Isn’t it entertaining to watch reporters act surprised to find out Hal Rogers has earmarked more than $7 million since 2002 to directly benefit his family? [H-L]

Mitt Romney’s mormon cultism or whatever it is he’s calling it doesn’t sell well with the American people. Here’s just one tiny example of why people will think he’s crazy when the time comes for him to really campaign. [Wonkette]

Do you trust Republicans in Warshington to put an end to insider trading in Congress? You shouldn’t – not if you don’t trust the Democrats. [HuffPo]

Papaw Beshear says there’s plenty of time remaining in the legislative session to address the expansion of gambling. [Bluegrass Politics]

Why is it the current state of affairs that we’re forced to shop around for surgery in the United States of America? Making health care costs transparent is a good thing but let’s get real. [The Economist]

Meet the obscure regulator who is not helping homeowners. This is why America can’t have nice things. [Pro Publica]

The payroll tax cut extension isn’t just a mess in the making. It’s been a nightmare for a long time. [Politico]

Here’s a shocker: second-hand smoke in cars with kids is a bad thing. [NPR]

It’s still hilarious to us that there are communities in Kentucky that refuse to allow alcohol sales. [H-L]

Just because the woman that crazy constable guy shot got arrested for drugs? Doesn’t mean his actions are okay. [C-J/AKN]

Lawwwd, you can’t even drive around near Georgetown College these days without getting car jacked. [WLEX18]

How do you feel about Sylvia Lovely getting to continually play with your tax dollars? [Page One]

Since there’s no compromise on congressional redistricting in and no one in Frankfort is mature enough to do what’s best for Kentucky? It’s likely going to be decided in court. [H-L]

The 9th Circuit Court says Proposition 8 in California is unconstitutional. So you know the mouth-breathers are crapping their pants. Even in Kentucky. [The Advocate]

In a new teevee interview, Daniel Mongiardo basically admits he didn’t like being lieutenant governor because he didn’t get to make decisions and didn’t get to make anything happen. [WYMT]

Ruth Ann Palumbo and the bullshiz brigade are on a mission to spin like crazy over her multiple types of voter fraud. It’s okay, though, because she’s a Democrat. [We Get Comments]

Is Kentucky saved now that Janie Miller has been sacrificed at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services? Of course not. But her ignorance and assholery sure won’t be missed. [Press Release]

Circuit Judge Thomas Gill is criticizing Steve Beshear for fighting the release of child abuse death records. [H-L]

Here’s how the Bowling Green Daily News is looking at Miller’s resignation. She’s merely moving on to seek other opportunities. Ha. [BGDN]

Meanwhile, the governor is working to strangle the judiciary in Kentucky. Which shouldn’t surprise a single person in Kentucky. [Debby Yetter]

Mitch McConnell is queening out like Princess Damon Thayer over the potential end of the electoral college. Because it’s just absurd to them that the popular vote may count for something. [Salon]

Here’s Mitch McConnell getting angry over birth control. I mean, can you imagine a world where birth control has to be provided to people under their health insurance plan? So silly that the U.S. would try to prevent the sex pervert catholics from discriminating, isn’t it? Mitch is all angry over birth control because he’s never had to worry about it. You can speculate about the reasons why. [CBS News]

What’s that? Huh? Oh, you mean the catholic big whigs are now saying they regret apologizing for the child sex abuse scandals? And trusting them is crazier than trusting Sylvia Lovely with a $5 bill? [HuffPo]

On a scale of 1 to a certain closet case Republican state senator mixed with a closet case Northern Kentucky Democrat who wishes he could run for office, how gay is Rick Santorum? [Wonkette]

Health departments across Kentucky are facing cuts amid growing demand. Legislators just kind of roll their eyes at the situation. [Debby Yetter]

The long-term unemployment situation in America just got a lot worse. The maximum duration is dropping to 79 weeks. [HuffPo]

Yep, it’s about time for the presidential race to get all, well, racy. Because fat white guys are always this stupid. [Politico]

Woah, are we finally seeing proof that sex education fails in mouth-breather-dominated areas of the country? [MSNBC]

How likely is it that the filing deadline won’t be moved again? Highly unlikely. Since Frankfort is a literal disaster. [Kenny Coleslaw]

A new University of Kentucky report says that the Commonwealth should broaden its tax code to include services. [H-L]

Bill Adkins filed to run as a Democrat in the 4th Congressional district. Which means a Republican is still winning. [NKY Losing?]

Of course child abuse secrecy in Frankfort is only designed to protect officials appointed by Steve Beshear. [C-J/AKN]

Mouth-breathers in this country will never cease to amaze you. Now they’re trying to ban abortions based on race and gender. Because abortion is all they thing about. [Wonkette]

No only is Michele Bachmann clueless about being married to a gay guy… she believes she was the perfect candidate. [HuffPo]

SuperPACs are altering the dynamics of the presidential race and it is turning into a primary about money. [The Economist]

Of course congressional earmarks are sometimes used to fund projects near lawmakers’ properties. Like that airport Hal Rogers had built for himself that sits empty. [WaPo]

Kentucky doesn’t discriminate against the gays who want to adopt children, thanks to David Williams and bitter coward Bob Stivers. But Virginia sure does. [HuffPo]

Small pharmacies across Kentucky say problems with the Commonwealth’s managed care system are threatening their livelihood. [Debby Yetter & Mike Wynn]

Lawwwd, Bill Summers has finally retired from Louisville Metro Gubmint. The interim police chief will replace him. [WFPL]

On a scale of 1 to 10, how serious do you think these folks are about fighting the pill epidemic in Kentucky? [WKYT]

It’s time for a reminder to Ruth Ann Palumbo that she could faces charges just like this. And this guy was convicted. Voter fraud is a serious issue and she needs to be legally dealt with. No one in Frankfort wants to take action, though, because she’s a Democrat. [FOX41 & Politico]

This story about some high school students in Morehead making an astronomical discovery is so cool we have to link to it again. Be sure to read this. [H-L]

What is it about Republicans in Congress who believe THE ONION is an actual news service? PEE ALERT. [Wonkette]

Just when you think it can’t get any worse, another Republican runs a super-racist television spot during the Super Bowl. [HuffPo]

Just because we’re tired of mouth-breathers foaming at the mouth about abortion? Go read this story about the morning after pill and how it works. [NPR]

We heard from Joe Riffe over the weekend. He’s the Louisville EMS worker who had his leg amputated and is getting the shaft by Greg Fischer and crew. [The 'Ville Voice]

Sorry, if you work for a charity, you should not be flying first class. That is absolutely ridiculous. [WaPo]

The hair of the dog. Does a bit more debt keep the economic recovery on track? [The Economist]

The Indianapolis stadium deal is souring and you can bet it’s only a matter of time until Louisville faces a similar, though smaller, problem with its arena. [Bloomberg]

This failing museum in Lexington – the Explorium – owes money to the city and its director is stepping down. Would you expect less from a joint that bills itself as Kentucky’s only children’s museum? Since, you know, that’s not remotely accurate? [H-L]

The economic impact of the stimulus is unclear and highly debated. But one thing is for sure: it’s done more to promote government transparency than any piece of legislation in recent memory. But that’s still just scratching the surface. [Governing]

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer today announced his top five finalists to be the new Metro Police chief. [The 'Ville Voice]

Now that Roseanne Barr is running for the presidency as a Green Party candidate, that’s someone you can finally get behind, right? [Politico]

Work on the collapsed bridge at Kentucky Lake is on hold while the Coast Guard awaits a plan of action. [WKYT]

Testimony describes the differences in how states report and review child fatalities as a result of abuse. [H-L]

Jamie Comer finally fired the friend of Richie Farmer’s girlfriend. We’re still waiting on someone to stage a Richie Farmer Intervention, amen. [C-J/AKN]

Donald Trump isn’t just endorsing Mittens Romney for being rich, he’s also starting a cemetery at his fancy golf course or something. [Wonkette]

Don’t miss Comment on Kentucky tonight at 8:00 P.M. Eastern on KET. Scheduled guests: Ronnie Ellis, Roger Alford, Janet Patton. When Ronnie’s on, you know it’s good. [KET]

The Supreme Court is beginning to drop hints about its looming health care reform decision. [HuffPo]

Here are two more stories about the major drug indictment operation in Franklin County. [State-Journal & More State-Journal]

University Hospital’s governing board announced Thursday that hospital operations will be reviewed to address questions about their “strengths and vulnerabilities” raised during debate over a proposed merger.

A consultant will be hired to conduct the review, overseen by a committee that will include state and local government representatives, as well as hospital board members.

-SNIP-

The nine-member committee includes Louisville Metro Council President Jim King; Ellen Hesen, chief of staff to Mayor Greg Fischer; state Economic Development Secretary Larry Hayes; and Dr. David Dunn, U of L’s executive vice president for health affairs. The other members are UMC board representatives Gerry Anderson, Dale Boden, Joan Coleman and Charlie Johnson.

Really? Jim King, Larry Hayes and Charlie Johnson?

Really?

Another grocery store in the poorer end of Bowling Green has closed. The food deserts are growing all over the state. [BGDN]

A bunch of Kentucky’s school districts are run by absolute brainless whackadoos, as we’ve proved here time and again. So leaving the drop-out age up to school districts? Really? Well, you get what you pay for. [CN|2]

How long have we been yelling about Frankfort not doing enough to promote the bourbon industry in Kentucky? [H-L]

Remember William Shackleford? He’s got a documentary coming out about black metal called Out of the Black. [Site & Video]

The more things play out in Frankfort, the less likely a gambling bill that will pass seems realistic. Primarily because Steve Beshear still has not met with legislators. [C-J/AKN]

Do America’s infrastructure problems go beyond crumbling roads and bridges? [HuffPo]

How can a police chief in a city the size of Georgetown be “relieved” of his duties without an explanation? [H-L]

Because it seems this story is about to spiral out of control unless some folks in Georgetown start talking about what went down. [WKYT]

A forum is being held on Monday, February 6 from 10:00 A.M. to noon in Booth Auditorium at the University of Pikeville to discuss its potential move into the state system. [News-Express]

Rick Santorum, the political genius, says you will have health care if you stop buying iPads and such. Because you have money for that and all. [Wonkette]

He really is a genius, warning of America’s demise and scaring meemaw and poppop half to death. [HuffPo]

Publisher of A Kentucky Newspaper, Arnold Garson, is retiring on March 2. You knew this was just a temporary dumping ground for him. Did he even bother putting Kentucky plates on his vehicle? [Deep Newspaper Thoughts]

A million dollar lottery ticket was sold in Frankfort. Probably to some dirtbag legislator who will use it to buy more hookers and coke. [H-L]

Steve Beshear says the gambling amendment is a done deal. Princess Damon Thayer says it’s merely close. [C-J/AKN]

Alison Lundergan Grimes has some sort of slogan contest poll thing going on. Don’t pick something stupid. [SoS]

Sam Sifton, national editor for the New York Times will be at Bellarmine on the 9th to discuss presidential campaign coverage. [Press Release]

Get a grip, bar owners, and quit it with the racist crap. You may not be a racist but what you do and say can most certainly be racist. [Curt Morrison]

On top of the earlier story about 27 people getting indicted in Franklin county, 15 were arrested in Lee County. The pill problem isn’t going away like Jack Conway says it is. [H-L]

State House Democrats say the Congressional redistricting map is very close. Which means more cat fights are on the way. [CN|2]

Senate Bill 21 was okayed today. It’s maybe a good move. Would allow school districts to stay open on election days if no schools are being used as polling locations. [Deep Senate Thoughts]

You know these new stem cell research developments are going to drive the mouth-breathers so insane they can’t stand it. [The Economist]

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is soliciting nominations for the Governor’s Volunteer Awards. [Click the Clicky]

Are fewer people seeking unemployment aid because the job market is improving or because their benefits are running out and they have to stop looking for work? [WKYT]

Come on. What is he snorting? What the hell is wrong with this man? [WKYT]

Steve Beshear says shutting down pill mills is a top legislative priority. But it most certainly wasn’t in 2008, 2009, 2010 or 2011. Even Jack Conway was talking about how bad the pill problem was and complaining about how the governor wouldn’t have anything to do with alleviating the problem. [H-L]

Whaaaaaat? A frozen lake that is more than 20 million-years-old? We thought the Earth was only 5,000-years-old! [WaPo]

Brave Patriot Marilyn Parker got endorsed by Metro Council Republicans. Here’s your proof that Louisville’s Metro Council Republicans are dumber than Kentucky Democrats by a mile. DUMB AS HELL. [C-J/AKN]

Rick Santorum says government shouldn’t try to limit prescription drug costs. And, wait, nope, still not relevant. [MSNBC]

What’s wrong with a little human trafficking? Goodness gracious. Can’t even sell a kid or two these days. [H-L]

Now, hopefully you hateful ass liberal women have gotten the message about why we refuse to promote the Komen bunch on this site every time you send us crap. [RawStory & NY Times]

Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd not only put on hold the filing deadline for candidates for state House and Senate districts — he effectively shut down the business of the General Assembly. [Ronnie Ellis]

Southern Republican / Kentucky Democratic thinking: pay raises for teachers are bad because it’s against the bible or something – pay raises for legislators are good because of the bible or something. [Wonkette]

This explanation of possibly why beehives sometimes just up and vanish is a nice reminder that Jamie Comer is playing pat-a-cake on the apiarist front. But at least he’s not playing pat-a-cake with hookers in his office. [The Economist]

Washington’s state senate has decided that it doesn’t hate the gays. Sometime in the next 35-40 years, Kentucky will decide the same. [WaPo]

Guess Republicans aren’t fans of automatic U.S. spending cuts after all. Since they’re moving to stop them. [Reuters]

You can’t throw your garbage away in Lexington these days without finding a mummified human body in the trash can. [WLEX18]

Looks like Kentucky is going to get a No Child Left Behind waiver. [WFPL]

Is this really one of Steve Beshear’s top priorities or is he merely trying to save face with disabled people in Kentucky? [Page One]

Today House Republicans in Warshington earned their salary by worrying about strip clubs. [Wonkette]

Mittens Romney literally said he is “not concerned about the very poor.” That’s how your mormon cultist overlord feels about a huge swatch of the United States of America. [WaPo]

Quietly, the U.S. is moving to block lawsuits filed by military families over medical malpractice. [The Atlantic]

Ruh ro, here comes everybody freaking out about the Republicans they have to pick between. [NPR & Politico]

We still can’t believe it requires legislation to keep some uptight homeowners association from freaking out over a child’s playhouse. The House panel rejected the bill. [WKYT]

A for-profit college regulator bill is proceeding to the State House. Remember when Jack Conway was feigning concerned about this when he was in the fight of his life? [H-L]

Aww, look how concerned Denise Harper Angel got over her new Democratic opponent, Curt Morrison. [The 'Ville Voice]

What was that, again, about Greg Fischer saving Louisville Metro Government money? Look what Metro Council had to deal with and look at the excuses offered by Fischer’s office. [C-J/AKN]

Oh, look, how Republicans in Warshington are having journalists arrested. Sounds like something Kentucky Democrats would try to pull. [HuffPo]