|| Mitt Romney has taken a huge lead over President Obama in North Carolina, 51% to 43%. ||

Swing State.

Barack Obama may have won the Tarheel State in 2008, but it does not look like we’ll be seeing a repeat performance in 2012.  Mitt Romney leads President Obama in North Carolina 51% to 43%.

Mitt Romney has moved out to an eight-point lead over President Obama in North Carolina after the two men were virtually tied a month ago.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in the Tar Heel State shows the putative Republican nominee earning 51% of the vote to Obama’s 43%. Two percent (2%) like some other candidate, and four percent (4%) are undecided.

That’s a big change from last month when Romney posted a narrow 46% to 44% lead over the president in Rasmussen Reports’ first survey of the race in North Carolina.  Democrats have signaled North Carolina’s importance as a key swing state by deciding to hold their national convention in Charlotte this summer.

The North Carolina polling signals that much of Obama’s 2008 results may have been an aberration.  Now that voters know who he is, the President’s chances of beating Mitt Romney in many swing states, especially Southern ones like North Carolina, Virginia and Florida, are greatly diminished.

The 2012 election may just come down to a battle over Ohio.

|| President Obama's fundraising fell off 18% in April, down to $43.6 million. ||

Fundraiser in Chief.

You would think with all the fundraising that President Obama does that he would be getting better and better at it each and every day, but that’s not the case.  The Obama campaign, which raised $53 million in March, was only able to bring in $43.6 million for the month of April.

President Barack Obama raised a combined $43.6 million in April for his campaign and the Democratic Party as he faces a unifying Republican effort around Mitt Romney for the White House.

Obama’s April fundraising haul fell short of the $53 million he raised in March.

Which is exactly why Obama “evolved” (a.k.a. re-revised) his position on gay marriage.  After Dodd-Frank, the big money donors of Wall Street won’t touch the Obama campaign with a ten foot cattle prod.  Now the only substantive source of liberal cash available to Team Obama is the Hollywood/LGBT community.  And many of them were holding back due to the White House’s lack of support for same-sex marriages.  But now that Joe Biden and Barack Obama are both out of the closet, the money can begin flowing in again.

Or will it?

|| In desperate need of female support in the polls, President Obama visited 'The View.' ||

US News:

President Obama to hosts on ABC’s ‘The View’:  “You need to pay more taxes!“

Obama is responsible for a $5 trillion increase in the debt.

“I’m for Mitt Romney.”  George W. Bush endorses Romney for president.

Senate panel to vote on giving benefits to partners of gay federal workers.

2 black eyes, nose fracture, cuts to his head.  Details of Zimmerman’s medical injuries.

Defense secretary restricts flights of F-22 Raptors.  Problems with its oxygen systems.

World News:

UN cease fire monitors come under attack in Syria.  2 injured.

Toughening Its Stand, European Union Sends Forces to Strike Somali Pirate Base.

More than half of South Sudan faces food shortages due to the conflict with Sudan.

Sports News:

LA now 7-0 on the road.  Kings top Coyotes in Game 2, 4-0.

San Antonio’s win streak hits 15 as the Spurs down the Clippers 108-92.

Gisele Bundchen is not happy.  Wes Welker signs his tender with the Patriots.

Entertainment News:

Robert Downey Jr. ‘Avengers’ Pay to Hit $50 Million… and it could go higher.

Vindication?  John Travolta’s first ‘sexual assault’ accuser drops lawsuit.

‘Dancing With the Stars’ whittles down to final three.  Maria Menounos sent home.

|| Maria Menounos was sent home as DWTS trims down to the final 3. ||

Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime;
    it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms.
He gives showers of rain to all people,
    and plants of the field to everyone.

- Zechariah 10:1

|| A well rested Tom Duncan and the Spurs rolled over Blake Griffin and the Clippers. }}

“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

- Zephaniah 3:17

|| Robert Downey Jr.'s role of Iron Man has earned him $50 million... so far. ||

|| No angel IRL, is Gisele Bundchen mad that Wes Welker is back with the Patriots? ||

|| 71% of voters describe the economy under President Obama as "poor." ||

“Poor.”

Mainly because so many people are worse off than they were 4 years ago, 71% of those polled rate the economic conditions under President Obama as “poor.”

Though an overwhelming 71% rate economic conditions as poor, a 58% majority predict they will be good a year from now. While those surveyed are inclined to say they are worse off financially than a year ago, nearly two-thirds say they think they’ll be better off this time next year.

The assessment of personal finances already is on the upswing. More than a third report they are better off than they were a year ago — the highest number since before the economic meltdown in 2008. (They’re still outnumbered by the four in 10 who say they’re worse off, though.)

Americans may be downbeat about today’s economy, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds, but they are increasingly optimistic that things are about to get better for the nation and themselves.

The increase in future optimism can be pinned to one factor; the upcoming election.  In 2008 Barack Obama promised voters hope and change, but his 3+ years in office have resulted in an increase in economic pain and malaise.  Americans are optimistic about the opportunity for another change in 2012.  This time, hopefully, for the better.

|| High winds and dry conditions are fueling 5 wildfires across Arizona. ||

US News:

Ron Paul ends active campaigning, but will continue to sway convention delegates.

“An awkward fit.”  Obama’s North Carolina Convention Plans Going Awry for Democrats.

Mitt Romney’s goal:  Avoid all the mistakes John McCain’s campaign made.

“The gay community is being used as a political pawn.”  Colorado kills gay marriage bill.

High winds and dry conditions stoke Arizona wildfires.  350 residents evacuated.

World News:

Iran executes man convicted of killing one of its nuclear scientists.

Capable of launching nuclear warheads, Israel purchases its 4th submarine from Germany.

Pakistan Mulls Reopening Border Route For NATO Supplies.

Sports News:

“We got beat tonight.”  Thunder Clobber Lakers 119-90 in series opener.

Red-hot Henrik Lundqvist blank the Devils.  New York 3, New Jersey 0.

No official talks, but Jimbo Fisher says FSU should explore leaving ACC for Big 12.

Entertainment News:

The list is out!  The top baby names from 2011 are…

Emily Maynard is the new Bachelorette.  Season promises plenty of man tears.

Refused a permit to perform.  Lady Gaga gagged in Indonesia after Islamic opposition.

|| Lady Gaga has been denied entrance into Malaysia by fundamentalist Islamics. ||

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

- Matthew 5:45

|| Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers blanked the Devils in Game 1, 3-0. ||

“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.”

- Ecclesiastes 11:5

|| Emily Maynard is the new Bachelorette in a season that promises plenty of man tears. }}

|| President Obama can only laugh at the incompetence of his campaign staff. ||

“OOPS!”

Not that the Obama campaign is worried about telling the truth, but the President’s latest ad attacking Mitt Romney could not be more wrong.

Realizing that Obama’s reelection is in serious jeopardy, the President’s campaign today released a two-minute ad slamming Mitt Romney for layoffs made at a company controlled by Bain Capital. The ad is built around interviews with former steelworkers at GST Steel, a mill in Kansas City, who were laid off as the company collapsed in the wake of a downturn in the steel market. The ad is certainly gripping and emotional. It is also, however, completely wrong. 

The company was shut down in 2001. Romney left Bain in 1999, long before the plant closing, to run Winter Olympics. Two years is an eternity in the business world. Blaming Romney for decisions made two years after the left the company is at best disingenuous. 

However, there was a political power-player serving as a director of Bain at the time of the company’s bankruptcy and layoffs–Jonathan Lavine. Lavine joined Bain in 1993. He is currently Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer. He is also a major bundler for Barack Obama, raising between $100-200k for the his reelection. While we don’t know the specific role Lavine had in decisions regarding the bankrupt company, he certainly had more influence than someone who had left Bain two years before. 

Perhaps Obama should use some of Lavine’s donations to help the steelworkers featured in his ad. 

I’ll say it again.  What Republicans need to do in order to win the 2012 election is to tell the truth better than the Democrats tell their lies.

Video - Obama’s ‘Steel’ ad bashing Mitt Romney for what the President’s campaign bundler did.

|| After Obama came out on gay marriage the White House went into damage control. ||

The First Gay President.

Moments after Vice President Joe Biden came out in favor of same-sex unions the White House went into damage control mode.  Days later when the President gave his blessing to gay marriages, Obama and minions at the White House were forced into double-secret damage control mode.

President Barack Obama’s “evolution” on the gay marriage front started in 1996 when he endorsed same-sex marriage and ended in 2012 when he, once again, stated his support for gay unions. The circular move, though, has some faith leaders up in arms, leading to the Obama campaign’s need to reassure these individuals, while pledging to protect religious freedom.

Last week, The Blaze reported about Obama’s faith adviser, the Rev. Joel Hunter, and his opposition to the recent pro-gay marriage announcement. Now, The New York Times reports that the president is in full-out damage control, as he attempts to explain his reasoning to Christian leaders who have serious ideological and theological disagreement with him regarding the Biblical definition of marriage.

Hunter, in particular, has voiced his discontent and has said that Obama’s views on marriage will make it harder for him to support the president.

But the White House is not all that worried.  President Obama did not evolve into a more enlightened stance on gay marriage.  At every point in his career he has taken the position on same-sex unions that is most beneficial to his current political campaign.

In 2012 the President needs money from the LGBT community more than he needs votes from the African-American churches.  So without even blinking an eye Obama has thrown his Christian values under the bus and opened up his rainbow colored wallet.

|| President Obama's support for Gay Marriage has added some color to the White House. ||

|| The cover of Newsweek Magazine: Barack Obama, "The First Gay President." ||

|| Dry conditions have resulted in an early start to the Arizona wildfire season. ||

US News:

Is Obama the “first gay president,” Or just looking to distract from the economy?

Social conservatives claim Obama’s gay marriage endorsement could unite right.

No wonder Congress is so unpopular.  Dems, GOP using popular bills to hurt other party.

Exceptionally dry conditions lead to 5 wildfires burning in Arizona.

Dim job prospects, crippling student loans.  New GOP Super PAC hopes to woo young voters.

World News:

Top commander in Kony’s rebel army reportedly captured by Ugandan troops.

The war next door.  Nearly 50 mutilated bodies dumped on Mexico highway.

Plane crash in Nepal mountains kills 15; 6 survive.

Business News:

“It’s all about Greece” and Spain, and Italy… Stock Futures Drop on European worries.

JPMorgan executives to resign over trading loss-sources.  Bank could lose $3 billion.

Sports News:

6-0 on the road, Los Angeles Kings beat Coyotes 4-2 for another road win.

Los Angeles Clippers out-muscle the Grizzlies, advance to Western Conference semis.

Exploring their options.  Florida State Seminoles consider a move to the Big 12.

Entertainment News:

Box Office Bonanza:  The Avengers Breaks $1 Billion Worldwide.

‘Survivor: One World’ Winner Crowned.  29 year old Kim Spradlin won $1.1 million.

So long, Horatio Caine.  CBS cancels ‘CSI: Miami.’

After 8 seasons on the air, ‘Desperate Housewives’ says farewell with grace and humor.

|| After 8 seasons, 'Desperate Housewives" ended it's run on ABC. ||

“There is no one like you, Lord, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.”

- 1 Chronicles 17:10

|| The Clippers outmuscled the Grizzlies Game 7 win on the road. ||

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

- Psalm 139:13-14

|| Texas bridal shop owner Kim Spradlin won $1.1 million in the Survivor finale. ||

|| Kim Spradlin's partner in crime Chelsea Messiner went home with nothing. ||

|| Newsweek Magazine named President Obama America's "First Gay President." ||

|| Obama and Biden hug it out after this week's gay marriage controversy. ||

Setting An Example?

After creating a firestorm that upset just about everyone in the White House, Joe Biden joined President Obama for a round of golf on Saturday afternoon.

President Obama and Vice President Biden have gotten over their gay marriage spat and are out golfing on a balmy Saturday afternoon in Washington.

Obama and Biden hit the links at Andrews Air Force Base shortly after noon.

The foursome is rounded out by Biden’s second son Hunter, a lawyer, and White House trip director Marvin Nicholson.

This was the 97th round of golf Obama has played since being sworn in as president.

|| President Obama and VP Joe Biden praise 34 of the nation's top cops. ||

US News:

Obama and Biden honor 34 of the nation’s top police officers.

Without getting into any specifics, Actress Betty White endorses President Obama.

Romney speaks to Liberty University graduates about a “common worldview.”

Raising taxes leads to lower revenues.  California facing $16 billion budget shortfall.

Records show Elizabeth Warren’s flip flop on Native American minority status.

World News:

Two US drone strikes killed 11 al Qaeda militants in southern Yemen on Saturday.

Iranian president Ahmadinejad:  Israel “nothing more than a mosquito” to Iran.

Two British troops shot dead by Afghanistan police officers.

Sports News:

Lakers close out the Nuggets in 7 games.  On to Oklahoma City Monday.

O-vechkin.  Rangers end the Capitals season with 2-1 Game 7 win.

Josh Hamilton on torrid pace after hitting 18th homer.  9 in the past 6 games.

After months of frustration, Jimmie Johnson gives Hendrick his 200th victory.

Entertainment News:

Fourth Man Accuses John Travolta of Sexual Harassment.  The actor denies it all.

At more than $700,000 an episode, Ashton Kutcher renews ‘Two and a Half Men’ deal.

Russell Brand Unfollows Soon-to-Be Ex-Wife Katy Perry on Twitter.

|| In the ultimate Hollywood snub, Russel Brand stopped following Katy Perry on Twitter. ||

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

- Proverbs 31:30

|| Josh Hamilton hit his 18th homer of the season last night; 9 in the past 6 games. ||

Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
    you established the earth, and it endures.

- Psalm 119:90

|| Ashton Kutcher finally signed his deal with 'Two and a Half Men.' ||

|| Katy Perry is probably not mourning Russell Brands Twitter unfollow. ||

|| Obama's gay marriage stance helps him with fundraising, but not on the polls. ||

Backlash.

Despite the fact that the mainstream media keeps telling voters that a majority of Americans approve of gay marriage, President Obama’s re-revised position on same-sex unions is actually hurting him in the polls.

A majority of Americans, 60%, say President Barack Obama’s newly announced support for same-sex marriage will make no difference to their vote. Twice as many say it will make them less likely to vote for Obama as say more likely, though roughly half of the “less likely” group are Republicans who probably would not support Obama anyway.

Let’s face it, the White House does not care that the Obama’s gay marriage stance makes it twice as likely that people will vote against the President  than for him.  What team Obama believes it learned in the 2008 election is that money means votes.  They are willing to give a little ground in the May polls to make sure they have the money they need to bash Mitt Romney in September and October.

President Obama’s endorsement of gay marriage was a cold, calculated political decision.  It has nothing to to with his personal evolution and everything to do with money.

|| Obama is so desperate to buy votes that he's proposed another billion dollar stimulus. ||

The “S” Word.

President Obama is so desperate to do something, anything to make it look like he’s working to get this economy going again that he is reaching back into his failed bag of tricks to pull out another economic stimulus.  Although previous spending boondoggles have proved unable to keep unemployment below 8%, Mr. Obama believes that this stimulus package is sure to spur the economy and create good paying jobs.

Putting pressure on Congress to approve parts of his latest economic stimulus plan, President Obama urged Americans Saturday to push lawmakers to approve his multibillion-dollar “to-do list” for creating jobs.

“Each of the ideas on this list will help create jobs and build a stronger economy right now,” Mr. Obama said in his weekly address. “Let’s push Congress to do the right thing. Let’s keep moving this country forward together.”

The president’s list includes an expanded program to help homeowners refinance their mortgages, a proposal to give small businesses tax breaks for hiring more workers, a program that would help veterans find jobs, and an extension of tax credits for clean-energy companies.

If it’s true that insanity can be defined as doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different results, well then this might just be the craziest White House in American history.  The President’s previous stimulus plans have not only failed to jumpstart the economy, many economists believe they have made the US economic situation even worse.  Other than an blatant attempt to buy swing state votes, why in the world would Obama want to waste more tax dollars?

Unless the President can find a more reliable way to move forward on jobs creation, he will find himself moving out of the White House next January.

|| A pilot is being questioned after his plane invaded Air Force One's airspace. ||

US News:

Funds pour in after Obama backs gay marriage. $1.5 million in 90 minutes.

It’s not just America.  People around the world feel Obama failed to deliver on his promises.

Obama basks again in Hollywood glory, but at cost?

Just a mistake?  F-16 jets intercept plane that violated President Obama’s airspace in LA.

Tea party support brewing for Ted Cruz in Texas Senate race.

World News:

Iranian opposition accuses Tehran of accelerating nuclear weapons program.

Now That the French Elections Are Over, Unions Fear More Layoffs.

Greek socialists fail to form new government.  New elections likely.

Sports News:

Lebron James wins 3rd NBA MVP award.  Becomes the 8th player to win 3 or more MVPs.

Hoping to expedite it’s exit from the conference, Pitt sues the Big East.

Josh Hamilton Smacks two more homers as the Rangers clobber the Angles 10-3.

Entertainment News:

Travolta’s “inappropriate behavior” got him tossed from Peninsula Hotel’s massage spa.

‘Coal Miner’s Daughter.’  Zooey Deschanel To Play Loretta Lynn On Broadway.

ABC Cancels ‘GCB’, ‘Pan Am’, ‘The River’ and ‘Missing’.

|| That was fast! ABC cancels GCB, The River and Pan Am. ||

A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.

- Proverbs 31:10

|| The Rangers Josh Hamilton remains hot, belting another two homers. ||

She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:

- Proverbs 31: 27-28

|| Zooey Deschanel will play in Loretta Lynn in 'A Coal Miner's Daughter.' ||

|| A man in an Afghan uniform opened fire on NATO soldiers, killing one. ||

US News:

Gay marriage stance hurts Obama with Black voters.  “They believe it’s a sin.”

Despite his struggles in the primaries, Romney leads Obama with Evangelical voters, 68%-19%.

Blue States Have Fared Worse Under Obama Presidency Than Red States.

The long, slow death of snail mail.  US Postal Service loses $3.2 billion in first quarter.

Obama fundraiser at George Clooney’s home nets $15 million.

World News:

Gunman Wearing Afghan Army Uniform Kills NATO Soldier.

“Green Alliance.”  Islamists dominating in Algeria’s parliamentary elections.

New French President Francois Hollande Pledges To Tax Rich 75%.

Sports News:

Nuggets force Game 7 with Lakers.  Sixers close out Rose-less Bulls… with free throws.

Blending in.  Tim Tebow changed the name of his dog from “Bronco” to “Bronx.”

Nuggets’ center Chris “Birdman” Andersen investigated by Crimes Against Children unit.

Entertainment News:

‘Dark Shadows’ showcases Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer in 1960s cult favorite.

Receipts put him in New York.  John Travolta Unleashes Legal Team On His Accuser.

Chris Brown calls Rihanna his “old b—” in new freestyle.  She unfollows him on Twitter.

|| Chris Brown called Rhianna the "B" word, she unfollowed him on Twitter. ||

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

- Ephesians 4:32

|| Denver Nugget center Chris "Birdman" Anderson is being investigated for child porn. ||

Let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance.

- Proverbs 1:5

|| Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer star in Tim Burton's 'Dark Shadows.' ||

|| The gorgeous $100,000+ Fisker Karma was supposed to light the car world on fire... ||

En Fuego!

It appears that the Chevy Volt is not the only green car that likes to burst into flames.  Last week a $100,000 Fisker Karma burst into flames setting a man’s home on fire.

Last week, a fire badly damaged the home of a new Fisker Karma owner, and authorities are saying that the electric car was the source of the blaze.

According to Fort Bend County, Texas, chief fire investigator Robert Baker, the Fisker Karma started the fire that spread to the house.

“Yes, the Karma was the origin of the fire, but what exactly caused that we don’t know at this time,” he said. The car was a complete loss.

According to Baker, the driver arrived home in the Fisker, pulled into the garage, and less than three minutes later the car was in flames. It reportedly was not plugged in at the time of the fire and the Karma’s battery remains intact.

This is exactly what happens when the government, not the free market, tells consumers what they want.

|| ... instead $100,000 the eco-friendly Fisker Karma just set the garage on fire. ||

|| Green Technology: The remains of a $100,000 Fisker Karma. ||

|| President Obama tells Robin Roberts, I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.” ||

Cashing In.

Within an hour of re-reversing his position on gay marriage Obama was already cashing in, sending out a fundraising letter to supporters.  Tonight in Hollywood the President looks to bring in another $15 million.

President Obama and his aides claim they’re just not sure how his endorsement of same-sex marriage will play politically.

But his campaign is pushing awfully hard to make sure it plays well.

The campaign, within hours of Obama’s interview in which he declared for the first time his support for gay marriage, blasted out a fundraising email to supporters. At dawn on Thursday, the campaign released a web video highlighting the president’s new-found stance and lambasting likely GOP opponent Mitt Romney’s opposition to gay marriage.

Now the president is preparing to head to a sold-out fundraiser Thursday evening at George Clooney’s home in Los Angeles — where he is sure to be embraced by well-heeled celebrity donors.

Hollywood is home to some of the most high-profile backers of gay marriage and the 150 donors who are paying $40,000 to attend Clooney’s dinner Thursday night will no doubt feel newly invigorated by Obama’s watershed announcement the day before.

Overall, the dinner is expected to raise close to $15 million — about $6 million from the guests and the rest from a campaign contest for small-dollar donors, the winners of which get to participate in the dinner. It is an unprecedented amount for a single event. And it means that in one single evening the Obama camp and the Democratic Party will collect more than Romney has amassed in his best single month of fundraising.

The big problem for President Obama in 2012 is that his hatchet job on Wall Street has cut off a major source of his campaigns fundraising.  So with businessmen no longer filling his campaign coffers the President will have to settle for the next best thing, Hollywood and the LGBT community.

Yes, Barack Obama threw away his previously held religious beliefs and changed his position on gay marriage for one simple reason — money.

|| Romney and Obama are all tied up in Ohio, but Romney still leads with independents. ||

Independent Edge.

If the 2012 election comes down to just one battleground state it will be Ohio.  As of right now, polls there have the presidential race all tied up; Obama 45%, Romney 44%.

The presidential race in Ohio remains too close to call as President Barack Obama gets 45 percent to 44 percent for Republican Mitt Romney, with a 45 – 45 percent dead heat if the GOP adds home-state Sen. Rob Portman as Romney’s running mate, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

“Adding Sen. Rob Portman to the Romney ticket produces no measurable change, despite speculation about Portman’s potential for helping Romney carry the key state of Ohio,” said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling institute.

The demographic breakdowns are very interesting.

Romney has the edge with independents…

Obama’s base is slightly more united that Romney’s (89% vs. 86%), but Mitt is up with independents, 43%-39%.

That’s good news for Romney, who in the final analysis, will probably galvanize as much partisan support as Obama.  Their small difference could be attributed to the just-completed primary.

… While Obama leads with the ladies.

Women pick Obama by 11%; men pick Romney by 10%.  The big factor, 5% of men are undecided and 10% of women don’t know who they’ll vote for.  That helps Obama.

Overall these are good numbers for Mitt Romney.  President Obama’s re-reversal on gay marriage is sure to solidify the GOP base behind the former Massachusetts Governor.  Combine that coalescing with the independent vote and Mitt Romney may just have what he needs to win Ohio in 2012.

Which is why Team Obama will continue to pressure Romney with the alleged “war on women,” hoping to boost support from one of the President’s strongest voting blocks.

|| New unemployment claims came in at 367,000 last week, up from the week before. ||

Here We Go Again.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics is reporting that 367,000 people filed for new unemployment claims last week.  The BLS also revised the previous week’s number up by 3,000 to 368,000.

The number of people applying for U.S. unemployment benefits ticked down last week after dropping sharply the previous week, evidence hiring could pick up this month.

Weekly applications dropped 1,000 to a seasonally adjusted 367,000 in the week ending May 5, the Labor Department said Thursday. The previous week’s figure was revised up slightly.

The four-week average, a less volatile measure, fell 5,250 to 379,000.

This is the 17th week in a row that the BLS made an upwards revision in the previous week numbers.  Not surprisingly the bureau’s adjustment turned out to be exactly what the media needed to report the numbers in a positive light for President Obama; new unemployment claims ticked down rather than ticked up.

But comparing last week’s initial jobless number of 367,000 to the previous week’s initial number of 365,000, new unemployment claims actually ticked up, not down.

But it is clear that the mainstream media is not going to report things as they they actually happened.  Knowing full well that most Americans do not read past the headlines, the Washington press is willing to manipulate the numbers however they can in order to write a catchy pro-Obama headline.

You may not be able to trust the mainstream media, but you can always count on Red Dog Report to tell you the truth.

|| The BLS has upwardly revised jobless numbers every week in 2012. ||

|| President Obama was for gay marriage, then against it, and is now once again for it. ||

US News:

He was for it, before he was against it, before he was for it.  Obama endorses gay marriage.

Romney remains in favor of traditional marriage.  “Marriage is between a man and a woman.”

Fundraiser in Chief:  Obama Fundraiser With George Clooney Could Bring in $15 Million.

Cash-Strapped New York Town Cancels 4th of July, Memorial Day and Thanksgiving.

Dissing Obama, Putin says he’s skipping G-8 economic summit in Maryland.

World News:

Wreckage of Russian Aircraft Found in Indonesia.  All 50 on board feared dead.

Sending a message to India, Pakistan test-fires short-range missile.

40 Killed in Twin Blasts in Syria.  Government blames “terrorists.”

Sports News:

Heat to meet Pacers in Round 2 of NBA playoffs.  Grizzlies Avoid Elimination.

It’s not diet, it’s Coke Zero.  Danica Patrick lands big-name sponsor.

Oklahoma Sooners suspend four football players indefinitely for rules violations.

Big Mo’s having a bad 2012.  Mariano Rivera says he’s OK after blood clot scare.

Entertainment News:

“I hurt myself, but it was fun.”  Kristen Stewart Says Filming ‘Snow White’ Was Hard.

‘Modern Family’ beauty Sofia Vergara and boyfriend Nick Loeb split up.

Selling 267,000 units in the first week, Carrie Underwood album ‘Blown Away’ debuts at No. 1.

|| Carrie Underwood's new album 'Blown Away' debuted at number 1 on the charts. ||

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”

- Matthew 18:15

|| Danica Patrick will be bringing on a new sponsor today, Coke Zero. ||

You will eat the fruit of your labor;
    blessings and prosperity will be yours.

- Psalm 128:2

|| Kristin Stewart enjoyed her action scenes in Snow White, "I hurt myself, but it was fun." ||

|| 'Modern Family' beauty Sofia Vergara is single again. ||

|| Surfer Garrett McNamara rides a world record 78 foot wave. ||

Video – Surfer Garrett McNamara rides a world record 78 foot wave.

|| In the past two months 324,000 women have left the American labor force. ||

Obamanomics.

While the President is flip flopping back and forth (and back again) on gay marriage, jobs and the economy remain the top issues with voters.  Which is not good news for Barack Obama.  Over the past two month 324,000 women have dropped out of the US workforce.  That brings the total number women out of the U.S. labor force to an all time high of more than 53 million.

324,000 women dropped out of the nation’s civilian labor force in March and April as the number of women not in the labor force hit an all-time historical high of 53,321,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The civilian labor force consists of all people in the United States 16 years or older who are not in the military, a prison, or another institution such as a nursing home or mental hospital and who either have a job or are unemployed but have actively sought work in the previous four weeks and are currently available to work.

The civilian labor force is a subset of what BLS calls the civilian noninstitutional population, which includes all people in the country 16 or older who are not in the military, a prison, or another institution such as a nursing home or mental hospital.

This year (in both January and April), only 57.6 percent of the women in the civilian noninstitutional population were in the labor force. That is the lowest rate of labor force participation by American women since April 1993, according to historical data maintained by BLS.

It is not surprising that the White House found a nice distraction on the day these numbers came out.  Women have always been one of Obama’s core support groups.  He needs them to show up en masse this November if he is to have any hopes of re-election.  The President needs to keep these numbers hidden away if he’s going to keep the ladies happy.