While we're on

Jerry, let's add this shall we....

Opening Day is..

Almost here...I feel a terrible 24 hour virus coming on. At the very least I should be talkin baseball...but I'm finding such nice music to share...hard to pick but I think I'll take Monday off, watch some ball and Blog realtime for the game.

One of the Masters...

bringing on home...

Dolphin Blogging...

Good stuff...with a kind 70's porn feel to it.

Baseball Blogging..

The "Freeway Series" in SoCal doesn't have the same ring to it that "Subway Series" does in NY...for good reasons too many to name. But Vin Scully has been announcing Dodger games since Brooklyn and man is he an effing pleasure to listen to. If you like baseball...you have to love Vin Scully....you actually learn things.

Told Ya I might..

and you have to admit..it's good. Corny but good.

Lets end the week..

musically with a little old timey dude....

Roy Clark...oh, he could pick it. I was gonna put Yesterday When I was Young...still might.

I think I know...

the answer to any question about this info reaching the President. Protect that fuckhead at all costs. I can't recall...I don't know...we'll look into it...

Just tell the truth for once....You don't care and never have unless there is a political adavantage to be gained...so fucking sad.

The memo reinforces suspicions that the Pentagon was more concerned with sparing officials from embarrassment than with leveling with Tillman's family.

In a memo sent to a four-star general a week after Tillman's April 22, 2004, death, then-Maj. Gen. Stanley McChrystal warned that it was "highly possible" the Army Ranger was killed by friendly fire. McChrystal made it clear his warning should be conveyed to the president.

Heartwarming Reunion

Wow...I'm so happy for that kid..

Samsonite or Kryptonite?

Watching the GOP spin machine try to mitigate the Sampson Senate testimony is a study in bullshit...it's admittedly not much to work with but lots of fun nonetheless....it's reminiscent of an experience I had recently walking my dog when he shit on my neighbors lawn and I didn't bother to pick up the offending steamer.

Neighbor: Hey, your dog just shit on my lawn...are you going to pick that up?

Me: How do you know it's my dog?

Neighbor: Well, you're walking it.

Me: Maybe...but it could be I found the dog.

Neighbor: And, you and YOUR dog have lived across the street from me for 10 years and I'm tired of you and YOUR dog leaving steamers on my lawn.

Me: OK, you got me..it's my dog. But dogs are known to shit and I certainly can't control that canine function so we'll just have to accept the inevitable here.

Neighbor: Uh, no sir...you may not be able to control the function but you damn well can control the clean up.

Me: You should know better than that.... even if my dog did...and I'm not saying that he did....all of us that live down here understand that dogs sometimes leave the occasional steamer and that is part of the charm of the neighborhood. Plus, your lawn is particularly attractive to dogs because of the access, greenness and the grandfather steamer clause that we put in before you moved here. I don't even charge you for the fertilizer we've been supplying and this is how you thank me?...you ungrateful A-hole. And, you should also know that if you don't want dogs crapping on your lawn, don't leave it outside in your yard where the dogs can get to it. Now I'd like to continue this conversation to it's conclusion but I need to go yell at the paperboy....I think he has been leaving illegal flyer's on my porch....sorry about the diarrhea...tonight was leftover Chinese food.

Would make his head hurt for sure if it happened and the GOP ground game is similar. It always feels like they took a shit and just refuse to pick it up.

This Guy is....

gonna go from "blown save" to "blown cellmate"...

Not a catagory you want to lead the league in.

Lurita Doan's

Protestations to the contrary recall another's failed attempt to feint a faulty memory...

Snowballs Chance

is what many TV doc's give Tony Snow now that his cancer has apparently spread to his liver. I'm sure that people who endure that terrifying disease spend a lot of time thinking "what ifs"...

What if I didn't smoke?....what if I took better care of my health?...etc.

I wonder if Tony will have the occasion to re-think the Bush administration policy on stem cell research and think...."what if our scientific community was provided more government assistance to do adequate research on stem cells?"......What if indeed.

Digby makes my previous point

much better...

Straight Talk In Neverlandby digby

On The Situation Room earlier today, St John McCain told us all to clap our hands:(C&L has the video, here.)

BLITZER: Senator John McCain suggests that crackdown is already working.I asked him about that in the last hour.(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)BLITZER: Here's what you told Bill Bennett on his radio show on Monday.MCCAIN: Yes.BLITZER: "There are neighborhoods in Baghdad where you and I could walk through those neighborhoods today."MCCAIN: Yes.BLITZER: "The U.S. is beginning to succeed in Iraq."You know, everything we hear, that if you leave the so-called green zone, the international zone, and you go outside of that secure area, relatively speaking, you're in trouble if you're an American.MCCAIN: You know, that's why you ought to catch up on things, Wolf.General Petraeus goes out there almost every day in an unarmed Humvee. You want to -- I think you ought to catch up. You see, you are giving the old line of three months ago. I understand it. We certainly don't get it through the filter of some of the media.But I know for a fact of much of the success we're experiencing, including the ability of Americans in many parts -- not all. We've got a long, long way to go. We've only got two of the five brigades there -- to go into some neighborhoods in Baghdad in a secure fashion.(END VIDEO TAPE)BLITZER: Senator John McCain, a Republican presidential candidate, speaking here in THE SITUATION ROOM within the past hour.Let's go live to Baghdad right now.CNN's Michael Ware is standing by -- Michael, you've been there, what, for four years. You're walking around Baghdad on a daily basis.Has there been this improvement that Senator McCain is speaking about?MICHAEL WARE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, I'd certainly like to bring Senator McCain up to speed, if he ever gives me the opportunity. And if I have any difficulty hearing you right now, Wolf, that's because of the helicopter circling overhead and the gun battle that is blazing just a few blocks down the road.Is Baghdad any safer?Sectarian violence -- one particular type of violence -- is down. But none of the American generals here on the ground have anything like Senator McCain's confidence.I mean, Senator McCain's credibility now on Iraq, which has been so solid to this point, has now been left out hanging to dry.To suggest that there's any neighborhood in this city where an American can walk freely is beyond ludicrous. I'd love Senator McCain to tell me where that neighborhood is and he and I can go for a stroll.And to think that General David Petraeus travels this city in an unarmed Humvee. I mean in the hour since Senator McCain has said this, I've spoken to some military sources and there was laughter down the line. I mean, certainly, the general travels in a Humvee. There's multiple Humvees around it, heavily armed. There's attack helicopters, predator drones, sniper teams, all sorts of layers of protection.So, no, Senator McCain is way off base on this one -- Wolf.[...]Michael, when Senator McCain says that there are at least some areas of Baghdad where people can walk around and -- whether it's General Petraeus, the U.S. military commander, or others, are there at least some areas where you could emerge outside of the Green Zone, the international zone, where people can go out, go to a coffee shop, go to a restaurant, and simply take a stroll?WARE: I can answer this very quickly, Wolf. No. No way on earth can a westerner, particularly an American, stroll any street of this capital of more than five million people.I mean, if al Qaeda doesn't get wind of you, or if one of the Sunni insurgent groups don't descend upon you, or if someone doesn't tip off a Shia militia, then the nearest criminal gang is just going to see dollar signs and scoop you up. Honestly, Wolf, you'd barely last 20 minutes out there.I don't know what part of Neverland Senator McCain is talking about when he says we can go strolling in Baghdad.

McCan't Blogging...

Caught a snippet of McCain on the floor today trying to sell the war for his base....something along the lines of:

"we can't give up on Iraq, just when things are starting to turn around". If he had any evidence to support that statement I suppose he would have included it.

I think what he really means is:

I'm willing to sacrifice all of whats left of my dignity for a shot at the nomination.

Facinating Story

and I'm guessing that we're talkin some kind of boozed up challenge here?

I've heard that God protects idiots and drunkards....nice to have a double layer protecting me.

I Know It Was You Fredo..

and you broke my heart..according to Michael Corleone in the Godfather.

Coincidently Fredo is W's nickname for shoe polishing AG Gonzales...funny thing is that I would bet neither understands the significance of the moniker. Fredo?..Jesus, it's hard to believe these are the guys in charge.

One Can Hope to...

see a similar level of discomfort from the Bushie's testifying soon.

Live Neil...

Philly, circa 1985.

On the Nickel..

and even Thomas Jefferson in downtown LA?

Yup....and worth every minute of watching...even if you need to set aside 5 minutes....you'll thank me later.

Posting Frequency..

is dropping according to stats...need contributors to keep up with the Jones's...takers?

Pet Food Poisoning..

Personally, we feed our pets dry food which is apparently not part of the problem. That said, the agriculture dept. is saying that the rat poison that found it's way into the pet-food chain from out of the country is not a threat to human food chain.

Really? OK, that's cool but I'm laying off the cats and dogs for a while.

72 Hours...

is all Bertie has left I'd say. So, so funny that his immediate deputy has already resigned in disgrace so I guess Kyle is out.

Hard to believe that Harriet could step in...she's my most likely to break down visibly during testimony and Leahy is gonna be the "break-er"....but hey if she is good enough for the Supremes, she should be good enough to fill in for AG.

Who in their right mind would want that job now? Seriously...maybe that shlub Ryan from the SF office would want the job. I hear he can't get a job in car wash....

So Good..

It's worth a re-post for anyone that missed it...(GC)...yeah, it's good.

Still the Standard

All other live albums will be judged by in my opinion....

I can't imagine how great it would have been at the Filmore for any of the Allman Brothers and Grateful Dead shows in 1971 but man I wish I was there for this one. That dude Duane could lay it down.

SAMPSON, KYLE

AKA Fallguy....never ever trust these guys...

See ya later, douchebag.

Asked to explain the difference between Gonzales' comments and his schedule, Justice spokesman Brian Roehrkasse largely sidestepped the question by saying the attorney general had relied on Sampson to draw up the plans on the firings.

What time is it?

Hammertime baby!

Subpoenas approved from both houses.......Opening day in 10 days...it's so beautiful.... which leads me to want to watch for falling safes and whatnot.

Every man for himself...just like the Bush team pretty soon.

Cheers!

Looks like Tony Larussa, skipper of the St. Louis Cardinals got hammered last night and fell asleep at a stoplight. Nothing wrong with grabbing a quick catnap at the red but you gotta wake up on the green man.

I guess we can look forward to a tearful apology to his family, fans and team...but I'm guessing no plans to rehab...season starts in 10 days so first things first.

When the GOP does it...

It's ok though....

In 1998, White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles was deposed by the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight as part of an investigation into the use of the President's holiday card list.[11]

Christmas cards? Yeah, Christmas cards....too pathetic to even be funny.

I Wonder if the....

Claim of Executive Privilege to intentially cover up a crime is itself a crime?

Obstruction of Justice, I guess.....

I'm thinking that the press needs to start asking some questions like.....if the WH thinks EP extends beyond the rule of law they're always going on about. What's the position on that one Tony?

We've Already Established..

Your profession...now we're just negotiating the price....to paraphrase someone or other.

I think the interesting and yet to be determined aspect of the USA's Purgastory (tm) is what the "Bushies" were trying for. We KNOW they are dirty at the top of this...and this is a fish story from the beginning. But, what was the nefarious intent? Install friendlies as a matter of smart politics or head off damaging investigations?

If the latter is the case....is it because they love their party or because the trail of tears may lead to 1600? So many delicious scenarios come to mind and TPM has some to consider...

It is not at all uncommon for US Attorneys to leave their posts for private practice, very often for lucrative work as criminal defense attorneys. And a complex corruption investigation of a powerful political figure like Lewis can drag on for some time. So in isolation nothing would appear out of the ordinary or improper when a US Attorney like Yang resigned her post while her office was conducting such a high profile probe.

But of course it's not in isolation.

It came right in the midst of the summary firings of several US Attorneys who were either investigating Republicans or failing to investigate Democrats. Yang left the US Attorneys office for a job at Gibson Dunn, the firm which happens to be the one representing Lewis. (Most lawyers would, I think, caution that this isn't necessarily as questionable as it might seem on first blush. Gibson Dunn is a major national law firm based in LA. It's a logical place for someone like Yang to go.) Yang is now one of three co-chairs of the firm's Crisis Management Group, along with New York Partner Randy Mastro and GOP power player Theodore Olson.

And one other issue that might come into play here. If you look at the corruption investigations over the last two years, there's an odd pattern of pivotal investigators and prosecutors getting fortuitous promotions or offers of employment in the private sector at key moments. Take a look at the DOJ's Public Integrity section.

The Yang case is very different from the cases of the fired prosecutors, at least based on the evidence now on offer. To the best of my knowledge Yang has said that her departure was her decision. She wasn't pushed. And no evidence has yet surfaced from within the DOJ that suggests otherwise. It may well just be coincidence that the two Southern California US Attorneys covering the expanding Cunningham-Lewis investigation left their posts within six weeks of each other. But this story so far has been unkind to those inclined to accept coincidences at face value.

Quick Impression on Bush

picking fights.

His whole life has been starting something that someone else has to finish. So, his bravado today is not surprising...it is kinda funny though given his current subterranean approvals. He's got nothing to bargain with after his bluff is called and his Dad can't help him this time.

This is really, really fun.

According to Brush Clearer-in-Chief...

Bertie's gonna make clear to Congress what happened on the USA matter.

I think he's gonna need a good cut man.

Here's a "Man Bites Dog" Story for Ya...

Never saw that coming.

This Just in...

White House hires OJ Simpson to help investigate Plame identity leak...

Predictable Response...

From the WH should soon give way to something along the lines of:

• Karl was not involved
• Karl was not involved
• Karl was not involved
• OHHHH you mean Karl? Yeah he was involved.

Yup.... like a muthafucker.

This Guy's Mane...

really belies his name...no?

But if total lifetime wedgies received were hair follicles, this guy would probably have biblical powers.

Looks Like Gonzales...

may have found the excuse he's been looking for....this one could be a winner

The Patriot Act

is supposedly a critical tool for fighting terrorists. Many Dem's voted for it. And now want to register surprise that the Bush Admin is using it to gain political advantage?

It's clear there was a high level plan (conspiracy?) to use the provisions contained in the PA to circumvent established congressional procedures for appointing US Attorneys. It may not have been illegal but...man is it scummy.

More importantly, it raises new questions about the Bush propensity for misusing new war powers...real or imagined. When the NSA eavesdropping practices were brought to light, the Admin was outraged that anyone would suggest that they were overusing a tactic that should be utilized only under the strictest oversight. It was imperative to have the new power in the PA and they only wanted it to fight terror. Only a partisan hack would believe that Bush would over indulge....right? Well, the PA pretty much gave carte blanche and Bush is charging away.

My question is...for what other purely political purposes is the PA being used for? It cannot be a isolated incident and if not for the general clumsiness and incompetence of most things Bush.....it would have passed unnoticed. Their ham handedness is almost always their undoing.

That Good Ol' GOP Personal Responsibility..

Shorter Bertie Gonzales...

I was asleep at the switch

I need more time to find a suitable fall guy since you don't seem to be satisfied with the 1st guy we through under the bus

Just because I say that I take responsibility doesn't make me responsible

Fuck you

Back in the Saddle..

Out of town with no computer access for a few days and trying to play catch-up but a quick observation about the US Attorney flap..

• Gonzales obviously lied to congress but that in itself is not a surprise. He was hardly hired for his legal acumen...he was hired because he knows how to do what he is told. Should be fun see him back in the hot seat squirming a bit.
• Miers doesn't have the chops to hold up to any tough questioning. I believe she will turn out to be the weak link.
• This one may be the one where the country gets to see Rove in less than controlled surroundings.....time to pull back the curtain a little more.

Flipped on

the Yankee spring training game vs. Tampa Bay this afternoon just in time to hear a very familiar story. Pavano scheduled to pitch is a late scratch...

All they said was "personal" reason. If being a peice of shit counts as a "personal" reason, I guess then he would have an excuse. Get rid of him....now.

The Great

Tom Waits...

Lindsey Graham

was on Lehrer Report last night getting interviewed by Judy Woodruff on the Walter Reed scandal (s). The conversation turned to the length of time soldiers are placed on hold relative to finalizing their duy status and why didn't the Army arrange for more orderly case transfers and ultimate treatment schedules. Apparently some of these guys have been jerked around for up to 18 months trying to get the military to make a decision as to what kind of treatments will be provided, for how long, at what facilty etc.

Many of them have been offered discharges with various levels of disability percentages that affect future payments...in other words, their entire future lives. Graham seemed to think that because many of the soldiers wanted to stay on active duty, it was an indication of how much they loved the military and that everything must be A-OK with them.

But, what he didn't say was they the soldiers know if they stay on active duty status, they receive full pay and pension benefits stay intact. If they discharge with partial disability, they are stuck with a low ball offer just get them out the door. Of course, these wounded will make any effort to stay in until such time that they have an option that is fair to them.

Libby the Traitor...

should be a useful implement to beat the GOP candidates over the head with as the campaign season hits full swing very soon. As in... "Candidate A, would you support a pardon for Libby if the President chooses to do so?.... Or will you go on record as opposing a pardon for someone who compromised National Security?... Do you believe it is important that intelligence officers not be publicly identified for nakedly partisan purposes?"

You know...like that. Could be fun if anyone bothers to ask.

Quick Hit from...

not likely to happen department but if Libby had to go to the "joint"..
....is Scooter the type of nickname likely to establish your street cred?
...or perhaps put you in slight jeopardy?

If I'm him, I'd think about changing it to Skeeter or Scowler...anything but Scoooooter. I would guess that there is no one more popular in the shower than guys named Scooter...He's gonna rue the day he let that stick I hope. You'd think that 1 out of 11 would vote for guilty based on the nickname alone....probably not a basis for appeal but we'll need to check with Victoria on that.

Big Benefit to Libby Verdict...

that I hadn't really considered is watching the righties try to spin. Victoria Toensing (sp)who takes hackery and right-wing whoredom to almost dizzying heights took to the the airwaves on the Lehrer Report tonight. It's always best when the script hasn't been fully worked out yet and someone who can't be embarrassed has to take one for the team. Pathetic Victoria is so oblivious to her lack of coherent argument that she doesn't feel shame or humiliation I guess.

It's hilarious...the sputtering was particularly prominent...and she appeared to lose her train of thought repeatedly...I have the tivo so I may go back and count lies for fun but...really, this was like a tutorial on how to ruin any last shred of political credibility and simutaneously audition for a new career in comedy...really astounding. Seriously.

Libby the Traitor

Gets the seemingly just verdict today but will he ever get his due? Probably not...certainly the American public will never get true justice for the Bush officials traitorous actions.

Libby will get his pardon and Cheney has a much better shot at dying from some fatman's disease than be called to account for his part in this affair. The sad part is that most who played a part...and there were many, will go unpunished in the end. The ones who pay the price for the Bush admin's mendacity and treacherous behavior are dying in Iraq at an alarming clip...9 today so far.

This trial was a microcosm of the whole Iraq war and illustrated perfectly Bushies willingness to do anything...anything to have their way. Well they got it..and they have it. Impeachment is way too good for them.

Marathon Blogging

Sure, you're happy now....just wait asshole.

Marathon Blogging...

Form looks a little on the stiff side....but 26 will do that to ya.

Marathon Blogging...Post-Race Edition

Official time...4:53:02 but I really think with some shorter bathroom lines I could have knocked that down a little more. Either way, I'm very pleased with the result. It was hot...82 at one point I heard but lots of gatorade and water helped enormously.

My overall place was 5742nd out of 25,000-something so I beat like 19,000 people. I was 4409th for men overall and 534th in my age/gender division. I've got to be happy with that because I'm not exactly built for speed. I wanted to finish in decent shape (I did), I didn't want to walk any of the course (I did not except for taking water and bathroom breaks) and I wanted to have an enjoyable and rewarding experience (I did).

There were some memorable moments...This year they put people's names on the race bibs and I didn't really think much of it. During the race I heard so many people yelling "Go Jack" or something to that effect and I thought to myself...wow, there must be a lot of Jack's running in this race! Took a while for the bib thing to register. I also found out that my watched stopped after glancing at and thinking to myself...man, I am on a sub-4 pace....I'm an animal! Figured that one out pretty soon after.

No major problems except for some anxious moments at 22 when I thought I sharted. Had to take a mandatory bathroom break at 23 to confirm (I didn't) and evacuate the system to ward off any potential nastiness at the finish line. That could prove embarrassing. I did see a few puddles of puke at the finish line...good times.

The whole race was a great experience. I had a large group of support from friends and family who really had to go out of their way to deal with massive crowds with little ones in tow and give up their Sunday's as well. That was inspiring and truly made me feel good. There is a wave of emotion that hits you when you realize what you have achieved the is very hard to describe. I do know it is pretty damn cool though.

The physical after-effects haven't been too overwhelming but I am sore and stiff in the legs. Everything else seems to be working ok. I'm certain the frequent liquid intake played an important role being able to finish strong and enable a relatively quick recovery.

I'll put some pictures up when I can get some.

Marathon Blogging...Pre-Race Edition

Picked up the ol race bib n chip at the big expo they throw at the convention center. Just a ton of people and a mix of excitement and apprehension in the air. There is a definite confidence building effect in mingling with so many like-minded people.

Weather looks like it could be a factor with temps supposed to push 80 by noontime. It was at least 75 by 10 am today so hydration will the key to beating the heat tomorrow. There may also be some strong winds in the canyon pass where the whole thing starts. It may work to advantage though if it comes down thru the pass which seems to be the way it works up there.

Other than that, it's showtime baby....pick'm up and lay'm down for a good 4-5 hours. Yeah....

Long but great if you have the time..

John Loftin from the Wash Times vs. Frank Zappa..

a few observations...battle of wits and Loftin is at severe disadvantage. Great points by Frank about Theocracy....

He would be huge now as a political blog pundit.

Can't say it anymore...

"The new oldsmobiles are in early this year"....

Ya Think?

Not sure I agree with Dean on this approach for Coulter using the F-word at a conservative convention. (via Americablog)

Why not let the comments and attendees stir a while? Instead of using the Repug favored tactic of demanding the denouncement of the hate-speech as it is now known....just assume that people who haven't distanced themselves approve.

Then characterize those people as obvious supporters of bigotry and call'm as you see'm. Tough shit if they don't like it.

Marathon Blogging cont.....

Playlist additions....intentional irony dept.

U2...Sunday Bloody Sunday
Jimmy Cliff....The Harder They Come, The Harder They Fall
Grateful Dead.....Going Down the Road Feeling Bad

What have I got myself into??

Marathon Blogging

Been working on the music playlist a bit this week...sample cuts are:

• Springsteen...Thunder Road/Rosalita
• The Doors...LA Woman/Break on Through/Roadhouse Blues
• Jimi Hendrix...All Along the Watchtower/Hey Joe
• Rolling Stones....Sympathy for the Devil/Paint it Black/Heartbreaker
• Richard Thompson....1952 Vincent Black Lighting
• Steppenwolf...Magic Carpet Ride
• Led Zepplin....Black Dog
• Robin Trower...Day of the Eagle/Bridge of Sighs
• Lynard Skynard...Freebird
• Lou Reed...Sweet Jane
• New Riders of the Purple Sage....You Should Have Seen Me Running/Lonesome LA Cowboy
• Allman Bros....Elizabeth Reed/Whipping Post/etc...etc...etc
• Johnny Cash....Solitary Man
• John Hiatt...Crossing Muddy Waters
• Jorma with and without Hot Tuna...Genesis...Eve of Destruction..Embryonic Journey...etc...etc..
• Grateful Dead....too many to mention..