Thursday, July 31, 2008

Evening Trio

WorldNetDaily: Son of top Hamas leader converts to Christianity

AP: Israeli opposition wants election with Olmert exit

Dayton Daily News: Ken Griffey, Jr. received death threats while at Cincy

BREAKING: UK's Pulley to lose playing time

From The Courier-Journal: University of Kentucky quarterback Curtis Pulley will face a loss of playing time stemming from multiple charges of marijuana possession and traffic violations this summer, coach Rich Brooks said today.

Quarterback Will Fidler, who was arrested last week and charged with disorderly conduct, will be disciplined in-house and will not face a suspension or loss of playing time, Brooks said. Brooks said Pulley "could miss games or a game or parts of games." A final determination on Pulley's punishment will be made sometime in the next 2-3 weeks, Brooks said. Pulley still will have an opportunity to compete with Mike Hartline for the starting quarterback spot. "That decision on who will start will be (made) on the field, not off the field,'' Brooks said.

Afternoon Trio

Bristol Herald-Courier: Environmental Groups Sue To Halt Logging At Future Wise County, VA Mine Site

AP: Marathon Oil second-quarter profit falls by half, may split into 2

AP: Scrabble knockoff returns to Facebook with changes

FOX Sports: Reds, ChiSox agree on Griffey trade, await approval

This is a shocker to me...your thoughts????

FOX Sports on MSN - MLB - Reds, ChiSox agree on Griffey trade, await approval

UPDATE at 11:57am: FOXSports.com is reporting that Griffey has approved the trade. Click here for more.

Morning Trio

L.A. Times: Federal judge says cross can remain on San Diego's Mt. Soledad

Wall Street Journal: Media-Shield Bill Is Put Aside, for Now

Sports Network: Griffey's HR highlights Cincy's win at Houston

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

BREAKING: YouTube video of Obama may have implications

CBN's The Brody File political blog posted a YouTube video (below) of Barack Obama.



From the blog:

"The Brody File has a 2004 YouTube video in its possession where Barack Obama talks about how his three year old daughter (at the time) loves to listen and dance to the rap song, "Drop it like its Hot." Obama said that his daughter thought the song was "Drop it like a Sock." "

More from the blog:

"The original version of that song may not make the "family value" playlist, but the radio version of that song is much tamer. Still, the tamer version talks about pimps and sex." How will this affect the values voters that Obama is trying to court? Post your comments.

Evening Trio

USA Today: New McCain ad compares Obama with Spears, Hilton

Courier-Journal: 2010 date set for Kentucky Kingdom case

The Sports Network: Packers prez Murphy meets with Favre

What a Wednesday!

It has been one busy Wednesday in the wold of news and weather. The big news: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will resign in September. The Jerusalem Post has more here. It will be interesting to see who will replace Olmert and the repercussions of today's news on the so-called "road map to peace."

Here in the mountains of Kentucky, the big weather news is severe weather. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS have been issued for portions of Eastern Kentucky. In addition, an Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory has been issued for Letcher, Knott, and Perry counties until 4:30pm. Click here to see the latest warnings from the National Weather Service.

Comments???

Afternoon Trio

L.A. Times: Strike on Iran still possible, U.S. tells Israel

UPI: Why Ted Stevens' fall will shake America

CBC: Why coal is once again king

Morning Trio

BBC: 'Tank exploded' on Qantas jet

Reuters: IOC admits to deal with China on internet censorship

Chicago Tribune: Big Brown, Dutrow seek to erase Belmont pain

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Report: Obama tied to Iraqi government fraud?

Reason number 34,923 to vote for John McCain:

WorldNetDaily: Obama tied to Iraqi government fraud?

Evening Trio

US Geological Survey: BREAKING: 5.4 quake shakes Southern California

Robert (Mike) Duncan: The Energy to Lead

CNSNews.com: British Poll Shows Extremism Among Muslim Students

Report: Facebook shuts down Scrabulous

Hasbro, the makers of Scrabble, recently sued the makers of Scrabulous for copyright infringement. Even though I am on Facebook, I have never played Scrabulous. However, if you played it, I would like your thoughts on the following article:

BBC NEWS Technology Facebook shuts down Scrabulous

BREAKING: US Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) indicted

From FOXNews.com:

Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, has been indicted on seven "charges related to (his) holding of public office," two federal government sources told FOX News on Tuesday. The Justice Department has announced a 1:20 p.m. ET press conference that a release says is "regarding a criminal matter." Nearly one year ago to the day, federal investigators raided Stevens' Alaska home as part of a probe of his relationship to an oil field services contractor convicted last year in a state corruption case. The contractor, Bill Allen, in 2000 also oversaw construction for a major renovation of Stevens' house in the ski community of Girdwood. Stevens has claimed he paid for all the construction.

Your thoughts???

Afternoon Trio

Newsmax: Pope Benedict to Visit Arabia?

CNSNews.com: Registered Sex Offenders Are Beneficiaries of Medicare Fraud

Wall Street Journal Law Blog: Future of For-Profit Kentucky Law School Hangs on Library Plans

Morning Trio

UPI: Lawsuit challenges wording of California marriage amendment

AP: Kentucky changes flag policy for fallen soldiers again

AP: Singer Amy Winehouse released from London hospital

Monday, July 28, 2008

Report: Cord-Blood Stem Cells Help Toddler with Cerebral Palsy

This is BIG news....it is of importance to me because in 1995 I was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy. By the grace of God, I overcame it.

CitizenLink: Cord-Blood Stem Cells Help Toddler with Cerebral Palsy

Report: Singer Amy Winehouse in hospital

Troubled 24-year old singer admitted to a hospital again this evening...not sure why.

BBC NEWS Entertainment Singer Amy Winehouse in hospital

Evening Trio

Kentucky Power: 1,559 customers without power due to storms (as of 4:42pm)

Voice of America: US Budget Deficit Expected to Hit Record

FOXSports.com: Trying to make sense of the Favre fiasco

Monday Afternoon Severe Weather

A line of severe thunderstorms is moving through parts of south-central and southeastern Kentucky. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS are in effect for Owsley, northern Jackson, and southern Lee counties until 2:15 and for Laurel, Pulaski, southern Rockcastle, NW Clay, and southern Jackson counties until 2:30. I will post updates if needed.

UPDATE at 2:24pm: SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for NW Breathitt, Lee, north-central Owsley, and SW Wolfe counties until 2:45pm ET.

UPDATE at 3:27pm ET: SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for northern Bell, SE Clay, western Harlan, eastern Knox, and southern Leslie counties until 4pm ET.

BREAKING: Robert Novak hospitalized with brain tumor

From HumanEvents.com:

Robert Novak was admitted yesterday to a Boston hospital where he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In a written statement given to his publisher, Novak said: “On Sunday, July 27, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I have been admitted to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, where doctors will soon begin appropriate treatment. I will be suspending my journalistic work for an indefinite but, God willing, not too lengthy period.” Novak is the long-time editor of the influential newsletter, Evans-Novak Political Report, published by Human Events’ parent company, Eagle Publishing. Novak is also a well-known columnist for the Chicago Sun Times and more recently a Fox News Channel contributor. The 77-year-old Novak recently celebrated his 50th year as a Washington-based journalist.

My friends, regardless of what political party you belong to, PRAY for Robert Novak.

Afternoon Trio

CBN News: PA Court Strikes Down Hate Crimes Law

Charleston (WV) Gazette: CONSOL announces plans for coal gasification plant

NewsBusters.org: NBC's Talking to Rosie...About A Variety Show?

Morning Trio

Times of London: Gay sex is a sin, say four in five Protestants

WYMT: Police Asking For Help In Search For Missing Knott County Girl

AP: Johnson survives tire debacle at Indianapolis

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Evening Trio

WBIR-TV: One dead in Knoxville church shooting

Sunday Times of London: MPs campaign to make Jack Straw British prime minister

Courier-Journal: Fancy Farm looks to be first big showdown for McConnell, Lunsford

Your tax $$$ at work...

NewsBusters has more on a blasphemous, stupid special that calls the Bible "full of fables."

PBS: Be More...Suspicious of the Bible NewsBusters.org

Report: Second Wildcat quarterback arrested this week

This time, it's Will Fidler:

WKYT: Second Wildcat quarterback arrested this week

UPDATE at 7:46am: I had the wrong first name earlier. My bad.

Morning Trio

L.A. Times: John McCain slams Barack Obama for canceling on the troops

BBC: Jet probe turns to oxygen bottles

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Jewish families found niche amid coal boon

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Sunday Times of London: Can Amy Winehouse be saved?

From tomorrow's Sunday Times of London (UK):

From the mayhem of the past year, if Amy Winehouse has learnt anything it might be the terrible truth contained in the saying “be careful what you wish for, you might just get it”. Since giving up her whimsical teenage plan to become a roller-skating waitress, the 24-year-old Winehouse has reached a summit that few pop stars even dream of; and, as it appears, promptly thrown herself off it.


To recap: her hit Rehab has soundtracked the past 22 months; her second album, Back to Black, was the biggest seller in the UK in 2007 –the album has now sold 9m copies worldwide, making it one of the biggest sellers of the 21st century; at the 2008 Grammys ceremony Winehouse received five awards, including the so-called “big 3” for song, record and pop-vocal album of the year, and she also became the first Brit to win best new artist since the jazz and soul singer Sade in 1986.

She’s been hailed “a style icon” by the fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel, who called her beehive hairdo “an inspiration”. She was compared to Edith Piaf, Judy Garland and Ella Fitzgerald by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. Her doting pop peers include George Michael, who has saluted her as the best singer and songwriter of her generation. In a poll of British under-25-year-old girls – who know her simply as “Amy” the way they know Kate Moss as “Kate” – she was voted “ultimate heroine”. On the home front, in May 2007 she married Blake Fielder-Civil, the love of her life, “my Blake – the handsomest man you will ever meet”, as she called him during a recent performance.


And what has all this brought her? A severe drug habit that may have permanently damaged her lungs. (The picture of Amy sucking on a crack pipe that appeared on the front page of a tabloid in January confirmed, in lurid detail, precisely the nature of a problem that those close to her had been aware of for some time.)

And a drink problem, allied to a proneness to get punchy in public. “If I have 20 units I can get violent, particularly if I am unhappy,” Winehouse said in 2006, and went on to prove it outside a couple of pubs in Camden.

Click here to read the rest. This proves that fame has huge consequences.

Evening Trio

AP via Yahoo: Relatives of televangelist Kenneth Copeland prosper

L.A. Times: Do journalists' political donations (mostly Democratic) = news bias?

ESPN: Big Brown works strong six furlongs

Morning Trio

Haaretz.com: FAA finds serious flaws in flight safety at Israeli airports

AP via Fox News: FCC Approves Satellite Radio Merger in 3-2 Vote

AP: 2 girls killed by car fleeing police in Louisville

Friday, July 25, 2008

Report: UK QB Pulley facing disciplinary actions following citation

From WKYT:

"Louisville police confirm that Kentucky quarterback Curtis Pulley was cited for possession of marijuana in June. Pulley entered a guilty plea and agreed to enter a diversion program. Kentucky State Police also confirmed to 27 SportsFirst that Pulley was stopped in July for speeding and was booked in the Hardin Co. Detention Center for suspended license, expired plates and expired registration. Coach Rich Brooks says Pulley will be disciplined, which could include a loss of playing time."

How will this affect the football Cats? Post your comments.

Evening Trio

Baptist Press: 4 TV ministries won't comply with probe

Fox News: Bloomberg withholds endorsement in presidential race

UPI: Randy Pausch, inspiring professor, dies at 47

Developing: Shooting in Knott County

From WYMT:

"An Eastern Kentucky man is in the hospital after police say his brother shot him in the stomach. It happened this morning outside the Fisty Post Office in Knott County. Police say Larry Fugate was in his car outside the post office when Curtis Fugate shot him. Curtis Fugate then barricaded himself inside of a camper behind the post office before surrendering to police just before 11 this morning. Larry Fugate was flown to to a Tennessee hospital. Police have not released a motive for the shooting."

Developing...

Afternoon Trio

Christian Post: Hagee Vows to 'Never Again' Endorse a Candidate

Dayton Daily News: Brawl erupts at Dayton Dragons game, fan struck by ball

BBC: Scrabble's owners sue Scrabulous

Morning Trio

BBC: Hole forces Qantas plane to land

AP: Satellite radio companies to pay $19.7 million

Sporting News: Kentucky's Brooks taking time on QB decision

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Former UK QB Lorenzen to Colts

Former University of Kentucky QB Jared Lorenzen, recently cut by the NY Giants, has signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

From colts.com:

With quarterback Peyton Manning out of the early portion of 2008 Training Camp with a knee injury, Colts President Bill Polian on Tuesday announced the signing of veteran quarterbacks Jaren Lorenzen and Quinn Gray, each of whom has NFL playing experience. “Our thought process is not knowing how this whole thing (with Manning) is going to unfold, ‘Let’s get the best players that we can get,’’’ Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said while addressing reporters on the first day of camp Thursday at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. “Those are guys who have played in the NFL. Our thought process is that (backup quarterback) Jim (Sorgi) is our quarterback if Peyton can’t go and if Peyton can go, Peyton’s the quarterback. “We want those guys to come in and develop.”

Click here to read the full article. Comments???

BREAKING: Huge fire at Pike County junkyard

From WSAZ: "Firefighters from at least eight departments are battling a massive junkyard fire Thursday night in Pike County near Belfry High School. The fire was described as "out of control" by county dispatchers."

More details as soon as I get them.

UPDATE at 10pm ET: EKB News is reporting that the fire is at K&W Metals at Belfry. There is a thick layer of smoke in the area.

UPDATE at 10:30pm ET: WKYT & WYMT are reporting that there are evacuations around Belfry High School. One firefighter has been injured and there have been numerous explosions.

UPDATE on Friday at 7:57am: WSAZ is reporting that the fire was extinguished at 3:50am.

Evening Trio

Ken Timmerman: Obama Flipping and Floundering in Middle East

Courier-Journal: Downtown Louisville arena bond deal unraveling

UKathletics.com: UK Men's Basketball Taking Camps Around Kentucky

Afternoon Trio

Christian Post: Gay Bishop Dismisses Call to Resign

Wall Street Journal: Ford Details Overhaul Plans As Losses Continue to Grow

BBC: Iraq banned from Beijing Olympics

Morning Trio

Courier-Journal: BREAKING: Ford confirms SUVs, small cars for Louisville plants

AP: New policy lowers flags only for Ky. soldiers

BBC: Moscow tops list of pricey cities

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Evening Trio

Baptist Press: Faith healer Todd Bentley called a fraud, false teacher


MarketWatch: Crude falls for second day as hurricane worries ease

WKYT: Southeastern Conference close to making decision on conference network

Whitesburg High Class of '98 Reunion Update

I just received in my snail mail the official invitation for the Whitesburg High Class of 1998 reunion. It will take place on Saturday, September 13. Here is the official schedule for the reunion:

11am-1pm: Kids Day at the Whitesburg City Park (located in West Whitesburg between the swimming pool and Whitesburg Middle School)

7-8pm: Social at the Highland Winery at Seco

8-11:30pm: Dinner and Dancing at the Winery

Personally, I have not made any final plans, but I hope to go to at least one of the events. The contact info for the reunion may be seen in the "Reunions" section of this week's Mountain Eagle or you can email me at williamcarlking@gmail.com or willk_98@yahoo.com and I will give you the contact and other info.

Afternoon Trio

US Geological Survey: BREAKING: 6.8 magnitude earthquake hits northern Japan

MarketWatch: Dolly strengthens to Category 2 hurricane

AP: Toyota's global sales rose 2 percent in 1st-half

BREAKING: Highway 15 near Whitesburg closed due to diesel spill

Highway 15 in Letcher County is shut down near the intersection of Highway 160 about 5 miles NW of Whitesburg due to a tanker truck overturning, causing a diesel spill. Hazmat crews are at the scene at this time. Those traveling to or from Whitesburg on Highway 15 must take an alternate route. Expect the road to be blocked for an extended period of time. I will update as needed.

Morning Trio

The Olympian (Olympia, WA): Other religions accepted while Christianity scoffed at

AP: Dolly becomes hurricane, set to hit Tex-Mex border

Voice of America: Rice Holds First Face-to-Face Meeting with North Korean Counterpart

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

What a Day...Severe Weather, Outages, and other Random Thoughts

It has been a very interesting day for your humble blogger. First there was a cable TV and Internet outage that affected my hometown of Isom. It was fully restored around 4:15 or so. Then came the storms. While we did not get damage from the line of storms,that tore through Eastern Kentucky, 10,387 customers of Kentucky Power do not have electricity still do not have power at the time of this blog posting. There are reports of trees down across the region. All watches and warnings for Kentucky have expired or cancelled.

Couple of random thoughts: I believe McCain will name a running mate soon. While I believe it could be this week, I would not be surprised that he puts the announcement off until next week. I also predict that the readership and viewership of traditional national news organizations will go down further as they continue their love affair with Barack Obama. I recently heard someone saying that Obama has three new press secretaries: Brian Williams, Charles Gibson, and Katie Couric.

Those are my thoughts...what are your thoughts???

Evening Trio: Special Edition

Due to an cable TV and Internet outage earlier, I need to catch up on a few things. There is severe weather in parts of Eastern Kentucky at this hour. Instead of the usual three news stories I post here around this time, here are three sites for more info on today's severe weather:

Warnings and advisories for Kentucky from the National Weather Service

Chris Bailey's Kentucky Weather Center

TG Shuck's WKYT Weather Blog

I hope to have a regular post soon. Stay safe.

UPDATE at 6:28pm ET: We had a ton of rain and wind here in Letcher County. No damage here at my house...But 10,516 AEP customers without power right now in Eastern Kentucky...numerous trees down in the region. Stay safe.

Afternoon Tio

Voice of America: Europe Hails Karadzic Arrest in Belgrade

BBC: Doubts linger over Zimbabwe deal

Appalachian News-Express: KSP trooper arrested after concert

Morning Trio

WKYT: Kentucky Representative Looking To Legalize Slot Machines

Wall Street Journal: Ford Will Offer Buyouts at 14 More Plants

WYMT: Expect Delays Along Portions Of Highway 80 Tuesday

Monday, July 21, 2008

Report: Tripped Breakers Have Several Thousand Pike Countians Without Power.

I hope the situation is resolved soon:

EKB News: Tripped Breakers Have Several Thousand Pike Countians Without Power.

Severe Weather Update

All of the watches and warnings that were posted earlier today for Kentucky have been cancelled or allowed to expire. However, the Storm Prediction Center has placed virtually all of Kentucky under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms for tomorrow. I will post any updates on severe weather if needed.

Report: American flag disappears from Obama campaign jet

Another reason to vote for John McCain:

WorldNetDaily: American flag disappears from Obama campaign jet

Report: McCain to name Veep pick this week

From the Evans-Novak Political Report:

"Sources close to Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign are suggesting he will reveal the name of his vice presidential selection this week while Sen. Barack Obama is getting the headlines on his foreign trip. The name of McCain's running mate has not been disclosed, but Mitt Romney has led the speculation recently."

Developing...

Evening Trio

Jerusalem Post: Israel reaches out to evangelical Christians in Asia

UPI: Sides agree on Zimbabwe talks framework

MarketWatch.com: Can Yang and Icahn leave the bad blood behind?

Developing: NY Times rejects McCain op-ed

From Matt Drudge:

"An editorial written by Republican presidential hopeful McCain has been rejected by the NEW YORK TIMES -- less than a week after the paper published an essay written by Obama, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned. The paper's decision to refuse McCain's direct rebuttal to Obama's 'My Plan for Iraq' has ignited explosive charges of media bias in top Republican circles. 'It would be terrific to have an article from Senator McCain that mirrors Senator Obama's piece,' NYT Op-Ed editor David Shipley explained in an email late Friday to McCain's staff. 'I'm not going to be able to accept this piece as currently written.' "

Click here to find out more about the Times' lack of respect for McCain. Comments???

Afternoon Trio

Chuck Colson: What's the Matter With Canada?

PC Magazine: Facebook Releases Revamped Site

Fox News: Jessica Simpson Booed at Debut Country Performance

Morning Trio

AP: B-52 bomber carrying 6 crashes off Guam

BBC: Facebook challenges German rival

Chicago Tribune: Roeper splits with Disney's 'At the Movies'

Sunday, July 20, 2008

SEVERE WEATHER

A powerful line of storms is moving through Kentucky tonight. A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING has been issued for all or parts of Elliott, Rowan, Johnson, Breathitt, Jackson, Lee, Magoffin, Owsley, Morgan and Wolfe counties until 10:15pm. This line has a history of wind damage. Stay safe and I will post updates as needed.

Scoop on "Price is Right" Changes---SPOILER ALERT!!!

ATTENTION: If you want to wait until the season premiere of "The Price is Right" to know these changes, stop here and come back after the show airs on September 22.

For the rest of you, our good friends at Golden-Road.net posted the confirmed changes to the show. Contrary to some predictions, there were none of the "changes" that would tamper with tradition. There are changes to the set, including the turntable and the doors. But the BIG news has to be the following: the top prize for those who get $1 on the Bonus Spin in the Showcase Showdown will be $25,000, an increase from the original $10K. If one lands on the green sections of the wheel, he/she will get $10,000 instead of $5,000..

Golden-road.net has more info on the changes. Click here to read through them.

AP: Dobson shifts positions, may endorse McCain

This could swing the pendulum toward McCain big-time:

The Associated Press: Dobson shifts positions, may endorse McCain

Comments???

UPDATE at 10:27pm ET: Drudge is reporting that McCain and Obama have agreed to attend a "megachurch forum" on August 16. More soon...

Evening Trio

DEBKAfile: Source: US to attack Iran between November and January if talks fail

Lexington Herald-Leader: Appalachian English: Speaking the stereotype

AP: Harrington wins 2nd straight British Open

Morning Trio

AP: Pope urges Australian youths to spurn materialism

Townhall.com: The Hatfield 'n' McCoy vote

Lexington Herald-Leader: UK graduate wins Miss Kentucky

Thursday, July 17, 2008

BREAKING: Another Frankfort Scandal Brewing

From WHAS-TV's Mark Hebert:

"WHAS-11 News has learned that Kentucky’s #2 Nursing Home Regulator has been fired, because of an improper relationship with a nursing home operator. The FBI and State Attorney General are now investigating allegations that Moses Young lives, perhaps rent free, in a house owned by a nursing home owner and may have influenced state investigations of the facility.

Moses Young was a high ranking official in the State Inspector General’s office. The Assistant Director of Nursing Home Regulation, he has now been fired. And now, criminal investigators are trying to figure out if Young was on-the-take and jeopardizing the care and safety of some of Kentucky’s most vulnerable citizens. The Garrard convalescent Home in Northern Kentucky has been the target of 23 complaints since 2004, alleging everything from abuse and neglect of residents to a bedbug problem. But according to state records, every one of those complaints has been unsubstantiated, and dismissed by state regulators."

Click here to read more on this scandal.

Evening Trio

Courier-Journal: Overflow crowd in Louisville for controvesial evangelist Todd Bentley

L.A. Times: Bush leads mourners at Tony Snow's funeral

Sports Network: Mets try to extend winning streak in Cincinnati

Developing: UK player Mark Coury given release

From WKYT:

"[Coach Billy Gillispie] announced that forward Mark Coury has asked for and been granted a release to pursue a scholarship at another school. Gillispie said Coury was free to return if the player is unable to land a scholarship."

Read more from today's UK press conference here. How will this and Derrick Jasper's transfer affect the Cats this season? Post your comments.

Afternoon Trio

WKYT: BREAKING: Major fire in Downtown Lexington

Voice of America: Thousands Greet Pope in Sydney

Philadelphia Enquirer: Former UK Batcat Joe Blanton acquisition 'realistic'

Morning Trio

WorldNetDaily: Voters given chance to ban same-sex 'marriage'

Chicago Tribune: Coffins in Israel, cheers in Beirut

FoxSports.com: NFL hiring experts to spot gang signals

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Developing: Michelle Obama will not go with Barack on Mideast/Europe trip

From the Drudge Report:

"Michelle Obama IS NOT going on Obama's trips to Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, and Europe. Nor would she have a policy role in the Obama administration; she would be raising their daughters. But SHE WILL have a primetime speaking role at the Democratic National Convention. NEW YORK TIMES reporter Patrick 'The Biographer' Healy will be first out with the full details in the coming days, newsrooms sources tell DRUDGE." (emphasis in original)

Your thoughts???

Evening Trio

OneNewsNow.com: What Happened to Faith in Britain?

Wall Street Journal: Microsoft, Time Warner To Discuss Possible Deal

MLB.com: USA Baseball names Olympic team

BREAKING: Barnett guilty of wanton murder in chief's slaying

From the Lexington Herald-Leader:

"After nearly two days of deliberations, a jury has found James H. “Jamie” Barnett guilty of wanton murder in the shooting death of Clay City police chief Randy Lacy.
The eight men and four women had the option of finding Barnett not guilty or guilty of intentional murder, second-degree manslaughter or, if they thought he was drunk and high at the time of Lacy's killing, wanton murder."

Click here for more. Comments???

Afternoon Trio

Christian Post: Mass. Senate OK's Out-of-State Gay 'Marriages'

AP: Cleveland-Cliffs to buy coal producer Alpha Natural Resources for nearly $10B

AP: Tour de France rider detained by police for doping

BREAKING: William Petersen's `CSI' life of crime to end

This is a shocker to all of you 'CSI' fans:

William Petersen's `CSI' life of crime to end - NYTimes.com

Click on the above link for more. Comments???

Morning Trio

Voice of America: Israel, Hezbollah Swap Prisoners

BBC: Anglican bishops gathering for Lambeth Conference

MLB.com: American League wins marathon All-Star Game 4-3 in 15 innings

Monday, July 14, 2008

BREAKING: Scorsone will not seek re-election to Senate

Lexington liberal Ernesto Scorsone (D), the only openly-gay member of Kentucky's State Senate, is withdrawing his Senate candidacy and running for a Fayette County circuit judgeship. Click on the following for more:

Pol Watchers: Scorsone will not seek re-election to Senate

Comments???

It's official: Derrick Jasper transfers to UNLV

UNLV has officially announced that former UK Wildcat Derrick Jasper is a Runnin' Rebel. Here is a portion of the press release:

"Derrick Jasper has enrolled in classes at UNLV and has become a member of the men's basketball program, head coach Lon Kruger announced Monday. Jasper, a 6-foot-6 inch, 210-pound guard, transferred to UNLV from the University of Kentucky, where he played for two seasons. He will have to sit out the 2008-09 season at UNLV because of NCAA transfer rules and will be eligible to play for the Runnin' Rebels as a junior during the 2009-10 season."

Click here to read more from the UNLV press release. How will this transfer affect UK next season? Post your comments.

Evening Trio

Voice of America: Human Rights Groups Applaud Charges Against Sudanese Leader

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Kentucky hub is where UPS keeps its wings

L.A. Times: Where'd Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie get those baby names?

Afternoon Trio

DEBKAfile: High military tension over Iranian presence on strategic Lebanese peak

MarketWatch: Icahn blasts Yahoo for rejecting latest Microsoft offer

TriCities.com: Remote Area Medical to hold free clinic in Wise, VA on July 25-27

BREAKING: Bush to lift executive ban on offshore drilling

AP via Breitbart.com: Bush to lift executive ban on offshore drilling

Let's hope and pray that Congress gets off their collective butt and lift the gosh-awful legislative ban on offshore drilling. We need, as Newt Gingrich has said time and again, to drill here, drill now, and pay less for gas.

BREAKING: Billy Packer out at CBS

From the Miami Herald:

"College basketball commentator Billy Packer, who has announced 34 consecutive Final Fours on network television and created a few controversies along the way, will not be returning to CBS for a 28th season, The Miami Herald has learned. CBS has decided to replace Packer, 68, with studio analyst Clark Kellogg on its lead announcing team. An announcement is expected Monday, but CBS representative Leslie Anne Wade confirmed the story Sunday night. CBS believed the time was right for a change and that Kellogg deserved a chance to work with Jim Nantz on the lead team. Packer, who had been going year to year with his contract, confirmed through a CBS official Sunday that he no longer will broadcast for the network but is pursuing other projects in basketball. Packer declined to comment further."

Click here to read the rest of the article. For those of us who are UK fans, this is good news because Billy Packer had a bias toward ACC teams---especially Duke and North Carolina. Where will he go next? Post your comments.

Morning Trio

AP: Mediterranean union wants to rid Mideast of WMD (Editor's note: Could this be the Revived Roman Empire that Bible prophecy experts talked about for years? I believe it could be.)

AP: Search for adventurer Fossett to resume in Nevada

WSAZ: New Sex Crimes Law Starts in Kentucky Tuesday

Sunday, July 13, 2008

BREAKING: Drudge: Lieberman may split from Dems

Matt Drudge is reporting that Connecticut US Senator Joe Lieberman (I) may break off from the Senate's Democratic caucus and may speak at the upcoming GOP convention in St. Paul. If this report is confirmed, then this may help John McCain gain some ground among moderate voters.

Comments???

Evening Trio

Voice of America: Heavy Fighting in Afghanistan Kills 9 Americans, Many Insurgents

NY Times: Rangel Calls Rent Bargain Legal and Fair

USA Today: Reds' Hairston strains hamstring running to first (The Reds eventually lost to the Brewers 3-2.)

Could American Founders Bank be the next IndyMac???

The Lexington Herald-Leader states that American Founders is losing money due to fraud. Click on the following for more:

Borrowers say fraud fueled rise of banker

I would not be surprised that American Founders, which has several prominent Kentucky Democrats on its board, could be the next bank to go belly-up.

Morning Trio

Townhall.com: The Big Anti-Semitic Lie That Won't Go Away

Wall Street Journal: Yahoo Rejects Proposal From Microsoft and Icahn

AP: Doctor: Angelina Jolie gives birth to twins

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Evening Trio

Christian Post: Apologist Debunks 'All Religions are Fundamentally the Same' Claim

NY Times: McCain’s Conservative Model? Roosevelt (Theodore, That Is)

Sporting News: Possible destinations for Brett Favre

BREAKING: Tony Snow passes away


Political commentator and former White House spokesman Tony Snow lost his battle with cancer this morning. He was 53. My prayers go out to his family.

Whitesburg Long John Silver's closed after seven fall ill

From WKYT:

"A fast food restaurant in southeastern Kentucky is closed, after several workers and a customer were rushed to the hospital. Emergency crews were called to the Long John Silvers in Letcher County Friday night. We're told six workers and one customer were taken to the Whitesburg Hospital for treatment. Officials say they suspect carbon monoxide may have caused the people to get sick. All of them are expected to recover. Firefighters are still at the restaurant trying to figure out what caused the incident."

Developing...

UPDATE at 6:05pm on Saturday: WYMT is reporting tonight that tests are showing that it was NOT carbon monoxide as some have thought. More details as soon as they are available.

UPDATE at 7:22pm ET: WYMT has an in-depth update here.

Morning Trio

ABC News: Thousands Flock to Revival in Search of Miracles (This is a story about the controversial Lakeland Revival and its leader, Todd Bentley, who has been criticized --even within Christianity--for his tactics.)

AP: Famous cardiovascular surgeon DeBakey dead at 99

Forbes.com: Ohio coal industry wary of Obama energy plan

Friday, July 11, 2008

Evening Trio

TriCities.com: The difference between Christianity and Islam

Wall Street Journal: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Face More Pressure as Stocks Swoon

Country Weekly: Kathy Mattea to Board Santa Train

Report: 10 arrested and one cited for illegal sales of poisonous snakes

The Lexington Herald-Leader's Pol Watchers blog is reporting that ten people were arrested and one was cited in an undercover probe of illegal sales of poisonous and venomous snakes and reptiles. According to the blog, several snakes were seized, including illegal western diamondback rattlesnakes, timber rattlesnakes, cottonmouth water moccasins, northern and southern copperheads, cobras, great basin rattlesnakes, a gaboon viper, a puff adder and an alligator. More arrests and charges are pending.

Click here to find out more about this ongoing investigation.

Afternoon Trio

CBN News: Global Ministries Pained by Weak Dollar

BBC: Lebanon announces unity government

WYMT: Jenkins City Council Considering Ordinance Fining People For Blocking Water Meters

Morning Trio

AP: Bodies of 2 missing US soldiers are found in Iraq

Times of London (UK): Backlash fears as Sudanese president faces genocide indictment

Appalachian News-Express: Pike County chop shop ring busted

Thursday, July 10, 2008

BREAKING: Another Democrat, another sweetheart deal


The New York Times is reporting that Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-New York, pictured above) has rented four apartments at bargain-basement prices. Three are residential ones, the other is for his re-election campaign. Rangel "paid a total rent of $3,894 monthly in 2007 for the four apartments at Lenox Terrace, a 1,700-unit, six-tower luxury development with doormen that is described in real estate publications as Harlem’s most prestigious address." However, the market-rate rent for similar apartments goes for $7,465 to $8,125 a month. Here is the kicker: one of the four apartments is a campaign office, which goes against state and city regulations that reserves rent-stabilized apartments for residents. Rangel, who is billed as a champion of the poor, has a net worth of $566,000 to $1.2 million.
Click here for more about this developing scandal. This is more proof that the Democrats are more interested in getting sweetheart deals rather than securing America from threats such as Iran.

BREAKING: WYMT to start a 4pm newscast in September

Jim Caldwell, chief meteorologist at WYMT in Hazard, said on his blog that WYMT will begin a 4pm newscast beginning in September. Read here for more. More details soon there and here.

Comments??

Evening Trio

CNSNews.com: Dumbing Down America's Colleges

L.A. Times: Jackson's Obama comments almost went unnoticed

AP: Jacksonville Jaguars' Matt Jones arrested on felony drug charge

Afternoon Trio

CBN News: Is the U.S. Ready for Bio-Warfare?

CNSNews.com: Rice Pledges U.S. Will Defend Israel

Wall Street Journal: GE Considers Broader Spinoff

Morning Trio

BBC: US warns Iran on missile threat

AP: Census: New Orleans fastest-growing city in US

Sports Network: Stewart, Gibbs parting ways after 2008 season

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

BREAKING: Fire in Downtown Pikeville

From WYMTnews.com:

"We're hearing reports of a fire at an apartment building on Hambley Drive in Downtown Pikeville. Firefighters from several departments are on scene fighting the flames. We're being told that at least one person is on their way to the hospital for injuries."

More details as soon as I get them.

UPDATE at 10:03pm ET: Fox 56 is reporting that two people have died in the fire...one was a woman, the other a teenage boy. PRAY for the victims and their families.

Tuesday Night Update

Hey guys...hope all is well with you. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for reading my blog the past few months. Each one of you is special to me.

I have yet to find out more info about the Whitesburg High School Class of '98 reunion. I know that it will be on September 13 and will include a lunch at the River Park in Whitesburg, a tour of the new Letcher County Central High School, and a dinner at the Highland Winery at Seco. That info is from January...if there are any updates, let me know ASAP.

Also, the annual Appalachia Day Homecoming will be held on the second Saturday in October (October 11) on the campus of my alma mater, Alice Lloyd College. The schedule includes, as always, the Alumni Association Meeting, music, food (the soupbean dinner is a tradition), alumni basketball games, and more. If there are any changes or new events, let me know.

As always, your comments and messages are always welcome.

See ya and God Bless,

William King :)
Whitesburg High School Class of 1998
Alice Lloyd College Class of 2002

Evening Trio

Kentucky Power: Thousands in Eastern Kentucky without power after storms...click here for latest outage map

Voice of America: US Presidential Candidates Address Hispanic Conference

Courier-Journal: Horsemen say deals with Keeneland, Turfway not finished

Afternoon Trio

Christianity Today: Philanthropist Sir John Templeton Dies

MarketWatch: Bernanke seeks new powers for Fed

FOX Sports: Up to $50M in debt, Vick files for Chapter 11

Morning Trio

Human Events: Afghanistan’s Murky Future

AP: Hurricane Bertha may weaken within a few days

AP: Poll: Pet owners favor McCain

Monday, July 7, 2008

BREAKING: Church of England to ordain women bishops

From the BBC:

"The Church of England's ruling body, the General Synod, has voted to confirm the ordination of women as bishops. But a national code to accommodate traditionalists was approved by the Synod, which was meeting in York. Some 1,300 clergy have threatened to leave the Church if safeguards are not agreed to reassure traditionalists. They made the threat in a letter to the archbishops of Canterbury and York, but critics say many of the signatories are retired rather than serving clergy."

Comments???

Evening Trio

Baptist Standard (Texas): What’s happening to the Western church?

Voice of America: G8 Leaders Examine Goals, Shortcomings on Emergency Africa Aid

WYMT: East Kentucky Fair Kicks Off July 31st

Afternoon Trio

Wall Street Journal: China Prepares Olympic Bible Giveaway

MarketWatch.com: Microsoft open to talks if Yahoo boots directors

BBC: Nicole Kidman gives birth to girl

Barack Obama wants YOU...to pay for abortions!


The Christian Defense Coalition and its director, the Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, has started a new campaign: "Barack Obama: The Abortion President." CBN's Brody File has more here. Post your comments below...keep it clean.

Morning Trio

AP: Bertha becomes first hurricane of Atlantic season

Wall Street Journal: 'Independent' Ads Tout McCain's Energy Policies

Kingsport Times-News: High Knob tower arson suspect faces July 24 trial

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Sunday Night Severe Weather

SEVERE T-STORM WARNING for east-central Johnson and west-central Martin counties until 10...a separate warning for SW Martin until 10pm...penny-size hail is possible with these storms.

Evening Trio

Dallas Morning News: McCain steps up efforts to woo religious voters

PR Newswire via Breitbart.com: NBC Universal and partners to acquire The Weather Channel

BBC: Nadal wins epic Wimbledon final

Morning Trio

AFP: Israel successfully tests missile interceptor: report

Memphis Commercial Appeal: Christianity sweeping China

AP: Busch nips Edwards to win under caution at Daytona

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Saturday Afternoon Severe Weather

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING just issued for SE Magoffin County until 6:15pm. There are several Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisories for portions of Eastern Kentucky. Click here for the latest Kentucky warnings from the National Weather Service. Also, Chris Bailey has his brand-new blog up and running at kyweathercenter.com. His current blog on wkyt.com will be up and running through tomorrow. TG Shuck will do the blogging on WKYT starting Monday.

Evening Trio

Sunday Telegraph (UK): Anglican bishops in secret Vatican summit

Palm Beach Post: Forecasters say Bertha expected to become hurricane

Sports Network: Lexington native Tyson Gay injured in 200m quarters

BREAKING: Civil rights activist Louis Coleman is dead

From The Courier-Journal:

"The Rev. Louis Coleman, a civil rights activist and head of the Justice Resource Center, has died, according to longtime friend Mattie Jones. Coleman was inducted into the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame in 2000. He was honored as being instrumental in winning a lawsuit that challenged the lack of black coaches in Kentucky high school sports."

My prayers go out to his family and friends.

BREAKING: Ellis Park to reopen

From The Courier-Journal:

Ellis Park in Henderson, Ky. will reopen next week after owner Ron Geary and horsemen reached an agreement that gives the horsemen the larger share of account wagering revenues they wanted. "We've got the deal done and we're delighted," said Rick Hiles, president of the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.

Geary could not be reached for comment immediately, but outlined the terms of the deal in a telephone interview and cut the call short because he said horsemen were calling him to inform them of their decision. Geary said the deal would open the track on Friday. Hiles said Thursday was a possibility.

Comments???

Morning Trio

Wall Street Journal: How Jesse Helms Made a Difference

Religious Intelligence: Bishops accuse British government of ignoring Christianity

AP: Champ retains NYC hot-dog eating title in overtime

Friday, July 4, 2008

Report: "Price is Right" producer fired

If you have visited my MySpace page or Facebook profile, you would notice that my favorite game show is The Price is Right. If you watch Price, you usually see Drew Carey and the models and hear the voice of Rich Fields announcing the prizes. However, there are people behind the scenes that also make Price tick.

One of those was Roger Dobkowitz. According to the fan site golden-road.net, Dobkowitz was fired by Fremantle Media, the company that essentially runs Price (as well as ratings king American Idol). According to golden-road.net site administrator Marc, "The show that I have spent nearly my entire life watching and enjoying isn't as enjoyable to me these days, and my fear is that this "new direction" will only put the show in an unrecognizable state. I grew up watching Bob Barker -- he's gone. John (a site moderator) and I developed a great friendship with the man behind so much of the show's success and creativity -- now he's gone. The pillars supporting the reasons why I decided to build & continue maintaining this site are no longer in place."

In my view, this is beyond shocking. I do not know the real reason why Roger was fired, but this will be the beginning of a new chapter for Price. Your thoughts???

UPDATE on Sunday at 6:02pm ET: I sent an email yesterday (Saturday) to powerhouse CBS affiliate WKYT in Lexington asking if they had heard about the rumored changes. I will post quotes from their response when I get one. In addition, Carrie Grosvenor stated today on her game show blog that she doesn't "see any drastic changes forthcoming, and...it's important to understand that, while we have no concrete information on what's to come, there's no reason to freak out and assume the worst." We have yet to hear the last of this developing story.

UPDATE on Sunday at 6:32pm ET: Golden-road.net moderator John posted the latest news on the saga. Here are the most significant developments since the firing:

"What we know: Kathy Greco has assumed the role of Producer, with Stan Blits, Sue MacIntye, and Adam Sandler assisting for the time being with the tasks assigned to Roger. We do know that a number of changes have been discussed, several of which have appeared in discussions on [golden-road.net] this weekend. The fact is, honestly, that we have no facts at this time. (emphasis mine) The comments on other various websites and on previous threads here about "calming down" are to be recognized, but also understand that changes are forthcoming. We can also confirm that a new pricing game is scheduled to premiere in the first week of the new Season, we know that the show is going to be broadcast in High Definition, and we know that the show will be integrating a video wall as needed. This new pricing game will be the final game created by our friend Roger in his 36 year term with the show."

UPDATE on Tuesday at 8:49am: TVgameshows.net has more info about the departure of Dobkowitz:

"Roger Dobkowitz, veteran executive producer of The Price Is Right, will not return to the series next season amid reports of possible format changes ahead...The change comes amid mixed performances during Drew Carey's first year as host of Price. The 36-year-old game has lost 18 percent of its audience in daytime year-to-year over Bob Barker's final season. However, the nighttime Price Is Right Million $ Spectacular won its time slot every week during its Friday night airings in the late winter and early spring. Price has been holding its own in weekly repeats of the evening specials in a Wednesday-at-8 time slot. The vulnerability for Price now comes from ratings reports of the last two months. TPIR is now losing not just 18-49 age demos but overall total viewers to The View on ABC on an average of two days per week. A number of media analysts are chalking up the audience slippage to a combination of Barker's retirement, Carey's below par performance as host and the show's age.

"One source close to the show has told TVgameshows.net a replacement for Dobkowitz may not come from within the existing staff. The general perception inside the show is that major changes to Price may be in the offing that could resemble international versions of the game. The source said FremantleMedia is expected to seek a producer who can both "contemporize the show and make it more compatible with Drew's talents." While reviews of Carey's performance have been decidedly mixed, no indication exists that CBS would consider buying up the remaining two years on the comedian's contract. Though overall ratings are slipping, Price still maintains a strong lead-in for CBS affiliate local midday newscasts along the Eastern Seaboard."

I will say this: WKYT's 27 NewsFirst at Noon has been the number one noon news for about three decades or so. If "Price" continues its ratings slide, NewsFirst would lose more viewers to LEX 18 News and Action News 36. We will see come this fall when the new season of "Price" begins.

Evening Trio

Voice of America: Analysts: African Union Weakened by Summit Inaction on Zimbabwe

L.A. Times: Charlie Crist, potential John McCain running mate, to marry

Lexington Herald-Leader: Former UK football star Burton signs with Rams

Afternoon Trio








Morning Trio

OneNewsNow.com: Another Evangelical questions Obama's 'Christianity'

CNSNews.com: Group Asks for Divine Intervention to Ease Oil Prices

L.A. Times: The Brett Favre story sure seems familiar

Thursday, July 3, 2008

BREAKING: Dawahare's to close 22 remaining stores

From WYMTnews.com:

"A major retail chain with Eastern Kentucky roots is going out of business, leaving hundreds of people about to lose their jobs. Dawahare's is closing all of its 22 remaining stores. The retail chain is going out of business because it can not raise the money it needs to continue operating.

"Bankruptcy court documents filed Thursday in Lexington show the 101 year old family business that started in Eastern Kentucky expects to run out of money by October. More than 100 Dawahare's employees already lost their jobs after seven stores closed. Now all of Dawahare's 400 remaining employees are set to lose their jobs by the end of September."

Dawahare's started in Letcher County in 1906. This is an end of an grand era in Kentucky's business history. Comments???

Evening Trio

Baptist Press: Christian conservative leaders unify behind McCain, adopt statement with common goals

Times of London (UK): Israel Right demands wall to keep Palestinians out of Jerusalem

Broadcasting & Cable: Wheel of Fortune Adds $1M Twist

BREAKING: Fen-phen case ends in mistrial

From the Lexington Herald-Leader:

After more than eight days of deliberation and eight weeks of testimony, a federal judge on Thursday declared a mistrial in the case of two Lexington lawyers accused of bilking their former clients of millions of dollars in a diet-drug settlement. That means Shirley Cunningham Jr. and William Gallion will face a second criminal trial, a date for which has not been set. The two men are to remain in the Boone County jail until the trial. U.S. District Court Judge William Bertelsman denied the two men's request for bail. They have been charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Click here to read the rest of the article. Comments???

Afternoon Trio

Voice of America: Trial Ordered for US Airline France Blames for Concorde Crash

Williamson Daily News: New drug rehab facility opening in Pike Co.

Courier-Journal: Jordan Crawford to ... not UK

Morning Trio

BBC: Betancourt hails 'perfect' rescue

AP: Algeria convicts 2 for promoting Christianity

Sports Network: Sonics reach settlement with Seattle; will move to Oklahoma City

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Developing: Ellis Park racetrack closing down

Henderson's Ellis Park racetrack is closing down. From The Courier-Journal:

"Ellis Park owner Ron Geary said tonight he’s closing the Henderson, Ky., racetrack, which was scheduled to open its summer thoroughbred meeting on Friday. Geary said he made the decision after a federal judge denied his request for an injunction against Kentucky horsemen that would have allowed him to offer the track’s races to national account wagering outlets."

Click here to read more.

Evening Trio

Times of London (UK): US leads push for sanctions against Zimbabwe

National Geographic: George Washington's Boyhood Home Found

AP: Doctor: Birth of Jolie twins may be weeks away

Afternoon Trio

Acton Institute: Christianity and the History of Freedom

Wall Street Journal: Microsoft Seeks Partners For a New Run at Yahoo

ESPN: Kentucky basketball museum closes in face of financial woes

Developing: Rush Limbaugh signs megadeal

The Radio Equalizer blog is reporting that radio king Rush Limbaugh has signed a renewal megadeal with Premiere Radio Networks and its parent firm Clear Channel that includes a nine-figure signing bonus. You read it right--a signing bonus worth at least $100 million. The deal runs through 2016. Leftists will be "infuriated" according to the blog. Left-wing talk radio has been struggling while conservative talk radio has been booming.

Comments???

UPDATE at 9:25am: Matt Drudge is reporting that "the total package [of Limbaugh's deal] is valued north of $400 million, according to media insiders."

Morning Trio

Jerusalem Post: Bulldozer driver shot dead after going on rampage in Jerusalem

Virginian-Pilot: Judge denies Christian group's request to display cross

BBC: Lost Beatles interview found