Hey y’all. Each day on the front page I post “The Daily Links”. As you may know, it’s various articles of interest from around the web, as well as serving as a daily Open Thread. Yesterday, I added a new feature:

This is a way for RedState to highlight content from the members of our community, and give recognition to the great content this community routinely produces. Today the links have a new format. Any feedback would be welcome and appreciated.

Thanks for the great work you guys do every day!

- caleb

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 14th. On this date in 1643, Louis XIV became King of France at only four years old. At the coronation, he famously declared “Let me eat cake!” On this date in 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition got underway, departing from St. Louis, Missouri. Lewis and Clark made a great team for many years, until eventually they had a falling out when Lewis teamed up with Dean Martin to do stand-up comedy and movies, which Clark thought “diluted the brand.” Also on this date, in 1998, the final episode of Seinfeld aired on NBC. What‘s the deal with that? Today is also George Lucas’ birthday. Activities include: creating something awesome, letting people grow to love it, and then setting it on fire and throwing it off a cliff. And finally, today is National Chicken Dance Day! Dance while you can; the Center for the Advancement of Chicken Americans has decried the holiday as offensive and is looking to have it banned. Foghorn Leghorn could not be reached for comment, and was delicious. Consider this an Open Thread.

TARGET: ALEC | Free Beacon
“Leading progressive organizers met on May 10 to coordinate their attack plan against the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), discussing ways to pressure corporations into abandoning the group for its small-government advocacy and turn against what they call the ‘vast, right-wing conspiracy.’”

Protesters rush into building housing Obama campaign headquarters | WGN
“Dozens of demonstrators dashed into the Loop building housing President Barack Obama’s campaign headquarters this morning, slipping past security guards and running up escalators as they kicked off what they called a ‘Week Without Capitalism.’”

DNC Turning Down Wisconsin Democrats’ Requests? | Jim Geraghty
“Interesting: The DNC is refusing to kick in $500,000 to help Wisconsin Democrats unseat Scott Walker.”

Pro-subsidy does not equal pro-business | John Sununu
“The important question, though, is whether the policy is economically efficient and fair. Sometimes even great-sounding programs are a poor use of taxpayer funds, but no politician likes to say no.”

Jonah Goldberg: The political ‘center’ is a myth [VIDEO] | Daily Caller
“The political ‘center’ pined after by many journalists, pundits and lawmakers doesn’t exist, National Review Online editor Jonah Goldberg said in an interview with The Daily Caller’s Ginni Thomas.”

Today’s Member Diary of the Day is:
Rick Perry endorses Pete Hegseth(SEN PRI, MN), from Hooah_Mac.

Today’s Word of the Day comes via Dictionary.com.
toxophilite (tok-sof-uh-lahyt): noun a devotee of archery; archer.

Today is May 13th. Happy Mothers’ Day to all you mothers out there, especially to both my own mother, and to my amazing wife. This holiday is a bit confusing to me though. I mean, how is it that all mothers are born on the same day? On this date in 1940, Winston Churchill became the Prime Minister of Great Britain. In his speech, he famously said “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.” It wasn’t true though, he also had some mints in his pocket. But Winston Churchill don’t share no mints. Also on this date, in 1787, Captain Arthur Phillip set sail for Australia with 11 ships full of convicts, eventually to establish the Botany Bay colony. Phillip died in 1814. His last words were “KHAAAAANNNNN!!!!!” And finally, in addition to being Mothers’ Day, today is also “National Frog Jumping Day,” when you celebrate frogs that jump. This is not to be confused with “International Toad Leaping Day”, when everyone takes turns jumping over them. Consider this an Open Thread.

WaPo ombudsman: Obama’s gay-marriage announcement influenced the timing of the Romney bully story | Newsbusters
(h/t @hotairblog) “Perhaps more shocking is that the Post shamelessly admits they timed this story precisely to echo on the day after President Obama’s big pro-gay announcement.”

This Is Not a Joke: Government Issues Study of a Study About Studies | The Note
“The Pentagon was inundated with so many studies in 2010 that it commissioned a study to determine how much it cost to produce all those studies. Now the Government Accountability Office has reviewed the Pentagon’s study and concluded in a report this week that it’s a flop.”

Newsweek: Obama ‘First Gay President’ | Big Journalism
This is also not a joke. “Today, Newsweek magazine released this week’s cover via Twitter: a hopey, changey Barack Obama staring into the future, his head swirled with a rainbow halo. The bold font title: ‘THE FIRST GAY PRESIDENT.’”

Wright: Obama Tried To Bribe Me To Keep Quiet In 2008 | Big Government
“According to Edward Klein in today’s New York Post, then-Senator Barack Obama’s political campaign tried, through back channels, to bribe Rev. Jeremiah Wright not to speak during the 2008 election cycle. The price: $150,000.”

Today’s Word of the Day comes via Thesaurus.com.
matrilineal (ma-truh-LIN-ee-uhl): adjective Inheriting or determining descent through the female line.

Today is May 11th. On this date in 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state. Hey, that rhymed! I knew I should have become a rap person!! Also on this date, in 1949, the nation of Siam changed it’s name to Thailand. (Its ex was a stalker.) On May 11th, 1997, IBM chess computer “Deep Blue” beat world chess champion Gary Kasparov in the final match of a six-game set. After the win, IBM dismantled the computer. Its final words were “I can’t let you do that, Dave.” And finally, artist Salvador Dali was born on this date in 1904. He was a surrealist, best known for his painting “The Persistence of Memory.” When asked what the work really meant to him, he replied “I can’t recall” and then melted the recorder. And enjoy Twilight Zone Day everybody! OR ELSE YOU’LL END UP IN THE CORNFIELD! Consider this an Open Thread.

Washington Post’s Romney Hit Piece Implodes | Big Journalism
“So the Washington Post did what no reputable newspaper should ever do when caught falsifying testimony: it made a stealth correction to its own article.”

The Real Dan Savage: The Bully Against Bullying | Newsbusters
“Dan Savage is a bully. How ironic, since he heads the most high-profile anti-bullying campaign the United States. But for Savage, it only gets better if you support a rabidly liberal, ‘anything goes’ lifestyle.”

Our Composite President | Free Beacon
“As funny as the ‘Julia’ parodies and imaginary girlfriend jokes may have been, however, they skirted a larger issue: President Obama is a composite, too, and his carefully crafted political identity is coming apart.”

Strassel: Trolling for Dirt on the President’s List | WSJ
“Three weeks ago, an Obama campaign website, “Keeping GOP Honest,” took the extraordinary step of publicly naming and assailing eight private citizens backing Mr. Romney.”

Today’s Word of the Day comes via Dictionary.com.
jocoserious: adjective Mingling mirth and seriousness.

Today is May 10th. On this date in 1924, J. Edgar Hoover was appointed as acting director of the FBI. He became the official director later that year. Hoover wielded tremendous power during his 48 year tenure, and [redacted] from the [redacted] six chickens [redacted] threw the bottle at the midget [redacted] so everyone just ate the soup. Also on this date, in 1863, Confederate General “Stonewall” Jackson died of complications and pneumonia resulting from wounds sustained from friendly fire after the Battle of Chancellorsville, as predicted by the Mayans. On this date in 1877, President Rutherford B. Hayes had the first telephone installed in the White House. The phone number was 1. The first First phone call was from the treasury department, when I.C. Weiner ordered a pizza. And finally, today is “Eat What You Want Day,” a day when most of us overdo it on bacon, and Bill Clinton has to be restrained and sequestered. Consider this an Open Thread.

Must Watch Video: We Have Something to Say | Obama/Volt 2012
“And We Mean It.”

Putin To Obama: Dimitri Transmitted Your Information To Me And I Am Not Impressed | Ace of Spades HQ
“Keep in mind Obama has already hurt missile defense plans through proposed decommissioning of Navy ships that are key to his supposed commitment to the program. Republicans are desperately fighting to save this crucial capability.”

How Wisconsin Could Be the First Domino of 2012 | Jim Geraghty
“It is easy to overstate the ramifications from one race in June on the national elections to come in November. But if the Democrats’ effort to recall Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker fails, it is not unthinkable that this could be the first domino to fall in a sequence that dooms President Obama’s reelection hopes.”

No H8? Gay marriage supporters to opponents: kill yourselves | Twitchy
(LANGUAGE WARNING) “Whatever happened to “No H8?? Oh, that’s right, the tolerance thugs have always been cool with hateful language as long as it’s directed at ‘pansy asses’ who hold different views.”

Today’s Word of the Day comes via Merriam-Webster.
tranche (TRAHNSH): noun a division or portion of a pool or whole

The Romney campaign has released a good new infographic detailing the truth about Obama’s promised “green economy” job gains. (Click on the graphic to view full size.)

Facts are facts, Mr. President. Numbers don’t lie.

Today is May 9th. On this date in 1962, scientists in Lexington, Massachusetts successfully bounced a laser off the moon for the first time. The moon surrendered to scientists shortly thereafter in the famous “Lunar Peace Accords” negotiated by Jackie Gleason. As part of the agreement, the show The Honeymooners aired its final episode on this date in 1971. Also on this date, in 1950, L. Ron Hubbard published Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, the foundational book in Scientology. As soon as it hit the shelves, Hubbard danced and jumped all over Oprah’s sofa, then blocked Trey Parker and Matt Stone on Twitter. And finally, today is “National Lost Sock Memorial Day”. Please observe a moment of silence. We are all socks today. Consider this an Open Thread.

Get ready for the Postal Service bailout | Human Events
“To illustrate just how much of a joke the Senate postal bailout is, the comedians at House Oversight uploaded YouTube video of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid explaining why seniors ‘love junk mail,’ because it’s ‘sometimes their only way of communicating, or feeling they’re part of the real world.’”

Juddmentum for Obama challenger, federal inmate Keith Judd? Aw yeah! | Twitchy
“This morning, conservatives on Twitter are continuing to have a blast with the #Juddmentum hashtag.”

Video: What a history lesson can do for an Occupier | Hot Air
“The irony here, of course, is that the history lesson of democracy gets delivered by a former refugee from the former Soviet Union, but the history lesson doesn’t just end with the USA.”

Big Labor Attempts to Commandeer American Airlines | CFIF
“Instead of allowing American’s bankruptcy restructuring process to run its natural course, and a stronger airline to emerge, American’s unions have acted in a manner that can only serve to muddle and complicate the situation.”

Protesters Went Nuts On Bank Of America’s Shareholder Meeting And The Results Were Hilarious | Business Insider
“Occupy movement protesters descended upon Bank of America’s Charlotte, North Carolina headquarters today to disrupt the annual shareholder’s meeting.”

Today’s Word of the Day comes via Dictionary.com
cicatrix (SIK-uh-triks): noun 1. New tissue that forms over a wound. 2. Botany. A scar left by a fallen leaf, seed, etc.

Above is the live stream of a new weekly conversation with some of our conservative members of Congress, who will discuss issues of the day and answer questions submitted via Twitter. The event goes live at 11:30 ET. From their description:

Conversations with Conservatives is a group of free market and liberty-minded members of Congress that will meet monthly with traditional press and bloggers to discuss the most important issues of the day. Chaired by Representatives Tim Huelskamp (KS-01), Jeff Landry (LA-03) and Raúl Labrador (ID-01), each meeting will feature different conservative members of Congress to share their ideas and field questions from the media. While questions are not limited to these topics, members are expected to talk about appropriations and the upcoming reconciliation package.

Today is May 8th. On this date in 1886, a pharmacist named John Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia created that most immortal of soft drinks, Coca-Cola. Today it is the most recognizable trademark in the world, and the beverage of choice among hip polar bears. On this date in 1985, “New Coke” was released. It is widely perceived as the best worst marketing decision ever. Personally, I’d like to buy the world a Coke, but I can’t. Thanks a lot, Obamacare! On this date in 1884, Harry Truman was born. Also on this date, in 1945, President Harry Truman announced the end of World War II in Europe, a day referred to as V-E Day. It was a good birthday gift, but he was also pretty pleased with the tie he got. And finally, today is National No Socks Day, a complicated holiday with a long and illustrious tradition, first established accidentally by Cletus the Slack-Jawed Yokel. Consider this an Open Thread.

Dem Convention Returns $50k In Walmart Giftcards Under Union Pressure | Free Beacon
“The Democratic National Convention Committee has returned $50,000 in Walmart gift cards, after union complaints, reports Bloomberg:”

Rep. Marcy Kaptur Has Failed Ohio | Joe “The Plumber” Wurzelbacher
“Look around you: Desperation. Misery. Poverty. This is the face of liberal politics. The sad realities of liberal economics. These are the end-results of Democrat leadership. This is Ohio.”

State’s junk food ban could take bite out of school fundraisers | Boston Herald
“Bake sales, the calorie-laden standby cash-strapped classrooms, PTAs and booster clubs rely on, will be outlawed from public schools as of Aug. 1 as part of new no-nonsense nutrition standards, forcing fundraisers back to the blackboard to cook up alternative ways to raise money for kids.”

Obama Admin to Reporters: We’re Watching You | Reason
“As a national security representative told Lucy Dalglish, director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, ‘We’re not going to subpoena reporters in the future. We don’t need to. We know who you’re talking to.’”

The Big Fail: Obama By The Numbers | GOP.com
A post at GOP.com in which the RNC breaks down the true costs of the Obama administration’s policies in dollars and cents. Lots and lots and lots of dollars and not much sense.

Today’s Word of the Day comes via Dictionary.com.
pother (POTH-er): noun 1. A heated discussion, debate, or argument; fuss; to-do. 2. Commotion; uproar. 3. A choking or suffocating cloud, as of smoke or dust. verb 1. To worry; bother.

Above is the live stream of a new weekly conversation with some of our conservative members of Congress, who will discuss issues of the day and answer questions submitted via Twitter. The event goes live at 11:30 ET. [Update: Rescheduled for noon.] From their description:

Conversations with Conservatives is a group of free market and liberty-minded members of Congress that will meet monthly with traditional press and bloggers to discuss the most important issues of the day. Chaired by Representatives Tim Huelskamp (KS-01), Jeff Landry (LA-03) and Raúl Labrador (ID-01), each meeting will feature different conservative members of Congress to share their ideas and field questions from the media. While questions are not limited to these topics, members are expected to talk about appropriations and the upcoming reconciliation package.

Today is May 7th. On this date in 1965, Keith Richards woke up in the early morning, recorded the hook for what would eventually become “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, and went back to sleep. Coincidentally, I wrote part of a sentence when I wo. On this date in 1789, the first Presidential Inaugural Ball was held in New York City. The ball was in honor of Washington’s inauguration, but the first “official” ball wasn’t held until ten years later. Presidential balls remained relatively uncontroversial all the way up until to the Clinton administration. Today is also the birthday of both Johannes Brahms and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, in 1833 and 1840, respectively. Keith Richards assisted at both deliveries, then went back to sleep. And finally today is Accounting Day 2012, when we celebrate the exciting world of accouzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Consider this an Open Thread.

Paul Ryan on Recalls: ‘Courage is on the Ballot’ | Mount Pleasant Patch
“When it comes the Wisconsin recall elections, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan says it’s really all about courage.”

Epic smack down! Anderson Cooper exposes MoveOn.org | Right Scoop
“Oh this you gotta see. This MoveOn.org guy never had a chance as Anderson Cooper just lets him bury himself under the rhetoric of his partisan agenda and then exposes him for everyone to see.”

Admin Drafted Memo To Shield Obama If OBL Raid Failed | Free Beacon
“The Obama Administration drafted a ‘highly lawyered’ memo to shield the president from blame if the mission to kill or capture Osama Bin Laden failed, former Attorney General Michael Mukasey told Sean Hannity of Fox News Monday.”

UN: Give Mt. Rushmore To Native Americans | Big Government
“James Anaya, the UN special rapporteur on indigenous peoples, has recommended that the US government give the Black Hills region of the South Dakota back to Native American populations.”

The Middle Class Under Barack Obama [Infographic] | Mitt Romney campaign
“Too many Americans are either struggling for work or working harder for less. Under President Obama, America’s middle class has been pushed to the brink.”

Dozens of Occuppiers Show Up to Support Bridge Bomb Suspects | Mental Recession
“In all, about 50 members of the Occupy Cleveland group went into courthouse. After the arrests were made, Occupy Cleveland said the five suspects were associated with the group”

Today’s Word of the Day comes via Dictionary.com.
sudorific (soo-duh-RIF-ik): adjective 1. Causing sweat. 2. Sudoriparous. noun A sudorific agent.

Today is May 4th. On this date in 1979, Margaret Thatcher was sworn in as Great Britain’s first female Prime Minister. She was famously known as the “Iron Lady” for her steadfast opposition to the Soviet Union and communism, and because of the iron armor she wore when fighting crime with Tony Stark. Also on this date, in 2010, Pablo Picasso’s “Nude, Green Leaves and Bust” sold at auction for a record $106.5 million. Picasso was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, and co-founder of the “Cubist” movement. Cubism breaks up the subject and views it from multiple angles on the same canvas. It caused some horrifying abominations when briefly adopted at Hogwart’s. On this date in 1987, live models were used in bra ads for the first time. Reached for comment, teenage boys everywhere said “Awww yeah!!!” And finally, today is International Star Wars Day, or May The 4th Be With You Day. The previous link has some suggestions on how to celebrate. I have one more: Visit an Occupy encampment and periodically blurt out “what an incredible smell you’ve discovered!” Consider this an Open Thread.

Taxes, unions and regulation make states hostile to business | Washington Examiner
“As Republican Govs. Scott Walker of Wisconsin and Mitch Daniels of Indiana have sought to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and keep spending at sustainable levels, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, a Democrat, is trying to tax his state out of its disastrous fiscal condition.”

The Life of Emily | CatholicVote.org
“3 Years Old: Emily stays at home with her mother, who reads stories to her and plays with her. Government-funded preschool programs for three-year-olds weren’t considered that important then. Mothers were.”

Generalissimo Obama | Free Beacon
“Column: Presidential Rhetoric Shows The Antidemocratic Strain In Progressivism”

Wisconsin Recall Amnesia | WSJ
“Now that the recall election of Mr. Walker is in full swing, Big Labor must be wondering where the outrage went.”

Drugmakers’ Deal With Obama Said to Be Probed by House | Bloomberg
“Pfizer Inc. (PFE) and Merck & Co. (MRK) are being pulled into an expanding congressional investigation about the agreement drugmakers reached with the Obama administration to support the Democrats’ overhaul of the U.S. health-care system, according to three people familiar with the talks.”

Today’s Word of the Day comes via Dictionary.com.
flaneur: noun idler; dawdler; loafer.

Today is May 3rd. On this date in 1469, Niccolo Machiavelli was born. The political philosopher is best known for penning the pamphlet, later published as a book, The Prince, wherein he describes an ideal leader as being cruel and duplicitous. The word Machiavellian is used to this day to describe taking actions for one’s own benefit regardless of right or wrong, or harm to others. Hey, sounds like [politician you don't like], am I right? Also on this date, in 1952, Joseph Fletcher landed the first plane to reach the North Pole. Fletcher is also famous for probably being the first person to actually stand at the exact geographic pole, and for having a broad face and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly. And on this date in 1999, Hasbro released the first set of toys for the movie The Phantom Menace. Ah, Niccolo would be so proud. Finally, don’t forget to celebrate “National Two Different Colored Shoes Day“! Truly a hallowed occasion. Consider this an Open Thread.

A Tale of Two Wardrobes | The Right Sphere
“Making you think Ann Romney and her husband are greedy pigs is going to be something you see a lot of over the next 6 months. It’s all they have. Now, let’s look at a few headlines surrounding Michelle Obama’s fashion choices:”

The Human Consequences of EPA’s War on Coal | The Foundry
“There are very real consequences to the Environmental Protection Agency’s continued efforts to undermine America’s coal industry. Those consequences were recently spotlighted in an industry-produced video, embedded above.”

Occupy mob assaults counter-protesters | PJ Media
“During the May Day Occupy march in New York yesterday, a trio of counter-protesters were assaulted by a screaming mob of left-wing demonstrators.”

Senators Fail Their Constituents With Ambush Vote | RCP
“Known as the “ambush election” rule, the Obama labor board’s regulation will now take effect on April 30th. Senators who failed to oppose the regulation sided with unelected bureaucrats doing the bidding of Big Labor bosses, and punished local workers and job creators whose interests they claim to defend.”

Video: May Day Protestor Throwing Bricks At Crowd From A Roof | Free Beacon
“A San Francisco May Day protestor threw bricks into a crowd from a building rooftop Monday, KCBS reports. One person was hit by a brick thrown from the roof.”

Today’s Word of the Day is via Dictionary.com, and you’ll read it in Jerry Seinfeld’s voice.
numen (NOO-min): noun Divine power, especially one who inhabits a particular object.

Today is May 2nd. On this date in 1918, General Motors acquired the Chevrolet Motor Company, both of which had been founded by the same man, William C. Durant. At the conclusion of the sale they opened a bottle of champagne and roasted marshmallows over burning Chevy Volts. On this date in 1519, the great Leonardo da Vinci died in Amboise, France. Da Vinci once said “Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!” To which the world apparently replied “Nope,” and promptly gave us Jersey Shore. Of all his many great works of art, scholarship, and invention, truly his most enduring achievement was his formation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Also on this date, in 1892, Baron Von Richthofen (The Red Baron) was born. His reign of terror as a top German ace ended in 1918, when he was shot down near Amiens, France, by a beagle flying a doghouse. And finally, today is the 11th annual “Great American Grump Out“, which asks “all you sour pusses to suck it up and refrain from getting your grump on — at least for 24 hours.” I’m looking at you, Leon Wolf. Consider this an Open Thread.

CHEAP SHOT: Occupier hits female cop in back of head with drum | Right Scoop
“Her back was turned and she totally didn’t see it coming. But that didn’t stop this Occupy jerk from nailing this shorter female cop in the back of the head in LA yesterday.”

Perverting Charity | Free Beacon
“One of America’s largest foundations has set aside its history of building hospitals, libraries, and schools in order to pour millions into liberal political causes.”

Video: Andy Garcia and For Greater Glory | Hot Air
“In March, I wrote about the rough cut version that I watched, and noted the similarity to Braveheart and the interesting and unplanned resonance of the question of religious freedom to the politics of today, when the government decides it has the authority to decide what kind of religious expression qualifies for First Amendment protection and which doesn’t.”

NBC Panelist: Ad Calling Obama A Celebrity ‘Another Attempt’ to Paint Him As ‘Other’ | Newsbusters
“On Wednesday’s NBC Today, panelist and attorney Star Jones fretted over a recent campaign ad mocking President Obama’s celebrity status and implied racial overtones in the criticism:”

Today’s Word of the Day comes via Merriam-Webster.
cachinnate (KAK-uh-nayt): verb to laugh loudly or immoderately.

Today is May 1st. On this date in 1751, the first American cricket tournament was held in New York City. Surprisingly, though they wouldn’t be founded until over 200 years later, the Mets somehow still managed to lose the tournament. Also on this date in 1786, Mozart debuted Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), in Vienna, Austria. It is considered one of the most important and popular operas of all time. It was so well received at its premiere that there were five encores, and Mozart himself crowd-surfed for at least 10 minutes. On this date in 1931, the Empire State Building was dedicated and opened. It was the tallest building in the world at the time, at 102 stories (1,250 feet). The investors behind the construction claimed the spire atop the building would be used as a mooring post for dirigibles, although it never was. In this universe. And finally, today is Global Love Day, when we are charged with the not-at-all confusing task: “Simply be love.” You guys can’t see me, but I’m totally being love right now. I think. It sort of itches. Consider this an Open Thread.

New Obama slogan has long ties to Marxism, socialism | Washington Times
“The Obama campaign apparently didn’t look backwards into history when selecting its new campaign slogan, ‘Forward’ – a word with a long and rich association with European Marxism.”

Confused Dr. Drew: Jon Lovitz Criticizing Obama Same Thing as Making Threats | Newsbusters
“While Lovtiz has been bashed on Twitter, he clearly wasn’t expecting to be accused of making some sort of violent threat against Obama. And yet that’s exactly what happened last night on the HLN show Dr. Drew where the host, Drew Pinsky, seemed to genuinely believe that.”

Obama Pushes False GM Success Story | IBD
“The Obama camp can’t stop clucking about how he saved GM and the car industry. But if the GM bailout is such a success story, why can’t it pay back its debt to taxpayers?”

Cleveland Occupier Arrested In Bridge Plot | Free Beacon
“Brandon Baxter, one of the ‘anarchists’ arrested in a plot to blow up an Ohio bridge in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street’s ‘May Day’ protest, supported a disruptive Occupy Cleveland protest March 5.”

Today’s Word of the Day comes via Dictionary.com.
ort (awrt): noun A scrap or morsel of food left at a meal.

Today is April 30th. On this date in 1789, the United States had its first Presidential Inauguration, on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York City. During his address to congress after the ceremony, President Washington spoke of “the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.” That experiment won first prize at the subsequent science fair at Schenectady Elementary. Also on this date, in 1939, the first train car with fluorescent lighting went into service. Even more impressive, though, were the dope rims. On this date in 1945, Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun committed suicide together after having been married for only one day. Worst. Honeymoon. Ever. And finally, today is National Honesty Day. So April starts with lies and ends with truth. I bet that’s a metaphor for something. Consider this an Open Thread.

Teacher defends students who walked out on speaker Dan Savage | Right Scoop
“After the students leave, Savage mocks the Christian students as ‘pansy-ass’ for not being able to handle someone who is ‘pushing back’.”

Twitter eats itself? | Hot Air
“Using the spam-reporting mechanism built into Twitter and its after-market applications, liberal activists are succeeding in tricking the Twitter system into suspending the accounts of conservatives — for instance, my friend Chris Loesch, husband of Breitbart editor Dana Loesch”

Obama anti-obesity “slush fund” paid for pet spaying | Washington Examiner
“A controversial anti-obesity ‘slush fund’ under Obamacare was used in Nashville, Tennessee to spay dogs and cats. The reasoning: stray dogs scare people from exercising outdoors.”

Huffington Slams Obama’s Osama Ad | Commentary
“When even Ariana Huffington isn’t buying the premise of Obama’s campaign ad suggesting that Mitt Romney wouldn’t have ordered the Osama bin Laden raid, it’s probably time to re-evaluate that message”

Today’s Word of the Day comes via Thesaurus.com.
aphotic (ey-FOH-tik): adjective Lightless; dark.

Today is April 27th. On this date in 4977 B.C., the universe was created. At least, that’s what 17th century German astronomer Johannes Kepler calculated. So Happy Birthday, Universe! If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have anywhere to exist, which is the bulk of what I do. Also on this date, in 1773, British Parliament passed the Tea Act, setting in motion a chain of events that led to the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773. The protest was vastly more successful than subsequent counter-protest, Occupy Crumpets. On this date in 1791, Samuel B. Morse was born. Morse once famously said “…. .-! / — .- -.. . / -.– — ..- /
.-.. — — -.-!” Truly a touching sentiment. And finally, today is National Hairball Awareness Day which may sound gross, but is a lot less so than National Hairball Self-Awareness Day, which was predicted by the Mayans. Consider this an Open Thread.

Republicans prepare contempt citation against Eric Holder | CBS News
“House Republicans investigating the Fast and Furious scandal have gotten the go-ahead by their party leaders to pursue a contempt citation against Attorney General Eric Holder, senior congressional aides told CBS News.”

Jon Stewart Mocks N.C. Democrats | Free Beacon
“Daily Show host Jon Stewart mocked the state of the Democratic Party in North Carolina Thursday, between the trial of former presidential candidate John Edwards and the ongoing sexual harassment scandal in the North Carolina state Democratic Party:”

First Signs of a Real Obama Backlash? | PJ Tatler
“Barack Obama, meanwhile, is oblivious to all this. He keeps on pushing government as the be all end all solution to everything. A new poll out suggests that this attitude is going to catch up with him.”

Top Ten Rejected NPR Headlines | Ace of Spades HQ
NPR asks, “Is Slow Growth Actually Good For The Economy?” Ace serves up a list of ten rejected NPR headlines of equal absurdity.

Today’s Word of the Day comes via Merriam-Webster.
patagium (puh-TAY-jee-um): noun 1. the fold of skin connecting the forelimbs and hind limbs of some tetrapods (as flying squirrels) 2. the fold of skin in front of the main segments of a bird’s wing

Today is April 26th. On this date in 1514, Copernicus recorded his first observations of Saturn. He concluded that God must have liked it, because “he puteth a ring upon it.” Also on this date, in 1711, David Hume was born in Scotland. His “Idea of a Perfect Commonwealth” essay was a big influence on the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. Also, he could out-consume both Schopenhauer and Hegel. On this date in 1865 Abraham Lincoln’s assassin John Wilkes Booth was killed by Union soldiers at a Virginia farm. His final words, apparently directed at his hands, were “useless, useless.” To this day, historians are unsure why both of Booth’s hands had the same name. And finally, today is National Richter Scale Day, in honor of the birth of seismologist Charles Richter in 1900. Says David Caruso: I guess you could say he really … [puts on sunglasses] shook things up. YEEAAAAAHHHH! Consider this an Open Thread.

Exclusive: Red State Founder Erickson Fires Back At Sen. Mcconnell | Big Journalism
“This was essentially an attack not just on Erickson, but on the new media as a whole. It suggests that those on the internet have no credibility, and that they can be talked down to by their betters in the political bigwig world.”

EPA: Hey, sorry about that whole “crucify” thing | Hot Air
“The EPA has scrambled to contain the damage from the clip highlighted by Morgen Richmond this morning, which went viral yesterday, showing an EPA administrator bragging about crucifixion as a means to impose the EPA’s will on American subjects, er, citizens.”

Meet The Left-Wing ALECs | Free Beacon
“The progressive groups leveling charges that the American Legislative Exchange Conference (ALEC) is ‘shadowy’ and ‘nefarious’ rely on hidden donors and overheated rhetoric to attack ALEC and ignore similar activities by liberal organizations.”

The Assault on Food | John Stossel
“But the scientific question should not overshadow the more fundamental issue. Who should decide what you can eat: you? Or the state?”

Today’s Word of the Day comes via Dictionary.com.
macaronic (mak-uh-ron-ik): adjective 1. composed of or characterized by Latin words mixed with vernacular words or non-Latin words given Latin endings. 2. composed of a mixture of languages. 3. mixed; jumbled.

Today is April 25th. On this date in 1953, Senator Wayne Morse wrapped up the third longest filibuster in Senate history, at 22 hours, 26 minutes. The second longest was Sen. Alfonse D’Amato in 1986 at 23 hours, 30 minutes, and the longest was Sen. Strom Thurmond, at 24 hours, 18 minutes, in 1957. Morse died in 1974. His last words were … transcribed in the form of a three thousand page book. Also on this date, in 1964, Hank Azaria was born in New York. His first words were “Worst. Delivery. Ever.” On this date in 2003, Sinead O’Connor announced she was retiring from music. Her fan was devastated. And finally, today is World Penguin Day. Tuxedo. That’s my joke. Hey, they can’t all be winners. Consider this an Open Thread.

Kimmel Insists: ‘It’s Hard to Make Fun’ of ‘Cool Character’ Obama | Newsbusters
“‘It’s hard to make fun of Obama in general because he’s a cool character,’ ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel, the ‘headliner’ for this Saturday night’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, told Reuters, insisting that ‘outside of his ears, there’s not a whole lot’ to joke about.”

[NSFW Language] SNL alum Lovitz delivers rant on Obama, taxes | Daily Caller
“In an interview with “Clerks” director Kevin Smith, Lovitz, a registered Democrat who voted for Obama in 2008, bashed the president for his class warfare rhetoric and the notion that the wealthy don’t pay their fair share in taxes.”

Charlotte Hotel Owner: Dnc Business Practices ‘Ruthless, Bullying’ | Free Beacon
“The DNC has filed suit against a Charlotte-area hotel owner, who calls the convention’s business practices ‘ruthless’ and ‘bullying,’ WBTV in Charlotte reports:”

New York Times experiment in self-awareness lasts all of two days | Hot Air
“An understatement to be sure, but any acknowledgement of bias from the Times is a rare event, and so this understandably received a lot of coverage by the conservative media. Well fast forward two days later, and observe Times’ editorial page editor Andrew Rosenthal pretty much give Brisbane, and conservatives, the (metaphorical) finger.”

New Moonbat Line of Attack: Rubio Campaigning With Romney is ‘Homoerotic’ | Newsbusters
“Randi Rhodes does what she can to make her presence known in that barren wasteland known as liberal radio. Unfortunately, it usually consists of little more than bloviating inanities.”

Today’s Word of the Day comes via Wordsmith.org.
elan (ay-LAHN): noun A combination of energy, enthusiasm, and style.