Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Evening Trio

Baptist Press: Southern Seminary gets ready to celebrate 150 years

Business and Media Institute: Media Side with Anti-Coal Environmentalists Despite Urgent Power Needs

Evans-Novak Political Report: McCain Not Taking Advantage of Obama Stumbles (Editor's Note: I'll have my analysis on Campaign '08 in a later post.)

Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced

Nominations for the 35th Daytime Emmy Awards were announced today. You can see the full list by clicking here.

Regarding my favorite game show, "The Price Is Right," it was nominated for Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show along with "Cash Cab" and "Jeopardy!" "Price" was also nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Makeup and Outstanding Achievement in Hairstyling. Ben Bailey ("Cash Cab"), Alex Trebek ("Jeopardy!"), and Pat Sajak ("Wheel of Fortune") were nominated for Outstanding Game Show Host. Regis Philbin will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Daytime Emmys will be live on ABC on Friday, June 20 at 8PM ET.

Quote of the Day

“May the father of all mercies scatter light, and not darkness, upon our paths, and make us in all our several vocations useful here, and in His own due time and way everlastingly happy.”

--George Washington

Afternoon Trio

AP: Olympic torch arrives in Hong Kong after activists deported

Lexington Herald-Leader: Derby field, order of selection set

CBN News: Operation Blessing Helps Va. Residents

Mileygate

As an Evangelical, I am shocked that Miley Cyrus' parents--who claim to be Christian--would allow Vanity Fair to take semi-nude pics of Miley. For those of you stuck in a cave the past couple of years, Miley Cyrus is a superstar, starring in the Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana," has a concert tour, a movie, and author of a soon-to-be-published autobiography. Disney expects that the "Hanna Montana" franchise will take in $1 billion this year.

The Wall Street Journal has a great editorial on the controversy here. Question of the Day: In the wake of Mileygate, will you watch "Hannah Montana" again? Post your answers.

Morning Trio

WYMT: Fish Catch Mistaken For Fish Kill

Bloomberg: Time Warner Says Profit Fell, Will Split Off Cable

Times of London: British Muslim 'bullied' for converting to Christianity

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

BREAKING: Josh Harrellson Picks UK over St. Louis

Josh Harrellson signed a national letter of intent with Kentucky today, passing over an offer from St. Louis. Harrellson intended to make his announcement tomorrow, but decided to sign today.

The 6'9", 260-lb transfer from Southwestern Illinois College has three years of eligibility with UK. This makes UK's second JUCO signing for coach Billy Gillispie this recruiting season. Kevin Galloway of the College of Southern Idaho also signed with the cats. Two other recruits come directly from high school: Darius Miller and DeAndre Liggins.

The Lexington Herald-Leader has more here. Hat tip to Jerry Tipton.

Evening Trio

Wall Street Journal: McCain Seeks Tax Credit To Help Buy Health Insurance

WKYT: "Duct Tape Bandit" Enters Guilty Plea

L.A. Times: "CSI" star Gary Dourdan busted on suspicion of drug possession

BREAKING: Cowgill Resigns from CPE

The Courier-Journal is reporting that Brad Cowgill has resigned from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. The CPE has been under fire by Gov. Beshear for not conducting a national search for a permanent president. The state attorney general stated in an opinion that the CPE illegally hired Cowgill. The CPE stood by the hire. More soon...

UPDATE at 5:36pm: WKYT is quoting a press release from Gov. Beshear stating that he is "pleased" with Cowgill's resignation. He still wants the CPE to start a national search.

BREAKING: Republican Party of Kentucky files complaints against Bruce Lunsford

WHAS-TV political reporter Mark Hebert is reporting that the Republican Party of Kentucky (RPK) has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission against Bruce Lunsford "for airing television advertisements without the legally required disclaimer." In addition, the RPK has filed a complaint with the FCC against Louisville CW affiliate WBKI for airing the unlawful ad. The ad was essentially an appearance by Lunsford on the "Louisville Live this Morning" show. The host stated Lunsford paid for the appearance but did not have any disclaimers.

Click here to see Hebert's story and the RPK press release. Hat tip to Mark Hebert.

DNC Ad Disgraces Our Troops and Veterans

How low will Howard Dean and the Democratic National Committee will go? The Democratic National Committee has a new TV ad that criticizes John McCain--who served in Vietnam--for his views on Iraq. The ad shows footage of an IED exploding while two of our troops disappear in the fireball.

Newsmax reports: "The footage appears similar to film taken by jihadists who videotape IED explosions that kill American combat troops. The jihadists place the video on the Internet to tout their "kill Americans" campaign success. The Army estimates that more than 6,500 jihadist Web sites promote violence against America and American troops."

As I mentioned on Sunday, the Republican National Committee states the ad is a violation of Federal law because of the fact that both the Obama and Clinton campaigns helped the DNC with the ad.

This ad is a total disgrace to our troops and our veterans. The DNC ad appears to support the jihadists. Let me state this: there are rank-and-file Democrats that really support our men and women in uniform. However, the ultra-left that has taken over the DNC are in the smearing business.

PRAY for and SUPPORT our troops and veterans...and PRAY for our leaders so that they can stand up to these jihadists.

Afternoon Trio

AP: Residents return after tornadoes smash houses in Virginia

BetaNews: Windows XP SP3 download from Microsoft Update due today (UPDATE at 1:35pm ET: ZDNet is reporting that SP3's release to Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center has been delayed due to "a last-minute compatibility issue with a Microsoft application — Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS)." Click here for more.)

CNNMoney.com: CBS Financial Chief Says Local TV Market Weaker Than Expected

Another New Ratings Low for CBS Evening News

TVNewser is reporting that the CBS Evening News has set yet another ratings low last week: 5.34 million total viewers and 1.58 million in the 25-54 age range.

As I mentioned last week, the evening newscasts need to have more balance in their reporting and attract younger viewers. I believe within the next 5-10 years, if they do not improve their product, CBS will drop their evening newscast.

UPDATE at 10:59am ET: The Drudge Report has numbers posted for all three evening newscasts (total viewers):

NBC: 8.01 million
ABC: 7.79 million
CBS: 5.34 million

Morning Trio

AP: 3 tornadoes rip through Va., hundreds of people hurt

WKYT: Concerns Raised Over Fish Kill

NY Times/AP: Resignations at WVU Over Unearned Degree

Monday, April 28, 2008

Evening Trio

New York Sun: Gasoline May Soon Cost a Sawbuck (DOUBLE OUCH!)

ESPN: Pat Riley is Stepping Down as Coach, Again

Cincinnati Enquirer: Fiddling a part of Appalachia

Faith Under Fire: India

Last night, we began our "Faith Under Fire" series with the plight of Christians in Indonesia. Today, we examine the plight of Christians in the Indian state of Gujarat. Compass Direct News is reporting that the pro-Hindu ruling party in that state is implementing an anti-conversion law against Christians.

Compass Direct states:

  • "India’s Freedom of Religion Acts, referred to as anti-conversion laws, are supposed to curb religious conversions made by “force,” “fraud” or “allurement.” But Christians and [human] rights groups say that in reality the laws obstruct conversion generally, as Hindu nationalists invoke them to harass Christian workers with spurious arrests and incarcerations."

And you thought India is a democracy??? Click here for the full story. Pray for the Christians in India and in other nations in which they face persecution.

Developing: United, US Airways in Merger Talks

A source tells the Associated Press that United and US Airways "are in very advanced talks with the expectation of announcing within two weeks that they are combining." This comes on the heels of Continental's sudden announcement that they do not intend to merge with United.

Breitbart.com has the AP story here. As I mentioned on a previous post, I expect more airline mergers in the foreseeable future.

Afternoon Trio

Christian Newswire: Christian Newspapers Unite to Publish Revealing Story about Oprah Winfrey's Spiritual Beliefs

Marketwatch.com: Mars, Buffett to buy Wrigley for $23 billion

WYMT: New Airport Coming To Letcher County

Morning Trio

BBC: Loopholes keep Windows XP alive

AP: Miley Cyrus says Vanity Fair photo spread embarrasses her

Detroit Free Press: Incentives ahead for Kentucky Ford plant

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Faith Under Fire: Indonesia

From time to time I will post on how Christians keep following the Lord under hostile circumstances. 'Hostile' can mean both violent and non-violent.

The first post in this ongoing series deals with Indonesia. The BBC has the story of how Christians, faced with restrictions from the Indonesian government, worship Christ in shopping malls. Indonesia, which has an Islamic majority, allows Christians to worship God freely--with a permit. Only 20 percent of Christian churches in one Indonesian province have official permits. In addition, more than 100 churches have been either attacked or been intimidated in the last two years. Faced with government restrictions and violence, they are forced to worship in malls, hospitals, and other secure locations.

Click here for the BBC report. Pray for the Christians in Indonesia.

Evening Trio

L.A. Times: Obama donor received a state grant (Editor's note: RedState has more on the favoritism here.)

NY Times: BREAKING: Continental Abandons Merger Talks With United

AP: Ballpark funeral held in Ohio for long-missing soldier

RNC wants Dems to stop smearing McCain

The Republican National Committee and its chair, Mike Duncan, has issued an statement demanding the Democratic National Committee to stop airing specific ads against John McCain. According to the statement, the Republican Party of Virginia has filed a complaint late Friday with the Federal Election Commission. The complaint stems from an ad attacking John McCain's policy on Iraq. It states that both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama helped the DNC with the ad. This ad is illegal because ads sponsored by political parties during a primary season are not supposed to be endorsed by a candidate. A similar ad started running this morning. The statement also says:

  • "As such, since the advertisement exceeds the $5,000 contribution limit, the DNC ad violates federal election law because it is an excessive in-kind contribution from the national committee to its presidential candidates within the restricted window of time."

Click here to view the full statement at The Page political blog.

Sunday Times of London Publishes Rich List: Mittal No. 1

Every year, the Sunday Times of London publishes its famous Rich List. This is similar to what Forbes magazine publishes here in the US, but the Rich List compiles the richest people in Britain. Steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal is at the top of the list, followed by oilman Roman Abramovich.

Other notables:

  • Sir Richard Branson is 20th.
  • Author J.K. Rowling is at 144.
  • Mohamed al-Fayed and his family is at number 145.
  • Queen Elizabeth II is at 264.

Click here for more on the Rich List.

Morning Trio

WVLT: Franklin Graham Festival volunteers God's earthly army of faith

Knoxville News Sentinel: Billy Graham's Knoxville visit still impacts those who heard him in 1970

WJLA: Pilot's Missing Laptop Causes Airport Security Scare

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Evening Trio

Before we get to the Evening Trio, a reminder that we have a NFL Draft open thread still running. Feel free to post your comments about the draft. Now to the Trio:

Bloomberg: Clinton Challenges Obama to Indiana Debate Without Moderators

The New Yorker: The Race in Eastern Kentucky

AP: Franchitti leaves on stretcher after hard crash at Talladega

2008 NFL Draft Open Thread

The 2008 NFL Draft has begun. We know who the first pick is: Jake Long to the Dolphins. But what surprises are in store for the rest of the draft? Post your comments, have fun, and keep it clean.

UPDATE at 6:43pm on Sunday: The 252nd and final pick is David Vobora (OLB) of Idaho, drafted by the St. Louis Rams. He gets the honor of "Mr. Irrelevant." But to Vobora's family and friends, he is Mr. Relevant.

Developing: Continental-United Merger?

The New York Times is reporting this morning that Continental and United Airlines are close to a merger. Sources tell the paper that the airlines want to seal the deal by Thursday. Click here to see the article.

Airlines are eager to merge because of higher fuel costs and overhead. Fasten your seatbelts...I expect that there will be more mergers.

Question of the day: Will the latest airline mergers help or hurt the airline industry? Post your answers.

UPDATE at 6:02 pm ET on Sunday: The Continental-United merger talks have failed. Click here for more from the New York Times.

Morning Trio

WVLT: Franklin Graham Festival began last night in Knoxville

Wall Street Journal: Yahoo-Microsoft Fight Heads for a Deadline

AP: Threat of an actors strike boosts movie production

Friday, April 25, 2008

BREAKING: Mine Blowout in Pike County

WYMT is reporting that there has been a mine blowout in the Kimper-Grapevine area in eastern Pike County. Highway 194 has been blocked due to rock, water and debris covering the road. The blowout may be affecting a home in the area. More details soon.

UPDATE at 7:18pm ET: WYMT has a Google map of the area. Click here to view.

UPDATE at 9:55pm: Highway 194 remains closed until further notice.

UPDATE at 10:12pm: While water continues to run from the mine, it is beginning to recede.

UPDATE at 10:40pm: WSAZ reports that the blowout occured at an abandoned mine which had three portals. One blew and the other two were leaking. Click here for more.

UPDATE on Saturday at 8:42am ET: The 50 people that were forced out of their homes due to the blowout have been allowed back into their homes. You can watch WYMT's report from the scene here.

UPDATE at 6:07pm: Highway 194 has been reopened.

Evening Trio

NY Times: PBS’s Jim Lehrer Has Heart Surgery

Christian Post: Church Planters Keeping U.S. Christianity Alive

AP: Rains put corn planting behind schedule in Kentucky

A return to the "Smoke-Filled Room?"

The Drudge Report has highlighted a link to an April 10, 1992 New York Times story about superdelegates who were doubtful about the chances of then-candidate Bill Clinton taking the nomination.

This year, the superdelegates are a key player. If no candidate gets the number of superdelegates required, the Democratic Convention in Denver would actually mean something for the first time in decades. The concept of superdelegates was the DNC's idea. The idea could backfire if a battle for the nomination continues in Denver, bringing back the concept of the "smoke-filled room." In the old days, the "smoke-filled rooms" were filled with party bigwigs who would hand-pick a nominee after serious discussion (and a whole lot of cigarette smoke). That could very well lead to a win in November for John McCain.

Your thoughts on this are welcome. Keep it clean...and smoke-free. ;)

UPDATE at 6pmET: Newsmax and AP are reporting that the DNC will be holding a hearing on May 31 to consider a plan to allow half-delegates from Florida and Michigan.

Derrick Jasper strongly considers transfer

SanLuisObispo.com is reporting that UK sophomore Derrick Jasper is "sounding serious" about transferring to a West Coast school. Jasper, who is from Paso Robles, California, is "homesick" and wants his family to attend more of his games. If he transfers to another Division I school, he must sit out one season. Click here to read the full article.

Question of the Day: If Jasper transfers, what will the impact be on the Kentucky Wildcats? Post your answers.

Afternoon Trio

CNSNews.com: Catastrophic Nuke Terrorism 'Inevitable,' Says Expert

BBC: Many dead in Sri Lanka bus blast

Compass Direct: Ex-Muslim tried for converting to Christianity in Jordan

Pray for Spiritual Revival

"Who knows what God might do if His people began to pray fervently for spiritual revival? Perhaps one reason Satan has gained such a hold on so many lives is because we don't pray enough."---Billy Graham, emphasis mine

The National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 1st. Click here to find out more.

Morning Trio

WYMT: Jackson County Furniture Factory Suffers Heavy Fire Damage Overnight

Christian Post: Why Muslims Convert to Christianity

AP: Florida lawmakers debate offering a Christian license plate

Thursday, April 24, 2008

ALC Names New Men's Basketball Coach

Alice Lloyd College has named J.R. Hammond as their new men's basketball coach. Hammond, a former coach at Sheldon Clark High School in Inez, played for the ALC Eagles during the early 1990s when they appeared in four NAIA national tournaments.

WYMT has more on the new coach here. I wish J.R. and his family well as they travel along the Purpose Road.

Evening Trio

Times of London: Olympic chiefs prepare their lines in case protests turn to tragedy

WHAS-TV: Louisville Metro PD won't tolerate cruising on Derby Weekend

Lexington Herald-Leader: Man, 36, arrested in UK student’s hit-and-run death

BREAKING: Two Frankfort Shockers

Two Frankfort shockers this afternoon:

  • The Courier-Journal is reporting that Joseph Lambert, Chief Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court, will resign and be a part of the senior judge program, effective June 27. According to a news release, Lambert said: "We have made great progress in the last decade to improve Kentucky courts and make them more responsive to the needs of Kentucky's families and children...As with any individual's efforts, however, there comes a time to move on."
  • Pol Watchers is reporting that Attorney General Jack Conway issued an opinion stating that "The Council on Postsecondary Education violated state law when it appointed Lexington lawyer Brad Cowgill as its president without retaining a search firm and conducting a new national search for a permanent president." The opinion was only an advisory and did not "address Cowgill's qualifications." Conway also stated that the CPE violated the state Open Meetings Law.

These two events could have big political consequences...stay tuned.

Newsday: Larry King not guaranteed 9pm slot; Slate: CBS should shutter its news division

The rumor mill continues: "The TV Zone" blog at Newsday is reporting that while Larry King has a two-year contract extension, his 9pm ET slot is not guaranteed. That means that Katie Couric could still take the slot if she is no longer at CBS. Last week, the CBS Evening News had its worst ratings of the Couric era. In fact, Katie's old stomping grounds, the "Today" show on NBC, had ratings higher than the CBS Evening News.

Slate.com has an article by columnist Troy Patterson titled "Dead Air: Why CBS should shutter its news division." While it is an interesting read, I believe that CBS can do two things:

  • CBS must have news coverage on par with Fox News Channel. Fox has better balance in its news.
  • CBS should target younger viewers. This includes expanding its online reach and a better marketing strategy.

If CBS (and the other two network news divisions) do those two things, then the evening news would be relevant. If not, then I believe we will see the end of network news as we know it.

Afternoon Trio

CBN: John McCain's Baptism

Newsmax: Christians Face Extinction in Northern Iraq

WYMT: KY Supreme Court Suspends Former Perry Circuit Judge From Legal Practice

Question of the Day

Yesterday on my "Afternoon Trio," I mentioned that the Reds fired Wayne Krivsky, their GM. Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News reports that Krivsky was "completely shocked" by the move and was "pushed out the door, kicking and screaming."

Click here to read Hal McCoy's article. Question of the Day: Do you think the Reds made the right move by firing Krivsky? Post your answers.

Morning Trio

Voice of America: North Koreans Taped at Syrian Nuclear Site

WYMT: Memorial Unveiled To Honor Fallen Officers

Kingsport Times-News: Investigation of Wise County mining fatality begins

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Developing: Scholars claim Pelosi used false Bible verse on Earth Day

CNSNews.com is reporting that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi used a Bible verse that, according to scholars, is not in the Bible. Pelosi said on Earth Day:

"The Bible tells us in the Old Testament, 'To minister to the needs of God's creation is an act of worship. To ignore those needs is to dishonor the God who made us.' On this Earth Day, and every day, let us pledge to our children, and our children's children, that they will have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and the opportunity to experience the wonders of nature." Pelosi and her staff have refused to tell which transation the quote is from.

However, Claude Mariottini of the Northern Baptist Theological Seminary went so far as to say the scripture was "fictional."

I myself went to Crosswalk.com and looked for that verse in 29 Bible translations. The verse was not in ANY of those.

You can find the article on the false verse here. Pelosi's quote is just another example of the Left twisting the Word of God to promote a humanistic agenda.

Evening Trio

FOX News: 'Basic Instinct' Director Paul Verhoeven: Jesus Was Son of Mary and Roman Rapist (Editor's note: Does this self-proclaimed Catholic read his Bible? Read Luke chapter 2. Catholicism and every other legitimate Christian denomination believe Christ was born of a virgin.)

The Courier-Journal: Grayson County will appeal ruling against display of Ten Commandments

Lifeway: Baptisms in Southern Baptist Convention fall to lowest level since 1987

Recap and Analysis of John McCain's Inez Town Hall Forum

Presumptive GOP nominee John McCain brought his "It's Time for Action" tour to Inez today. You can read his speech, prepared for delivery, by clicking here.

Here are some excerpts from his speech:

  • "You've never wanted government to make your living for you. You just expect us to show a decent concern for your hard work and initiative; and do what we can to help make sure you have opportunities to prosper from your labor. We all have choices to make in our lives, and you don't expect government to make yours for you. But you have a right to expect that the people you elect to office will help and not hinder your efforts to make a better future for your community and families. You have a right to expect us to show as much concern for helping you create more and better choices to make for yourselves as we show any other community in America or we show the special interests who claim so much of Washington's attention."
  • "We need to widely reform the way we do business in Washington; to end wasteful spending that does little if anything to meet government's obligations to the American people. Government should accurately identify areas where the market truly is not working and provide companies that are willing to build the information infrastructure to serve these areas incentives like tax reductions and more generous depreciation."
  • "My purpose in coming to Inez isn't, however, to roll out a long list of policy initiatives I intend to launch if I am elected president or to make vague promises to you that I will forget making once in office. I came here to listen to and learn from you, about what you're doing to grow your economy and increase opportunities here, and to find out what government is doing and not doing to help your initiatives. I know some of the initiatives you have undertaken here. A good example of a successful public-private partnership is your own Bluegrass State Skills Corporation, which develops customized business training programs, offers funding through grants and credits, and provides administrative services to ensure that these programs have their maximum impact. That is an initiative designed locally by people who know and understand Martin County and the strengths, resourcefulness and needs of the people here better than any bureaucrat in Washington could ever hope to."

During the town hall discussion, State Senator Brandon Smith (R-Hazard) took issue with Sen. Barack Obama's comments reagrding people who "cling to guns or religion." Sen. McCain stated that Obama's comments were elitist and that rural America went through the Great Depression and World War II "and made the world...safer...[rural America had] values that they had then and they have today."

We need more Brandon Smiths and John McCains to stand up for rural America.

Afternoon Trio

Before we get to the Trio, I have this announcement: I will have a full recap and analysis of John McCain's visit to Inez in a later post.

Now to the Trio:

Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds GM Krivsky fired

AP: Petraeus picked to lead Mideast command

AP: US scraps $20 million prototype of virtual fence

McCain to Visit Inez Today

Republican presidential candidate John McCain will be in Inez today as part of a tour of places largely forgotten by previous campaigns. The tour--which also includes Katrina-ravaged New Orleans--is a part of a strategy to focus on the economy.

The visit to Inez comes on the 44th anniversary of LBJ's visit to Inez to launch the "War on Poverty." The usual leftist suspects--steel and mining unions--will be protesting McCain in Inez.

John McCain's strategy to focus on the economy is a plus--it will help bring conservative and moderate Democrats concerned about the economy to McCain in the fall.

Click here to read more about McCain's visit from the Lexington Herald-Leader.

KHSAA changes football playoff format---again

Mike Fields' "Fields' Notes" blog reports:

"The 2008 playoffs will match teams from different districts in the opening round of the playoffs. It is a readjustment that will be applauded by most players, coaches and fans."

This is a return to the old system (pre-2006) which puts Classes A through 5A in the following format, according to Fields:

  • "District 1 will be matched against District 2, District 3 vs. District 4; District 5 vs. District 6; and District 7 vs. District 8. The top seeds from one district will play the fourth seeds from the other district; while the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds will square off."
  • A random draw will determine the 6A playoffs. Under this new random draw, the Lexington 6A schools will not face any Louisville playoff teams until the state championship game.

Click here for the full article from Mike Fields.

Morning Trio

Kingsport Times-News: Roof fall kills coal miner in Wise County, VA

AP: Judge orders La. school district to stop Bible giveaways

AP: Woman finds 8-foot alligator in her Florida kitchen

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Pennsylvania Primary--UPDATED throughout the night

Matt Drudge is reporting the leaked (?) exit poll data as of 5pm:

Clinton 52, Obama 48

Over the weekend, opinion polls showed a surge for Hillary Clinton. I believe Hillary will win Pennsylvania...but it is a matter of how much.

Stay tuned...

UPDATE at 8:02pm ET: Fox and CNN proclaim the race "too close to call," citing exit polling. More to come...

UPDATE at 8:45pm: Fox calls the race for Hillary Clinton. More to come.

UPDATE at 8:54pm: ABC calls it for Hillary.

UPDATE at 9:03pm: CNN has yet to call it for Hillary...TVs at Clinton HQ in Philly are tuned to CNN and are unaware of the other nets' calls.

UPDATE at 9:05pm: CNN finally calls it.

UPDATE at 9:41pm: Terry McAuliffe, head of the Clinton campaign recognized Fox as the first to call the race for Hillary.

Evening Trio

Christ and Culture Blog: A Christian Response to Earth Day

WKYT: UK trustees approve tuition hike

WSAZ: Squirrels cause problems with WSAZ signal

Follow-ups: Sulzberger denies sale of New York Times; Larry King on CNN through 2010

Couple of follow-ups to previous posts:

  • Arthur Sulzberger Jr., chairman of The New York Times Company, denies that the NY Times is for sale. (The Financial Times has more on this denial here.) There have been reports by certain media outlets, quoted on this blog, that Bloomberg and the NY Times would possibly merge and go private.
  • The TVNewser blog is reporting that CNN and Larry King have agreed to a contract extension through 2010. There have been media reports, some quoted on this blog, that Katie Couric would be interested in King's job.

Developing: Bill Clinton Drops S-bomb on Radio Show

Amanda Carpenter is reporting on her blog that former President Bill Clinton "used an expletive in the course of defending disparaging comments Clinton had made about Barack Obama and Jesse Jackson in a radio interview Tuesday."

Clinton said: “I don’t think I can take any s*** from anybody on that, do you?”

Read Amanda's article here. This infighting in the Democratic Party could spell trouble for them in the fall.

Afternoon Trio

AP, FOX News: New Jersey Man Arrested on Charges of Disclosing National Defense Information to Israel

WKYT: Truck Driver Run Over By Own Rig

Christian Post: Evangelicals Give Mixed Reactions to Pope's Visit

Morning Trio

Albert Mohler's Blog: A Church for Atheists?

CNSNews.com: Private Contracting Would Help Postal Service, Experts Say

L.A. Times: Ominous signs for 'American Idol'

Monday, April 21, 2008

New Features

Folks, I want to say thanks to EVERYONE who has ever visited this blog. You are so special to me. Thank God for friends like you.

I have new features to mention:

  • Google Talk: Whenever I am available, you can chat with me about the blog or anything else on your mind---keep it clean and G-rated. ;)
  • Search powered by Google: You can now search the web from this site. Just scroll to the bottom and look for "William's World Search."
  • The background colors on the header and footer have changed.

One thing that will never change: my commitment to all of you. If you have any ideas for my blog, email me at willk_98@yahoo.com, williamcarlking@gmail.com, or leave a comment.

See ya and God Bless,

William King :)

Evening Trio

CNSNews.com: Maher Apologizes for 'Nazi' Pope Comment

Voice of the Martyrs: Forty-six Christians Arrested, Two Remain in Detention in China

Newsmax: The Real Jimmy Carter

Developing: Bloomberg to merge with NY Times???

Newsmax is reporting that business news provider Bloomberg could be merging with The New York Times.

Aides to Michael Bloomberg, the NYC mayor which owns Bloomberg LP, are reportedly urging him to merge it with the struggling New York Times Co. The aides also say that "he can take the company private."

Click here for the Newsmax article.

Afternoon Trio

Times of London: BBC news relaunch leaves viewers 'feeling sick'

WYMT: KY Primary Election Registration Deadline Approaching

Drudge Report: Clinton has 11-point lead in Pennsylvania

Morning Trio

AP: In Selma, McCain praises civil rights marchers

AP: Bush seeks to cement legacy of ties with Canada, Mexico

AP: Strong aftershock reported in Illinois

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Evening Trio

Box Office Mojo: "Forbidden Kingdom" number one at weekend box office

WYMT: Candidates For U.S. Senator Take The Stage At Hillbilly Days

WKYT: Moon Pies & RC Colas Headed To East KY Military

Washington Post Bashes Coal

As you may know from my profile and my introductory blog entry back on April 5, I am from the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. This region is known for its coal mining. I was shocked to see the Washington Post online article about strip-mined coal that fuels the greater Washington area. The Post and its enviromentalist agenda does not know the truth about coal mining. Coal not just powers cities and towns. It provides jobs for thousands in Appalachia. The people who work in the mines worship God, vote, and pay taxes.

Speaking of taxes, Kentucky imposes taxes on coal that is mined. The coal severance tax funds schools, water/sewer projects, roads, and other needed economic development projects. The coal firms who "blow up" mountains reclaim the land so that churches, schools, businesses, and ballparks can be built on much-needed flat land as well as to plant trees and to restore elk populations.

We can debate all day and all night about the environmental effects of mountain-top removal. But one thing is clear: Take away the coal industry and you take away the economy of the Appalachian region.

Morning Trio

Courier-Journal: Kentucky legislators at odds over court jurisdiction

WTOV-TV: Wheeling Jamboree Back In Action

AP: Danica Patrick makes IndyCar history by winning Japan 300

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Evening Trio

NewsBusters: Time Spokesman Unapologetic for Offending Veterans; Calls Cover ‘Respectful’

Washington Post: Town Copes With a Mountain of Change (Editor's note: I will have my opinion on this article in a later post.)

AP: War Pass to miss Kentucky Derby with leg injury

AP, Fox News: Thousands March in Brussels to Protest Attacks on Christians in Iraq

FOXNews.com has an article by the AP about protesters at the EU headquarters in Brussels. The protest calls attention to the persecution of Christians in Iraq. You can see the full article here.

Pray for Christians not just in Iraq, but in other hostile and restricted lands. For more information about Christians being persecuted for their faith, go to The Voice of the Martyrs' website.

Morning Trio

Appalachian News-Express: Christ Central becomes competitive with other schools in Pike County

AP: Scientists say Midwest quakes poorly understood

MarketWatch: Actors, producers meet to avert another strike

Friday, April 18, 2008

Evening Trio

Newsmax: Netanyahu Warns World of a Nuclear Iran

AP: Pope Benedict urges renewed focus on human rights

Appalachian News-Express: Hillbilly Days begin in Pikeville

Afternoon Trio

Kentucky.gov: Kentucky National Guard, Emergency Management prepared to respond to earthquake

AP: Bush chooses SBA chief Steve Preston to take over HUD

Times of London: Jimmy Carter meets Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal in Syria

Iwo Jima Vets Condemn Time's 'Green' Issue

Veterans of Iwo Jima are criticizing Time magazine for using the famous picture of US soldiers raising the flag and replacing it for a tree. The tree cover is part of Time's 'green' issue which deals with climate change.

The Business and Media Institute has a great article on the tree controversy here. In my view, what Time is doing is disgraceful to all veterans. Our men and women serving in WWII saw a real enemy and faced real battles. While climate can change naturally, man's role in climate change is debated.

Morning Trio

AP: 5.4 earthquake rocks Illinois; felt 350 miles away

Kingsport Times-News: Wise County, VA power plant delayed by pollution concerns

AP: Long, long night of baseball in San Diego

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Wisconsin school district says no to John 3:16, yes to Satan

WorldNetDaily just posted a story within the past few minutes about a Wisconsin school district that has banned a piece of art that promotes John 3:16 and Christianity but allows artwork from other religions...including Satanism. Read the story about this stupid policy here.

Evening Trio

NY1: Churches Expand Their Outreach With Online Services

Lexington Herald-Leader: 8% tuition increase proposed for EKU

WKYT: Jasper May Leave UK

Public-private school feud continues

Kentucky school superintendents met with the KHSAA Board of Control today. The superintendents endorsed a "schedule reduction plan" starting in the 2009-2010 school year--which is in reality a boycott of private schools when it comes to sports. Mike Fields has an article on the debate here.

In my view, this will hurt the tradition of high-school sports in Kentucky...especially basketball. If I am correct, Kentucky is the ONLY state in which ALL schools--regardless of class size--participate in its high school basketball championship.

Your thoughts?

Afternoon Trio

Newsmax: Hamas Endorses Obama

Newsmax: Kurds Provide Safe Haven for Christians

Business Courier of Cincinnati: Delta's Bastian pledges to keep Northern Kentucky hub, jobs

BREAKING: McCain to visit Inez on Wednesday

John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, will visit the Eastern Kentucky city of Inez on Wednesday, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.

Inez is also the hometown of Republican National Committee chairman Mike Duncan. The full article can be seen here. According to the state GOP chair, Steve Robertson, McCain is "going to be reaching out to areas where Republican nominees for president typically haven’t gone."

UPDATE at 1:29pm ET: EKB News is reporting that the town hall event will be held on the second floor of the old Martin County Courthouse at 11am on Wednesday.

Morning Trio

OneNewsNow: Whose 'Evangelical Manifesto'?

AP: Kentucky latest state to prohibit alcohol vaporizers

AP: Lee, Zambrano lead Cubs to 12-3 win over slumping Reds

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Evening Trio

Newsmax: Risk of Nuclear Attack on U.S. Rises

Daily Breeze: Interfaith Seder demystifies Judaism's link to Christianity

Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Seattle radio station contest may have been rigged

Afternoon Trio

AP: Man at center of Las Vegas ricin case arrested, charged

AP: Bush plans target to stop greenhouse gas emission growth

ESPN: Travis Ford likely to succeed Sutton at Oklahoma State

BREAKING: Lethal Injection Upheld

The AP is reporting that the US Supreme Court has upheld Kentucky's execution method of lethal injection in a 7-2 ruling. Chief Justice Roberts authored the ruling. The two dissenting justices were Ginsberg and Souter.

Executions have been postponed since the case was brought up by the Court. It is unclear when executions will resume.

Read the latest here from the AP and the New York Times.

Morning Trio

AP: Supreme Court meeting to weigh death penalty for child rapists

Newsmax: US strike on Iran nearing

The Hill: Lieberman willing to star at Republican convention

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Evening Trio

NWS Jackson: Damage in Clay County Determined to be Straight Line Winds

AP: Virginia Tech quietly prepares for shooting anniversary

Scotsman: British teacher killed by Islamists in Somalia because of his Christian faith

Prayer Request Update

Earlier, I asked for your prayers for my aunt Mandy. Apparently it was not a stroke but was low blood sugar that caused the ER visit. She is doing better. Thanks for your prayers.

Afternoon Trio

Newsmax: Carter Lays Wreath at Arafat's Tomb

AP: McCain proposes suspending US gasoline taxes this summer

Lexington Herald-Leader: Police checking pickup for links to fatal hit-and-run

How Low Will Bill Maher and HBO Go?

The atheist comedian Bill Maher is at it again. This time, on an episode of his "Real Time" program on HBO, he smeared Pope Benedict XVI. Maher claimed that the Pope was a leader of a "child-abusing religious cult." He also compared the Roman Catholic Church to the polygamist FLDS church and also claimed that Pope Benedict used to be a Nazi, which is false.

Kristen Fyfe has a great analysis of this senseless smear campaign here.

I am a strong evangelical Christian. Pope Benedict XVI has been a champion of the unborn and a champion of Christian values. ALL Christians--Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, and others--must stand up for the Word of God and stand up against the culture of hate that is propagated by Hollywood.

Morning Trio

OneNewsNow: Christian college slammed for hosting 'Compassion Forum'

AFP: Pakistan ups Olympic torch security after route change

Chicago Tribune: Obama mentioned at Rezko trial

Monday, April 14, 2008

Witnesses: Marcum was beaten with hammer

The Lexington Herald-Leader is reporting tonight that witnesses claim that Ralph Marcum, age 70, of Neon, was beaten with a hammer while visiting friends in Jenkins. His body was found in Pike County. The three suspects appeared in court for the first time today.

Click here for more on this tragic story. My prayers go out to the family of Ralph Marcum.

BREAKING: Delta, Northwest Announce Merger

The boards of Delta and Northwest have agreed tonight to merge, forming the world's largest airline. The merger is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval. Delta has a hub at the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport. This merger will undoubtedly have an impact on Kentucky's economy.

The New York Times has more here.

Schools and the Lean State Budget

WYMT had a story tonight on how Letcher County schools are handling the lean state budget. Included were interviews with Superintendent Anna Craft and Whitesburg Middle School teacher Juanita Spangler. On a personal note, Spangler taught for a time at nearby West Whitesburg Elementary School, where she was my teacher for most of my fifth-grade year. She was also my after-school tutor at Whitesburg Middle School as well.

To see the story online click here.

Evening Trio

MichelleMalkin.com: Complaint filed against Elton John/Hillary fundraiser

AP: Berlusconi Reclaims Power in Italy

AP: Wal-Mart Toughens Gun Policies

Report: Abortion Drug Used to Spike Drink

ProLifeBlogs and the Centre Daily Times are reporting that Prostamate, an abortion drug for cows, was spiked in a pregnant teenage girl's drink. This occurred in Blair County, Pennsylvania. The suspects, who are still on the loose, were "trying to abort the girl's unborn child."

Read the shocking details here and here.

Afternoon Trio

The Conservative Voice: Mark W. Lowry exposes the leftist agenda of State Rep. Kathy Stein

Toronto Sun: Take the Christ out of Christianity, what's left?

icWales: A closed church is ‘worst advert for Christianity’

Yankees reverse the curse; charges possible

The New York Yankees have reversed a curse by unearthing a shirt which was buried at the site of the new Yankee Stadium by a construction worker who was a Red Sox fan. FOX Sports is reporting that the worker may face civil and criminal charges. Click here to read the article.

Morning Trio

Radio Equalizer: Sean Hannity leaving Citadel/ABC Radio for unnamed rival

Mission Network News: Developmentally disabled focus of new college in US

Wall Street Journal: Blockbuster Announces Bid for Circuit City

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Evening Trio

WKYT: Meeks undergoes successful surgery

WSAZ: Donor Meets Troops He Helped

Broadcasting and Cable has a look at the Lexington TV market.

Weekend Box Office Results

The thriller "Prom Night" was this weekend's number one movie, grossing $22.7 million in its first week. Another new movie, "Street Kings," was number two with $12 million in sales. Last weekend's number one movie, "21" slips to third, grossing $11 million.

Full weekend results can be seen here.

BREAKING: Delta, Northwest merger imminent

The Financial Times is reporting that Delta Air Lines--which has a hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport--and Northwest Airlines are close to a merger. If approved, it would be the world's largest carrier. The merger could be announced as early as Monday. Click here for more details.

UPDATE at 7:31pm ET: The Wall Street Journal now reporting that the merger announcement may come as early as Tuesday. Click here for more.

Morning Trio (UPDATE below)

Arutz Sheva: Most Israelis Agree: Jerusalem is Being Secretly Discussed

WKYT: Three Charged In Elderly Letcher County Man's Murder

NWS Jackson: Snow Advisory for highest elevations of Letcher and Harlan counties, Freeze Watch tonight and Monday night

UPDATE at 4:16 pm ET: Freeze Watch for tonight has been canceled...but remains in effect for Monday night.

UPDATE at 10:44pm ET: Snow Advisory has been canceled.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Question of the Weekend

Glenn Penner at the Persecuted Church Weblog has listed a number of promises made by China regarding the Olympic Games. At the end he asks, "Is China keeping its Olympic promises?" Click here to see his his blog. Post your responses there or here.

Evening Trio

AP: Pope Benedict XVI Ready to Meet America

WYMT: Teens Fasting To Raise Awareness To World Hunger

NWS Jackson: EF-2 Tornado Confirmed in Wayne County

Morning Trio

Sydney Morning Herald: Christianity message falls on fertile ground

Lexington Herald-Leader: WKYT loses two news anchors

Reds.com: Reds washed away by Pirates, Bay

Friday, April 11, 2008

Couric Buzz Continues

The Katie Couric rumor mill continues. Sources tell the New York Daily News that a trade could be in the works--Anderson Cooper would move from CNN to anchor the CBS Evening News while Couric would move to CNN--possibly replacing Larry King. Meanwhile, TMZ.com claims that Couric will leave CBS on her own terms--but not before the election.

No matter what happens, this is just another example of the Big Three's failure to lure younger viewers and its failure to balance news.

Evening Trio

Baptist Press: McCain 'committed to Christ,' pastor says

Culture & Media Institute: German Director to Stage America-Bashing Opera

UK Athletics: Kentucky Diving Coach Mike Lyden Passes Away

Storm Update

The storms are winding down here in Eastern Kentucky...by the grace of God I did not see the bad storms in my part of the region. However, there have been numerous reports of large hail, high water, downed power lines and even a few reports of trailers blown over in parts of Southern and Eastern Kentucky. PRAY for those affected by the storms.

TORNADO WATCH

A new TORNADO WATCH is in effect until 6pm ET for the following Kentucky counties:

ADAIR, BELL, BOYLE, BREATHITT, CASEY, CLAY, CLINTON, CUMBERLAND, ESTILL, GARRARD, GREEN, JACKSON, JESSAMINE, KNOX, LAUREL, LEE, LESLIE, LINCOLN, MADISON, MARION, MCCREARY, MERCER, METCALFE, MONROE, OWSLEY, PERRY, POWELL, PULASKI, ROCKCASTLE, RUSSELL, TAYLOR, WASHINGTON, WAYNE, WHITLEY, WOLFE

It does not include far Eastern Kentucky at this time...I would not be surprised that the watch will be extended eastward. I will do some LIVE blogging if necessary. Stay tuned.

UPDATE at 1:59pm ET: Several TORNADO WARNINGS for the Lake Cumberland region. SEEK SHELTER NOW!!!! Reports of baseball-sized hail in Clinton County.

UPDATE at 2:20pm ET: Penny-sized hail reported on Highway 789 in Wayne County. Several warnings continue. STAY SAFE.

UPDATE at 2:32pm ET SEVERE T-STORM WARNINGS for Laurel, NE McCreary, SE Pulaski, southern Rockcastle, NW Whitley, western Clay, Jackson, and NW Knox counties until 3:15pm ET. STAY SAFE.

UPDATE at 2:49pm ET: Chris Bailey is reporting on his blog that trailers may have been flipped over by storms in Wayne County. Mobile homes and trailers are NOT safe during tornadoes. STAY SAFE.

UPDATE at 3:14pm ET: all or parts of Laurel, Breathitt, Clay, Jackson, Lee, Leslie, Owsley, Perry, and Wolfe counties have SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS until 3:45pm ET. STAY SAFE.

UPDATE at 3:33pm ET: TORNADO WARNING for BREATHITT, NE CLAY, SW KNOTT, NORTHERN LESLIE, SE OWSLEY, and all of PERRY COUNTY until 4pm ET...SEEK SHELTER NOW!!!!!

UPDATE at 3:42pm ET: TORNADO WATCH extended to include more Eastern Kentucky counties...Harlan and Letcher counties not yet included in the watch.

UPDATE at 4pm ET: TORNADO WARNING for all or parts of Johnson, Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, Magoffin, Perry, and Pike counties. SEEK SHELTER NOW!!!

UPDATE at 4:24pm ET: TORNADO WARNING just issued for NE LETCHER, SE Martin, Floyd, eastern Knott, and all of Pike counties until 5pm ET. SEEK SHELTER NOW!!!!

UPDATE AT 4:31pm ET: I live at Isom in northwest Letcher County...the warning above is for northeastern Letcher County around Jenkins...looks like the worst will hit there.

BREAKING: US Navy Fires Warning Flares at Iranian Boat

From Fox News and the AP:

"The U.S. Navy says one of its ships encountered a small Iranian high-speed boat in the central Persian Gulf. The Navy says the boat stayed away after the ship fired a flare."

Click here for the rest.

Afternoon Trio

Newsmax: U.S., Israel Criticize Carter Plans to See Hamas

New York Times: Couric out in a few weeks???

Medical Leader: Jenkins Police to reward residents

Morning Trio

LA Times: Couric seen as discontented at CBS

AP: Texas Authorities Defend Sect Raid

Appalachian News-Express: Breaks Interstate Park gets ready for season

Friday Severe Weather---UPDATED during the day

There is an area of thunderstorms over Central KY at this time...these storms will reach Eastern KY later this morning. Another line of storms is possible this afternoon and evening. The latest statement from NWS Jackson can be found here.

Overnight, these storms flipped over several trailers in the Bowling Green area, injuring three.

I will update as needed.

UPDATE at 10:01am ET: Latest convective outlook from the Storm Prediction Center can be seen here.

UPDATE at 12:28pm ET: Tornado Watch in effect for Middle Tennessee...line of storms moving through west-central Kentucky through Middle Tennessee and points south...line will intensify this afternoon. Watch for further updates.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Evening Trio

KSTP.com: Taxpayer-funded charter school accused of teaching Islam (The school does not even fly the American flag---which is required by law.)

Wall Street Journal: Text Messages for New Nationwide Alert System

WYMT: Stolen Items from Hazard Museum Recovered

Quick Severe Weather Update

Quick update regarding the severe threat:

  • Storm Prediction Center still places Eastern Kentucky under a slight risk for severe storms.
  • The new forecast discussion from the Jackson National Weather Service office states that the biggest threat from these storms is high winds.
  • Tornado Watch still in effect for far Western Kentucky, which is also under a moderate risk for severe storms.

I will have more on the severe threat in future posts.

UPDATE at 3:52pm ET: NWS Jackson issued a Special Weather Statement about the severe threat. Click here for more.

UPDATE at 8:54pm ET: Tornado Watch continues for Western KY until 11pm CT (Midnight ET)

UPDATE at 9:54pm ET: Henry's AccuWeather blog has an update on the severe weather here.

UPDATE at 10:16pm ET: Western KY under slight risk instead of moderate. Lengthy forecast discussion update from NWS Jackson can be viewed here.

I will add updates to this thread or a new post if necessary. Stay tuned.

Families of Virginia Tech Shooting Victims Agree to Settlement

WDBJ-TV in Roanoke and the AP are reporting that an $11 million settlement has been reached between families of Virginia Tech shooting victims and the state of Virginia. Click here for more details.

Storm Threat Update

Earlier in the week I mentioned the threat for tornadoes for the Central US. The Mississippi Valley will be hardest-hit today.

On Friday, expect severe weather--including tornadoes, large hail and high wind--for Eastern Kentucky, eastern Ohio, West Virginia, western Pennsylvania and southwest Virginia.

Henry at AccuWeather has more here.

Make sure your weather radios are working properly and your emergency plans are updated. This will be a major severe weather outbreak.

Morning Trio

Marshall Univ. Parthenon: Oprah Contradicts Her Own Christianity

Corbin Times-Tribune: Irreverent language is not ‘cool’

Canada Free Press: Chinese Christian May Face Execution

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Bye, Bye Katie???

The Wall Street Journal is reporting tonight that Katie Couric will leave the last-place CBS Evening News "well before her contract expires in 2011--possibly soon after the presidential inauguration early next year." CBS is denying the rumors.

This comes during a hard time for the big three evening newscasts, which have been gradually losing viewership to cable news channels and online news and blog sites, and for CBS in particular, which recently announced layoffs at its owned and operated stations due to low ratings and declining ad revenue.

Evening Trio

Newsmax: Oliver Stone's Biopic Bashes Bush

AP: 11-Year-Old Steers Bus to Avoid Semi

WLKY-TV (Louisville): Thunder Over Louisville Preparations

Colorado State University: Active Hurricane Season in 2008

Colorado State University forecasters have issued their annual forecast for 2008:

  • 15 named storms
  • 8 hurricanes
  • 4 major hurricanes

This is described as a "well above average" season. Fox News has more here.

BREAKING: Al-Qaeda Terrorist al-Masri Confirmed Dead

FOX News is reporting that a top al-Qaeda leader, Abu Ubaida al-Masri, a bomb expert, has been confirmed dead. Officials said that he had been dead for several months.

Developing...

Where is Asia?

The Asia.view blog at The Economist has an article asking "Does Asia Exist?"

Geographers and journalists have varying opinions about whether Asia includes all of the Middle East. The last time I checked, Asia's land mass includes the area east of the Sinai (but not the Sinai itself) through Iran. Some even call Australia a part of what is known as "Australasia."

People need to read their geography books more often. There are only seven continents--no more, no less. And, yes, that DOES include Asia.

National Right to Life Committee Endorses McCain

The Christian Post is reporting the National Right to Life Committee has endorsed John McCain in the 2008 Presidential race. This will more than likely boost McCain's chances of winning the all-important conservative Christian base. Developing....

Morning Trio

Voice of the Martyrs: Authorities Crack Down on Rights Ahead of Beijing Olympics

Intl. Herald-Tribune: Credit crisis could cost nearly $1 trillion, IMF predicts

AP: Rockefeller Apologizes for McCain Remark

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Vols Win NCAA Women's Basketball Title

Congrats to the Tennessee Lady Volunteers and coach Pat Summitt as they beat Stanford 64-48 for their second straight NCAA women's basketball title and their eighth overall.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am a Kentucky Wildcat fan, but you have to admire Pat Summitt's leadership. She is the Adolph Rupp of women's basketball coaches.

Question of the Night

Who will win the NCAA women's basketball championship: Tennessee or Stanford?

Post your answers and comments.

Evening Trio

AP: Facts About the Polygamist Sect FLDS

VOA: Bush Awards Medal of Honor to Sailor Killed in Iraq

Appalachian News-Express: Mountain Arts Center will pay musical tribute to founder Billie Jean Osborne

Patch Tuesday

I apologize for the lack of posts today...it is Patch Tuesday and I had to download patches for my computer. However, I had to download them one-by-one through the Microsoft Download Center due to the fact that my Automatic Update/Windows Update software is stalled. Anyone have any suggestions or solutions?

I thank you for your continued love, prayers, and support. This is a new blog, so I welcome your suggestions for possible topics.

Question of the Day

Should the IOC scrap the international portion of the torch relay?

Post your answers and comments.

UPDATE at 10:27 am ET: The Wall Street Journal is now reporting that the IOC will not cancel any portion of the relay; however, it will review the relay route. Continue to post your comments.

Morning Trio

Lexington Herald-Leader: Lawmaker Missed Crucial Votes in State House

AP: NYC Mayor Loses Big on Traffic Fee Plan

It's Patch Tuesday. Click here for more.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Kansas Wins NCAA Men's Title

Congrats to Kansas for winning the NCAA men's basketball championship. They made one of the greatest comebacks in NCAA history with a 75-68 overtime win.

I am a HUGE Kentucky Wildcats fan, but I have to say this: Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Report: Saddam's WMDs in Syria

According to a Jerusalem Post report, Saddam Hussein transferred weapons of mass destruction to Syria.

As Paul Harvey would say, we may now know the "rest of the story" regarding Saddam's WMDs.

Developing...

Another Super Outbreak???

There is talk in the weather blogosphere tonight that the chance of a major tornado outbreak in the Central US is very high. The WeatherMatrix blog at AccuWeather quotes meteorologist Joe Bastardi as saying:

"It will be the week that will be, later this week, the week that is, and next week, and for years to come, the week that was... when the weather went wild over the center of (the) nation."

The blog also states that the upper-air pattern matches the pattern of the Super Outbreak of 1974--which took place on the first week of April.

This pattern is worth watching. For my fellow Kentuckians, I strongly recommend you monitor Chris Bailey's Weather Blog--it is the best in Kentucky.

Evening Trio

AP: McCain Raises More than $15 Million in March

FOX News: McCain-Rice Ticket?

AP: Burrell's 2 HRs Lead Phillies Past Reds

Question of the Night

Who will win the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship: Memphis or Kansas?

My answer: it's a toss-up.

Post your answer and discuss the game.

Beshear's Inauguration Cost $840,800

Pol Watchers is reporting that Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear's inaugural committee filed a report stating that the inauguration back in December cost a grand total of $840,800. For perspective, Beshear's predecessor, Ernie Fletcher, spent $1 million for his inauguration in 2003.

Drew Carey gets high marks for first year on "Price Is Right"

Variety has a great article about my favorite game show, "The Price Is Right." Even though the show's ratings have dropped about 15% since the retirement of Bob Barker, the show continues to be popular with new host Drew Carey. The million-dollar primetime specials are a huge hit, with three $1 million prizes given away thus far this year.

You can go to CBS' "Price Is Right" site here. A great message board, complete with show recaps, can be found here.

BREAKING: Driver, Paparazzi at Fault for Death of Princess Diana

The BBC is reporting the driver of the limosine that carried Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed, as well as the paparazzi, are to blame for the deaths of Princess Di and Al Fayed in a limo crash in Paris in 1997. This ruling came down today by an inquest investigating the tragedy.

God and Government

OneNewsNow.com has a great article about a new book which states that George Washington believed that faith in God is essential to government.

If you are curious, the phrase "separation of church and state" is NOWHERE in the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence. The phrase came from a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists describing the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The clause bans an established state church. However, liberal activists and the mainstream media twisted the phrase over time to mean a separation of God and government.

I discussed this controversy in my thesis paper in 2001. This controversy will not go away until we realize the REAL intent of our Founding Fathers---they believed that America's blessings can come ONLY from God.

BREAKING: Nine Terrorists Escape from Moroccan Prison

The BBC is reporting that nine terrorists convicted for their role in a 2003 terror attack in Casablanca have tunneled their way out of a prison in Morocco.

Another Clinton Campaign Scandal Brewing?

The Swamp blog has pics of Clinton campaign chair Terry McAuliffe with Obama supporters, holding Obama '08 signs.

Developing....

Whatever Happened to Free Speech?

Here is an interesting article from Arutz Sheva about a Jewish group's radio spot banned by a station owned by The New York Times.

Comments?

Morning Trio

Good morning, folks.

Three interesting headlines this morning:

AP and Jerusalem Post: Olmert and Abbas resume talks

Michelle Malkin's blog: Obama supporters boo the Pledge of Allegiance

ABC News Political Radar: Condoleezza Rice pursues VP spot

UPDATE: Olympic Flame Extinguished Three Times By Officials Amid Protests, Relay Cut Short

Security officials in Paris extinguished the Olympic torch three times today amid more protests against Communist China's human rights record.

Question of the Day: Do you think the IOC (International Olympic Committee) made a mistake by awarding the Olympics to China?

Post your answers.

UPDATE: The BBC is now reporting that the Torch Relay in Paris has been cut short. (11:40 am ET)

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Kentucky National Guard Troops To Head Home Before Duty

WYMT in Hazard has the story of a businessman who gave nearly $50,000 to allow over 500 Kentucky National Guard troops to visit their family and friends before deploying to Afghanistan.

Thank God for our men and women in uniform and those who support them.

BREAKING: Mark Penn Out as Clinton Strategist

After it was revealed that Mark Penn was involved in free-trade negotiations with Colombia, Penn is out as Hillary Clinton's chief strategist. WSJ.com's Washington Wire has more here.

Niece of MLK Jr. Discusses Abortion and Civil Rights

From LifeNews.com: Dr. Alveda King, niece of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., states that "the destruction of human life is on par with the lack of civil rights" of Dr. King's generation. Her comments were made in a church in Memphis, the city where her uncle was assassinated 40 years ago this month. Click here for more.

Developing: ATV Crash in Letcher County

One person was flown to a Tennessee hospital after crashing his ATV head-on into a tree in Letcher County on Airport Mountain.

More details soon.

Bush and Putin's Final Summit

President Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin looked back at the past seven years of US-Russian relations at their last summit. Voice of America has more here. What are your thoughts?

"21" Still No. 1 at Box Office

"21" was number one again this weekend at the box office, grossing $15.1 million. George Clooney's "Leatherheads" was number two, grossing about $13.5 million.

Full results for the weekend box office can be found here.

McDonald to be new coach at Western Kentucky

ESPN is reporting that Ken McDonald, assistant men's basketball coach at Texas, will become head coach at Western Kentucky. McDonald was an assistant for WKU from 1998-2003 under Dennis Felton, who is currently Georgia's head coach. A press conference will be held at 3pm ET this afternoon to introduce McDonald.

UPDATE: Police Peacefully Enter Temple of Polygamist Sect

The AP is reporting that authorities have peacefully entered the temple of a polygamist sect in Texas. They have yet to find the 16-year old girl who alerted police about abuse at the temple.

My Alma Mater

As you may have noticed in my first post, I am from the mountains of Eastern Kentucky---the heart of Appalachia. Over the years, this region has taken a whole lot of flak for its poverty and culture.

But there is a bright spot in Appalachia--my alma mater, Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes, Kentucky. ALC is a non-denominational four-year liberal arts institution that is built upon Judeo-Christian principles. I graduated from ALC with a BA in History in 2002. Merlene Davis, in her column in the Lexington Herald-Leader, talks about a special scholarship program involving the Mission of Hope, a charity that helps the poor in Appalachia, and Alice Lloyd College. Find out more here.

Pray that this scholarship endowment will help those who want to further their education while improving Appalachia.

China's Failing Human Rights Record

The BBC is reporting that 25 people were arrested after clashes between police and pro-Tibet protesters while the Olympic torch relay went through London today.

We regularly hear about the struggle for Tibet. What the mainstream media won't tell you is that China regularly arrests Christians. Communist China recently detained 13 Christian house church leaders simply because they followed Jesus' teachings. Click here for more.

Should the US and other nations boycott the Beijing Olympics? Post your comments.

Charlton Heston: 1923-2008

Charlton Heston, legendary actor and former president of the National Rifle Association, passed away last night. He was 84. Click here for more details on his extraordinary life.

My prayers go out to his wife and family during this somber time.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

BREAKING: Standoff Imminent at Polygamist Compound

AP is reporting that Texas authorities are preparing for a standoff with polygamists at a compound built by the imprisoned sect leader Warren Jeffs. Ambulances are on standby.

Far-out Far-Left Media Cites al-Qaeda #2 In Criticizing McCain

How far will the left go?

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2008/04/05/olbermann-think-progress-quote-al-qaeda-2-discredit-mccain

Tip of the hat to NewsBusters.org

Welcome

My name is William King. I live in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. I give God the glory in all I do.

This blog will be about topics of interest---anything and everything. By the way...this is a G-rated blog. That means if you post a comment, keep it clean. I will not tolerate any derogatory or profane comments.

So sit back and relax...enjoy the ride.

See ya and God Bless,

William King