Hi everyone,

Welcome back!  How are you?  I was out way past my bedtime on Friday, so yesterday was a bit of a mess.  I vaguely remember when my college friends and I would start our nights at 11:00.  These days, I've usually been asleep for a few hours by that point.  Thankfully, BDH and Little Buddha were content to spend the day watching a movie and taking a nap, and we're back on track today.  It also helps that the guys made some coffee.  Grab yourself a nice medium DD, and let's clear out some Sunday Clutter.

Donald Trump gave a rambling, self-pitying, reality-challenged speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) yesterday. Trump spent two hours apparently going off-script as he attacked Robert Mueller, James Comey, Jeff Sessions, Elizabeth Warren, as well as the Green New Deal, socialism, and whatever else made him cranky.  Trump also said he would sign an executive order requiring colleges and universities to protect free speech if they want to keep their federal research funds. The Great Pumpkin apparently has no idea there's a thing called the First Amendment that already does this.   Obviously, if it actually comes to fruition, this order will end up being a tool to support the "good people" who are pro-Trump.  The CPAC organizers should send him a bill for yesterday's therapy session. 

Donald Trump forcing himself on a defenseless flag.  (pic via pbs.org)

Of course Saturday Night Live weighed in on Michael Cohen testifying before Congress.  We knew that was coming, but Bill Hader returning to the show to play Rep. Jim Jordan?  Outstanding:

It's outrageous that two Sacramento police officers won't face charges for shooting and killing an unarmed black man last year. It's also shameful that District Attorney Anne-Marie Schubert's explanation seemed much more focused on smearing the victim than any claim of pursuing justice. D.A. Schubert made a point of emphasizing that Stephon Clark had just committed some acts of vandalism, and then she went on to talk about how texts and emails later revealed Clark may have been dealing with depression and thoughts of suicide.  Of course, none of this has anything to do with the officers killing him.

Congratulations to the New Hampshire House of Representatives on passing a bill to legalize marijuana last week. The legislation still needs to be voted on by the Senate, and Governor Chris Sununu (R) has vowed to veto it if it reaches his desk.  Should that happen, the legislature should override the veto and join its New England neighbors in supporting this growing industry.  Doing so would be in line with New Hampshire's, "Live Free or Die" motto.  Also, the state would benefit greatly from the associated tax revenue, which we would argue should be used for property tax relief.  The Granite State's refusal to adopt a broad-based income tax leads to sky-high property taxes which place extreme burdens on lower-income and elderly residents.

David Ortiz has a good feeling about the 2019 Boston Red Sox and thinks a possible repeat as world champions is on the table.  We're certainly not going to argue with Big Papi.  Are you?

It sounds like Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia may see some in-game spring training action next weekend if he's healthy.  Second base is one of the only positions in question for this year's team (along with catcher.)   There's no doubt that Pedroia would be an upgrade if he can make it through a full season while he's still recovering from the knee surgery he had in 2017.

New Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper had a Spinal Tap moment at his introductory press conference on Saturday when he expressed his desire to bring a championship back to Washington.  Thankfully, Philadelphia fans are known for being a low-key bunch who take everything in stride, so they'll probably let this go without much controversy.

Brock Holt says Craig Kimbrel hadn't even received a contract offer as of February. That's crazy, if accurate.  Hopefully the free agent market will get moving, now that Bryce Harper and Manny Machado finally made up their minds about where to play this year.  Kimbrel's reported demand of a $100 million/6-year deal might have been an overreach for a 31 year-old reliever, but he's still one of the best closers in baseball, so someone should have at least made a counter-offer by now.  Those storm clouds continue to grow over baseball's labor issues.

Former receiver Steve Smith Sr. had a perfect response when asked if he might follow Jason Witten's lead and return to the NFL.

Captain Marvel hits the theaters later this week, so here are some comics to help you either get up to speed before you see the film or perhaps fill in some backstory afterwards.

We're sorry to hear that actress Katherine Helmond died on Saturday.  She was fantastic in Soap and Who's the Boss, among other things.  Helmond, who died of complications from Alzheimer's, was 89 years old.  Our condolences go out to her family, friends, and fans.

Okay kids, that's going to do it for now.  Let's close things out with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street band with what may be our new favorite version of, "Glory Days," for today's, "Song of the Day."

Thanks for stopping by, everyone.  It was great to see you, as always.  Enjoy the rest of your day, be good, and we'll catch up with you again soon.  Also. good luck to everyone who has to deal with the upcoming snow, and remember, spring is right around the corner.  Until next time, that's today's Clearing out the Clutter, and we are outta here.