Tattoo Thursday

NPR, Prison tattoo program gives participants skills while reducing risk

A new program in Missouri allows people serving time in prison to earn a tattoo license while also reducing the risk of infections and illness from contraband tattoos.

The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Redness a bit late, but within reason.

Flotsam and Jetsam - Still Stuck on Venezuela

What is it, like four days already and we're still dwelling on Venezuela? At the Victory Girls, Trump Sends A Clear Message: The Western Hemisphere Is Ours. obj @obj0x0, "Celebration paused as Downtown Caracas, Venezuela’s capital is filled with heavy gunfire. sources say it is a coup to remove Delcy Roderiguez as the president of Venezuela following the capturing of Maduro by the USA military." PJM's Sarah Anderson hears Something Kind of Funny Happened in Caracas. At Calling All Rush Babes, *Is Venezuela free at last? There are still lots of bad people in place there, and the road to a safe, prosperous Venezuela won't be easy or straightforward. From Quotulatiousness, Venezuela in the news and International law is more like International “law.” Don Surber is pleased to see America feared again "President Trump IS the new world order now." From Tierney's Real News, Venezuela & RICO. 

At Ombre de Oliver, Yes, it is (partly) about the Oil "For once the lefties are correct, but accidentally so." NYPo explains Why fixing Venezuela’s oil industry is the only way to usher in a new era "Venezuela's oil industry is in shambles after decades of socialism." Mike and Jeff show @AgrisAcademy @AgrisAcademy, "My Venezuela experience as head of trading in the region for Cargill. Cargill was/is the leading producer of critical staple ingredients such as flour, pasta, vegetable oil, and rice in VZ. I am not saying I agree with grabbing the dictator, but I did have a front row seat to the damage a kleptocracy did to innocent people. 1. The government took over our "minute rice" facility at gunpoint because we were "gouging" the nation's poor. The government was never able to run the plant. It never ran again. It was returned years later with no equipment inside . . ." News Wax must have a subscription to the WSJ: Trump Hinted About Venezuela Action to Oil Executives. Driscoll at Insty calls it OLD AND BUSTED: Trump targets Venezuela’s oil, US firms stay wary. "The New Hotness? “We seized Nicolas Maduro in order to bring gay marriage to Venezuela, in Tucker’s eyes the most ‘conservative’ country in the New World. You can’t make this stuff up:”" From Fortune, ‘Big Short’ investor Michael Burry says toppling of Venezuela’s Maduro will weaken Russia’s global standing as its oil ‘just became less important.’

Sarah Hoyt at Insty finds DEMOCRATS THINK TRUMP BREATHING IS AN IMPEACHABLE OFFENSE: Democrats Claim Trump Capturing Maduro is an ‘Impeachable Offense’. NYPo, Trump predicts he will be impeached for a 3rd time if GOP loses midterm. Althouse cites Joe Biden, "Let's go after the drug lords where they LIVE!" Steve Guest @SteveGuest, "FLASHBACK: 1989 JOE BIDEN would love what President Trump just did: "Let's go after the drug lords where they LIVE! With an international strike force. NO safe haven for narco-terrorists."" PJM's Matt Margolis remembers Democrats Demanded Maduro’s Ouster Before Trump Delivered. And We've Got the Receipts! and hears Fetterman Cheers Maduro Strike, Blasts Democrats: 'We All Wanted Him Gone.’ Althouse watches The View, "For us, this is a very happy day when we see a dictator who has been part of oppressing and abusing the Venezuelan people for 25 years, when we see him in handcuffs..." "... and held to some sort of accountability, it brought me to tears. It brought me great joy.... I think you can still celebrate that this murderous, corrupt, sadistic son of a bitch is out of Venezuela....” From NewsBusters, SecState Rubio SCHOOLS Sunday Shows Over Capture and Extradition of Nicolas Maduro. Matt Vespa at TownHall, Did Marco Rubio Politely Tell ABC News' George Stephanopoulos He Was Being a Moron? Sensurround @ShamashAran, "Oh, so it WAS still leaked, but the NYT and the Washington Post decided to be good Americans? ok, i take it back, *THAT* is the most shocking thing about this." Quote Marina Medvin @MarinaMedvin, "Wow! Although someone leaked the Venezuela plans to the New York Times and the Washington Post, neither media giant published the story, prioritizing the safety of US troops over breaking the story. Kudos to both for their ethics and loyalty."

Althouse reads the NYT and hears The President of Mexico and the President of Colombia react quite differently to Trump's posturing. From Driscoll, CUBA ‘READY TO FALL’ AFTER MADURO’S OUSTING, TRUMP SAYS: "President Donald Trump said Sunday Cuba is “ready to fall.”" wretchardthecat @wretchardthecat, "The argument going around the Internet is that Cuba, Venezuela and probably Iran soon are no threat because they have completely collapsed with no power, no food, no water. Hence any actions against them are pure cruelty. If anything the rich capitalists should bail them out. What this ignores is that these were once very rich countries that ran their economies into the ground with Communism and insane military spending. In a way feeling sorry for these regimes is like pitying a parricide because he's an orphan." At PJM Sarah Anderson sees Cuba in a Panic and VodkaPundit wonders What's Next for Iran? Marco Rubio Needs a Plan... True, but he doesn't have to tell you. From the Globe and Mail (Canada), We need to prepare for the possibility that the U.S. uses military coercion against Canada John Carter @martianwyrdlord, "After years of Canada's governing liberal elite insisting that the country is built on stolen native land, it would be extremely funny if Trump took them at their word and purchased the entire country from Chief Scamming Elk in exchange for a skidoo and a carton of smokes." Quote T.D. Leaker@TdLeaker "BREAKING: SOURCES SAY AFTER LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COURT RULINGS THE TRUMP ADMIN IS WORKING ON A PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND REPARATIONS PACKAGE TO PURCHASE CANADA FROM FIRST NATIONS." Leslie Eastman at LI, Greenland, Denmark Press Rubio for Fast Meeting Over Trump’s Greenland Quest, "Trump team considering a range of options for acquiring a more robust relationship with Greenland, including a Compact of Free Association." At the New Reform Club, A Theory about Trump and Greenland.

Mario Nawfal @MarioNawfal, "U.S. COAST GUARD HUNTS DOWN RUSSIAN SANCTIONED TANKER IN THE ATLANTIC CHASE AND TAKES IT A U.S. Coast Guard ship just chased down and seized a Russian-linked oil tanker in the North Atlantic. The ship’s name is Marinera (also known as Bella 1) and it was hit with sanctions for carrying oil for Venezuela back in 2020. It’s part of Washington's crackdown on black market oil deals, especially those tied to Maduro or dodging U.S. sanctions. The U.S. just reminded everyone who runs the Hemisphere and it's backyard." And, CHINA TELLS BANKS: OPEN THE BOOKS ON VENEZUELA "Beijing just quietly told its biggest banks to open their books and reveal how much exposure they have to Venezuela, signaling that even China is getting nervous about Trump’s foreign policy wild card. Apparently, Chinese regulators are asking lenders to disclose their financial ties to Maduro’s regime, after years of oil-backed loans, debt rollovers, and economic lifelines. . ." Robotbeat➐ @Robotbeat, "I’m telling you, we should commission the Somalis to solve the illegal Chinese fishing problem." Quote, "Nguyen Ho @NguyenHo1096438, "Somali pirates have hijacked an illegal Chinese fishing vessel."

Althouse notes "Today, the Trump Administration is proud to announce the United States of America’s updated Childhood Vaccination Schedule." "Writes Trump, on Truth Social." 

wdef reports 2,000 federal agents deploying to Minneapolis in immigration crackdown, fraud probe. From the Free Bacon, Bring in More Prosecutors: Finally Ending Minnesota’s ‘Never-Ending’ Somali Fraud Schemes Requires Reinforcements. Benny Johnson @bennyjohnson, "Now that we're all aware that medical fraud is a multi-billion dollar industry in Minnesota, can we get some answers about Rep. Melissa Hortman's murder? Melissa Hortman is the only Democrat to vote against healthcare for illegals. She killed the bill. Hortman and her husband were murdered soon after this vote. Her killer was appointed by Tim Walz. The killer's wife worked for Tim Walz. The killer said Tim Walz ordered the murder in his confession letter. The killer named Tim Walz multiple times in his arraignment. Her killer had 'No Kings' flyers in his car. The guy clearly had a screw loose - but has anyone asked Tim Walz a question about this connection on the record? Has there been an investigation? Dark things are happening in Minnesota, man." At Althouse, "Democratic Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday he is dropping his bid for reelection in Minnesota, a dramatic turn for the two-term governor who gained national prominence..." "From "Walz drops bid for reelection as Minn. governor while Klobuchar considers run/The former Democratic vice presidential nominee stepped aside amid a growing fraud inquiry" (WaPo reports)." And "Did you and your team of lawyers miss important information about [Tim Walz] during the vetting process. David Marcus @BlueBoxDave, “Tim Walz will go down in history as little more than an avatar of White guilt — the weak, apologetic eunuch of a White guy that progressives would have our sons become. But today, our sons can clearly see that the real lesson is: ‘Don’t be that guy.’” DC_Draino @DC_Draino, "Tim Walz was almost Vice President of the United States. Now he’s dropping out of the Governor’s race in Minnesota in disgrace. All because a 23-year-old kid with a camera and a thirst for justice exposed billions of his fraud. May @nickshirleyy’s work create 1,000 more Nick Shirleys." Chamath Palihapitiya @chamath "Amy Reichert is California’s Nick Shirley…she’s been on a tear recently." Quote Amy Reichert @amyforsandiego, "SHOCKER in San Diego: 2 out of 2 childcares reviewed so far had ZERO children present during state inspection. ABDULAHI, SUAD FAMILY CHILD CARE had only the owner & her own baby present. Owner was cited for missing school enrollment verification for 6 out of 6 enrolled children.."

At Insty Driscoll says GOOD AND HARD, FUN CITY: Marxism In The Metropolis: NYC’s New ‘Tenant Czar’ Has Targeted White Homeowners, Private Property and Sarah Hoyt asks WHAT PART OF COMMUNIST IS OPAQUE, PRECISELY? "Will Mamdani Come After the Private Property of New Yorkers? Concerns grow after one of his appointees turns out to be an opponent of treating ‘property as an individualized good.’ Concern just means someone didn’t sleep through recent history (and news of Venezuela, say.)"Coddled Affluent Professional @feelsdesperate, "Psychopathic communist is actually a median, not-that-bad outcome when your parents are divorced professors." Quote New York Post @nypost "Mom of Zohran Mamdani aide who said owning a home fuels ‘white supremacy’ has $1.6M house in Tennessee." Matt Taibbi @mtaibbi, "“Impoverish the white middle class” is fascinating because it shows the belief system isn’t about elevating historically disadvantaged groups, it’s something much weirder, and race-based." Quote, Michelle Tandler @michelletandler Replying to @michelletandler "endorse a no more white men in office platform" "improverish the *white* middle class." Adele Scalia @AdeleScalia, "I’m genuinely concerned at this point that he doesn’t know how anything works in the real world." Quote End Wokeness @EndWokeness, "BREAKING: NY Mayor Mamdani says he is working to ensure World Cup tickets are "available to all"" From NewsMax, Dallas Mayor: Wall Street to Bolt NYC Under Mamdani. Eric S. Raymond @esrtweet, "At any given time, the Left will valorize whatever group they think is most useful for wrecking civilization so it can be replaced by the totalitarianism of their dreams. Muslims. Black criminals. Sexual deviants. The mascot group changes; the goal never does." 

Stacy McCain, Crazy People Are Dangerous: Psycho Vandalizes J.D. Vance’s Ohio Home

The violent man arrested over a hammer attack at the family home of Vice President JD Vance in Ohio is a trans leftist. William "Julia" DaFoor comes from a well-to-do liberal family whose parents are doctors and donors to Democrats. The attack has echoes of the trans militant who…

— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) January 5, 2026

Buzz Patterson @BuzzPatterson, "So, he’s trans. Checks." Quote Bo Loudon@BoLoudon "BREAKING: William DeFoor, who goes by "JULIA", was just ARRESTED by the Secret Service after allegedly vandalizing JD Vance's Ohio home. Transgenderism is a mental illness. Quotes, LHGrey @grey4626, "It's not one thing. Psychology doesn't hand out simple villain origin stories. But there's a pattern when it gets extreme...quiet on the outside, storm on the inside. These folks often start with a deep well of resentment. Not the loud, barking kind...the silent, stewing variety. They internalize everything: slights, rejections, failures, injustices (real or perceived)."

PJM's Kevin Downey says We Didn't Start the Fire, But We Rocked the Casbah! Happy 5th J6 Anniversary! Benny Johnson @bennyjohnson, "BREAKING: The White House has published a page revealing the full TRUE story of January 6 — before, during, and after. It includes: - Video and evidence showing Nancy Pelosi’s involvement - A complete, detailed timeline of events - A tribute to those who died on or because of J6 A full investigation into Nancy Pelosi and everyone involved is now essential. You can view the page here: https://whitehouse.gov/j6/" The Babylon Bee @TheBabylonBee, "Democrats Solemnly Remember The Only Riot They Didn't Like." Cynical Publius @CynicalPublius "I always love when some fascist Democrat resurrects the picture below. They never seem to realize that the unanimity of those headlines mere hours after the event does nothing more than reveal that the "insurrection" hoax was as highly coordinated inside the Democrat/Media Complex as we have always said it was. Thanks for the reminder, ex-candidate Hillary!" Quote Hillary Clinton @HillaryClinton "Five years ago today, Donald Trump urged his supporters to attack Congress and the Capitol over a proven lie. More than 140 police officers were injured. Trump then pardoned the attackers." Amy Curtis at TownHall, On Jan. 6, Questions Emerge About Michael Byrd’s Taxpayer-Funded Maryland Daycare. Libs of TikTok @libsoftiktok, "OMG Capitol police officer Michael Byrd who shot unarmed Ashli Babbitt on January 6th, reportedly has a taxpayer funded daycare in his home run by his wife… Because of course he does…" ℕada @GlassesNada, "tomorrow is the 5th anniversay of when Norm simply debunked the J6 psyop in real time."

At Althouse, "Six weeks ago, Senator Mark Kelly — and five other members of Congress — released a reckless and seditious video that was clearly intended to undermine good order and military discipline...." " Secretary of War Pete Hegseth @SecWar, "Six weeks ago, Senator Mark Kelly — and five other members of Congress — released a reckless and seditious video that was clearly intended to undermine good order and military discipline. As a retired Navy Captain who is still receiving a military pension, Captain Kelly knows he is still accountable to military justice. And the Department of War — and the American people — expect justice. Therefore, in response to Senator Mark Kelly’s seditious statements — and his pattern of reckless misconduct — the Department of War is taking administrative action against Captain Mark E. Kelly, USN (Ret). The department has initiated retirement grade determination proceedings under 10 U.S.C. § 1370(f), with reduction in his retired grade resulting in a corresponding reduction in retired pay. . . " Matt Vespa thinks you should Watch Jon Stewart Call Out Mark Kelly Over the Dems' Silly Illegal Orders Narrative Against Trump.

From News Wax, Senate: Biden FBI Watchlisted Catholic Teacher Walter Kirn @walterkirn, "The biggest story of last year, and probably the biggest story of the coming year, is the widespread discovery of the fact that we have never been more accountable to government, which can see into our lives with unprecedented clarity and monitor our utterances to the word, while it has never been less accountable to us. On the verge of Artificial General Intelligence, so we're told, we still can't count votes, police billion dollar frauds, penetrate the chambers of elite decisionmaking, or figure out where much of our money is going and what's being done with it. This is the kind of crisis that undermines the basic legitimacy of nations and regimes. How we deal with it, or don't, will determine our fate."

Erick Erickson @EWErickson, "Today, woke kids working for a Hilton franchise got both their employer and franchise parent into a nasty news cycle of bad press. Woke kids at these businesses will be the ruination of the businesses. Talked to an employer the other day and he said his business rejects any resume that has pro." Replying to @BillMelugin_ "UPDATE: In an additional statement to @FoxNews, Hilton says they’ve been directly in touch the independent ownership of the hotel & they have apologized for the actions of their team & have taken immediate action to rectify the situation." Driscoll at Insty, HILTON AXES HOTEL FROM THEIR SYSTEMS AFTER VIDEO SHOWS THEM CONTINUING TO BAN DHS AND ICE AGENTS: "Influencer Nick Sortor, armed with a video recording device, visited the Lakeville Hampton Inn and quickly learned that the owner and front desk manager, at least, weren’t about to change their unwelcoming stance. In the video posted on X, Sortor asks about available rooms and is met with resistance when he says they are for DHS. “We’re not accepting people from immigration, ICE agents, DHS, onto our property,” the clerk says. “It’s just per management, our ownership.” Sortor points to Hilton’s statement, but the front desk manager indicates he had just spoken with the owner, who informed him there was no change to the selective policy." Bill Ackman @BillAckman, "Apparently, @HiltonHotels is terminating the franchise effective immediately. Credit to @nicksortor for his investigative work." Quote Bill Ackman @BillAckman, "If the hotel owner lied in their statement and the below allegation is confirmed, @Hilton corporate could terminate the hotel owner’s franchise. Hilton is investigating this now. x.com/nicksortor/sta…" Don Surber thinks the CEO saves Hilton.
Libs of TikTok @libsoftiktok, "Amazon semi-truck drivers were seen pealing off the name and DOT# on the side of their truck IMMEDIATELY after crashing the truck. Which Democrat state do you think issued them CDLs? Cc @SecDuffy" NY Sun, Manufacturing American Citizens: Inside China’s Surrogacy Pipeline to Citizenship "Alarm over reports of Chinese oligarchs having hundreds of American children via surrogates is coloring the increasingly fraught debate."

Graham Linehan @Glinner, "It's also why European governments are desperately trying to censor the internet." Quote Robert Sterling @RobertMSterling "A 23-year-old YouTube bro just ended the career of a guy who was almost VP of the United States. This is why legacy institutions hate social media. We have the power now, not them.."

At Da College Fix, Harvard president admits faculty activism is a problem. 

Brad R. Torgersen @BradRTorgersen "Recap for those who missed it: Seth Harp is a prior Army Reservist with an Iraq deployment to his credit, who parlayed his civ law career into a political "world conflict journalism" gig. Has a bestseller and swanky mag bylines to his credit. Claims SOF is full of murderous coke-heads. Hates Israel. Decided to doxx what he thought was a Delta Force senior officer. Doxxed literally the wrong man. Promptly went into digital hiding as a result. Will his swanky mag bylines keep his HBO option intact, or will they scuttle him due to the bad optics?" Quote FilmLadd @FilmLadd "Oh. Prediction: this dumdum is going to lose his tv show from @HBO and @VikingBooks is going to drop his ass."

Batya Ungar-Sargon @bungarsargon "The absolute gall of calling it a "near death experience" to face a backlash for lying about the actual cold-blooded murder of a young man martyred for free speech. These people are utterly beneath contempt." Quote "Chief Nerd @TheChiefNerd, "NEW — Jimmy Kimmel Calls Being Taken Off the Air for a Few Days a ‘Near Death Experience’ “When they come after the comedians, this is when we draw the line.”"

More at the Wombat's In The Mailbox: 01.06.26 (Morning Edition). The Wombat has FMJRA 2.0: Still Stuck In The Ruts up and garnering clicks at The Other McCain.

Flotsam and Jetsam - The Venezuelan End Game

Duane Patterson at Hat Hair sees Donald Trump Drinks Maduro's Milkshake. "The big squeeze on Nicolas Maduro's rogue regime in Venezuela just transitioned into the boa constrictor phase." From RCD, Ivory Tower Thinking and Narcotics Boats, "It’s time to start accepting that there is a need for military intervention to stem the industrial-scale supply of drugs pouring into the United States." At TownHall Ann Coulter (I haven't heard from her in a while) mocks liberals with Innocent Venezuelan Fishermen: 'Hands Up! Don't Shoot!' "No matter how much I try to ignore the Democrats' latest "The Walls Are Closing In" spectacle, it has come to my attention that liberals are hopping mad about our military killing two Venezuelan drug traffickers." ABC admits Satellite images suggest seized tanker 'deliberately' manipulated location data "The crude oil tanker was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2022." WaT, Seized oil tanker was hiding its location to evade sanctions, law enforcement. Capt. Ed at Hat Hair, Has Putin Reached the Exit-Strategy Point for Maduro? "The drug boat strikes were just to get Maduro's attention. Seizing the tankers will strip Maduro of his ability to maintain power through corruption, cutting off the cash distribution that keeps people loyal to the dictator." From JTN, Maria Corina Machado credits Trump admin for help in escaping to Norway to receive Nobel Peace Prize, “They did not know where I was, where I was hiding in Venezuela. It was difficult for them to get me. It was rude nonetheless — and yes, we did receive support from the United States government, yes.” Hat Hair's Beege Welborn explains how How They Snuck a Nobel Prize Winner Out From Under Maduro's Schnozz.

Sundance at CTH cites NATO Secretary Rutte: “NATO Must Prepare for War Against Russia” Si vis pacem, para bellum. And, CIA Outlet Concerned About Kash Patel and Dan Bongino Meeting with Top Zelenskyy Officials. The Great Victor Davis Hanson at Am Great pens Cry the Beloved Europe? "America warns Europe that only one of them is truly fighting to reverse the West’s decline—and the clock is running out for the other to follow suit." Rod Dreher @roddreher "Christopher Caldwell gets the Trump NSS exactly right. Trump doesn't "hate Europe"; he hates the globalist technocratic class ruining it. Michael Anton, the chief drafter of the NSS, told me that he personally loves Europe -- but not the EU & its mindset." fThe Nat Sec J warns China Is Quietly Breaking America’s Pacific Defense Chain.

I&I opines it's Time To End Biden’s Medicare Part D-estruction. Stop throwing money at bad ideas! Buck Throckmorton at Ace's looks at The “Affordability Crisis” - Home Prices and Apartment Rents Are Decreasing as Deportations Increase. Supply and demand still rule the market. 

Cathy Salgado at PJM hears Vance, Trump, Don Jr. Warn Indiana GOP Before and After Devastating Redistricting Vote. Ace, Indiana Cucks Refuse to Redraw Congressional Map Even As Democrats Attempt to Impeach Trump Again (and Will Impeach Him Once They Retake the House) "Fuck these people. Primary them all. They fiddle as Rome burns and call themselves just for doing so." PJM's Matt Margolis wonders Is MTG Plotting to Destroy the GOP? A woman scorned. Hat Hair's John Sexton hears JD Vance Gets a Big 2028 Endorsement, Nicki Minaj? 

Twitchy says FOILED AGAIN! Dems Drop What They Call a 'Disturbing Pic' of Trump From Epstein Estate... Just 1 Problem Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari @RepYassAnsari "Vile, disturbing new photos of Donald Trump that raise even more question about knowledge of abuses at Epstein's estate. @OversightDems are demanding the DOJ comply with our subpoena and release the full Epstein files. Stop protecting pedophiles. Survivors deserve justice now." "We can't say for sure, but this appears to be a pageant to us. Especially with the leis, it makes us think this was a Miss Hawaiian Tropic pageant, which we all know he attended often."

John Sexton at Hat Hair, Obama's White House Counsel Involved in Lawsuit to Stop Ballroom Construction, of course. 

Power Lines Scott Johnson at the Free Bacon, Yes, Ilhan Omar Married Her Brother. In Scott Johnson: Yes, Omar Married Her Brother – And I Have the Receipts Capt. Ed cites Jonathan Turley "Despite years of such statements by various people, Omar has never sued for defamation. It is a curious omission, since a successful lawsuit would dramatically reduce such claims, and even as a public official she could likely show actual malice in many of her critics." Maybe because truth is an absolute defense. TNP reports Over 80% of Somali Refugee Households Are Taking Welfare in Walz’s Minnesota. Bob Spencer at PJM, ‘Minnesota Somalis Are as Minnesotan as Tater-Tot Hotdish,’ But There’s Just One Catch "The Center for Immigration Studies revealed Wednesday that “nearly every Somali household with children (89 percent) receives some form of welfare.” Even worse, “altogether, 81 percent of Somali households consume some form of welfare, compared to 21 percent of native households.” Nor does this dependency lessen with time: “Somalis with 10 years of residency have welfare consumption rates that are only marginally lower than the Somali population as a whole.”" In a Hat Hair video, Chloe interviews Rep. Brad Knott on Somali Fraud, Illegal Immigration, Affordability, & 2026. At LifeZette, Court Documents Reveal ‘Somali Pirates Were Living Like Mike Tyson’ On Taxpayer Money. Becky Noble at RedState, Crime Does Pay - Here's How Minnesota Fraudsters Were Living the Good Life While Kids Went Hungry. News Wax cites Gabbard: 'At Least' 2K Afghan Refugees in US Linked to Terrorism. Dave Strom,  Not Smart: Nigerian Illegal Alien Kidnaps Two Homeland Security Agents in Twin Cities Area   Ace reports BLM Grifter Indicted for, Get This, BLM Grifting.

Eddie Scarry at Da Fed, This New York Times Story Gets Everything Hilariously Wrong About Democrats And Immigration. They're not "getting it wrong" they're lying. From Ace, Four Years Too Late, The New York Times Admits That Biden Pursued a Reckless Policy of Unlimited Illegal Immigration -- But Only In Service of New Narrative That Only Biden Favored Open Borders While the Rest of the Democrat Party Opposed It, "Amazing. Amazing. Big Brother is rewriting history and deleting old files and airbrushing old photos as we watch them do it," and Gavin Newsom Admits That California Pays for Free Healthcare for Illegal Aliens, "We already knew this, but Gavin Newsom admits it. As you know, in the propaganda media, no amount of evidence is ever enough to disprove a left-wing talking point. A point is only settled against a leftist if he admits it." At LifeZette, California Democrats Are Giving Tuition Discounts to Illegal Aliens Over American Citizens. From TNP, Trump Admin Will Deny Visas to Foreign Nationals Suspected of Gaming ‘Birthright Citizenship.’ John Davidson at Da Fed thinks ‘Birthright Citizenship’ Is A Feudal Relic That Has No Place In America. NYPo reports DOT threatens to pull $73M from NY after audit finds half of commercial trucking licenses went to illegal drivers. OTP, 20 Democrat AGs Challenge Trump’s Limits On H-1B Visas. From Da Signal, Labor Secretary Reveals Whether Trump Can Axe H-1B Visas. Natalia Mittelstadt at JTN hears Obama administration ICE chief says Trump deportations are 'remarkable accomplishment' ""These numbers are stunning to me," former acting ICE Director John Sandweg said."

Althouse has a A wan vision of failure. "Here's the article: "Biden Has Raised Little of What He Needs to Build a Presidential Library/His library foundation has told the I.R.S. that by the end of 2027 it expects to bring in just $11.3 million — not nearly enough for a traditional presidential library."" Let his Ukrainian benefactors build it.

Dave Strom, Seditious Mark Kelly Slams Trump as UnAmerican. PJM's Stephen Kruiser thinks Dems Would Last Maybe 5 Minutes in the Civil War They Think They Want.

Kim Strassel at WSJ opines on the Rise of the Mamdani Clones. VodkaPundit at Insty, calls them JUST TRULY TERRIBLE PEOPLE: Newsom Press Account Had NO IDEA the Hell They Would Unleash Trolling Elon Musk With His Mentally Ill Son. Stephen L. Miller @redsteeze, "It's going to be an ad." Quote RNC Research @RNCResearch "Gavin Newscum gushes about how he wants to see the gender mutilation of children. NEWSOM: “I want to see trans kids… There’s no governor that’s done more pro trans legislation than I have.”" From the Victory Girls, The Democratic Party Needs Women Like Sarah Stalker To Hate Themselves. Some follow up on the story from yesterday, Beege Welborn, Annals of Democrat Fabulists: Less Wes Is Moore Truth. Ace, Surprise! Maryland Governor and Candidate for Democrat Nominee for President Wes Moore Has Long History of Lying About His War Record and Academic Record "This is no disqualifier for a Democrat politician. Indeed, it's essentially a prerequisite."

RCP analyzes Congressional Leaders See Far Higher Stock Returns Than Peers, and it's bipartisan. 

Beege Welborn, Waah: Nobody Will Help Al Green Impeach the Orange Man. Because it worked so well in the past. From Sundance, President Trump Grants Tina Peters Pardon, However State Officials Call Pardon Invalid. RoseFirm, PLLC @RoseLawOffices, "If you don't like Trump's pardons, thank the Constitution | Opinion"

Matt Vespa is shocked, shocked by a CNN Host: No Evidence That Trump's Wannabe Assassin Was...Anti-Trump. "Also, here's a hint, guy: shooting someone is probably the clearest sign that the perpetrator doesn't like you. When it’s their people, the political leanings are unknown, or better yet, they try to claim the suspect is a MAGA supporter." At RCI the redoubtable Julie Kelly explores how the DC Pipe Bomb Arrest Raises Questions About Christopher’s Wray’s FBI. Rusty Weiss at RedState reports the J6 Chair Makes Jaw-Dropping Claim: Pipe Bomb Videos Outside RNC and DNC Deleted—‘Doesn’t Exist.’ Jeff Charles at TownHall, He Called the DC National Guard Shootings an 'Unfortunate Incident' – Here's What He's Saying Now. "Let me be clear: I was moving toward the discussion that she could not blame Joe Biden for the situation, because she approved this person’s asylum application." OTP, Capitol Crimes: DOJ Alleges DC Officials Cooked The Books On Crime Stats "Capitol crimes: DOJ alleges DC officials cooked the books on crime stats."

OTP, DOJ Rushes To Block Nemesis Judge From Charging Noem With Criminal Contempt and Appeals Court Rejects Using Medicaid Funds For Planned Parenthood Abortions. Susie Moore at RedState, About That Planned Parenthood Funding...1st Circuit Smacks Down Crazy District Court Ruling. Cam Edwards at BA has hopes a North Carolina Woman's Lawsuit Gives SCOTUS a Chance to Establish National Reciprocity. Amy Curtis at TownHall hears the Wisconsin Supreme Court Seeks to Defy Federal ICE Detainers. There's Just One Problem. "Of course, it has no authority to do so, thanks to the 10th Amendment and federalism."

From Sundance, U.S. Govt Agency Verifies that Nine Large U.S. Banks Conducted Ideological Debanking Operations. Shooting News Week, OCC Fingers Big Banks That De-Banked ‘Controversial’ Businesses Like Gun Makers, Retailers.

OTP likes how the Trump Admin Takes Fight Against DEI To National Parks’ Gift Shops "In a memo last month, acting National Park Service director Jessica Bowron called for a review of the items available for purchase in park gift shops. The memo says that items should be reviewed for compliance with an order from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to cease activities related to DEI, accessibility or “environmental justice.”"

Lotsa links left hanging at the Wombat's In The Mailbox: 12.11.25, In The Mailbox: 12.12.25 (Afternoon Edition) and In The Mailbox: 12.12.25 (Evening Edition). Linked at The Pirate's Cove in the weekly Sorta Blogless Sunday Pinup and links. The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: In Honor Of Alice Cooper and FMJRA 2.0: A Week In The Ruts available for browsing at the usual place and time.

Thanksgiving Tanlines

YaHoo! Demi Lovato Tanning in Bikini Is Must See

The 33-year-old posted a vacation carousel on Instagram, but the fifth photo caught fans’ eyes the most. She is seen lying on a boat lounge, showing off her outfit while tanning on a blue towel. The sea and sky behind her give the photo a peaceful, relaxed vibe.

The carousel mostly featured her stylish black-and-white bikini. She shows off the outfit by posing on the boat deck and taking a mirror selfie with her sunglasses in a bun hairstyle. She also shares a scenic view from her vacation from a pool facing the ocean, along with a stunning orange sunset over the water.

The carousel showed Demi Lovato having a fashionable trip with spectacular ocean views and a chic bikini ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌look with her friends.

I assume she's happier now that she's figured out her pronouns.

The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Snow. Ugh. up on time and under budget at The Other McCain.

Beach Report 10/21/25

A gorgeous fall day, with temperatures in the mid 60s. I haven't posted much, but the beach has been changed a lot recently, with the passing of the recent nor'easter causing a lot of erosion. I'm not worried; the sand will return.

A stiff SE wind barely touched the beach, but left enough surf to mix the shell hash.

Georgia found the best tooth of the day, this 1 1/2 inch White Shark. It's only 1/8 shorter than the current leader on the kitchen window sill. I found a small, beat dolphin tooth, much rarer, but not as photogenic.

One of the things the erosion exposed, the old motor (with some remains some wooden boat attached), that we haven't seen for a few years. Check out how much it has degraded in the last 15 years.

Thursday's Tanlines

Sauron's Eye whines TikTok trend tracking UV index for tanning is "alarming," dermatologist says. 

"It's incredibly alarming. They're using it to optimize the amount of time they need to spend sun tanning and getting as dark as possible," said Dr. Cynthia Nicholson, a pediatric dermatologist with M Health Fairview.

Of course, you don't have to go to TikTok to find the local UV index. A quick Google revealed Calvert Cliffs State Park UV Index, which showed the UV index locally peaked at about 7.5 (High!) around 1 PM, just about the time we walked on the beach. The max, like the Spinal Tap amps, are 11. 

The Wombat has Rule Five Sunday: The End of Summer up and garnering clicks at The Other McCain.

Maryland, My Maryland

Journal-News, Maryland redefines personal watercraft, raises boating fees in 2025 law update

A major change in Maryland’s boating laws could catch some West Virginia water enthusiasts off guard this summer, especially those who enjoy popular destinations like the Potomac River that share a border with another state.

Because Maryland owns the entire Potomac River, despite it making up the border of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, due to a 2003 U.S. Supreme Court decision, the change will impact West Virginians who want to bring boats onto the river from their side of the river.

 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources requires any vessel used in Maryland, whether commercial or recreational, to be registered in Maryland. This includes the Potomac River.

As part of a sweeping legislative update to the State Boat Act, House Bill 719, Maryland has redefined what qualifies as a “personal watercraft,” expanding the category to include a broader range of recreational vessels. The change, along with increased registration fees and new safety requirements, took effect on July 1.

The update removes the term “Class A Vessel” from the previous definition, along with some other specifications, simplifying the definition to include any vessel that is propelled by a water-jet pump or other machinery as its primary source of motive power designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel.

 

That means newer, larger models of jet-powered boats and hybrid watercrafts will now be regulated under the same personal watercraft rules, which carry stricter age limits, operation restrictions and safety requirements.

At the same time, the cost to boat in Maryland is going up. The two-year registration fee is jumping from $24 to $70. The cost of a certificate of title is increasing from $2 to $20. Maryland’s use sticker also rises from $10 to $70.

The fee hikes are intended to support an expanded Waterway Improvement Fund, which will now offer fully state-funded support for projects up to $500,000 — double the previous limit. Funding has also been added for small-scale waterway improvements and public boating access across the state.

I was shocked this year when the registration was still $20. This is all about the money. Remember, Maryland went from a $5 billion surplus when Gov. Hogan left office, to desperately trying to close a $3 billion deficit under Gov. Moore.  If it moves, tax it. If it's still moving, raise the taxes.

The Wombat has Rule Five Sunday: The Ghost of Safeguard-chan Watches Over Us up and at 'em at The Other McCain.

Tattoo Thursday

Times of India, Indraxi Kanjilal talks about her love for tattoos; “I choose not to get tattoos of God on my body at all”

Young actress Indraxi Kanjilal, who is better known as Prathana from the show Pushpa Impossible, has three tattoos so far and plans to have more in the coming years. She elaborates,” I have three tattoos so far. I don’t know what will happen in the future, maybe I’ll get more. But for now, I only have these three.The first tattoo I got was when I was just 15. I knew the woman who was getting the tattoo done. She was a good person and a known tattoo artist. At that age, I wasn't allowed to get a tattoo, but I requested a lot and she finally agreed. That tattoo is a small heart on the left side of my chest. It’s very beautiful and meaningful to me. It holds a lot of emotions and memories and is very close to my heart.The other two tattoos I got were after I turned 17, to celebrate my birthday. Both are on my fingers. One is a star on my right finger because I love stars they’re magical and beautiful. The second one says “Indiva” with a heart and heartbeat design. I created the word "Indiva" when I was around 15 or 16. It means your “inner diva.” I’ve always dreamt of starting a company with that name when I grow older and become financially independent.

Hooray for Bollywood!

The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Overall Beauty up more or less on time and under budget.

Back From Fishin'

Another walk on trip with Walleye Pete. We started on the Eastern Shore at a familiar  site, using surface plugs. The weather was ideal for Striper fishing with plugs, overcast, and misty, The bite was pretty good, and we filled the boat's quota of 19-24 inch fish (mostly near 24), and had several outside the slot.

Including this  27. 

After a while we found ourselves searching for Bluefish in the Middle Grounds, around the "target ship", the American Mariner, stranded and used as a naval target. We found the blues in a few small batches, but they were hard to keep on.

We went as far south as Smith Island, to no great result.

On the way home, we stopped at Hoopers Island Light, the light that was recently sold to a private group, who have apparently fixed it up inside. The outside could still use a coat of paint. No fish at home today. 

Taking Out the Bay Trash

A couple of unrelated article in today's Bay News, at WHRO, VIMS effort is removing thousands of “ghost” crab pots that litter the Chesapeake Bay

It’s pretty easy for watermen to lose their crab pots out on the turbulent waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

The cage-like traps are attached to the surface by a line and buoy system stretching deep into the water. Those lines can get sliced by passing boats, blown around by storms or stuck in the mud, said Ralph Bonniville, who’s been crabbing locally for almost five decades.

“Every spring down in the bay, you lose a lot,” he said.

Crabbers often lose around 20% of their pots each season, according to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at William & Mary, adding up to roughly 145,000 at the bottom of the bay in any given year.

"Lost" pots show up pretty often here. We have lots of crab pots in summer, and lots of boat traffic to cut them off. I may have cut off a few myself, and not deliberately. Some of them even show up on shore.

Bonniville is part of a VIMS program working to recover many of those “ghost” crab pots littering local waterways. The school received an $8 million grant in 2023 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. (Funding through that law is now a target of the Trump administration.)

Over the next several years, VIMS will distribute the money for work to retrieve derelict fishing gear from protected ecosystems. That includes the local effort, but also projects in California, Florida, Delaware, Maryland, New York and even the island nation of Palau in the western Pacific Ocean.

Palau? It would be a shame to go to Palau and spend the whole time looking for lost fish and crab pots. But I'll bet that's not what's happening. Why can't the Palauans pick up their own damn crab pots?

The second article is Prince George’s County Introduces Bill To Address Abandoned Watercraft On Public Roadways

Though boats are a common sight in counties surrounding the Chesapeake Bay, abandoned vessels have become a significant issue in Prince George’s County. During a County Council meeting on Feb. 11, the CB-002-2025 legislation was received favorably after undergoing amendments. The bill is expected to be finalized within the next month.

The primary goal of the bill is to discourage the abandonment of boats on highways, roads, and public streets. Local residents have also voiced concerns about abandoned watercraft littering their neighborhoods.

Parking a watercraft on public roadways can disrupt traffic flow, and one council member described abandoned boats as an eyesore that may impact property values.

“We also have the quality-of-life issues. Sometimes these boats are deteriorating and abandoned. They’re an eyesore. They’re negatively affecting neighborhood appearance and property values.”

Olsen also noted that removing derelict boats from public streets could ease road congestion.

“Unlike typical vehicles, boats are often larger and create unnecessary road congestion when left on public streets. Sometimes cars have to go around, crossing the center line, to go around them.”

If you leave a boat on the street too long in Calvert County, or if one of your Karen neighbors complains, the county will come along and tell you to move it, or else. Too long, and or else are not precisely defined. Ask me how I know.

The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Denim on the Beach up and garnering clicks at the Other McCain.

The Wednesday Wetness

At the Bay Journal, Get to know a stream near you — and its connection to the Chesapeake Bay

A small creek is often one of the first “natural” places a child investigates, a seemingly wild area full of adventures. The sound of water flowing though the landscape and trickling over rocks is all but universally soothing. Streams offer us a place of refuge from the stress of our everyday lives. Streams connect us to nature.

As a kid growing up in Culver City, California, I used to explore La Ballona Creek (for some reason they seem to have dropped the "La"), a fully channelized creek that is now largely street runoff.  Our house was only a few houses distant. We used to catch tadpoles and mosquito fish, and look for "treasures" there. One time my dad and I found a diamond ring.

The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Biker Babe In Bikini up and garnering clicks at The Other McCain.

The Wednesday Wetness

WaPoo, D.C. region under drought watch as officials advise limiting water use. "Officials says short showers and other limits on water use can help the region as heat continues."

Six million residents across the region are being asked to be careful with their water use after the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments issued a drought watch on Monday. The guidance comes after a stretch of record-setting hot days that has created unusually dry conditions in Maryland, Virginia and the District, including low flow in the Potomac River.

Officials remain adamant that region is prepared. The three water supply reservoirs in the region are full, and if needed water can be directed from them into the river basin. The water-saving measures suggested by local leaders on Monday — including taking five-minute showers; turning the faucet off when brushing your teeth; and waiting to wash dishes and laundry until you have full loads — remain voluntary.

Our water system, which depends of water from deep wells, 300-400 ft, is unaffected by drought. The aquifers are managed, and even during drought spells with high water use, our usage remains under the withdrawal limits set by the state.

The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Redheads – Threat or Menace? up and garnering clicks at The Other McCain.