MSM Meltdown at NBC

California Pizza Chains Plan Layoffs in Advance of New $20 Minimum Wage

All Senate Dems Vote No on Amendment to Prevent Taxpayer Dollars Spent on Migrant Flights

Imagine you’re on the edge of your seat‚ eyes wide‚ heart racing. That’s exactly where a group of tourists found themselves during a safari adventure in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Their guide‚ a quick-thinking individual named Bongani Yende‚ was about to become an unexpected hero. The day took a turn when an elephant‚ clearly in... The post Tourists’ safari ride turns heart-pounding when they encounter angry elephant appeared first on Animal Channel.

The revolving door between American politics and the media only becomes an issue when the wannabe gatekeepers don’t like who comes through. The mean girls of ABC’s The View had their knives out for former Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel on Monday after she was hired by NBC News to be a commentator. And their infamous hypocrisy was on full display as they decried her for doing what many of their friends did to get into the business‚ including some of the cast members themselves. Following a clip of NBC chief political analyst Chuck Todd melting down on Meet the Press over the weekend‚ faux conservative Ana Navarro lacked self-awareness when she decried McDaniel as “a shapeshifter” who “says and does what's convenient for her to say and do when it's convenient.” Navarro commended Todd for being “very right” for “calling into question on the air” the decision of NBC to hire McDaniel. She then proved just how part of the swamp she was by bragging about being personal friends with the boss of NBCUniversal News Group and scolding him: The head of NBC News is a good friend of mine from Miami‚ Cesar Conde. I've known him for over 20 years. I think this was a mistake because you're allowing somebody who was part of the machine – right? -- a figurehead‚ a household name‚ reinvent herself. And I do think that there's credibility issues‚ and it's up to the hosts‚ the journalists‚ the staff‚ the viewers to make it known if they are unhappy about it. Her comment about McDaniel being a “household name” was also evidence of just how far removed Navarro was from average Americans‚ who didn’t make their money spewing hate about political figures on TV. And speaking of former Trump supporters who were allowed to “reinvent herself” (as Navarro whined)‚ useless Republican Alyssa Farah Griffin refused to mention criticism of NBC’s ethically dubious hire of former Biden Press Secretary Jen Psaki‚ who was fielding questions from NBC reporters when it was publically know she was destined to get a show on the network. Psaki was even taking questions from then-White House correspondent Kristen Welker‚ who Farah Griffin praised as “an incredible journalist.”     And as if there weren’t already enough Never Trump Republicans at NBC and MSNBC‚ Farah Griffin suggested that they hire more people like her: I feel very strongly‚ obviously‚ that there needs to be Republican representation in media. We represent 50 percent of the country‚ but there are incredible Republicans who never dabbled in this dangerous lie that Joe Biden didn't legitimately win the election who would be far better served for NBC‚ could offer the same expertise‚ but with more credibility. I think if people like Chris Christie‚ Chris Krebs‚ Sarah Matthews‚ Mick Mulvaney‚ Will Hurd. “There were other sketchy things that happened‚ and [McDaniel] was a direct part of it. You know‚ I think‚ when journalism is shrinking‚ especially on linear television‚ to pay a woman like that $300‚000 is obscene‚” kvetched staunchly racist and anti-Semitic co-host‚ Sunny Hostin (the descendant of slave owners). Psaki had her own sketchy history that Hostin didn’t want to mention. When she was the spokeswoman for the Obama State Department‚ video was deleted of her getting called out and admitting to misleading the press (and thus the American people) about President Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran. Co-host Sara Haines agreed that the media did “need to represent more voices” but added that “you cannot have election deniers being given these types of roles in major network news.” Meanwhile‚ The View welcomed and defended election deniers like White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre who tried to cast doubt on the fact former President Trump won the 2016 election. Moderator Whoopi Goldberg defended Jean-Pierre‚ by proclaiming she was “doing her part.” In‚ fact‚ Hostin admitted that she herself pushed election denialism in the same episode. Goldberg defended her too: “But that's how you felt! You had every right to say it!” Of course‚ this was all said on ABC News. The same network that took President Clinton’s former hatchetman George Stephanopoulos and turned him into their chief news anchor. And around and around the revolving door went. The transcript is below. Click "expand" to read: ABC’s The View March 25‚ 2024 11:18:10 a.m. Eastern (…) WHOOPI GOLDBERG: So I leave it to y'all. What do you think? ANA NAVARRO: Look. I think she's a shapeshifter and she says and does what's convenient for her to say and do when it's convenient. She's from Michigan where the name Romney‚ which is her name; she used to use -- when she was in Michigan‚ she was a Romney. When she became the RNC chair and it was under Trump‚ who didn't like Romney‚ she took out the word – the name Romney. When it was convenient for her to amplify things that Donald Trump was saying‚ to amplify the conspiracy theories‚ to gaslight journalists‚ to malign journalists‚ she did that. Now that she's on NBC‚ she's changed her tune. So‚ I think that Chuck Todd is very right in calling into question on the air – and by the way‚ kudos to NBC for having Chuck Todd -- that Chuck Todd had the freedom or felt he had the freedom to say that on the air just following that. The head of NBC News is a good friend of mine from Miami‚ Cesar Conde. I've known him for over 20 years. I think this was a mistake because you're allowing somebody who was part of the machine – right? -- a figurehead‚ a household name‚ reinvent herself. And I do think that there's credibility issues‚ and it's up to the hosts‚ the journalists‚ the staff‚ the viewers to make it known if they are unhappy about it. ALYSSA FARAH GRIFFIN: Kudos to Kristen Welker‚ who didn’t – We didn't see all the interview‚ but she did a great job challenging her. She's an incredible journalist. And one point in that interview Ronna McDaniel starts talking about all these election officials who felt intimidated because they didn't want to certify the election. What she failed to mention is the countless of us who told the truth about the election and faced intimidation and harassment; and people with a lot more power than myself like Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman and Rusty Bowers‚ who we know of‚ who simply did their job to move forward with the election and had their lives torn apart because of it. I feel very strongly‚ obviously‚ that there needs to be Republican representation in media. We represent 50 percent of the country‚ but there are incredible Republicans who never dabbled in this dangerous lie that Joe Biden didn't legitimately win the election who would be far better served for NBC‚ could offer the same expertise‚ but with more credibility. I think if people like Chris Christie‚ Chris Krebs‚ Sarah Matthews‚ Mick Mulvaney‚ Will Hurd. To give her this platform when she was such a contributor. She hosted that insane RNC press conference where they blamed Hugo Chavez‚ who is no longer with us‚ for stealing the election. Like‚ there's such a credibility factor‚ and I think it was a mistake. [Crosstalk] SARA HAINES: NBC said -- sorry‚ Sunny. When they announced the hire‚ they said‚ we do need to represent more voices. I agree with that‚ but you cannot have election deniers being given these types of roles in major network news. She was someone that‚ you know‚ continues to actually plant‚ while saying she believes President Biden was elected fairly‚ also kind of toeing the line with some stories about things that weren't right. And when you have 60 court case that is say there was no evidence otherwise‚ you have to -- questioning an election is fine. Denying every result that proves you wrong is not fine. So‚ I think that the only sketchy thing that happened in the election was when the former President asked the secretary of state of Georgia to find 11‚000 votes. So‚ let's come clean on what was sketchy about the election and she should not have gotten [inaudible] – SUNNY HOSTIN: There were other sketchy things that happened‚ and she was a direct part of it. You know‚ I think‚ when journalism is shrinking‚ especially on linear television‚ to pay a woman like that $300‚000 is obscene. And let's remember that she was the person involved in the 2020 phone call to pressure Michigan county officials to not certify the vote from the Detroit area in particular. Detroit -- the Detroit population is 77.8 percent black. So‚ she was involved in actively suppressing -- or attempting to suppress the black vote. She also‚ as you mentioned‚ said while she was being interviewed by Kristen Welker – and I think there could have been more pushback‚ but she said‚ but there were problems with the vote. So‚ she is still pushing the same exact narrative. She is being rewarded for basically trying to take away the votes of Americans. And I think it's a despicable decision‚ and Joe and Mika -- Joe Scarborough just this morning said‚ and Mika said‚ we hope NBC reconsiders its decision. And I hope they do as well. NAVARRO: Yeah and‚ you know‚ one of the things that Chuck Todd says is sometimes we hire folks like this for access‚ and I don't know what access she has because -- HOSTIN: She got thrown out of the RNC. NAVARRO: Trump threw her out of the RNC and replaced her with an even bigger sycophant. Right? His daughter-in-law. And most of the people who worked with Ronna McDaniel – Ronna Romney McDaniel (…) have gotten thrown out as well. So‚ I’s not sure what access does she have other than $300‚000? GOLDBERG: Well‚ I'm sure this isn't the end of that story. So‚ we'll -- when we know more‚ we'll come back and talk more about it‚ but not right now because now we're going to break.

Click to Skip Ahead Average Lifespan Care Guide for a Long Lifespan Life Stages How to Tell Your Shar Pei’s Age The Shar Pei is a guardian breed from China that has an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years‚ but many factors can affect their lifespan. The oldest known Shar Pei lived to be 18 years old! Learn more about the lifespan of this breed and what you can do to promote a longer and healthier life. Shar Pei Average Lifespan Recognizable for their rolls and rolls of skin‚ the Shar Pei is a medium-sized breed with an average expected lifespan of 8 to 12 years. Some specific health concerns can impact the longevity of the Shar Pei; however‚ like all breeds‚ other factors affect their general health and well-being. Image Credit: Alexeysun‚ Shutterstock How to Care for Your Shar Pei for a Long Lifespan While not every aspect of your dog’s lifespan is within your control‚ you can increase the likelihood of a long and healthy life by focusing on these factors: 1. Feeding &; Diet Like all dogs‚ Shar Peis require a high-quality dog food appropriate for their life stage. Diets approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)1 and meeting the guidelines established by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)2 are ideal. The Shar Pei doesn’t have any breed-specific dietary requirements‚ but due to their predisposition for skin disease‚ any food allergies need to be identified and dealt with swiftly. The ideal weight for a Shar Pei is between 45 and 60 pounds‚ but this is just a guideline; some individuals are taller and will weigh more‚ some are more petite‚ and males tend to be heavier than females. Be sure to consult with your vet about your dog’s weight to ensure they’re not obese‚ which contributes to a range of health problems. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot‚ Shutterstock 2. Healthcare The single most important step you can take for your dog’s health is routine veterinary care. Regular checkups‚ dental care‚ and preventatives like vaccines‚ heartworm‚ and flea and tick medications prevent an array of life-limiting diseases. Routine care also helps your vet identify some diseases early for a better outcome. Shar Peis are prone to a variety of health conditions‚ including entropion‚ glaucoma‚ and Sudden Acquired Retinal Dysplasia (SARDS). Heart‚ skeletal‚ and gastrointestinal disorders are also common‚ as well as immune diseases and certain cancers. Working with a responsible breeder who tests parents for genetic health conditions is an important step in getting a healthier puppy. The most common and significant health issues which may affect the lifespan of a Shar Pei include: Shar Pei fever: caused by a genetic mutation in the breed‚ this condition results in swollen hocks (ankle joints) and extremely high fevers in affected dogs‚ of around 104-107oF (normal canine temperature is 101-102.5oF). Although the fever usually resolves without treatment after 1-2 days‚ repeated episodes increase the Shar Pei’s risk of developing amyloidosis. Amyloidosis: the result of the deposits of a specific protein (amyloid) forming on various organs. In Shar Peis‚ renal amyloidosis (deposits in the kidneys) is a relatively common consequence of Shar Pei fever‚ and can result in kidney failure. Skin disease: the skin rolls that have made this breed so popular‚ are also a major source of problems for the Shar Pei. Moisture gets trapped under these skin rolls‚ leading to recurrent bacterial and fungal infections‚ which can severely impact their quality of life. They also suffer from ear infections and pododermatitis (infection of skin of the feet/toes) Entropion: another consequence of their skin folds‚ entropion refers to the rolling in of the eyelids. This can happen in any breed‚ but is most common in the Shar Pei‚ and most will require corrective surgery in order to stop the eyelids rubbing against the surface of the eye. Left untreated‚ entropion can result in painful corneal ulcers‚ blindness‚ even loss of the eye. It is quite common for Shar Pei pups to have had a tacking procedure at a very young age to reduce the risk of damage to the eyes. Dogs with severe entropion should not be bred from‚ as their offspring will almost certainly inherit the problem. Mast Cell Tumors: Shar Peis are particularly predisposed to the most aggressive type of Mast Cell Tumor‚ which are the most common skin cancer in dogs. 3. Behavior and Training The Shar Pei is known to be a loving and loyal breed‚ but can be difficult to train‚ wary of strangers‚ and not the best with other dogs. Because of this‚ early socialization and training is essential. Dogs that have not been well socialized or display aggressive behavior‚ even if that behavior is based on fear‚ are more likely to have a shorter lifespan as their risk of euthanasia increases. Image Credit: Pixel Shot‚ Shutterstock 4. Husbandry Dogs need regular grooming and veterinary visits to ensure optimal health. Dogs that are not groomed properly can develop skin problems or infections that can limit their lives. In addition‚ dogs need plenty of exercise and space to play to stay fit‚ which is important for physical and mental health. 5. Environment Your dog’s environment may play a role in its health and mental well-being‚ which can indirectly affect lifespan. Though there’s no specific research into the connection between environment and lifespan‚ stress and boredom can have negative effects on dogs. In addition‚ quality of life is arguably more important than quantity. Image Credit: Marcelino Pozo Ruiz‚ Shutterstock 6. Spaying/Neutering Entire dogs are more susceptible to certain cancers (mammary‚ testicular). Additionally‚ unspayed females can develop a potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus‚ called pyometra‚ while entire males can be affected by an enlarged and painful prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Spaying and neutering are the best ways to reduce the risk of these diseases‚ as well as helping to prevent some behavioral issues‚ and straying to find a mate. The Life Stages of a Shar Pei The Shar Pei goes through similar life stages as other dog breeds: Puppy: As puppies‚ Shar Peis are dependent on their mothers for three to four weeks‚ then they’re weaned and continue to develop. They are placed in new homes around 8 to 12 weeks. Adolescence: Dogs reach the adolescent phase between 6 and 12 months. This is when they’re more likely to push boundaries and start to develop adult features‚ such as their adult teeth. This is an important period for socialization and training. Mature adult: Your Shar Pei becomes an adult around 12-18 months old and will be around their adult size. Male Shar Peis may be larger than female Shar Pei. Senior: Shar Peis become seniors around seven to nine years. They may experience age-related declines like vision or hearing loss‚ arthritis‚ and cognitive issues. How to Tell Your Shar Pei’s Age Once a Shar Pei reaches adulthood‚ it becomes much more difficult to determine their age accurately. Your vet may be able to estimate based on gray hair‚ tooth wear‚ fitness‚ and other details‚ but it’s only an educated guess. Just like people‚ dogs age at different rates based on their genetics and life experience. Conclusion Shar Peis have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years‚ though some factors can dramatically influence their longevity. The best way to ensure your dog has both quality and quantity of life is with proper nutrition‚ routine veterinary care‚ and plenty of enrichment. If you are thinking about adopting a Shar Pei puppy‚ be sure to research the breed‚ and the breeder‚ so you know what to expect. Sources https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/shar-pei-recurrent-fever-syndrome https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159110001243 https://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2013/feb/to-neuter-or-not-to-neuter-29865 https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/shar-pei https://actavetscand.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13028-018-0424-2 https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/sudden-acquired-retinal-degeneration-syndrome-sards https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mast-cell-tumors-in-dogs#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20mast%20cell%20tumor%3F‚%2C%20intestine%2C%20and%20bone%20marrow. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/pyometra https://www.msdvetmanual.com/reproductive-system/prostatic-diseases/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-in-dogs-and-cats Featured Image Credit: David Raihelgauz‚ Shutterstock The post How Long Do Shar Peis Live? Vet-Reviewed Average Lifespan‚ Data &; Care appeared first on Pet Keen.

United States Border Patrol chief Jason Owens told CBS News' "Face the Nation" on Sunday that the migrant crisis at the southern border is a "national security threat."When asked whether smugglers at the border are "setting the rules of engagement‚" Owens replied‚ "Yes‚ they absolutely are. They dictate what the flow is going to look like‚ and we respond to it."Owens added‚ "We try to get out in front of it and deny them the ability to use these areas‚ especially ones that we think are going to be dangerous for us and for the migrants. But at the end of the day‚ there's over 1‚900 miles of border with Mexico. Now‚ when you talk about 20‚000 Border Patrol agents‚ that sounds like a lot. But you multiple that by 24 hours a day‚ seven days a week‚ across the entirety of the year‚ that number starts to dwindle very fast."He explained that the smugglers intentionally manipulate Border Patrol's response by pushing migrant groups to certain areas of the southern border as a distraction."The tactic is they'll push groups across‚ knowing that we're going to respond from a humanitarian perspective and make sure that they're safe. And while we're tied up and occupied doing this‚ what are [the smugglers] doing a couple miles down the road?" Owens questioned.He noted that he is "absolutely" concerned about potential terrorists crossing the southern border while agents are bogged down with processing asylum-seekers. "You ask any law enforcement officer‚ especially someone who works in border security‚ that is what keeps us up at night‚" Owens told CBS News. "We're closing in on a million entries this fiscal year alone. That number is a large number‚ but what's keeping me up at night is the 140‚000 known gotaways."Gotaways are illegal migrants who have been detected on cameras or sensors but have intentionally evaded being apprehended by law enforcement agents. Owens noted that the 1 million recorded entries and the 140‚000 recorded gotaways do not include illegal migrants who have crossed into the country undetected. "That is a national security threat‚" Owens continued. "If we don't know who is coming into our country and we don't know what their intent is‚ that is a threat. And they're exploiting a vulnerability that's on our border right now."A recent Congressional Budget Office report estimated that 860‚000 illegal migrants entered the country in fiscal year 2023 "without encountering a [Customs and Border Protection] official."Owens claimed that individuals from at least 160 countries have entered the United States this fiscal year‚ which started in October. The majority of the illegal migrants are "by and large good people‚" he added."There are still people that we're finding in those groups‚ though‚ that have criminal backgrounds‚ that have been convicted sexual predators‚ that have been convicted gang members — a very small amount in that population‚ but they're still there‚" he said.Owens called for harsher penalties for illegally crossing into the country."I'm talking about jail time. I'm talking about being removed from the country‚ and I'm talking about being banned from being able to come back because you chose to come in the illegal way instead of the established lawful pathways that we set for you‚" he stated.From October through February‚ agents at the southern border encountered 1‚151‚448 migrants‚ according to CBP data. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

What does this illegal alien and the DHS have in common? They both cut razor wire to allow more migrants in.

A New York appellate court on Monday ruled that former President Donald Trump can post a $175 million bond instead of the over $450 million penalty he owes in his headline-grabbing civil fraud case‚ the New York Times reported.The paper characterized the ruling as "a crucial and unexpected victory" for Trump.Indeed‚ far-left New York Attorney General Letitia James‚ who brought the unprecedented case against the former commander in chief‚ set Monday as the deadline for Trump to fork over the massive sum — or she would begin seizing his properties.Monday was a day James likely relished‚ given she campaigned on the promise that she would go after Trump and has made statements along the way underscoring her obsession with securing the keys to his iconic properties — such as when James earlier told ABC News‚ "Yes‚ I look at 40 Wall Street each and every day.”James will have to keep daydreaming for now.The Times said the court gave Trump 10 days to obtain the $175 million bond‚ adding that "two people with knowledge of his finances said he should be able to secure it by then." The paper also said the bond will prevent James from collecting on the judgment while Trump appeals. Trump attorney Christopher Kise told ABC News the court "no doubt recognized the rule of law must triumph over the political agenda of the Attorney General. President Trump looks forward to a full and fair appellate process which overturns the judgment and ends the Attorney General's abuse of power and tyrannical pursuit of the front running candidate for President of the United States."In the wake of the appellate court ruling‚ a spokesperson for James told ABC News that "the $464 million judgment — plus interest — against Donald Trump and the other defendants still stands." The statement also said Trump "is still facing accountability for his staggering fraud."But even if eventually Trump fails to get the massive judgment against him overturned‚ and he runs out of financial options‚ and James moves forward with seizing his properties‚ a separate report Sunday from the New York Times indicated that James would face a daunting challenge.'Spider web of transactions' The Times said attorneys "warn that getting control over‚ and trying to liquidate‚ any of the former president’s flagship properties is an uphill battle" and that James likely is looking at untangling a "spider web of transactions." “People are really‚ really good at litigating and getting to the point of a judgment‚” Brad Eric Scheler‚ senior counsel at Fried‚ Frank‚ Harris‚ Shriver &; Jacobson‚ told the Times. “But they never focus on the fact that collecting on a judgment is very hard.” First off‚ the paper noted that Trump doesn't outright own almost any of his properties; instead‚ the Times said‚ they are "protected by a maze of interlocking trusts and limited liability companies." “Let me give you an analogy‚” Scheler continued to the paper‚ explaining how Yellow Cab operators are similarly protected. “Taxi fleets had each of their taxis in a separate corporation‚ so that if the taxi was in a car accident and the insurance didn’t cover it‚ it would be limited to the entity that had the cab.” What's more‚ lawyers told the Times that if James seizes a Trump property with mortgages or loans against it‚ those debts must be paid first. “It’s 1‚000 percent complicated‚ and the reason it is 1‚000 percent complicated is there are creditors and equity holders that are ahead of Letitia James‚” commercial bankruptcy lawyer Leo Jacobs told the paper. “Imagine 40 Wall Street is worth $250 million‚ and there’s $200 million collateralized against it. After transfer taxes and fees‚ she will be left with $1 million. Is it worth it to enforce the judgment? The answer is no‚ it’s not.” More from the Times: For some of the buildings‚ the ownership structure is so complex that it becomes unclear what‚ if anything‚ the court could seize. Take the sleek skyscraper at 1290 Avenue of the Americas. Nearly two decades ago‚ Mr. Trump acquired a 30 percent stake in an entity that owns the 43-story building in Midtown Manhattan adjacent to Radio City Music Hall. The other 70 percent is owned by the Vornado Partnership Trust. The fine print of the partnership makes it difficult‚ maybe even impossible‚ for Mr. Trump to sell his 30 percent stake. Initially set to expire in 2044‚ the partnership states that “a partner may not‚ directly or indirectly‚ sell‚ assign‚ transfer or otherwise dispose of any part of their partnership interest‚ without prior written consent from the majority owner‚” according to an excerpt from the agreement shared during the trial. In the lawsuit‚ Ms. James argued that Mr. Trump and his proxies had inflated the value of this property by treating it as if it were an asset that could be bought and sold. Now‚ if the same asset is seized‚ the state will face the same limitations that they uncovered during the trial — namely that he is more or less stuck in this partnership for another two decades‚ said real estate attorneys.Frank Luntz to James: 'You’re going to elect Donald Trump' Beyond the mountain of paperwork‚ red tape‚ and legal roadblocks ahead of James if she goes through with seizing Trump's properties‚ pollster Frank Luntz on Thursday warned James that she is "going to elect Donald Trump" if she goes this route. Here's a snippet of what Luntz told a CNN panel: I want you to remember this moment‚ and don’t forget it: If the New York attorney general starts to take his homes away‚ starts to seize his assets — it’s all gonna be on camera‚ pundits are gonna sit there and scream ... 'This man cannot be elected' — you’re going to create the greatest victimhood of 2024‚ and you’re going to elect Donald Trump. If they take his stuff‚ he’s gonna say that this is proof that the federal government and the establishment in the swamp in Washington and all the politicians across the country and the attorneys generals and all of this‚ that this is a conspiracy to deny him the presidency. He’s gonna go up in the polls just like he went up every single time they indicted him. The indictment‚ and let’s not talk about whether it’s justified or not‚ but it will prove the things that he’s saying on the campaign trail‚ and he will go up‚ and it may just elect him president. Do not forget that. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Caitlin Clark’s dad spoke for all of us Saturday afternoon. From his seat inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena‚ he shouted two words to his talented and electrifying daughter: “SHUT UP!” Clark and the No. 1-seeded Hawkeyes were playing 16th-seeded Holy Cross. Clark spent a significant portion of the game focused on arguing with the refs. Frustrated by the smothering defensive attention Holy Cross deployed to slow the best women’s college basketball player‚ Clark whined to the refs on nearly every other trip down the court. Money‚ fame‚ and social media corrupt the same in Iowa as they do in Texas. It was a bad look for the player I’ve dubbed “Show White‚” the biggest star in all of college athletics. She looked spoiled and entitled. I give her dad credit for recognizing and trying to address it. Her dad can see what I see. Caitlin Clark is in the process of destroying the reputation and perception that combined with her uncanny shot-making made her the most fascinating story in sports since Tiger Woods won the 1997 Masters. For the past year‚ Clark has walked the line of carrying herself with just enough swagger and bravado to grab your attention and just enough likeability and humility to make you love her. I love Caitlin Clark. She’s made me a fan of women’s college basketball. Saturday was the first time I started to have reservations. Saturday was the first time that I pondered whether all the national commercials‚ the name‚ image‚ and likeness money‚ and all the adulation had not turned “Show White” into just another spoiled‚ entitled jock. I have to admit‚ some people spotted this ugly trend long before me. Perhaps I was too caught up in defending Clark from her bigoted and jealous critics and I couldn’t see that Clark has Johnny Manziel tendencies. Foolishly‚ I thought a young woman from Iowa wouldn’t act as arrogantly as a Texas quarterback. But money‚ fame‚ and social media corrupt the same in Iowa as they do in Texas. At this point‚ it’s quite clear that Caitlin Clark isn’t much different from Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The difference might be the dads. Caitlin’s dad sees the problem and is apparently trying to correct it. Deion Sanders‚ Colorado’s coach and Shedeur’s dad‚ thinks his son walks on water and can dictate where he plays in the NFL. Perhaps Monday night‚ when the Hawkeyes take on West Virginia in the second round of the women's NCAA Tournament‚ we’ll find out if Brent Clark reached his daughter. I hope he has. The glut of money that has flooded into professional and college sports has made it nearly impossible to disciple young athletes. You can’t lead them anywhere. You can beg them to follow‚ and that’s about it.They’re child TV and movie stars. Fame may already have stolen Caitlin Clark from those of us looking for sports stars who remind us of the “good old days.” My whole love affair with women’s college basketball is driven by my attempt to find a replacement for the NBA and men’s college basketball. The NBA is unwatchable. The players don’t care about the regular season. It’s way too much isolation basketball mixed with jacking up three-pointers. The transfer portal and young players turning pro early ruined men’s college basketball. I thought the women’s game might fix my basketball jones. I’m not sure if its traction and relevance will be sustained. Clark is headed to the WNBA this summer. I’m highly unlikely to watch that. The players are entitled and whine constantly. This weekend‚ I watched Southern California freshman JuJu Watkins. She’s going to be great‚ maybe better than Clark. But it won’t be long before she falls to money and fame. She’s managed by Klutch Sports‚ LeBron James’ agency. Watkins will likely turn into an angry Black Lives Matter advocate. I’ve probably just had a brief fling with women’s hoops. I can already see the breakup.