Damn you 2006!.....Because,

if I was paying close enough attention, I would've seen that the number of posts for this month were not only approaching... but close to hitting the exact number predicted based on the past month's history....68 in Oct, 68 in Nov, AND after apparently shooting a 68 in Dec., went to 69 at 11:33...can't leave it at that though because...well, it's an inconvenient number. 2007 Here we come.....

Worth a Re-Post

...plays it like a harp or something,,,weird, huh?

The Jets?

Have to say that at this point I'm as surprised as anyone of where the Jets find themselves. I'm a doubter for the most part when it comes to my football team because of the long and torturous history of heartbreaking. I am however laying down the kudos for a team that certainly didn't scare anyone early and probably still doesn't. Long and short is...if they beat New England (tall order in NE)...they play in San Diego. Win or lose in SD..it's a win/win for me cause I'll be going to a playoff game in SD. A city built for such an enterprise that happens to be within driving distance and luckily enough qualifies as a somewhat legal business deduction. Hmmmmmmm...SD playoffs....yeah.

Bush League

Why couldn't Bush attend the Ford funeral? Too busy dreaming up victory strategies for Iraq?...or too damn lazy and disinterested to be bothered? If you had to pick one...honestly?

Thank God Cheney was there talking about civilty..Big Dick, the paragon of good manners tells us how proper behavior should be more appreciated....what a douchebag. Hopefully there will be ceremony to allow Americans to spit on his grave someday.

Best Wishes...

to Bobby Murcer recovering from brain surgery to remove an aneurysm. Sounds like he is doing fine and I am remiss in not saying anything earlier. His eulogy for Thurman Munson was one of the most moving I've ever seen. His performance on the field driving in 5 runs immediately after the "Captains" death was remarkable. He has fallen off in recent years broadcasting but a great Yankee and he seems like a pretty nice guy. Hope he feels better soon enough to enjoy opening day 2007.

Mini-map

Hard to see but those dots are site visitors...we're big in Korea..( I always thought we'd do well there)...Lima, Peru checking us out as well as our neighbors to the north.....it's interesting though to see where inadvertent mistakes in typing can take you.

Let it Be Blogging

Audio is not the best but...it's Ray so it's cool anyway.

Gerald Ford

was I'm sure a good person, congressman, all round nice guy...I'll go along with that but....pardoning Nixon was not about "healing" the nation. It was about "heeling" the nation.

I do not buy the fact the electorate needs some kind of baby talk lovey kisses to get past a scandal of crooks running political machines. Crooks have been running said for centuries in one sense or another. The big P was about stopping the bleeding for the Republicans. It was not an act of self sacrifice, it was the act of self service. All the guys that grew up in that Nixonion mindset have come back to haunt the country once again. Why should we be surprised that the Cheneys and Rumsfields feel so free to do as they choose when the Pardon is available to them? Nixon's crew, Iran Contra guys...they are criminals and when you let them go the 1st time, they come back for more most times.

How about we stop treating actual voting adults as if they need some kind of special insulation from the crooked politicians we've elected. If they are dirty and they are caught....let the law take it's course..period. Don't fucking heel me and tell me I been healed..I know the difference.

Hang'm High

Looks like they're gonna string up Saddam tonight. Somehow I doubt the event will have the impact and significance the WH foresaw when they got started on this. The media will try to make a big deal out of it and maybe even show tape (if available) but I believe the American public is indifferent to his fate.

Hang'm or don't..either way, it will not alter anyone's life here. It is also not likely to have a positive effect on anything occurring in Iraq. It will probably increase instability if anything in the short term so it won't serve any purpose that will help our troops...overall a net zero for almost everyone who doesn't have a personal revenge motive. The WH doesn't even appear to be trying to trot out the "milestone" angle because no one buys that garbage anymore. The boogie man has lost his mojo I guess.

The Website stats inform

us that we have had a recent vistor to the site from Chile...pretty cool.

It looks like the Ford

back story will be Jerry's views on Iraq and how aggressively the right will be in trying to marginalize his opposition to Bush's fiasco. Fat Boy Bennett already doubled down to start the ball rolling...calling foul that the previously embargoed WaPo Woodward interview is being published and effectively denying the righties a decent opportunity to undercut the former Prez....him being dead and all.

It should be interesting to see if this angle has legs and how much play the media is willing to give it. One thing for sure is that the timing couldn't be worse for Bush...with all his important "deciding" to do on Iraq, to have to take time out to praise and eulogize the former prez who is now on the record post mortem against the original policy. Ouch!

Here's the money quote from Benny Boy(lifted from Drum)

Since "decency" seems to be the watchword of the day and the consensus modifier for Jerry Ford (a view with which I generally concur), may I nevertheless be permitted to ask this: just how decent, how courageous, is what Jerry Ford did with Bob Woodward? He slams Bush & Cheney to Woodward in 2004, but asks Woodward not to print the interview until he's dead. If he felt so strongly about his words having a derogatory affect, how about telling Woodward not to run the interview until after Bush & Cheney are out of office?

The effect of what Ford did is to protect himself, ensuring he can't be asked by others about his critiques, ensuring that there can be no dialogue. The way Ford does it with Woodward, he doesn't have to defend himself...he simply drops it into Bob Woodward's tape recorder and let's the bomb go off when fully out of range, himself. This is not courage, this is not decent.

Zito crosses the Bay Bridge

126 mil for 7 years....not bad work if you can get it. I think that he'll likely do better in the NL anyway but it seems like the Giants came out of nowhere to wrap Zito up. Better them than the Yankees I say.

Ford is Dead...

....and all over the world you could hear chants of..."Long Live the Chevy"

The guy was 93 for christs sake...let's not get too worked up about it.

Everybody knows..

That Krauthammer is asshole and I expect to disagree with him on just about everything but who knew I could disagree on matters of baseball?

His point about the pitcher as enforcers is well taken but a cursory read of his analogy reveals him to be a dipshit phoney as well. He is trying to impress with his familiarity with "inside baseball" codes of conduct.... but knockdown pitches are rarely (if ever) referred to as high cheese which is terminology more commonly reserved for fastballs resulting in called or swinging 3rd strikes high in the zone ....AND, are almost never thrown behind someone's head for fear of them backing into the pitch while trying to get out of the way.

I've never heard of a knock-down or purpose pitch ever described as "high cheese" and doubt that a truly knowledgeable fan would agree with any assertion otherwise.

My guess is that Kraut thinks that the stupid fucks who might still support the Iraq war escalation could be swayed by weak and inaccurate comparisons to tatics in baseball ...why's that Krautie.. because sports fans are especially stupid and if you convince them you're a regular guy who understands hardcore baseball, then they'll like you and agree with your position on the war?

Want to convince me you are a regular guy? OK, send your own kid to Iraq and don't bother with baseball analogies that only serve to highlight another subject that you are clearly ignorant of.

How nice of Joe

to extend an invite to Condi and I'm sure she'll be tempted

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. Joseph Biden, the incoming chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said he has invited Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to testify during three weeks of hearings in January about the Iraq war.

...but I'm thinking unless you whack her with a supoena upside the the head...she ain't coming willingly. It's kinda funny that Joe would think she would unless I'm missing something here.

So Sad

but what are you doing out there in the first place??

Bozo

Getting ready to watch the Jets/Dophins on ESPN and am being subjected to the in studio gang that includes Michael Irvin. Why would anyone hire this guy? I've seen many clowns that are LESS clownish than Irvin. It completely ruins the fun of watching a game when you have that as part of the package.


....and the suit? I wouldn't wear it in a dark room by myself.

Who's Counting?

Oddly enough the "internets" as G.Dub will tell ya will do some serious counting.....this site started in Sept 2006 and had 23 posts that month. Funnily enough in Oct. and Nov. there were 68 exactly. In the 50's right now for Dec. but will shoot for 68 exactly for sure.

Sunday Moaning..

Saw just enough to lose my interest this morning on MTP. Something about how the "world"..."country".."nation" needs religion because, something, something...yowsa...yowsa...ok, ok...got it.

Tell it to the crazy guy on the corner because he might give a shit.

Hard to say..

if current training regimen of drinking 1 beer for each mile run that day will pay off... it certainly seemed like a good idea on the recent 8 mile day when I instituted it. 14 alters the equation somewhat but nothing ventured and all that...

He ain't Heavy..

well, maybe he is but he ain't BB's brother...He is however a King....The Albert version though.



...with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers circa 1982. Do not miss the guitar work middle/end of the clip even if you need to fast forward.

Ski Trip

A slight mark, maybe...

LA Marathon Blogging

14 miles this morning with lots left in the tank...very sore feet and somewhat "squishy" legs right now but that's to be expected. I guess I'm in with both feet metaphorically though and I'm looking forward to the journey. If I could have a race day similar to this morning's brilliant sunshine, dolphin spotting, wave watching experience, I'd be thrilled. Probably too much to ask..but check the pic from the El Porto link and you'll see what the views were this morning. It sure makes it a lot easier on the mind....honestly, you really have to enjoy these days especially knowing that the the mental obstacles will become formidable down the road a bit.

Shamelessly Stolen Dead

From New Years Eve at the Cow Palace..SF, CA...but Alterman tipped to it so...I figured it was ok.

Late Night Dead Blogging

Nice version of Ship of Fools....via Hartford, CT...circa 1974...

Saw the Dead in Hartford once but way later than this show...enjoy

Worth a Look...

I was just acquainted with this site. In my opinion, if Robert Scheer is writing on it...I want to be reading it.

Robin Trower

Live From Winterland circa 1975...Little bit of Sympathy



Hat tip to TBogg...that guy knows his music man....

Rice on the side

Just not our side...Condi's on the Lehrer Report telling us that we "didn't talk or negotiate with the Soviets" despite all evidence to the contrary. She's trying to portray the current policy against attempts at diplomacy with Iran or Syria as consistant with previous US admins stated foreign policy... With very limited success in my estimation.

She added that any talking would lead Iran to an expectation of exacting a price for compliance to agreements. Huh? That's called successful negotiation..we're gonna ask for stuff too Condi.

A little back and forth, to and from...whatever you wanna call it...but don't expect telling people in no uncertain terms that this is the way it is gonna be is ever going to be a substitute for serious diplomacy. Telling folks FU is not policy..(Note to Condi and her man..check status of coalition in Iraq for reference)

Frameworks for lasting peace are not constructed quickly or easily but they do require cooperation. Without an overture that includes something constituting quasi-legal consideration, there will be no mutual interest in cooperating. If only one side is acting, there is no contract to agree to anyway.

Don't tell me that trying to talk is fruitless if you haven't tried and let's be honest...if you aren't doing it, how do you know what the result will be? Lastly, this posture looks more like a position of cluelessness than the hardnosed stance the Bushies imagine it to be.

Classic Stuff from Simmons

I do not share his affection for the genre but his comments are priceless...

This is hilarious...

Kudos to Kos...

AM Presser

Caught portions of the Bush press conference this morning which appeared to me as combination of a trial balloon on Iraq issues and preview of the SOTU address. It was as always painful to watch the buffonish performance. He has become a caricature of himself and you can't help but cringe when witnessing these events. He really has no idea of how to behave or even act presidential.

Rasing troop levels is now going to be job one I guess and according to the LA Times the Pentagon will be enticing recruits with extra pay and bonuses. OK, fair enough but what about all of the troops currently in the service...I guess they won't be elgible for all that free money soon to be floating around. I wouldn't be concerned though, I'm sure they have a comprehensive and equitable plan. Can't wait to see it.

Eureka!

I think I finally figured out what the "new" Bush plan will be. Stay with me here....He has always, always said that he will follow the recommendations of the generals with relative to deployment numbers and military strategy. That has been the mantra for years. So, now we find out courtesy of WaPo that the Generals aren't really that into the new plan for troops surging after all. Hmmm, that seems to be a bit of un-slippery wicket for the great leader. But maybe not... because everyone who has been paying any attention realizes that Bush has been lying thru his teeth about following anyone's advice. So, could be the new plan will be a change but it will wholly consist of not having to lie anymore about adhering to expert opinions and such. Bush will just ignore this new inconvenience as he always has but now he just won't lie about it anymore. You have to admit that it's a change alright. So, THAT'S THE PLAN! What bold, visionary leadership...takes your breath away doesn't it?

We must Save the Climbers!

At all costs? I'm rooting for these guys on Mt Hood as much as the next guy but at what point does a person take responsibility for their own fate? It always amazes me that unlimited resources are available to extricate someone from a predicament they themselves entered into willingly. Apparently the feds and military are rendering assistance as well as the State of Oregon. Who pays all these people anyway? I'm sure it is a comfort to the family that everything possible if being done to rescue them but it sure raises some eyebrows about regular people who are not mountain climbers and might need some assistance also.

Marathon Non-News

Long run cut short due to semi-emergency to the vet this morning...A good morning it was to turn 13 into 10 with temp down below comfy and 20 mile headwind for the return trip. A soaking shirt, freezing cold and sore tits are always a good mental prep for the big kahune and a reminder of the rigors of training. You have to be willing to put up with a lot... for little enjoyment if any, on days like today...they are the days however that make you both mentally and physically capable of finishing when it counts....

....oh yeah, the Dog is good for another couple of years. A fine specimen.

This Guy is a Scream!!

Late Night Jerry Blogging

So I got that going for me...

...which is nice.

If you saw this guy on the street...

he would be scary.



Live from Woodstock 1969

Exploratory Committee

feasability report on LA Marathon 2007 completion will be in as of Sunday...on a roll of 19 days in a row of 5+ miles...many of which were 5+++. Today is rest day but tomorrow is half marathon minimum. Sunday's condition should tell the story but but leaning heavily pro right now. Updates to follow....

Ghosts of Christmas

....disregard date stamp....(new batteries)

By the numbers...

Is how most people measure things. Unfortunately in civil wars and insurgencies, body counts aren't an accurate metric of progress. Going back to the Vietnam era's practice of doing daily body counts is a pretty desperate and pathetic move by the Bushies. A Vietnamese General was once said to have acknowledged post war that the Americans had not lost a single battle in Southeast Asia....he said and I paraphrase..."that's true but it's also irrelevant".

I wonder if they'll start counting innocent civilians too...maybe someone could ask Snowjob whose column they go in. If we carpet bomb a village because we think there are hostiles there but wind up killing a few dozen friendlies...who gets credit for those DB's? Is it the bombs that killed them... (ours?)... or the diabolical insurgents that weren't there but caused us to kill others by proxy by making us think they were..(theirs?)...

We're gonna need a pretty big spreadsheet to keep track because this kind of war doesn't come down to just us vs. them. The thing is...the public no longer trusts these bozo's and nobody likes being lied to repeatedly.

Getting Joe Q. on board for the "new way forward" will be a herculean task and will be the equivalent of selling a brand new war. The resistance they'll finally meet is sadly late in coming.

We can dream can't we?

Get your filthy fuggin hands off me....
don't you know who I am???....
MOMMMMMMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....

"Put it in your book asshole!"


(Nod to Dependable Renegade)

Van the Man

With some of his old mates....

The Chieftains doin' The Star of County Down.

Uh-oh

How many Repugs do you think are rooting for this guy's dirtnap?

Let's table that until after New Years

So Bush who tells us that he is the "decider" is down for not trying to decide just yet. What's the hurry anyway...we've been bogged down for 4 years and will probably be bogged down for another 4 at least. No reason to get all busy about things. Hell, it's almost Christmas and that brush in Crawford ain't gonna clear itself, Captain. Chinese fire drill doesn't begin to give an accurate mental picture of the utter incompetence of these guys.

Kohut polls are showing that 3% of the American public believe that stay the course is the right approach....not much to hang your hat on. 76% believe Iraq is in civil war....can we put that one to bed now? or does it have to go 86%...96%. I wonder what the Fox magic number is? Probably only if the Shia and Sunni change their names to Confederate and Union and after a Dem takes up residence in the WH...that oughta do it for them.

Pass it along...

If Hillary were to win the nomination and presidency in 08, that would make 4 presidents in a row who attended Yale. Isn't that kind of institutional bogarting?

C'mon....stop, you're killing me....

From todays WH Press Briefing:

Q Tony, two questions. On these briefings, is the President asking many questions?

MR. SNOW: Yes. It's typically his nature. There were some presentations, especially -- well, there were presentations both from State Department employees and also by folks on the provincial reconstruction teams. But on the other hand, he asks a lot of questions. And, you know, certainly not above stopping somebody as they make their presentation, asking a few pointed questions, and sometimes the conversation will move off in a different direction as a consequence.



Yeah, I buy that since Bush is such a nuts and bolts detail type of guy...

Our Leader

Any questions as to why we are where we are?

MTP

Ken Adleman ( It'll be a Cakewalk....liberators, flowers, candy etc) is still insisting that invading Iraq was a good idea...it was just implemented badly. No argument on the last part but how can anyone maintain that the invasion was a "good" idea without being laughed off whatever pretentious TV set they happen to be on? We thought there was WMD? OK, but that was dead wrong...horribly wrong in fact and thousands now and sure to be in the future will pay with their lives for that mistake. Not everyone thought going to Iraq actually was a good idea then but anyone who thinks it was a good idea now should be locked up and never heard from again. Why does TV think these assholes are worth listening to anyway? Wrong on everything but let's see what they have to say now?...what for? to see what else they can wildly miscalculate? Fuck them, what they have to say has more to do with trying to cover their indefensible positions in order to maintain the pundit gravy train than contribute meaningful analysis. Tell the parents of lost soldiers how it was a good idea Ken...go ahead and do that.

Happy Christmas

Isn't always happy....

Ethics are my Life...

he said between wheezes and sweat mopping ....before breaking out in hysterical laughter...."hahahahaha....are you fucking kidding me? Do you know how much I made on that highway deal? I'm rich asshole, and I don't need to fake it anymore. Anyone who didn't know Foley was trying to jump every Page without tits probably couldn't spell cat without some letter spotting.......uh, are you gonna finish that sausage?"

(I'm guessing it went something like that)

So....the Repugs amaze again in their stunning hypocrisy...when the values issue rears again, I hope the Dems don't lose sight of this incredible softball...it's on a tee for gods sake.

Andy's Coming Home

to the team he started with. Let's hope he posts the same type numbers he did on his first year with the Yanks. Welcome Back Petite-tay!

New Servers

This site has moved to new servers which will necessitate any contributors to re-register. The new software should make posting easier for future use. Sorry for any incovenience.

Just said I would look at it.....

Well, that didn't take long for Junior to start stomping his feet and holding his breath. But he is the president so he probably knows best...

Don't mess with Elmer

Back to the Future?

Andy may be just what the doctor ordered for the Yankee pitching staff. You have to figure that a severe toenail injury or something of that nature will sideline Carl Pavano for the year anyway so there is an opening. Petitte has shown the necessary temperment to pitch in NY but has had recent injury issues of his own. Hell, it ain't my money, I say get'm.

Link Problems

on some posts....trying to figure out....hope I don't starve.

Via Atrios

we hear about a ISG smackdown by Russ Feingold on Countdown with Keith...effing A right Russ! What I'd like to know is exactly when someone going to do the projected casualties between now and the supposed metrics established by the ISG which by the way, we have zero chance of adopting?

10 US military KIA today...10 today. That's 10 families shattered beyond the grasp of any of us that do not have a human investment in this disaster. Multiple that by several to include the impact on extended families and close friends. Then multiple that by the soon to be realized 3000 KIA. Factor in another 30,000 of the wounded and psychologically impaired and only then does the scope of this insanity begin to take hold. The fallen heros do their duty despite the failures of leadership. Sadly, they will perish for the egos of old men too timid to fight their own generations's battles. So, another year or so of the same old, same old is going to destroy the lives of countless Americans and then eventually we'll pack up and head on out. Check out the Digby LBJ reference...I think it mirrors today situation pretty closely.

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com




When is someone going to call for the enlistment of all the kids of the Iraq war apologists? We'll need more troops sir....how about that doofus looking one you never talk to anyway...is he available?

ISG

Report is obviously in and from what I have heard, the recommendations are that we really gots to get serious bout Irak soon! Fucking idiots....yeah, let's give it a few more years though, then we won't be embarrassed...Makes me want to puke.

Reyes wants to up Ante in Iraq

Is this guy seriously off the rez or what? I can't imagine that the leadership would be ok with those kinds of statements. Adding 20-30M add'l troops ain't gonna happen and if he still believes that fighting Al Qaeda is our big problem in Iraq then he is not the right choice for Chairman. Someone needs to get this Bozo in line pronto.

An Honest Answer?

You have to admit that the bar is set awfully low for a no answer to get such high marks. That's where we are though...if you point out that...no, we aren't winning in Iraq, then apparently you are some kind of straight talkin truth brigade. This is the same guy who couldn't or more accurately wouldn't remember jackshit about Iran-Contra. Anyway, he is approved unanimously...BFD...let's see what happens when the rubber meets the road...

Byrd (D-WV) asked if in Gates' view the 911 War Resolution OR the Iraq war resolution gave the president authority to invade either Syria or Iran...Gates responded in the negative. I highly doubt that position wouldn't change 180 if the issue comes up in realworld test. Once a Bush man....

A Little Slice of Baseball Heaven...

is what I would call the Yanks playing the SF Giants at AT&T Park in late June 2007. Book me a room at the Monticello!

Say it ain't so OB...

Saw Pat Obrien at the Arena club in the Staples Center before the Laker Game tonight. He's the TV guy who got caught all coked up leaving filthy messages for hookers that were subsequently played on Howard Stern's radio show. Supposedly he went the rehab/pennance route but I'm not buying....could just be me but the guy looked like he was trolling...keep an eye out for him to have a relapse sometime down the road.



"I have had a problem with alcohol. I have decided to take action by checking myself into an intensive recovery program. Overcoming this problem is a top priority in my life, and I am excited to return to work as soon as I am able."

Later, John...

Bolton is out at the UN..for good finally. The guy was like a bad penny...just kept coming back. Anyway, of course Bush was effusive in his praise for Crazy John and I'm sure will give him a medal at some point. I'm guessing that dispensing medals of freedom is the Bush method of keeping the lid on some of the nastier details of the Admin. Seems to work pretty good for the most part.

Rum Punch

Quick take Rummy's pre cash-in Iraq memo to Bush....the gist of the advice was to get the fuck out of there somehow but make sure that it doesn't look like it belongs in the loss column. Don't worry about the hundred K plus troops in harms way and the casualties sure to be taken in the mean time...just don't let us look bad in the bargain.....Hmmmm, seems kinda callous to me but I'm not a big time smarty pentagon guy who can see the big picture. Oh well...if I was to see a small picture, it would be a hospital room with most of the architects of this fiasco all suffering from incurable cancer and destined to die a painstakingly slow and excruciating death. It's too good for them of course but there is not enough pay back available for the damage they have caused.

Pig Pen & Janis Joplin

Turning on 20 minutes of Your Love Light...worth the listen if you have the time....they don't make'm like this anymore.

Grateful Dead 1969 at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, CA.

Weird guitaring....

Tip to TBogg......must be what all the youngsters are doin'...

Late Night Jerry Blogging

Slight audio problems but cool version of Dylan's Forever Young....

Rutgers vs. West Virginia

Not fair that someone had to lose this one...WVA 41- RU 39...all the Ned Beatty look-a-likes are running for the hills.

Not in Yet....

But am forming an exploratory committee to consider throwing my sneakers in the road for 2007 LA Marathon. I am approaching the 40 mile per week milestone (36 this week est.) that tells the body about future capabilities. Stringing a couple 40's together that aren't malt liquor is the 1st sign of successful training. A new course supposedly mostly downhill that goes point to point is intriguing. From Universal City passing Hollywood Bowl, eventually parts of Sunset Strip...the Colosium, Hancock Park and ending downtown at the Hall of Justice...could be very cool. It'll probably turn into a nightmare but still....nothing ventured etc.

Bruce Springsteen Growin Up Gaslight club May 2 1972

Hat tip to Alterman...too good not to post...

Probably leave a small bruise...

I guess Maliki had a headache or something...could be something Sadr said (and followers did)....But he-he-he... it wasn't Bush's fault that's for sure. As far as muscle flexing goes, the Sadr-mon clearly comes up bigger here. He dealt the play, Maliki folds and Bush busts...cards are funny that way.

Meet the New Old Boss?

Trent Lott, Newt...who's next? (note the puns aplenty)...anyway the mind drifts sometimes but my point is the Dems should be carefully cataloging this guy as he ramps up so his stated policy positions like "against free speech" can be trotted out at every opportune moment. Can somebody chop this guys legs off once and for all so we don't have to be subjected to such a human piece of garbage for the next 2 years? Please???

Take off Your Shoes and Set a Spell

Looks like ol' Dub gonna stay the course after all. Sez those troops are staying till the mission is complete. Gotta wonder what the Baker Boys will think of that seeing as the "study" was gonna help clear some of the cobwebs for the idiot son and help him to see the light. Way, way too much to ask and frankly anyone who is surprised that Bush insists on failure rather than admit a mistake hasn't been paying attention. The people who pay the price for Bush's obstinacy are unknown to him and therefore not his concern. Meanwhile, the geopolitical nightmare continues in its destructive path unabated with no discernible end in sight. Apparently, Bush intends to do virtually nothing differently. Big fucking man is too much of a pussy to go back to Iraq but perfectly happy to sacrifice the blood of others for the sake of his own ego.

Manny being Manny

So after the Red Sox trade Manny this week, their fans can start hating his guts out loud, right?

With Friends like these...

Of course W won't be able to experience this outpouring of love so typical of the grateful Iraqis because he won't be in stone throwing distance. My question would be...is he even aware of the Maliki occurrence?... never mind the implication. The Iraqi PM is Shia, the angry mob throwing stones at him is Shia, ahhhhh, ok....that is not fucking good. But don't call it civil war. Because that would be accessing honestly and that will never ever happen on W's watch.

I did not catch up to the Sunday talkers today but I wonder how many expressed disgust about the fact that people are now being burnt alive as a method of retaliation. Innocents people doused with kerosene and burnt alive...Jesus.

SC

just got the Style points they needed to vault over Michigan into # 2 position via a Bergen Catholic (NJ) alum running back an on sides kick for late 4th quarter TD. Ohio vs SC for National Champs has a nice feel to it.

Game Blogging

Again Mess can't tell us enough about Brady Quinn's "courage"...the other moron is trying to sell that it isn't "over" even though SC has a 20 point lead with 5 minutes left. Can someone tell me why he has a job analyzing football? Has he ever seen the game? His intellect doesn't qualify him to clean up after my dog.

USC vs. ND

would be an enjoyable game if not for the announcers...Mussburger is a poster boy for genetic selection and one of the other douchebags keep telling us this is a war. They're in a war! Courageous! Uh, it's a football game not a war. Mess is telling us what a "tough hombre" Brady Quinn is...who the hell talks like that?

At halftime Lee Corso tells us that ND should not be changing anything....that SC lost focus because they scored too quickly and I guess that all football insiders know that you would never want to do that. He then proceeded to tell us that in his mind ND was winning the game. ND was losing 21-10 at the time. I'm just a casual fan but having an 11 point deficit would seem to indicate losing. What a dipshit.

Pete Yorn

Doing the Boss Proud

Worth a Listen

Jersey boy Pete Yorn opened for Dixie Chicks at the Staples Center tonight and he is worth a listen.

The GreenFairy

Broke open the bottle of absinthe I had waiting for the perfect holiday occasion. Served poured over a sugar cube thru a slotted spoon on the rocks in a martini glass....seems like a lot of trouble but it gives you time to get your courage up to tackle a 140 proof drink...despite the reputation, I did not meet or even eyeball Jesus nor his relatives but I may not have gone quite far enough. I believe further investigation is required....developing....

Sounds Fishy to Me...

There's gotta be more to this story reported by ABC news:

A Secret Service agent on the advance detail got into an "altercation" with someone after a night out and was badly beaten, according to the law enforcement reports. The Secret Service said today the incident was an attempted mugging that occurred while the agent was on his own time. The agent is doing fine.

Murphy game anyone?

Skin in the Game

I think O'Donnell gets it about right relative to Charles intentions here. This is a non-starter from the get go but it makes sense to me that at least somebody attempts to talk about it. It is no dirty little secret....Nearly every parent in America and many of our unfortunate allies are rightfully grateful for the the all volunteer forces making the sacrifices in Iraq. Would things be different if a draft were in place at the time of selling the invasion?...you have to think they would. Would it do anything now?...that's the nub I guess, but my sense is that no one buys that it would actually be reinstated. It's better that other people's kids are taking the hit willingly and that's sad.

Too many are dead and maimed to imagine...the real numbers as they stand now will likely never be known and the future casualties won't be accurately recorded either. There isn't enough interest in the US losses never mind the collateral damage. The TV society can't muster the outrage to force the issue so...keep sending the unlucky ones..bide time until somebody can come up with a political slogan everyone can live with then head on home.

Kerry has always been right about the characterization of someone having to be the last person to die in a terribly misguided war...run by liars and fools...who will be that person this time?....not my son or daughter is what I believe most of America has to honestly say to Charlie.

Morneau is MVP

Justin Morneau had a great year so congrats to him but I was sure hoping for Jeets to get it.

Great Minds....

Here is something that apparently qualifies as intellectual commentary in Kentucky. Boy, she really nailed it....now if they could only figure out that dentistry thing...

American League MVP

Jeter has to be the sentimental favorite but Dye had a helluva year and will garner fair amount of support.....Jeter gets it though.

Stepping on Salami

It strikes me (and not a few others) as comically ironic that Bush is referencing Iraq while visiting Vietnam. The Vietnamese leaders must be incredulous that Bush intimates that The Vietnam war could've been won by sticking it out. I'm not sure that anyone pointed out that his hosts were the ones we were fighting at the time.

It reminiscent of Lloyd Bridges' speech in "Hot Shots" where he says...."Seems like just yesterday I was strafing your villages...." What a clueless buffoon. (Bush not Bridges....Bridges was brilliant)

Good Stuff

Will does W

Music? I'll give you music....

Steve Earle...music, politics, commentary,....Dave Alvin talking with Austin's various Antone's contributions...Tom Russell, Lovett, Kean, McMurtrey ....don't forget Townes Van Zant and Nancy Griffith, and Guy Clark....I can recommend if need be.

posting problems

have post will travel but bit of sticky wicket here...anyway, got Old and in the Way on the ol CD and that with headphones...(yeah man....it's good)

Digital Chapelle

What a pisser..

Taj Mahal

One of the Masters going to work....

Even Deader

Filmore West 1966

Dead Blogging

Rumsfeld Gets Cute At The Podium

See ya later Rummy, we'll miss these little get togethers.

That didn't take long...

Today show got their RNC talking points down big time this morning. A segment on the Hoyer/Murtha episode had a continous banner below the images on the screen that read" One week later...Democrats in disarray". Then they had John Harwood from the WSJ proclaiming that the Dems HAD to have a cohisve plan for Iraq...Of course the Dems aren't even in power yet and also do not set foreign policy but those fuckers better have every single dem in the country in agreement or they are total fucking losers....this crap really gets old.

If Only

Life could imitate art...this would be a good start.

Murder Inc.

OJ is at it again...looks like crime does pay and handsomely at that. Too bad civil judgments don't seem to amount to shit....can't the Feds try this piece of crap under civil rights statutes....depriving someone of their civil rights by nearly hacking off their head? Guess not... but I sure wish someone would punch that guy's ticket.

Hard to Believe but True

Kaiser Permaninte (sp) the healthcare behemoth was indicted today in Los Angeles for "patient dumping". That is the act of abandoning an indigent patient on the street. Take that in for a second...yeah, it's something so disgusting that the mind doesn't readily grasp it. In this case a 63 year old women with obvious mental deficiencies in addition to her physical ailments was driven to skid row in LA via taxi late at night, removed from the vehicle and physically placed on the sidewalk. She was then left to wander aimlessly as the car drove away. Part of that sad story was captured on a security tape which evidently was instrumental in charges being brought. It is doubtful that any true justice could be achieved in a case like this and KP will most likely pay a "ashtray" money fine. I do wish that some "activist" judge gets a hold of this one and forces some KP execs to do some serious come to Jesus time on the street on LA's skid row. It is one of the truly most desperate and hopeless places I've ever seen but it WOULD be a perfect place to give an object lesson to whomever made the decisions that facilitated this heinous act. I'd also check them carefully to see if they are even human....maybe there are aliens among us.

Hoyer it is...

Wasn't even close. Still can't figure out Pelosi's call on this in 1st place. Anyway, it's done now and hopefully goes away quickly.

Murtha vs. Hoyer

Should be an interesting result either way it plays for Majority Leader in the House though I can't help feel that it could have been done better. Murtha deserves a lot of credit for his earlier than most and vocal opposition to the war and no doubt he's a tough SOB. That said, I saw the ABSCAM video (yes from 26 years ago Jack) and it is not pretty. I didn't see the same guy there that I take him for now but do we really need to supply ammo to the other side and the media before the 110th even starts? I don't know a thing about Hoyer other that seniority places him in line and he seems to have the respect of his colleagues and a decent haircut. Does Pelosi know something we don't?....she effing better boy and I'm pretty sure she does because I can't imagine she'd risk such controversy right at the gate. It's one thing to reward political courage and dispense the favors leadership endows but another to carelessly engender judgment doubts so early in the process. My feeling is that Pelosi is so rock solid sure that Murtha is clean (now anyway) and also convinced of his ability to withstand the coming shitstorm that she was willing to stake a good part of her rep on that choice. I think the more prudent approach would have been to lay back a bit and let nature takes its course with some gentle back room guidance. My guess is the favorite Murtha wins but I really don't have a dog in the fight.

Enough already...

Can we dispense with the bi-partisan bullshit now? Here is what the Administration considers bi-partisan....basically it is when someone agrees with them. But this time there is no need to play nice and only weakens the Democratic position. Tell'm to get bent and shove the nominees up their ass. If I was Pelosi and Reid, I'd go into the White House the 1st week of Jan. with a list of people and tell W. that here is group of folks we want resignations on before the end of the week. Have a nice day douchebag....

Heeee's Baaaacckk!

Repugs dig up Lott to be the # 2 man in the Senate. I guess you can go home again. I'm sure there is a brilliant strategy in there but somehow it escapes me. Maybe it's like those radio stations that play only Elvis....the GOP is going to go only racists, all the time. Looks like they got the right man for the job if that is the plan.

Hi!

I'm a delusional egomaniac.

Iraq PTSD

This is probably a sign of what some returning veterans and their families have to look forward to. Twenty years from now people will sadly be comparing these vets to the many troubled souls who returned from Southeast Asia a generation ago. And it is not going to be pretty...

100% agreement?

Russert's appearance on the Mon. morning wake-up show included his comment (paraphrasing) that the Dems have a "problem" because they don't have agreement on the plan for Iraq. Excuse me, but where the hell does say that Democrats need to be in 100% lockstep agreement on everything? The Repugs never seem to be held to that standard but somehow it is soooo important that the Dems all agree. Why?

The way that you reach consensus is by discussing the various viewpoints, weighing the positives vs. the negatives, risk assessment, comparative analysis...It's the political due diligence required to achieve any semblance of responsible policy. What got us here in the first place was a pre-determined conclusion not supported by facts and the only options ever considered were intended to reinforce the original flawed position. That is the W way but it should not be the Dem way.

Like a Dog Year

In one week the Dems take the House and Senate, Rutgers beats the # 3 football team on national TV and Jets hand the Pats their 2nd consecutive loss for the 1st time in 57 games. That is some weird shit.

Candy Crowley is Fat

I'm pretty sure that most people can agree on that (and a right wing hack also but that is another post) but am I the only one who sees the irony? I mean candy probably made her fat in the first place so why draw attention to it...it's not like it's her given name and her Mom would never forgive her for not using it. Plus, who the hell as a serious person uses the name Candy for professional purposes at that age? Hookers and strippers mostly I would guess but at least for them there is a certain stick-to-it-ness that I can appreciate. Her going by Candy draws attention to one of her most unpleasant attributes....I mean, she could've changed it but she probably thinks she is cute, funny and smart all rolled up into one big ball of fatness. A head scratcher for sure.

Field Goal

It always helps to get 2 trys.....is that kid from CA?

That's NJ Rutgers, right?

Wow....Wow....WOW!!!!!!

Role Models Run Out on a Rail

Is there any other more gracious and grateful athlete than Gary (who cleaned out my effing locker?) Sheffield? To Yankee fans this is gonna be like losing Yogi Berra....what a legacy that hero of man will leave in NYC....poor us!

Scarlet Knights

That Rutgers team are a spunky bunch, huh?


Cap tip to Marcus....

I'd give Woody the edge maybe

I wish I could watch Allen's advisors break the news...Fact is that both these guys have about equal chances to be elected to future political office and they are both very funny although admittedly not both are trying.

Eighty percent of success is showing up.
Woody Allen
US movie actor, comedian, & director (1935 - )

Not exactly Nobel material...

But it's time for Burnsie to head back to run the power plant.....good luck Springfield!

Hours of Fun

Watching the righties try to spin this election cycle as anything but a complete disaster for their party and an utter repudiation of the conservative so called values is hilarious....I mean some of the guys that lost will probably be going to jail at some point....Took 6 long years but voters finally noticed our nude president and called attention to it. Of course, he doesn't take the fall because he never did and never will. Failure though is nothing new to this Bush, just ask his father who apparently is bailing furiously to try and save the sinking boy. Too bad W had to drag so many innocents with him before the electorate realized it was backing a loser.

I doubt it is lost on many beltway types that Rummy didn't last 24 hours before being replaced with one of Daddy's guys. Next will come the implementation of Baker/Hamilton Iraq recommendations and the Bush humilation will be complete. No need to wait on history doing any judging here.

The pundies will continue falling all over themselves to rationalize the republican loss and marginalize the dem's win but for now let's just enjoy the spectacle....spin, baby, spin!

Rum Punch!

Looks like a knock-out delivered by the election results....I thought he served at the pleasure of the president and would only step down if asked by Bush? Is anyone at the press conference going to ask if the resignation was requested from the White House? Or more likely, will the press corp allow Bush to step around that? Bets anyone?

I think that...

...this HEADLINE gets it just right.

Bi-Melman

Melman was just talking to Lou Dobbs about looking forward to working in a bi-partisan fashion with the Dems...OK, I'm buying on the Bi part but that is as far as I'll go.

Wax-on....Wax-off...

A few pundy's waxing ineloquent about the possibility of Henry Waxman issuing multiple subpoena for various Repuby transgressions...and that is gonna suck for them for sure but just wait until they see their new office space....I'm guessing a few of them will have new accommodations they may not be all that happy about. C'mon ya gotta really mess with'm now....don'cha?

Vote for a Child Molester....Vote Republican!

The Foley seat vacated by the aforementioned still has his name on the ballot because it was too late to legally change before the election. So the esteemed people of this district are actually voting for Foley on the ballot....a admitted child predator. Let's try and wrap our minds around that one. Foley (recently voted most likely to be released from rehab Nov. 8th) is they guy these people would rather vote for than any democrat. They should have their own country never mind their own district...Forever to be known as the district that prefers pedophiles....catchy huh?

Brokaw disses Dem's

Caught a snippet of MSNBC prelim election coverage this PM featuring Matthews and Brokaw with some GOP approved talking points.Brokaw remarked about the voter's deep divisions on the war and how the Dem's didn't have any plans other than "withdrawl or phased withdrawl....whatever that means".

Well Tom, I'm pretty sure I would take that to mean you get out incrementally. I mean, I'm not a big shot ex-news anchor or anything but even I was able to understand that so why can't he? His other comment regarding voter division on the Iraq war seemed intended to imply that there was equal support for both positions....Sadly no Tom, the American public at large is against the war and also does not believe that it is central in the war on terror. That is not up for discussion and all the network blather in the world won't change it one iota. These guys really do take everyone else for pikers...even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, they stick to the comfy turf already staked out. Incredible.

Russert's got a "same old bag"

Nightly news gave us the preview of Brokaw, Williams & Russert bantering about the elections for tomorrow night. Russert trots out the idiotic whiteboard tote system proving once again what a complete doofus he is. I guess we're supposed to appreciate the quaint simplicity....red and blue pens + arithmetic = brilliant political analysis? Hmmmm..can't say I get it.

Who ya gonna call?

If the Republicans were confident that their ideas, policies and candidates were superior to what the Dems were offering, I guess they wouldn't have to resort to voter-fraud on a national basis. HERE is the Republican party's version of democracy in action. Sad, isn't it?

On the Dole on MTP

They probably should have had some system to shut off mikes on yesterdays MTP with everyone talking over each other but the worst of them had be Lizzy Dole. Is she a complete moron or just old as the hills? Either way, she is so far over her head in national politics that it isn't funny. At one point she insisted on answering questions that had not been asked with prepared talking points. She had'm and by God, she was gonna use'm. She had to shout out that this was not a "rubber stamp" congress for Bush and Russert correctly pointed out that no one had raised that issue. Dole ignored the comment and proceeded to tell Russ that she wanted to "shoot that down right now". She was completely oblivious to everyone around her. I kinda felt sorry for the confused old windbag but no way should this lady be a US Senator.

Move along...

...nothing to see here . I guess that any oversight would be an insult to the troops somehow.

Ted, we hardly knew ya...

Haggard 1st reaction: No, no, no...I did not...

Haggard 2nd reaction: well, maybe a little...

Haggard 3rd reaction probably coming soon: Sodomize? huh? oh...well, that's different...I thought you said Simonize....hell ya, I sodomized him ...but I wasn't on the bottom because that would be queer.

Gay Ministers who are Anti-Gay

Go figure..another self hating gay evangelical... Are there any of these assholes that sincerely believe in the garbage they sell? He'll blame it on the decadent liberal society we live in...the membership will eat it up.

Golden Boy

Way to go Jeter ! that's one post-season award down and one to go....

Attn: Values Voters

These so called "values voters" are probably the biggest hypocrites out there in the political landscape. Let's posit for a second that most of them espouse Christian values and that honesty is probably on the list somewhere. I truly believe that candidates that campaign honestly, govern honestly...it's pretty simple really. You'd think that value voters would factor those attributes into any candidate support but it doesn't seem to enter the equation. What would Jesus think about that?

Ralph Kramden would call them the "hippiest critters" he ever saw.

Kerrying Water

This Kerry dustup is just pitiful any way you look at it but the media attention received vs deserved is the most disturbing. Just once I'd like to see major media ignore a faked-up GOP story if only to let us know they get it. That way we'd know they aren't all imbeciles and we could move on. Newsflash...Kerry ain't running for anything....he is not the story so look away from the shiny keys and try imagining what real voters actually care about. I don't know why someone...ANYONE doesn't finally call bullshit and say...uh-uh..not gonna do it this time. It is possible that approach would be viewed as journalistic integrity and garner actual appreciation from the voting public.

Poll Watching

All signs point to good things on Tuesday but I can't help feeling that somehow we are missing something. It almost looks too easy and that worries me. I know that that Republicans will steal it if they can...I just hope the Dem's are smart enough to steal it back if that happens.

quote worth remembering...

"We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office"

Aesop

Way too easy....but I couldn't resist.

Jumping the Stark may equal "Jumping the Shark" for the Allen campaign....these things don't write themselves ya know but sometimes they do. Allen is a wife spitter apparently. Hmmmm, I didn't even know they existed.

As Fawlty Tower's says "Don't mention the war!. I did once but I think I got away with it".

This is what the Bushies really think about the value of the US soldier. They can't afford to push back too hard on Maliki for fear of sending him way off the rez and spilling embarrassing beans before Tues. But this is something you don't back off of. It is hard to believe that even these guys could be so cynical as to abandon an abducted GI but it appears that is the case. Let's see Rush and Hannity spin this one as a left-wing conspiracy.

Fundamentals and Playing by the Book

Interesting developments on this Times story...According to the article, NATO and the US specifically had nothing to do with the raid on Pakistani militants and no high value targets were among the 80 reportedly killed. NBC News is reporting tonight that the US not only had a hand in the strike but that CIA drones were used effectively in the attack. This info was at odds with first reports and one can't help but wonder if the Pentagon was trying to keep it quiet initially. Perhaps waiting to take credit if Osama was somehow confirmed as part of the mix and downplaying or obscuring the level of participation in the event of a "no-name" conclusion. I think once the cat got out of the bag the Pentagon found itself playing defense and had to reposition on who was pulling strings. Either way it plays out (and I can't imagine we'll see lots of press follow up)...the imagery of burning American flags with shouting anti-American Pakistan protesters can't hurt the GOP get out the vote efforts. Whipping up a little old fashioned public square kill uncle Sam sentiment can go a long way in getting the base and near base to revisit the national security question.

Of course it is hard to ignore the timing and this one looks suspiciously like something out of the Rove playbook. I think I found the entry....lets see.....ok here it is:


Find Dog....Wag the motherfucker.

Santorum Doesn't Disappoint

Nothing like emptying the tank at the end of an election cycle. In this case, that tank is the already near empty reservoir of dignity that the pitiful
Santorum in PA had left. Now he has none...zilch and bupkus. What must it be like to have to look in the mirror and try rationalize behavior like this? I guess christian values are pretty relative and I don't especially care about other people's beliefs...but when it is always the same preachy crew that comes up with the most sickening kind of discourse, it reinforces the fact that they will do anything to retain their power. There is no line left uncrossed, there is no baseless rumor, lie or innuendo left un-attempted, there is no shame and there is certainly no apology... Oh this story definitely stinks but it has the distinct odor of desperation rather than just "politics" attached to it. And that odor is sticking to the Santorum campaign. Out of all the races next week, this one might be the most gratifying to see go down...There isn't really any doubt on the outcome but I would like to see the humiliation factor on Dog Man Rick amped up a bit.

Hapless and helpless

Is what the New York Jets are. If there is a more pathetic sports franchise out there, I'd like to see them. Losing to the 1-5 Browns is unforgivable....losing in the fashion they did is unforgetable. God, do they stink!

Melman's Cafe

Porn contributions are happening here? Well, I am shocked, shocked at this outrageous behavior...

Yeah, yeah Ken.....shocked, I know...whatever.

Mel Kenman is what my Uncle would've called ya

Bundle up East Coasters...

It's 80 here....karma says we'll have an earthquake soon.

Family Guy - Where's My Money

This would be a good collection email to send to tardy customers...just to remind'm a bit of their obligations.

Halloween Wilder

Do NOT OPEN this door!

Let me simplify....

For your listening pleasure...see earlier GD post.



Early Morning Rain

Cardinals

Big time team performances seem to always carry the day in the WS. Congrats to a team that seemed to be lacking just about every necessary component to overcome the prohibitive favorite. Again, as the local Joe used to say..."baseball is a funny game".

Jeanne Zalasko interviewing in the stadium echo is awful...where is the champagne on the heads? c'mon man...have some fun with it for Christs sake....

Eckstein is MVP...hope it is ok with his Dad who apparently still runs his life.

1965 Dead Blogging

If Gordon Lightfoot and Jerry Garcia had a fight, I think 9 fingers Garcia would pound the shit out of Gordo but they both do a great version of Early Morning Rain.

Do yourself a favor and click the link for Grateful Dead Live...hit GD MP3's and grab the show from Golden Gate Studios circa 1965...and then never speak of Gordon Lightfoot's version ever again.

GD

FAT Lady (and I mean circus fat)

Singing like a bird...

Abbott and Costello

Still a classic...hopefully Detroit has a sense of humor...that being the murder capital and all...As Max would say "sorry about that crack about the gorilla"

Abbott and Costello

As the old Who's on First comedy routine by Abbott and Costello goes "I don't know plays 3rd". As the Detroit Tigers go...I don't know how to throw to 3rd.

Not counting, but that's about 40 errors trying to get the guy at 3rd base. And the fans are starting to notice...

Game 5

Verlander vs. Weaver tonight if the rain stays away. I'd still like to see Rogers pitch again this year just to see if Superman reverts to form.

WS

This is more like it...wow!

Chef of the Future

See ya later Sheffield ...oh yeah, you're outa leverage dude.

World Series Blogging

Shaping up nicely with terrifc pitching on both sides so far. Suppan has surprised with another strong effort. God must be on his side...but he's losing...how can that be?

Game 4

Let's get this one in

Same pitchers slated and players were taking live BP outside this afternoon...with a little luck, we should be playing ball.

Crack open a cold one and enjoy!