Today is May 20th. On this date in 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis received a patent for using copper rivets to reinforce blue jeans. Over 100 years later, Tony Stark cited their innovation as a “personal inspiration”. Also on this date in 1899, Jacob German, a cab driver, became the first person in the United States to get a speeding ticket. He was going 12mph, the maniac. The officer who stopped him was almost out of breath when he caught up. On this date in 1993, the final episode of Cheers aired, marking the last time there was a place in America where everybody knows your name. Today is also the birthday of philosopher John Stuart Mill. During his life, he celebrated the occasion by drinking half a pint of shandy of his own free will, usually ending up particularly ill. And finally, today is “Be A Millionaire Day”. You can celebrate by sending me money through Paypal so I can fulfill the day’s purpose. Consider this an Open Thread.

Lockerbie bomber died today | Hot Air
“The Lockerbie bomber died in his bed this weekend of cancer almost three years after a sleazy deal with the British government sent him back to Libya”

Who Is Barack Obama? The Question that Won’t Go Away | PJM
“It’s a question that has recurred as more and more pieces of the Obama jigsaw puzzle have worked their way loose and exposed little gaps or fissures in the story.”

Obama: Stop Condescending to Women | Campbell Brown
“The women I know who are struggling in this economy couldn’t be further from the fictional character of Julia, presented in Mr. Obama’s Web ad, “The Life of Julia,” a silly and embarrassing caricature based on the assumption that women look to government at every meaningful phase of their lives for help.”

NC Teacher Screams At Student: It’S Criminal To Criticize Obama | Big Government
“A YouTube video uploaded on Monday afternoon apparently shows a schoolteacher from the Rowan-Salisbury school district in North Carolina informing a student that failing to be respectful of President Obama is a criminal offense.” … this was immediately after she was trashing Romney. – c

#DNC2012 caught breaking “we won’t take corporate donations” pledge | Sister Toldjah
“The Democratic Party vowed not to take any corporate donations for this year’s convention in Charlotte, but a special fundraising group is taking corporate dollars for the DNC.”

The Case Against 434 Main Street, Tewksbury, Ma from lineholder.

hypnagogic (hip-nuh-GAH-jik): adjective of, relating to, or occurring in the period of drowsiness immediately preceding sleep.
(via Merriam-Webster.com)

Today is May 20th. On this date in 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis received a patent for using copper rivets to reinforce blue jeans. Over 100 years later, Tony Stark cited their innovation as a “personal inspiration”. Also on this date in 1899, Jacob German, a cab driver, became the first person in the United States to get a speeding ticket. He was going 12mph, the maniac. The officer who stopped him was almost out of breath when he caught up. On this date in 1993, the final episode of Cheers aired, marking the last time there was a place in America where everybody knows your name. Today is also the birthday of philosopher John Stuart Mill. During his life, he celebrated the occasion by drinking half a pint of shandy of his own free will, usually ending up particularly ill. And finally, today is “Be A Millionaire Day”. You can celebrate by sending me money through Paypal so I can fulfill the day’s purpose. Consider this an Open Thread.

Lockerbie bomber died today | Hot Air
“The Lockerbie bomber died in his bed this weekend of cancer almost three years after a sleazy deal with the British government sent him back to Libya”

Who Is Barack Obama? The Question that Won’t Go Away | PJM
“It’s a question that has recurred as more and more pieces of the Obama jigsaw puzzle have worked their way loose and exposed little gaps or fissures in the story.”

Obama: Stop Condescending to Women | Campbell Brown
“The women I know who are struggling in this economy couldn’t be further from the fictional character of Julia, presented in Mr. Obama’s Web ad, “The Life of Julia,” a silly and embarrassing caricature based on the assumption that women look to government at every meaningful phase of their lives for help.”

NC Teacher Screams At Student: It’S Criminal To Criticize Obama | Big Government
“A YouTube video uploaded on Monday afternoon apparently shows a schoolteacher from the Rowan-Salisbury school district in North Carolina informing a student that failing to be respectful of President Obama is a criminal offense.” … this was immediately after she was trashing Romney. – c

#DNC2012 caught breaking “we won’t take corporate donations” pledge | Sister Toldjah
“The Democratic Party vowed not to take any corporate donations for this year’s convention in Charlotte, but a special fundraising group is taking corporate dollars for the DNC.”

The Case Against 434 Main Street, Tewksbury, Ma from lineholder.

hypnagogic (hip-nuh-GAH-jik): adjective of, relating to, or occurring in the period of drowsiness immediately preceding sleep.
(via Merriam-Webster.com)

Today is May 18th. On this date in 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte became the Emperor of France. His first official act was to make Andre the Giant illegal. Also on this date in 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted. The column of smoke and volcanic ash rose 80,000 feet into the atmosphere, with debris and deposits from the column spanning 11 states. Reached for comment, the volcano issued this statement: “My bad, my bad. It was a long day, they got my order wrong at Starbucks again, and then some jerk cut me off in traffic. I just blew up!” On this date in 1846, Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé was born. He was best known for his Fabergé eggs. It took weeks for him to lay them all, and he never walked the same again. And finally, today is National Pizza Party Day, when pizzas from around the world get together to dance, drink, and just hang out and be. Consider this an Open Thread.

Love, Dad | Letters of Note
“In June of 1971, just days before his 26-year-old son, Michael, got married, future-U.S. President Ronald Reagan sent him the following letter of advice. It really is quite stunning.”

John Lewis: Republicans making it ‘almost impossible for the average person’ to vote | Right Scoop
“What’s unbelievable to me is that John Lewis, who claims to have such a passion for protecting the right to vote, actually has such little regard for protecting this unique privilege and would rather lie to the American people”

Comedy Central: ‘Conservative Hashtag Games Are Ruining Twitter’ | Newsbusters
“The folks at Comedy Central actually published an article Thursday with the headline ‘Conservative Hashtag Games Are Ruining Twitter’”

Did Elizabeth Warren Plagiarize Her ‘Pow Wow Chow’ Recipes? | Big Government
“Ms. Warren ‘s campaign has not commented on the suggestion that she may have plagiarized her recipe contributions to the Pow Wow Chow cookbook.”

For Obama, Hopelessness is the Key to Lower Unemployment from Dan Hellman.

ternate (tur-nit, -neyt): adjective consisting of three; arranged in threes.
(via Dictionary.com)

Today is May 18th. On this date in 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte became the Emperor of France. His first official act was to make Andre the Giant illegal. Also on this date in 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted. The column of smoke and volcanic ash rose 80,000 feet into the atmosphere, with debris and deposits from the column spanning 11 states. Reached for comment, the volcano issued this statement: “My bad, my bad. It was a long day, they got my order wrong at Starbucks again, and then some jerk cut me off in traffic. I just blew up!” On this date in 1846, Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé was born. He was best known for his Fabergé eggs. It took weeks for him to lay them all, and he never walked the same again. And finally, today is National Pizza Party Day, when pizzas from around the world get together to dance, drink, and just hang out and be. Consider this an Open Thread.

Love, Dad | Letters of Note
“In June of 1971, just days before his 26-year-old son, Michael, got married, future-U.S. President Ronald Reagan sent him the following letter of advice. It really is quite stunning.”

John Lewis: Republicans making it ‘almost impossible for the average person’ to vote | Right Scoop
“What’s unbelievable to me is that John Lewis, who claims to have such a passion for protecting the right to vote, actually has such little regard for protecting this unique privilege and would rather lie to the American people”

Comedy Central: ‘Conservative Hashtag Games Are Ruining Twitter’ | Newsbusters
“The folks at Comedy Central actually published an article Thursday with the headline ‘Conservative Hashtag Games Are Ruining Twitter’”

Did Elizabeth Warren Plagiarize Her ‘Pow Wow Chow’ Recipes? | Big Government
“Ms. Warren ‘s campaign has not commented on the suggestion that she may have plagiarized her recipe contributions to the Pow Wow Chow cookbook.”

For Obama, Hopelessness is the Key to Lower Unemployment from Dan Hellman.

ternate (tur-nit, -neyt): adjective consisting of three; arranged in threes.
(via Dictionary.com)

Today is May 17th. On this date in 1792, a group of brokers met under a buttonwood tree on what is now Wall Street and founded the New York Stock Exchange. Everybody picked a button from the tree and then they traded, and that’s how stock trading was born! Also on this date, in 1877, the first telephone switchboard-connected burglar alarm was installed by inventor Edwin T. Holmes. Under a buttonwood tree. Yeah those trees get around. Hey, everybody needs buttons. On this date in 1955, actor Bill Paxton was born. The first thing his mother said to him was “hey, it’s Bill Pullman!!” And finally, today is World Information Society Day, a day designated by the U.N. to celebrate the internet and its wide availability of cat pictures. Wait a second, I just realized … I’m on the internet. CELEBRATE ME!! Consider this an Open Thread.

Climate change denial worse than Holocaust denial? | Washington Examiner
“‘Although there was evidence available – Hitler was clear about what he wanted to do in Mein Kampf – why did people not pay attention?’ he asks, rhetorically. ‘These “deniers” might as well have been called skeptics in their day.’”

Politico Renews Attacks On Private Citizens To Protect Obama | Big Journalism
“Ace of Spades reports that Politico “reporter” Maggie Haberman has taken it upon herself to do background checks on private citizens appearing in Mitt Romney campaign ads.”

More Campus PC Insanity, MN University Creates Gender-Neutral Restrooms | Fox Nation
“The University of Minnesota-Duluth administration ceded to student Blair Moses’s demand for gender neutral bathrooms on campus after he threatened and began an extended hunger strike.”

Rangel: Obama Didn’t ‘Hug and Kiss Me Like I Wish He Would’ | PJM
“Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.), angling for his 22nd term in Congress, said today ‘that, so far, my dreams and expectations of having a president like Obama have been achieved’ — brushing off Obama’s comment two years ago that the scandal-ridden congressman should hang up his gloves.”

New Protectionism #FAIL | Liz Mair
“The Commerce Department is set to unveil new tariffs on solar technology imported from China this afternoon in a case that has the industry on tenterhooks.”

Senate Votes Down 5-Year Balanced Budget Plan by conservativerock5

maffick (MAF-ik): verb to celebrate with boisterous rejoicing and hilarious behavior.
(via Merriam-Webster.com)

Today is May 17th. On this date in 1792, a group of brokers met under a buttonwood tree on what is now Wall Street and founded the New York Stock Exchange. Everybody picked a button from the tree and then they traded, and that’s how stock trading was born! Also on this date, in 1877, the first telephone switchboard-connected burglar alarm was installed by inventor Edwin T. Holmes. Under a buttonwood tree. Yeah those trees get around. Hey, everybody needs buttons. On this date in 1955, actor Bill Paxton was born. The first thing his mother said to him was “hey, it’s Bill Pullman!!” And finally, today is World Information Society Day, a day designated by the U.N. to celebrate the internet and its wide availability of cat pictures. Wait a second, I just realized … I’m on the internet. CELEBRATE ME!! Consider this an Open Thread.

Climate change denial worse than Holocaust denial? | Washington Examiner
“‘Although there was evidence available – Hitler was clear about what he wanted to do in Mein Kampf – why did people not pay attention?’ he asks, rhetorically. ‘These “deniers” might as well have been called skeptics in their day.’”

Politico Renews Attacks On Private Citizens To Protect Obama | Big Journalism
“Ace of Spades reports that Politico “reporter” Maggie Haberman has taken it upon herself to do background checks on private citizens appearing in Mitt Romney campaign ads.”

More Campus PC Insanity, MN University Creates Gender-Neutral Restrooms | Fox Nation
“The University of Minnesota-Duluth administration ceded to student Blair Moses’s demand for gender neutral bathrooms on campus after he threatened and began an extended hunger strike.”

Rangel: Obama Didn’t ‘Hug and Kiss Me Like I Wish He Would’ | PJM
“Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.), angling for his 22nd term in Congress, said today ‘that, so far, my dreams and expectations of having a president like Obama have been achieved’ — brushing off Obama’s comment two years ago that the scandal-ridden congressman should hang up his gloves.”

New Protectionism #FAIL | Liz Mair
“The Commerce Department is set to unveil new tariffs on solar technology imported from China this afternoon in a case that has the industry on tenterhooks.”

Senate Votes Down 5-Year Balanced Budget Plan by conservativerock5

maffick (MAF-ik): verb to celebrate with boisterous rejoicing and hilarious behavior.
(via Merriam-Webster.com)

Today is May 16th. On this date in 1920, Joan of Arc was beatified and canonized by the Vatican. Man, first burned at the stake, then fired from a canon? That chick just could not catch a break!! On this date in 1965, SpaghettiOs went on sale in American supermarkets for the first time. You had to go to Morganville to buy them, which is what they called Shelbyville at the time. The cans were five for a nickel, and in those days, nickels had pictures of bumblebees on ‘em. “Give me five Os for a bee” you’d say. Also on this date, in 1868, President Andrew Johnson was acquitted during a Senate impeachment hearing over alleged “high crimes and misdemeanors” by one vote. Johnson successfully argued that they were not high crimes because he did not inhale, and that he “did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Demeanors”. And finally, today is “National Love A Tree Day”, where people are encouraged to go outside and hug a tree. Seriously. Here is a helpful instructional video on how to celebrate. Consider this an Open Thread.

Do-Nothing Democrats | Free Beacon
“Senate Democrats are poised to continue their impressive streak of budgetary negligence on Wednesday by unanimously rejecting as many as five different budgets, including the one offered by President Obama.”

Video Knocks Obama’s “Bureau of Womanhood Conformity” | LifeNews
“Today, the Susan B. Anthony List released its latest web ad entitled “Womanhood,” rebuking President Obama, his allies in Congress, and the abortion lobby for the ‘War on Women.’”

Walker speeds release of positive jobs data | JSOnline
“State officials said they show a gain of 23,321 jobs (public and private) between December 2010 and December 2011, which represents Gov. Scott Walker’s first full year in office.”

Chris Matthews Is Dumb | Big Journalism
“… after relentlessly mocking how well Governor Sarah Palin would hypothetically do on “Jeopardy,” Matthews made a king-size fool of himself in reality [video].”

Morning Bell: President Me | The Foundry
“President Obama insinuated yesterday that if you don’t support his policies, it’s not due to philosophical differences, but because of his name. Answering a question on The View about tight polls, he said: ‘When your name is Barack Obama, it’s always going to be tight. Barack Hussein Obama.’”

Have Unions ‘Occupied’ the Occupiers? by Rick Berman

spruik (sprook): verb To make or give a speech, especially extensively; spiel.
(via Dictionary.com)

Today is May 16th. On this date in 1920, Joan of Arc was beatified and canonized by the Vatican. Man, first burned at the stake, then fired from a canon? That chick just could not catch a break!! On this date in 1965, SpaghettiOs went on sale in American supermarkets for the first time. You had to go to Morganville to buy them, which is what they called Shelbyville at the time. The cans were five for a nickel, and in those days, nickels had pictures of bumblebees on ‘em. “Give me five Os for a bee” you’d say. Also on this date, in 1868, President Andrew Johnson was acquitted during a Senate impeachment hearing over alleged “high crimes and misdemeanors” by one vote. Johnson successfully argued that they were not high crimes because he did not inhale, and that he “did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Demeanors”. And finally, today is “National Love A Tree Day”, where people are encouraged to go outside and hug a tree. Seriously. Here is a helpful instructional video on how to celebrate. Consider this an Open Thread.

Do-Nothing Democrats | Free Beacon
“Senate Democrats are poised to continue their impressive streak of budgetary negligence on Wednesday by unanimously rejecting as many as five different budgets, including the one offered by President Obama.”

Video Knocks Obama’s “Bureau of Womanhood Conformity” | LifeNews
“Today, the Susan B. Anthony List released its latest web ad entitled “Womanhood,” rebuking President Obama, his allies in Congress, and the abortion lobby for the ‘War on Women.’”

Walker speeds release of positive jobs data | JSOnline
“State officials said they show a gain of 23,321 jobs (public and private) between December 2010 and December 2011, which represents Gov. Scott Walker’s first full year in office.”

Chris Matthews Is Dumb | Big Journalism
“… after relentlessly mocking how well Governor Sarah Palin would hypothetically do on “Jeopardy,” Matthews made a king-size fool of himself in reality [video].”

Morning Bell: President Me | The Foundry
“President Obama insinuated yesterday that if you don’t support his policies, it’s not due to philosophical differences, but because of his name. Answering a question on The View about tight polls, he said: ‘When your name is Barack Obama, it’s always going to be tight. Barack Hussein Obama.’”

Have Unions ‘Occupied’ the Occupiers? by Rick Berman

spruik (sprook): verb To make or give a speech, especially extensively; spiel.
(via Dictionary.com)

Today is May 15th. On this date in 1618, Johannes Kepler discovered the Harmonic Law, or the Third Law of Planetary Motion. This law governs where and when a person can play a harmonica unironically. On this date in 1768, France purchased Corsica from Genoa. But only 18 grams, any more than that and France could have been charged with possession with intent to distribute. On this date in 1756, the Seven Years War began. Tragically, only 3 years survived. Also on this date, in 1856, L. Frank Baum, author of the Wizard of Oz books, was born. The L. stood for “Love Me Some Obama”. #ObamaInHistory And finally, today is National Sea Monkey Day, a horrifying day marked by the traumatic singing of the traditional holiday song “Sea Monkey See, Do, Monkey, Do”. Consider this an Open Thread.

The Left Is Getting Clobbered On Twitter | PowerLine
“In the skirmishing so far, one perhaps surprising media advantage has become clear: the right is clobbering the left on Twitter.”

Blogger Confronts Newspaper that Stole His Article with $500 Invoice | PJM
“As both his editor and a peer in the new media world a sense of pride sweeps over me while watching Duane calmly, professionally LAY DOWN THE LAW and GET PAID”

The Facebook effect | The Economist
“But back-of-the-envelope calculations by Mr Sisney suggest that California might get a windfall of $2 billion over the current and coming fiscal years, and possibly billions more if the shares trade well.”

Air Force Eliminates Test Flights for New Light Attack Plane | PJM
“Would you buy combat airplane without knowing whether it can even fly? The guys on Pawn Stars wouldn’t do that — but apparently the United States Air Force will.”

Inside The Secret Miami Meeting Of George Soros’ Liberal Conspiracy | Free Beacon
“A secretive network of left-wing billionaires and their political operatives descended on the luxurious Biltmore Hotel in Miami over the weekend to discuss strategy for the coming elections.”

The Left’s War on Wisconsin” from briansikma.

altiloquent (awl-TIL-uh-kwuhnt): noun High-flown or pretentious language.
(Via Thesaurus.com)

Today is May 15th. On this date in 1618, Johannes Kepler discovered the Harmonic Law, or the Third Law of Planetary Motion. This law governs where and when a person can play a harmonica unironically. On this date in 1768, France purchased Corsica from Genoa. But only 18 grams, any more than that and France could have been charged with possession with intent to distribute. On this date in 1756, the Seven Years War began. Tragically, only 3 years survived. Also on this date, in 1856, L. Frank Baum, author of the Wizard of Oz books, was born. The L. stood for “Love Me Some Obama”. #ObamaInHistory And finally, today is National Sea Monkey Day, a horrifying day marked by the traumatic singing of the traditional holiday song “Sea Monkey See, Do, Monkey, Do”. Consider this an Open Thread.

The Left Is Getting Clobbered On Twitter | PowerLine
“In the skirmishing so far, one perhaps surprising media advantage has become clear: the right is clobbering the left on Twitter.”

Blogger Confronts Newspaper that Stole His Article with $500 Invoice | PJM
“As both his editor and a peer in the new media world a sense of pride sweeps over me while watching Duane calmly, professionally LAY DOWN THE LAW and GET PAID”

The Facebook effect | The Economist
“But back-of-the-envelope calculations by Mr Sisney suggest that California might get a windfall of $2 billion over the current and coming fiscal years, and possibly billions more if the shares trade well.”

Air Force Eliminates Test Flights for New Light Attack Plane | PJM
“Would you buy combat airplane without knowing whether it can even fly? The guys on Pawn Stars wouldn’t do that — but apparently the United States Air Force will.”

Inside The Secret Miami Meeting Of George Soros’ Liberal Conspiracy | Free Beacon
“A secretive network of left-wing billionaires and their political operatives descended on the luxurious Biltmore Hotel in Miami over the weekend to discuss strategy for the coming elections.”

The Left’s War on Wisconsin” from briansikma.

altiloquent (awl-TIL-uh-kwuhnt): noun High-flown or pretentious language.
(Via Thesaurus.com)