Flooding hits 2nd floor of Beau Rivage - The Clarion-Ledger

Seems that Mississippi, and particularly my mom's house was the point of impact of this storm. no word yet on if their house is standing. It lies NORTH of I-10, so we are hopeful. meanwhile, this unfortunate boat shipwrecked on highway 90 AND it seems that the costal casinos have water in their second floors.

Shotzy Hides From the Big One

With a Hurricane coming at 12mph, it feels like an eerie crawl to inevitable doom. Shotzy is already taking cover.

Wicked Katrina

My good friend and Hurricane buff Hud explains the differences between THIS storm and Hurricane Camille in 1969. Hopefully my mom's house won't be destroyed.

Camille was a category 5 storm with a central pressure of 908 millibars. As of the 4 pm (cst) update Katrina has a central pressure of 902.

because of the failure of the recording instruments no real data is available for wind speeds on Camille. But NOAA estimates that she had wind speeds of 190mph with gusts over 200. Apparently and oil rig in the gulf registered 172 before its failed. Camille had the 2nd lowest central pressure registered in the United States and the highest tidal surge registered at 24.6 feet above sea level (in Pass Christian). Katrina, if she doesn't continue to weaken, will beat both of these records. check out these pictures of Camille

similar destruction will occur with Katrina. According to this site, Camille is "*the most extreme meteorological event to take place in North America"* even after Andrew. Katrina will easily surpass this record as well.

The two storms were/are moving at about the same speed, 12 mph.

Camille was a very small hurricane in comparison to Katrina; hurricane force winds extended around 60 miles from the center for Camille but extend out to 100 miles from the center for Katrina. While Camille was terribly devasting, Katrina will be just as devastating over a much larger area. Camille ended up dumping a lot of rain up in Virginia and I imagine Katrina will do something similar in Tennesee.

Katrina should surpass Camille as the mark by which Mississippians judge storms.

NOAA wants you to know Katrina will be bad.

thanks to Hef.


URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW ORLEANS LA
1011 AM CDT SUN AUG 28 2005


DEVASTATING DAMAGE EXPECTED

HURRICANE KATRINA
A MOST POWERFUL HURRICANE WITH UNPRECEDENTED
STRENGTH...RIVALING THE INTENSITY OF HURRICANE CAMILLE OF 1969.

MOST OF THE AREA WILL BE UNINHABITABLE FOR WEEKS...PERHAPS LONGER. AT
LEAST ONE HALF OF WELL CONSTRUCTED HOMES WILL HAVE ROOF AND WALL
FAILURE. ALL GABLED ROOFS WILL FAIL...LEAVING THOSE HOMES SEVERELY
DAMAGED OR DESTROYED.

THE MAJORITY OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WILL BECOME NON FUNCTIONAL.
PARTIAL TO COMPLETE WALL AND ROOF FAILURE IS EXPECTED. ALL WOOD
FRAMED LOW RISING APARTMENT BUILDINGS WILL BE DESTROYED. CONCRETE
BLOCK LOW RISE APARTMENTS WILL SUSTAIN MAJOR DAMAGE...INCLUDING SOME
WALL AND ROOF FAILURE.

HIGH RISE OFFICE AND APARTMENT BUILDINGS WILL SWAY DANGEROUSLY...A
FEW TO THE POINT OF TOTAL COLLAPSE. ALL WINDOWS WILL BLOW OUT.

AIRBORNE DEBRIS WILL BE WIDESPREAD...AND MAY INCLUDE HEAVY ITEMS SUCH
AS HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND EVEN LIGHT VEHICLES. SPORT UTILITY
VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS WILL BE MOVED. THE BLOWN DEBRIS WILL CREATE
ADDITIONAL DESTRUCTION. PERSONS...PETS...AND LIVESTOCK EXPOSED TO THE
WINDS WILL FACE CERTAIN DEATH IF STRUCK.

POWER OUTAGES WILL LAST FOR WEEKS...AS MOST POWER POLES WILL BE DOWN
AND TRANSFORMERS DESTROYED. WATER SHORTAGES WILL MAKE HUMAN SUFFERING
INCREDIBLE BY MODERN STANDARDS.

THE VAST MAJORITY OF NATIVE TREES WILL BE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. ONLY
THE HEARTIEST WILL REMAIN STANDING...BUT BE TOTALLY DEFOLIATED. FEW
CROPS WILL REMAIN. LIVESTOCK LEFT EXPOSED TO THE WINDS WILL BE
KILLED.

AN INLAND HURRICANE WIND WARNING IS ISSUED WHEN SUSTAINED WINDS NEAR
HURRICANE FORCE...OR FREQUENT GUSTS AT OR ABOVE HURRICANE FORCE...ARE
CERTAIN WITHIN THE NEXT 12 TO 24 HOURS.

ONCE TROPICAL STORM AND HURRICANE FORCE WINDS ONSET...DO NOT VENTURE
OUTSIDE!

LAZ038-040-050-056>070-282100-
ASSUMPTION-LIVINGSTON-LOWER JEFFERSON-LOWER LAFOURCHE-
LOWER PLAQUEMINES-LOWER ST. BERNARD-LOWER TERREBONNE-ORLEANS-
ST. CHARLES-ST. JAMES-ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST-ST. TAMMANY-TANGIPAHOA-
UPPER JEFFERSON-UPPER LAFOURCHE-UPPER PLAQUEMINES-UPPER ST. BERNARD-
UPPER TERREBONNE-
1011 AM CDT SUN AUG 28 2005


INLAND HURRICANE WIND WARNING IN EFFECT

HURRICANE KATRINA
A MOST POWERFUL HURRICANE WITH UNPRECEDENTED
STRENGTH...RIVALING THE INTENSITY OF HURRICANE CAMILLE OF 1969.

ONSET OF TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS WILL BE AROUND 3 PM THIS
AFTERNOON AND PERSIST FOR ABOUT 26 HOURS. HURRICANE FORCE WINDS WILL
ONSET AROUND SUNSET TONIGHT IN LOWER PLAQUEMINES PARISH AND SPREAD
NORTHWARD BY 3 AM MONDAY MORNING...PERSISTING FOR ABOUT 12 TO 17
HOURS. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS IN EXCESS OF 140 MPH CAN LAST FOR 2
TO 3 HOURS.

ONCE TROPICAL STORM AND HURRICANE FORCE WINDS ONSET...DO NOT VENTURE
OUTSIDE!

Why Bush Won't Send More Troops

Virtually every independent analyst who does not want to withdraw from Iraq thinks we need more troops in order to win. Republicans at the Weekly Standard have said this. Democrats such as Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware have said this. The troops themselves say this, incessantly. A dearth of boots on the ground results in such predicaments as an inability to patrol the border where enemy fighters are swarming in, or the need to repeatedly fight for the same towns, which we lack the forces to occupy continuously.

But President Bush doesn't think we need more soldiers. Comically, he also insists that in not sending more troops he is merely obeying the wishes of the 'commanders on the ground.'

It may be literally true that the generals are telling Bush they don't need more troops. But if it is, that's only because they know they have no choice but to say so.

At the beginning of the war, Gen. Eric Shinseki privately challenged Defense Department troop estimates for occupying Iraq as too low. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was enraged and leaked the name of Shinseki's successor to the media a year before the end of his term as Army chief of staff, thereby making him a lame duck. Last May, the Baltimore Sun reported that, based on a flimsy pretext, Maj. Gen. John Riggs was stripped of one of his three stars just before retirement for more publicly insisting that the military needed more troops.

The President likes to say he's asked the generals if we need more troops on the ground. He doesn't say their careers are destroyed if they give the wrong answer. No wonder the war's going so poorly. its being run by people that never had to fight for anything a day in their lives.

Holy Bat-Ropes!

Batman Technology, today!

LONDON (Reuters) - A device that allows people to scale tall buildings in if not a single, then at least two bounds, has been developed for the U.S. military.

The PowerQuick personal lifting device can raise or lower a load of up to 145 kg (320 lb) at the rate of one meter (yard) per second, enabling special forces, rescue services or even construction workers to quickly ascend or escape buildings.

Aid & Comfort

read the words, look at the dates, tell me what YOU think's going on.

"The American Legion will stand against anyone and any group that would demoralize our troops, or worse, endanger their lives by encouraging terrorists to continue their cowardly attacks against freedom-loving peoples," Thomas Cadmus, national commander, told delegates at the group's national convention in Honolulu" . . . "We had hoped that the lessons learned from the Vietnam War would be clear to our fellow citizens. Public protests against the war here at home while our young men and women are in harm's way on the other side of the globe only provide aid and comfort to our enemies."

Editor & Publisher
American Legion Declares War on Protestors
August 24, 2005

______________________

Dear Mr. President:

The American Legion, a wartime veterans organization of nearly three-million members, urges the immediate withdrawal of American troops participating in "Operation Allied Force.''

The National Executive Committee of The American Legion, meeting in Indianapolis today, adopted Resolution 44, titled "The American Legion's Statement on Yugoslavia.'' This resolution was debated and adopted unanimously.

Mr. President, the United States Armed Forces should never be committed to wartime operations unless the following conditions are fulfilled:

* That there be a clear statement by the President of why it is in our vital national interests to be engaged in hostilities;

* Guidelines be established for the mission, including a clear exit strategy;

* That there be support of the mission by the U.S. Congress and the American people; and

* That it be made clear that U.S. Forces will be commanded only by U.S. officers whom we acknowledge are superior military leaders.

It is the opinion of The American Legion, which I am sure is shared by the majority of Americans, that three of the above listed conditions have not been met in the current joint operation with NATO ("Operation Allied Force'').

In no case should America commit its Armed Forces in the absence of clearly defined objectives agreed upon by the U.S. Congress in accordance with Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution of the United States.

Sincerely,
Harold L. "Butch'' Miller,
National Commander

American Legion
Letter to President Clinton
May 5, 1999

Yuk Yuk Yuk

On the DAY Clinton was impeached, his approval rating (72%) was EXACTLY TWICE that of George W. Bush's today (36%). those republicans sure don't care much for impeaching liars anymore, now do they?

Donald Luskin--somebody fire this man!

Follow the quotes of Donald Luskin, the Mr. Magoo of investment officers with RendMacrolytics of Menlo Park, CA. anyone that relies on this guy's investment advice is a moron. (thanks to atrios and the readers).

The Thruxton 900

As i've said to anyone that will listen to me talk for more than about 10 minutes, I want a Motorcycle. I want a Triumph Motorcycle. I"m about ready to wear my Triumph T-shirt every day, i'm so excited about the prospect. As I've said before, I'll likely get the Speedmaster, but I have to admit i find myself nostalgic for the Bonneville too. there's a history there. Brando in "The Wild One"? On a Triumph. McQueen jumping the fence in "The Great Escape"? That's a Triumph. Pull out that copy of "Highway 61 Revisited" you have. Now, what's that shirt Dylan's wearing? Triumph.

Well, I ran across one of these the other day. it's called the Thruxton 900. Its named after the Racetrack/Race where Triumph once won the top 3 spots in the 60s. It's made as a modern day "cafe racer". Back in the 60s there was an underground rivalry between the Mods and the Rockers. the cafe racers were Rockers, or Ton-Up Boys (nick named for people that would dare top 100mph around some seriously curvey roads around London). these were bikes that were modified to go fast. the foot pegs were pushed back and the handlebars were clamped directly onto the forks. these were the euro precursor to the "Crotch Rockets" that La Federala wants. If I ever get one of those types of bikes, and it is tempting, I'll have to lay my hands on the the British bike, the Triumph. I'm not sure if i'm ready to make this bike be my first motorcycle, but DAMN that thing is beautiful.

CBS Affiliate Will Not Air Sheehan Ad Because There Is “No Proof” Of Absence Of WMD In Iraq... | The Huffington Post

Boise, Idaho affiliates CBS and FOX have refused to air a television ad in which Cindy Sheehan asks President Bush questions about the Iraq war.

Sheehan “claims the President lied about, among other things, the presence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq,” said Jeff Anderson the Vice President of sales at Fisher Broadcasting Inc., which owns KBCI (CBS). “There is no proof that we are aware of regarding the truthfulness of her claim. We require proof of claims such as this. Until that is provided, our station will not carry this ad.”

OK.

Jeff Anderson of Fisher Broadcasting Inc. wants proof before he'll run the ad? just what does he want? because I can give it to him. seriously. he needs to be made to give a catalog of EXACTLY what he needs, because it is so widely known, accepted, and proven that he could have that 'proof' in hand in a matter of hours.

I called Mr. Anderson [(208) 472-2222 if you'd like to offer the same assistance] and he's left for the day. I left him a messageand asked him what "proof" was needed, as in what criteria or TYPE of info he needed so that we could get this ad running. I left my number. lets see if he calls back.

Bill Moyers Wears Protective Device To Bush's Monday Speech... | The Huffington Post

Bill Moyers at Bush's VFW speech last Monday.

Salon.com Comics | The K Chronicles

Keith Knight, of THE K CHRONICLES, has a question for you. Which Lie is an impeachable offense?

Palestinians on the Right Side of History - New York Times

So you think you know about the Gaza Strip...?

My Private Idaho - New York Times

Interesting snip from the NYTimes:

'We owe them something,' he [Bush] told veterans in Salt Lake City (even though his administration tried to shortchange the veterans agency by $1.5 billion). 'We will finish the task that they gave their lives for.'

What twisted logic: with no W.M.D., no link to 9/11 and no democracy, now we have to keep killing people and have our kids killed because so many of our kids have been killed already? Talk about a vicious circle: the killing keeps justifying itself.

Here, Here!

"If you'[re] pro-George and pro-war, get your ass over to Iraq, and take the place of somebody who wants to come home."
--Cindy Sheehan.

I have recruiting infor for anyone that needs it.

GRAND MULLAH PAT ROBERTSON just called for the assassination of Venezuela's President

Not even joking here. click the link above. He is talking about how it likely wouldn't even mess up our oil supply and we shouldn't waste time with wars down there. He repeats the danger of their control over Venezuelan oil says we should just kill him.

I'm shocked beyond words. At what point did any of you think we'd here a national religious leader to millions call for immediate assassinations of world leaders? This man is a leader of millions of Christians and he's calling for a killing. a partial transcript is below. you need to watch the video.

You know, I don't know about this doctrine of assassination, but if he thinks we're trying to assassinate him, I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it. It's a whole lot cheaper than starting a war.

...

And without question, this is a dangerous enemy to our south, controlling a huge pool of oil, that could hurt us very badly. We have the ability to take him out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability. We don't need another $200 billion war to get rid of one, you know, strong-arm dictator. It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with.

Now THAT's What I Call a Strict Constructionist!

Can't you just SMELL the freedom we're creating? Maggie, grab your veil!

Iraq draft says laws must conform to Islam -text

BAGHDAD, Aug 22 (Reuters) - A draft constitution for Iraq to be presented to parliament on Monday will make Islam 'a main source' for legislation and ban laws that contradict religious teachings, members of the parliamentary drafting panel said.

Bush At 36% Approval

It seems that the deaths in Iraq, the record high gas prices, and the grieving mother at his doorstep have had an effect. The dis content is taking hold. How bad is it for Bush? Try this on for size: The American Research Group poll released today has Bush at a 36% approval rating, which is 3 points LOWER THAN NIXON at the height of the Watergate Scandal. 33% Approve of the way he's handling the economy. This all begs the question: How long can he deny the reality of his grave mistakes without an effort to correct them?

Truly, the emperor is wearing no clothes.

Probably My Favorite Politician

State Representative Steve Holland (D, Plantersville) is everything I think a decent Mississippi Politician should be--barbs and all.

GO Get the Republican!!

That's the call that goes out. Today, our little dog Shotzy learned to fetch today for the first time. how'd he do it? by going after REPUBLICANS OF COURSE! HAW HAW HAW! Shotz has a little stuffed elephant which we've nick named "the republicans" and he loves to bite, shake, and fetch the little thing! We're all very proud. (sorry it's blurry...action shots, you know!)

Beltway Dems Regurgitate Right-Wing B.S. on Iraq; Grassroots Fights Back | The Huffington Post

The Democratic Party must come up with a strategy that does not include IGNORING the topic of Iraq (and the public discontent) OR singing along with bush. what most middle of the road voters want is someone they can trust. that means making a voter feel protected by someone who's actually THINKING about aggressive ways to protect the public.

I've not worked with the national dems since 2003, but you know...if you guys need some help...I can give you a few pointers. come buy me a cup of coffee and we'll have a little talk.

The Onion | Evangelical Scientists Refute Gravity With New 'Intelligent Falling' Theory

Onion Gold:

KANSAS CITY, KS—As the debate over the teaching of evolution in public schools continues, a new controversy over the science curriculum arose Monday in this embattled Midwestern state. Scientists from the Evangelical Center For Faith-Based Reasoning are now asserting that the long-held "theory of gravity" is flawed, and they have responded to it with a new theory of Intelligent Falling.

"Things fall not because they are acted upon by some gravitational force, but because a higher intelligence, 'God' if you will, is pushing them down," said Gabriel Burdett, who holds degrees in education, applied Scripture, and physics from Oral Roberts University.

Kids are THIRSTY!

Dr. Wagner sends me this gem...OH YEAH!

Support the Troops, right?

Kos points out a few gems from the right wing that are 'outraged' that Bush threw a war and not so many of us wanted to come. Let's see what they said about Clinton sending in troops to stop genocide in MUCH smaller action in the balkans:

"You can support the troops but not the president."
--Rep Tom Delay (R-TX)

"Well, I just think it's a bad idea. What's going to happen is they're going to be over there for 10, 15, maybe 20 years."
--Joe Scarborough (R-FL)

"Explain to the mothers and fathers of American servicemen that may come home in body bags why their son or daughter have to give up their life?"
--Sean Hannity, Fox News, 4/6/99

"[The] President . . . is once again releasing American military might on a foreign country with an ill-defined objective and no exit strategy. He has yet to tell the Congress how much this operation will cost. And he has not informed our nation's armed forces about how long they will be away from home. These strikes do not make for a sound foreign policy."
--Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA)

"American foreign policy is now one huge big mystery. Simply put, the administration is trying to lead the world with a feel-good foreign policy."
--Rep Tom Delay (R-TX)

"If we are going to commit American troops, we must be certain they have a clear mission, an achievable goal and an exit strategy."
--Karen Hughes, speaking on behalf of George W Bush

"I had doubts about the bombing campaign from the beginning . . I didn't think we had done enough in the diplomatic area."
--Senator Trent Lott (R-MS)

"I cannot support a failed foreign policy. History teaches us that it is often easier to make war than peace. This administration is just learning that lesson right now. The President began this mission with very vague objectives and lots of unanswered questions. A month later, these questions are still unanswered. There are no clarified rules of engagement. There is no timetable. There is no legitimate definition of victory. There is no contingency plan for mission creep. There is no clear funding program. There is no agenda to bolster our over-extended military. There is no explanation defining what vital national interests are at stake. There was no strategic plan for war when the President started this thing, and there still is no plan today"
--Rep Tom Delay (R-TX)

"Victory means exit strategy, and it's important for the President to explain to us what the exit strategy is."
--Governor George W. Bush (R-TX)

Gosh, where is all their indignation now?

They Don't Even Like Him Much in Mississippi!

Bush has fallen below 50% approval in MS (his rating at 49% approval & 47% disapproval). he's above 50% in 7 states, and for some reason they LOVE his ass in Idaho. (59% !) On the other side of that coin, they HATE his ass in Rhode Island. (29%/68% !!).

**It is important to note that this survey came BEFORE the bad press down in Crawford.

My Favorite Story of the Day!

How do i know that the Cindy Sheehan story is taking hold? when Rush Limbaugh claims that, despite all evidence that her son served and died in Iraq, she's just making it ALL UP! I'm not even joking. I guess when all else fails, you just pretend it isn't happening.

wishing for the salad days of the 'war' here's Rush: (there's no place like home! there's no place like home!)

LIMBAUGH: I mean, Cindy Sheehan is just Bill Burkett. Her story is nothing more than forged documents. There's nothing about it that's real, including the mainstream media's glomming onto it. It's not real. It's nothing more than an attempt. It's the latest effort made by the coordinated left.

AG revives legal fees debate - The Clarion-Ledger

From the C-L:

'It's amazing to me that somebody like Jim Hood, that just paid a $15 million kickback to his friend Joey Langston, would complain about a legal fee to the state because he wasn't doing his job,' (joe) Nosef said.

That's called Slander. we have the chief legal counsel of the Governor's office accusing the Attorney General of paying kickbacks. Is that ethical?

Larry Northern of Waco, TX hates Jesus.

It seems taht Mr. Larry Northern of Waco, TX hates jesus so much that he enjoy's decerating symbols of chirst with his truck.

A pickup truck ran over wooden crosses erected at anti-war protester Cindy Sheehan's campsite on Monday night, in the latest sign of tension over the peace vigil outside vacationing President George W. Bush's Texas ranch.

Larry Northern, 46, of nearby Waco, Texas, was arrested and charged with criminal mischief in connection with the incident, Crawford Police Chief Donnie Tidmore said.

Point the Finger

Seems there can never be any personal responsibility for some Republicans. Especially this one. I should know. He's my Senator.

Sen. Trent Lott accuses Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of betraying him during a GOP revolt in a new, tell-all biography that expresses little remorse for the racially tinged remarks that led to Lott's loss of power and Frist's ascension.

In Herding Cats: A Life in Politics, available in bookstores Aug. 23, the Mississippi Republican blames the media and a handful of his GOP colleagues for the loss of his Senate leadership job in December 2002.

*A personal highlight of my college career was when Trent Lott mentioned me by name in a speech. he was complaining about (the good) work i was doing for the Democrats and that the GOP'ers needed to get on the ball.

heh.

The Huffington Post | The Blog

From the AP:

'Bush Approval a Low for Recent 2-Termers'.
'His ratings on everything from handling Iraq to the economy to Social Security and other domestic issues are at their lowest levels so far.'

Now, i've read this several times, and its basically saying that Bush's numbers are way lower than the last few 2 term presidents (Reagan0--57% and Clinton--61%). so what does that mean? was the last time we had numbers like this, the President was resigning from office? that's pretty bad.

GOOD GOD!

As you know, the Mother of a Fallen Soldier has come to the Texas Ranch where Bush is on a 5 week vacation. the reason? to ask him why he sent her son to die in a war he lied to her( us) about. well, evidently mom's are a lot scarier than they'd seem.

See our compassionate leader at work:

Cindy Sheehan phoned me from Texas a few minutes ago to say that she's been informed that beginning Thursday, she and her companions will be considered a threat to national security and will be arrested. Coincidentally, Thursday is the day that Rice and Rumsfeld visit the ranch, and Friday is a fundraiser event for the haves and the have mores. Cindy said that she and others plan to be arrested.

Party like its ... 9/11 !!!

This is in really poor taste. Of all the things 9/11 should mean, none of them are a party.

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced yesterday that the Pentagon will celebrate -- and really, there's no other word for it -- the fourth anniversary of 9/11 with a country music concert and an 'America Supports You Freedom Walk.'

OIL PRICES HIT ALL TIME HIGH (again)!!!

This is what prices are like in where La Federala is right now. I'm gonna experience this myself in a couple of days. prices are 40% highrer for gasoline than they were a year ago, AND think about this. These prices at the pump don't even (yet) reflect the fact that oil hit $65 a barrel today. $3 gas? here we come.

Of course, with all these record profits, its a good thing that Corporate welfare to Oil Companies is in the Billions! GOP conservative, fiscal responsibility at work!

Reuters: Oil Rockets Above $63 A Barrel

Thank god we just gave an industry making more money that it ever has in the history of the world a few billion dollar give aways. but, you know...that's ok. its not like we have a national debt or anything...

what's that?

oh...

Nevermind.

'The Thin Man' Is Escapism, From an Unlikely Source

If anyone wanted to get me an early Birthday present...

Two of the media stars of the summer are a charming husband-and-wife team who made their last film appearance in 1947. Nick and Nora Charles, Dashiell Hammett's wealthy Depression-era detectives, are the hero and heroine of six "Thin Man" movies, which were released this month in a boxed set that quickly jumped to No. 1 on Amazon.com's list of best-selling DVD's.

The article is about the author (Dashiell Hammett) of the books on which the movie is based. As sharp, witty, and lite as The Thin Man is, it is interesting to note that this is the same former Pinkerton detective that brought us Sam Spade and The Maltese Falcon!

Israeli Minister Quits as Gaza Pullout Nears - New York Times

Could there be better news? probably not.

JERUSALEM, Aug. 7 - Israel's cabinet voted Sunday to approve the first stage of the pullout from Gaza, even as Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's main rival in the Likud Party, Benjamin Netanyahu, threw Israeli politics into turmoil by abruptly quitting the government.

The resignation ensures that Likud, the dominant party in Israel, will be mired in internal strife during the tense 10 days left before the scheduled start of the pullout. Some 55,000 army soldiers and police officers will be deployed to ensure that all 9,000 settlers leave Gaza, ending 38 years of Israeli occupation.

Mr. Netanyahu, a former prime minister who opposed the pullout, said he had to resign as finance minister at last because of his concerns about Israel's security. But many commentators interpreted his last-minute decision to quit - after publicly announcing that he would not - as a sign that he would challenge Mr. Sharon for the leadership of Likud in early elections that could come by spring. His platform will be security, and he is likely to push Israeli politics further to the right.

The Smartest Thing I've Heard All Day

I know it's only 9:25am, but I don't expect to hear much better than this today! The article is speaking of Rachel Maddow from Air America Radio and gives her thoughts on a John McCain Presidency.

For example, she doesn’t buy the widespread idea that John McCain will be the next Republican presidential candidate. “That’s ridiculous! The Republicans basically built George W. Bush out of straw . . . They created him out of nothing so that he would owe them everything. They’re not gonna pick somebody like McCain, who has basically no friends in the Republican Party, doesn’t owe anybody anything, and is likely to make his own decisions

I didn't fully believe/understand that in 2000. Now I really do. If McCain wins, it will be in spite of his Party. He's the Democrat many wish we had.

There's a New Dog around these parts...

A few of you know that there's a dog living at my house now. almost everyone i've shared this fact with has had the same reaction. basically: "YOU? you gotta be kidding me!?"

Technically it is La Federala's dog, but its mine too. His name is Schatz (short for Schatzi-lein--"Little Treasure"). I call him Shotz. he's a Tiny Miniature-Schnauzer puppy. He's been an outstanding 2nd choice for me instead of the Miniature Bulldog I wanted. fortunately for our wallets and patience, we have Shotz instead of a little "Maxamillian" which will perhaps be what we get if i get more 'dog oriented. For now, shotz is about the best dog I could hope to have. Here's a couple of grainy photos of our brilliant little puppy.

ABC News: Peter Jennings Dies at 67

Aug. 7 — ABC News Anchor Peter Jennings died today at his home in New York City. He was 67. On April 5, Jennings announced he had been diagnosed with lung cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Kayce Freed, his two children, Elizabeth, 25, and Christopher, 23, and his sister, Sarah Jennings.

Man Kills Another in Dispute Over War, Press and Police Call It a First

see! suppoert the war, andlose your damn mind at the flea market!

It happened at Floyd County flea market on Thursday, when two friends, who were firearms vendors there, drew guns after quarreling about the war. Douglas Moore, 65, of Martin, who backs the war, shot and killed Harold Wayne Smith, 56, of Manchester, who opposed it, according to investigators.

A Pox on Your House, Fennian's Irish Pub!

Last thursday I went to a (normally) fine neighborhood pub called "Fenian's" where i met a pal that had been to china in recent weeks. La Federala left early. Since i had a driver and I had a light day coming the neyxt da, i thought i would tie one on. For godssake, there is NO REASON that ANYONE should be stone sober after 5-6 Gin and Tonics and a Double Bourbon!! I think that bartender was skimping on me!

Oby's Arrives from Starkville

I was thinking the other day about how long its been since I've eaten at Oby's. It was always a place i loved in Starkville, but I ate there infrequently. if you'd ask for it, they'd bring you your drink in a chilled gobblet that, while they didn't provide them with anything on the menu, they would fetch for you from the freezer. that always amazed me...why do you chill 'em when you don't serve 'em?!

anyway, i was driving down the road and saw Oby's is coming to Jackson and I can't wait!! we'll see if they have chilled goblets.

Four Years Ago Today...

President Bush was on a vacation that lasted a month long, just like he is now.

President Bush recieved a briefing titled "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S."

I hope he's working harder for us than he did back then.

Hotel Rwanda and My Own Shame

In 1994 i was a college student. It would be rare indeed to find another young westerner more educated about world politics or african politics without traveling many miles beyond my classroom. In that time the Rwandan massacres occured. I was keenly aware of what was going on. I was aware of the radio broadcasts that urged on the geonocide. my professor, Dr. Paul Kaiser, a UN elections monitor illuminated me to exactly what was going on then in africa. I gave speeches about what was happening. I debated people over the airwaves about what should be done. I had a democratically elected president that I selected in the office. all of this was meaningless. I probably have not thought on this in a decade. I was made to again tonite. the attrocities that happened...that were allowed to happen, are a stain and and a shame on the entire western world. my world. my efforts. I cannot express the level of shame that i have that my nation did nothing. I cannot remove myself from the guilt that Jean Paul Sartre forced me to understand. It is with a heavy heart that i was made to realize what our world has allowed to happen...here. in "modern times". long past the picture show of WW2 that exists for most of us. sometimes there is no helicopter to lift the protagonist to safety if we do not provide it, and we certainly did not. Those that have been left on the ground. abandoned then, just as now in the Sudan are left to fend for themselves and save their people. those people are the true saints of our age...walking among mortals that do not deserve to look upon their faces. i am humbled and ashamed. mostly because i knew what was happening, and my life was continuing with inconsequetial bliss. Human beings deserve better than what we are giving.

always remember that.

Beyond the Sea (2004)

What a great movie. fun and touching and sad and wonderful.

FINAL EXAMS!!

Good Luck to La Federala!! She is taking her Criminal Law final exam right now as i type this!

Off to Lunch with Thoughts of Motorcycles...

Now that i've narrowed it down to one of two models (Triumph America or Triumph Speedmaster)...

i need to pick a flavor.

You're a Liar and Nobody Likes You!

Well...maybe i don't speak for everybody, but Bush's numbers are getting (somehow) worse. From MSNBC:

WASHINGTON - The deadly recent attacks on American troops in Iraq are increasing the pressure on President Bush to develop an exit strategy. The U.S. death toll from the war is now over 1,800, and a new AP-Ipsos poll shows the lowest approval yet for Bush’s handling of Iraq, just 38 percent.

To add in another layer, the public seems to have lost its ability to trust our president. this is a pretty damn big deal for a man who's path to power has been the fact that he's likable (that and an obscene amount of GOP fealty). Here, the AP elaborates:

WASHINGTON (AP) - Americans' approval of President Bush's handling of Iraq is at its lowest level yet, according to an AP-Ipsos poll that also found fewer than half now think he's honest.
...
Bush's overall job approval was at 42 percent, with 55 percent disapproving. That's about where Bush's approval has been all summer but slightly lower than at the beginning of the year.

The portion of people who consider Bush honest has dropped slightly from January, when 53 percent described him that way while 45 percent did not. Now, people are just about evenly split on that issue - with 48 percent saying he's honest and 50 percent saying he's not.

NEWS ALERT!! NEWS ALERT!! STARKVILLE NOW ALLOWS COLD BEER!!

IN BREAKING NEWS...Starkville, MS has shed the 'pre-icebox' days of yore to allow the sale of beers which have been 'pre-chilled' for the customer. Local residents were dumbfounded, having only heard wild tales of such beverages lying beyond their borders. Visitors have already heralded this move beyond the stone-age as 'refreshing' news.

Novak Suspended from CNN

You probably already know this, but conservative commentator Robert ("Nofacts") Novak was suspended from his normal gig on CNN. Non-under-a-rock readers will recall it was Novak that 'outted' CIA agent Valerie Plame.

Evidently unable to take some prodding from James Carville, Novak started to use profanity on air (roll tape). Live. oddly enough, Novak was the one previously claiming CARVILLE's dirty mouth was ruining america! haw!

In other news...George W. Bush does his first starring role in a cartoon!

local6.com - News - H.S. Coach Reprimanded For Licking Players' Bleeding Wounds

Things are getting weird in Oregon

In Congress, the GOP Embraces Its Spending Side

the GOP, long known to malign the spending of Democrats, has surpassed the budget busting spending of any previous congress in the history of the nation. In this year alone, the Republicans have added ANOTHER $300 BILLION in new spending and new tax cuts on following on the heels of 5 year run of record spending.

The bottom line? we're spending MUCH more than we're bringing into the coffers, and there is no slowdown. This spending is coming from the very people that campaign on the idea of 'fiscal responsibility', which (i guess) was easy to argue back when they didn't have the purse strings.

Does this mean that the GOP are the only ones that can't mind a budget? no. it means when one party dominates everything, there is no check on their action and restraint goes away....and in this case, they have lost control. It is one thing to spend too much. it is an entirely different thing to reduce revenue at the same time. We are deeper in debt to Chinese and Saudi business interests and that undermines our national security and stability.

Reports from Iraq

*Today 14 U.S. Marines died in an attack near the Syrian border in western Iraq. This serves as a reminder that these terrorists are being drawn from outside the borders of Iraq due to our presence there. If that wasn't bad enough, two days ago 6 Marines from the same unit were killed in a firefight with insurgents. Another from that unit was killed the next day by a suicide care bomb. 21 dead in 3 days. Remember a year ago when 1 US soldier dying each day seemed like WAY too much? those 'salad days' are long gone. We've had nealy 41 soldiers killed in the last 10 days.

*Journalist Steven Vincent was abducted last night. He was shot dead and his body was found today.

*As seen in Salon:

When former Iraqi Maj. Gen. Abed Hamed Mowhoush died in U.S. custody on Nov. 26, 2003, American military officials issued a press release saying that he had passed away of natural causes after complaining of feeling sick.

That wasn't exactly the truth.

As Josh White explains in today's Washington Post, Mowhoush died while stuffed in a sleeping bag, wrapped in an electrical cord, after a CIA-sponsored group of Iraqi paramilitaries, working with Army interrogators, had beaten him severely with their fists, a club and a rubber hose.

Vacationing Bush Poised to Set a Record

President Bush reminds us that we are at war and that we ...oh nevermind. he's on vacation again. (reminder: in his first 4 years he was on vacation 42% of the time).

WACO, Tex., Aug. 2 -- President Bush is getting the kind of break most Americans can only dream of -- nearly five weeks away from the office, loaded with vacation time.

The president departed Tuesday for his longest stretch yet away from the White House, arriving at his Crawford ranch in the evening for a stretch of clearing brush, visiting with family and friends, and tending to some outside-the-Beltway politics. By historical standards, it is the longest presidential retreat in at least 36 years

In Harms Way - SAUL BASS ART

If anyone wanted to give me a gift, there's still time to place a bid to buy one of my favorite pieces of Saul Bass Artwork (and a damn good movie too!).

The Kingdom and the Power - New York Times

This is the most important thing you can read today or this month about Saudi Arabia (lest you buy Gerald Posner's book: SECRETS OF THE KINGDOM). you read this and think about how it relates to the global thirst for oil and the rise of terrorism...more directly the ability of terrorists to recruit among those that feel they have nothing and no hope of anything better. troubling times ahead.

Karl Rove under Suspicion

So what do you do when your chief political advisor is under suspicion for revealing secret information and jeapordizing covert CIA actions for political gain?

You give him a $4000 raise.

In this administration, the best thing you can do is be wrong or do wrong ...as long as you are loyal to the president. otherwise, you get fired.

Idiotwatch: Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) ...like i had to tell you that.

This guy is the DARLING of the GOP. you may have caught this GEM over the weekend. after reading from his AWESOME new book (i mean, really. doesn't it sound awesome?):

Respect for stay-at-home mothers has been poisoned by a toxic combination of the village elders' war on the traditional family and radical feminism's misogynistic crusade to make working outside the home the only marker of social value and self-respect.

George Stephanopoulos asks him about these "radical feminists" Santorum is so prone to talk about:

STEPHANOPOULOS: Let's get specific here, name one or two of these radical feminists who are on this crusade.

SANTORUM: Well, I mean, uh, you know, you have, you go, you go back to, um, ah, what's her name, well, Gloria Steinem, but I'm trying to remember, ah, [tsk], eh, can't remember the woman's name. That's terrible—anyway...

well, he WAS right. that WAS terrible. haw haw haw haw....what an ass.