I mentioned that I'm a fan of Nadine Velazquez?  
• The Far Right calls for Obama impeachment.  Yet again.  It's getting comical.
• Minnesota passes Same Sex Marriage bill.  
• FOX brings back '24' and Jack Bauer!   
• Zoe Saldana goes nude in Allure!  Kind of.  
• NTSB pushes for .05 blood alcohol limit for driving.  
• Burger King rolls out a McRib buster.  
• When do the investigations start on the cuts to embassy security?
• Deficit reduction picks up steam.  Another lost GOP talking point.

Vikings Stadium Fly Through

I don't know about you, but I really like the looks of the future Vikings stadium.

AZ Tidbits

• 56% support Legalizing Marijuana in Arizona. Get it done!
• Jodi Arias convicted of first degree murder.  
• Phoenix Suns hire Ryan McDonough as GM.  
• Yet another failed bid to buy the Phoenix Coyotes and keep them in Glendale. 
• Arizona State unveils newest new Sparky.   
• Dierks Bently's Whiskey Row set to open in Scottsdale on July 4. 
• Desert Mountain HS lands top notch basketball coach. 
• UA unveils new football uniforms.  They look pretty sharp.  
• Do you know the Top 10 Pizzeria's in Phoenix? 
• Where will Michael Beasley be playing next year?
• We will not forget your vote on background checks Jeff Flake. 
• Karlos Dansby returns to the Arizona Cardinals.  
• Former Arizona Congressman to marry partner.  
• Evan Gordon to transfer away from Arizona State.  
• Tedy Bruschi named to College Football Hall of Fame. 
• Arizona Cardinals release QB Brian Hoyer. 
• Republicans risk razing Arizona edge by losing Hispanics. 
• Mel Kiper rates Ka'Deem Carey as the 3rd best RB prospect in 2014 NFL Draft. 
• WTF is happening at Amy's Baking Company in Scottsdale?
• If you haven't tubed the Salt River I highly recommend. 

May Flavor of the Month . . . . .

 . . . . is Hillary Fisher.   Catch her on Twitter, and Facebook.  Absolute Perfection!

Top 10 MILF's

In honor of Mother's Day, I thought that it would be appropriate to unveil my new Top 10 MILF list.

Here goes:

1. Marissa Miller
2. Jessica Alba
3. Megan Fox
4. Doutzen Kroes
5. Miranda Kerr 
6. Lily Aldridge
7. Kate Beckinsale
8. Adriana Lima
9. Giselle Bundchen

World Trade Center - New York

It's back!

Jon Stewart on the Benghazi Hearings

He makes some good points don't you think?  Part 2 here. 

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Fox News should be embarrassed.

POTpourri

• LeBron James wins his 4th NBA MVP Award.
• Do you think the "birthers" are concerned with Ted Cruz's birthplace?  
• Orb wins the 2013 Kentucky Derby. 
• FHM names Mila Kunis the 'Sexiest Woman in the World'.   
• RIP Chris Kelly & Jeanne Cooper. 
• Bar Paly stole the show in "Pain and Gain". 
• Dow Jones Industrial Average reaches posts highest close ever.  Republicans not impressed.
• Minnesota Timberwolves fire David Kahn as GM and hire Flip Saunders. 
• Michelle Keegan tops the Zoo Hot 101 List. 
• Miley Cyrus tops Maxim's Hot 100 List.  Really?   
• The Right Wing Benghazi Witch Hunt is really quite appalling.  
• Is it too early for a 2014 NFL Mock Draft?  
• Has there ever been a minority party as intransigent as the current crop of GOP pols?
• I rather enjoy the 'Hottest Babes' tumblr page. 
• How did we end up with the worst congress that money could buy? 
• When did the NRA become part of the far right?   
• Sales of Farrah Abraham's porn debut is doing quite nicely.  
• How exactly does the "values party" elect an adulterer to Congress?  Gerrymandering?
• Whether he will admit it or not, Charles Ramsey is a hero in my book! 
• George Karl named NBA Coach of the Year Award.

VS Multi Way Bra

Thank heavens for VS!

Top 10 Baseball Movies

I think it's time I update my list of the top baseball movies.  '42' doesn't quite make the list, I have added 'Moneyball' though.  Here's my updated list of the Top 10 Baseball movies:

1. Bull Durham - 1988 - Kevin Costner
2. Field of Dreams - 1989 - Kevin Costner
3. The Bad News Bears - 1976 - Walter Matthau 
4. Moneyball - 2010 - Brad Pitt
5. Major League - 1989 - Charlie Sheen
6. The Natural - 1984 - Robert Redford
7. Sugar - 2008 - Algenis Perez Soto
8. The Rookie - 2002 - Dennis Quaid
9. Eight Men Out - 1988 - John Cusak
10. A League of Their Own - 1992 - Tom Hanks 

Others:  Hardball, 42, The Sandlot, Mr Baseball, Bang the Drum Slowly, Mr 3000, The Scout,  For Love of the Game, Cobb

God's Taunt

Watch it, learn it, live it!  Good stuff.

42

"42"  - starring Chadwick Boseman & Harrison Ford.  I think that if you're a baseball fan, you'll like this movie.  It's about Branch Rickey and the Brooklyn Dodgers signing and the subsequent rookie year of baseball legend Jackie Robinson.  It really is a remarkable story of courage and perseverance.  If you every wonder why Major League baseball holds a Jackie Robinson Day every season this is a good movie to watch.  Chadwick Boseman holds his own as Jackie Robinson, he gives a solid, yet understated performance.  Harrison Ford does a fantastic job as Branch Rickey, he seems to be transitioning nicely into older roles.  Overall, a good flick about baseball and racial relations, give it a watch.

I will give it 4 out of 5 stars (*****)

Exquisita Seduction . . . .

. . . . by Besame Lingerie.  Hot!

AZ Tidbits

• Andrew Thomas announces run for AZ Governor's office. Yikes!
• Dion Jordan becomes the highest drafted native Arizonan in any sport.  
• Jeff Flake is now the least popular U.S. Senator. 
• No Arizona State or Arizona players selected in NFL Draft.
• The Sequester cuts start to impact Arizona. 
• Arizona jumps into the arms selling business.   
• Is Robert Sarver going to sell the Phoenix Suns?  If only!
• Looking for someplace to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Phoenix?  
• Mel Kiper gives the Arizona Cardinals draft a B grade.  
• The Phoenix Suns appear to have narrowed their list of GM candidates.  
• I always look forward to coverage of the ASU Undie Run.   
• C'mon, get some help already Daryl Washington.  
• How to avoid a marijuana DUI in zero tolerance Arizona?
• Have you caught Arizona strip club reality show 'Strip Search'? 
• Phoenix ranked among best cities for 'home flippers'.
• Another potential buyer surfaces for the Phoenix Coyotes. 
• Arizona suicide rate rises among the middle aged.  
• U of A unveils their new uniforms.  Sorta.  
• Is Derrick Hall of the Diamondbacks in line for the MLB Commissioners job? 
• Arizona number 1 in southwest for private capital investments.

Pain & Gain

"Pain & Gain" - starring Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Mackie & Dwayne Johnson.  I'm not quite sure how to categorize this one, maybe a satire, or a dark comedy or maybe an action comedy, whatever you call it though, it was entertaining.  It's based upon the true story of three bumbling Miami muscle heads who embark upon a kidnapping, torture and killing scheme in order to acquire their fortune.  Their bumbling is quite amusing.  I doubt that this one wins any awards though, Michael Bay's direction really is all over the place.  The acting was good though, Walberg, Mackie and Johnson all did nice jobs and the supporting cast of  Ed Harris, Rebel Wilson, Tony Shaloub and especially Bar Paly was top notch.  I mention Paly because she had me mesmerized in her few scenes, what a beauty.  I recommend it.

I will give it 4 out of 5 stars (*****).  

Jon Stewart on the Bush Library

More funny stuff from Jon Stewart.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

More here.