Mattie Hoops

College basketball started today, and I decided to treat myself and headed down to Akron to watch the Zips take on JMU.  Funny; I almost went the KSU -- they were playing Troy -- but I went to Kent before (to see JMU) and I figured why not go somewhere different.  And it was...fine?  I think UA is a bit farther away but it is literally right off the highway (KSU is over the river and through the woods, so to speak) so in time, it is about the same.  Parking is fine -- about a block farther than KSU -- and the JAR is... cozy.  More gym than arena, but I think I rather like that -- cozier, more intimate, you hear the band, that sort of thing.  It was cashless, which I am resigned to... 

As for the game, it was good.  UA won.  They came out hot, but then JMU started hitting threes -- the Zips really didn't shoot well from there and they came back and took the lead.  In the second half, Akron pulled away... helped by the fouls.  The discrepancy in fouls was impressive, and the JMU coach was...audible in his displeasure.  And...he was right?  I mean, it affects game moves, roster management, etc., to say nothing of giving up 15 points at the line.  The fans were going crazy, but I think he was right; it's one thing to be on the road, but this was...a bit off.  Anyways, it was good to get out of the house and watch two mid-majors play a game that is sort of important; I mean, the difference between 14 and 15 seeds are...well, slightly better?

What the Welfare State Hath Wrought – Calling-all-RushBabes
Whoa, SNAP – HotAir
One, the GOP really should be making ads about this, and two... it IS a problem if 42 million people are on food stamps.  Really, putting off work requirements til next year is... dumb.  I suspect that most people can work and until we make them do so...  The partial funding is just kicking the can down the curb; I give the Administration credit for trying to crack down on fraud, but I don't think anyone on their side wants to do anything about it... nor do I blame them... you know what I say about the party who robs Peter to pay Paul...