Bailey's Daily!

2005-09-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Help my friends out on the Gulf Coast today! It's the least we can do for our helpless friends...to donate, please use this link: https://secure.hsus.org/01/disaster_relief_fund_2005?source=drfhb4It is always good Karma to help out in times of need..the littlest bit always helps!Thanks friends!Bailey.....woof! (and 2 licks to the face :)

Please Help out Noah's Wish!

2005-08-30T17:44:00.000-07:00

i am so sad today....

i have been watching all the hurricane katrina news and i see all the lost, misplaced and dead animals on the gulf coast. i am glad some of my fellow brethren have been saved and some were taken to shelter and higher ground, but, sadly, alot were left behind in the terror of the storm.

i want to help....you can, too. there is a great organization i saw on the news the other day called Noah's Wish that saves and rescues animals during disasters. here is their website:

http://www.noahswish.org/

please visit it to see all they are doing to help out in the wake of katrina. volunteer, send money, stay informed. but most of all, note the important information on their website about being prepared for a storm and having a plan for your animals, in all situations. they have checklists, plans to follow and recommendations.

additionally, if you want to become a representative, you can go on-line and sign up. it's a great organization....i know i don't have to worry about where i am going to be in case of a disaster, but, not everyone has a plan..make sure you do..TODAY!

New White House Chef Can Take the Heat - of course she can, she's a Woman

2005-08-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

Kitchen duties may have traditionally been viewed as women's work, but not at the White House. Until now: Cristeta Comerford has been named executive chef.

After an extensive six-month search, first lady Laura Bush announced Sunday that Comerford was chosen from hundreds of applicants to head the executive kitchen. A naturalized U.S. citizen from the Philippines, she will be the first woman and first minority to hold the post.

The 42-year-old Comerford has been an assistant chef at the White House for 10 years. She worked under former executive chef Walter Scheib III, who resigned in February. Scheib said Sunday that Comerford was hands down the best assistant he had in his 30-year career and is a wonderful choice to take over. He said she is a great cook with an artistic eye and a calm demeanor that can handle the pressure cooker that is the White House kitchen. “People keep talking about how wonderful it is that she's a woman,” Scheib said in a telephone interview. “If there is value in the gender, that's fine and dandy. But I say she's a great chef who happens to be a woman.”

While being executive chef at the White House is prestigious, the job also can be grueling. Comerford will be in charge of whipping up everything from state dinners for world leaders to munchies for the commander in chief, his family and guests. As many as 2,000 guests per month are fed at the White House. Mrs. Bush has signaled her intent to do more entertaining than in the first term, when festivities were taboo after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Mrs. Bush said she was delighted that Comerford accepted the job. “Her passion for cooking can be tasted in every bite of her delicious creations,” the first lady said in a statement.

Mrs. Bush has been trying out finalists for the job, asking them to prepare test meals at special functions and private meals at the residence. The president has a liking for cheeseburgers, peanut butter and honey sandwiches and, of course, Tex-Mex and barbecue. The first lady's press secretary, Susan Whitson, said Mrs. Bush chose Comerford while spending August at the Bushes' Texas ranch. The job was offered to Comerford on Friday by the White House social secretary, Lea Berman, and head usher Gary Walters.

Whitson said Comerford then left for a vacation to a foreign country that the White House would not disclose and was not available for interviews Sunday. Comerford has a bachelor's degree in Food Technology from the University of the Philippines. She has worked at Le Ciel in Vienna, Austria and at restaurants in two Washington hotels — the Westin and the ANA, which has since changed ownership.

The head chef is responsible for designing and executing menus for state dinners, social events, holiday functions, receptions and official luncheons hosted by the president and first lady. Knoller reports the job pays upwards of $100,000 a year -- taxpayer money. Mrs. Bush's statement said Comerford has been trained in French classical techniques and specializes in ethnic and American cuisine and has experience working with chefs in San Francisco and the California wine country.

Hillary Clinton hired Scheib, a California native and graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, in April 1994 because she wanted to feature American cuisine after years of French cooking ushered in by Jacqueline Kennedy. Scheib has started his own business planning private events and is writing a book that will include recipes and tales of working for the Clintons and Bushes. “We're not doing a dishing-the-dirt, not at all,” Scheib said. “It was an honor to be there and work with the families. I wouldn't want to do anything to embarrass them.”

It's Here! 2005-2006 UNC Men's Basketball Schedule!

2005-08-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

Fri
11/04/2005
Fayetteville State (exh.)
Chapel Hill, N.C.
7:30 PM

Sat
11/12/2005
Catawba (exh.)
Chapel Hill, N.C.

Sat
11/19/2005
Gardner-Webb
Chapel Hill, N.C.
7:00 PM

Tue
11/22/2005
Cleveland State
Chapel Hill, N.C.

TBA
Fri
11/25/2005
UC Santa Barbara
Chapel Hill, N.C.
Fox Sports Net South
8:30 PM

Tue
11/29/2005
Illinois
Chapel Hill, N.C.
ESPN
9:00 PM

Sat
12/03/2005
Kentucky
Lexington, Ky.
CBS
12:00 PM

Wed
12/07/2005
Saint Louis
Chapel Hill, N.C.
ESPN2
9:00 PM

Sat
12/17/2005
Santa Clara
Chapel Hill, N.C.
Fox Sports Net South
8:00 PM

Wed
12/21/2005
USC
Los Angeles, Calif.
Fox Sports Net
10:30 PM

Wed
12/28/2005
UNC Asheville
Chapel Hill, N.C.
Raycom/JP
8:00 PM

Tue
01/03/2006
Davidson
Chapel Hill, N.C.
Fox Sports Net South/Florida
7:00 PM

Sat
01/07/2006
NC State
Chapel Hill, N.C.
ESPN2
3:00 PM

Tue
01/10/2006
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Va.
ESPN2
7:30 PM

Sat
01/14/2006
Miami
Chapel Hill, N.C.
ESPN2
4:00 PM

Thu
01/19/2006
Virginia
Charlottesville, Va.
ESPN
7:00 PM

Sun
01/22/2006
Florida State
Tallahassee, Fla.
Fox Sports Net
6:30 PM

Wed
01/25/2006
Boston College
Chapel Hill, N.C.
Raycom/JP
9:00 PM

Sat
01/28/2006
Arizona
Chapel Hill, N.C.
CBS
1:00 PM

Thu
02/02/2006
Maryland
College Park, Md.
ESPN
7:00 PM

Sat
02/04/2006
Clemson
Chapel Hill, N.C.
Raycom/JP
4:00 PM

Tue
02/07/2006
Duke
Chapel Hill, N.C.
Raycom/JP/ESPN
9:00 PM

Sun
02/12/2006
Miami
Coral Gables, Fla.
Fox Sports Net
8:00 PM

Wed
02/15/2006
Georgia Tech
Chapel Hill, N.C.
ESPN
7:00 PM

Sun
02/19/2006
Wake Forest
Winston-Salem, N.C.
ABC
1:30 PM

Wed
02/22/2006
NC State
Raleigh, N.C.
Raycom/JP
9:00 PM

Sun
02/26/2006
Maryland
Chapel Hill, N.C.
Fox Sports Net
5:30 PM

Wed
03/01/2006
Virginia
Chapel Hill, N.C.
Raycom/JP
9:00 PM

Sat
03/04/2006
Duke
Durham, N.C.
ESPN
9:00 PM

That's MRS. BUSH, Thank you!.

2005-08-19T05:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, Ok, I have been silent long enough, but now that you have brought out the passing of the notes and dragged the first Lady into it, it has gone too far!

Ms. Sheehan and Fan Club, when you write notes and/or address the President and First Lady, YOU NEED TO ADDRESS THEM AS PRESIDENT BUSH AND MRS. BUSH!!!

Since when did you become friends and on a first-name basis with Laura Bush that you and all your anti-war femimoms have the gall and disrespect to address letters to the First Lady as "Laura"???

Give me a break. I know you don't respect this country, what is stands for, and most of all, the moemory of your son, because if you did, you wouldn't be desecrating it this way, but for the love of God, at least show some respect for the OFFICE of the Presidency and First Lady even if you don't like them - address those letters as President Bush and Mrs. Bush or else......I will just have to come down there to Crawford and use them for all they are really good for....

Puppy Training Pads and Diapers for Dogs! WOOF!

Rules to Enter North Carolina....

2005-08-18T03:52:00.000-07:00

.....Applies to each person as they enter North Carolina. Learn & remember! Northerners and California-types pay particular attention!

1. Pull your droopy pants up.Tie your shoes. Turn your cap around, don't wear it backards, you look like an idiot.
2. Let's get this straight; it's called a "gravel road." Mom drives a pickup truck because she WANTS to. No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way.
3. They are cattle & feed lots and horse farms. That's what they smell like to you. They smell like money to us. Get over it.
4. I-40 goes east and west; I-95 goes north and south. Pick one. So, every person in every pickup waves. It's called being friendly.Try to understand the concept.
5. If that cell phone rings while a deer is coming in, we WILL shoot it out of your hand. You better hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.
6. Yeah, we eat catfish.You really want sushi & caviar? It's available at the corner bait shop.
7. The "Opener" refers to the first day of hunting season. It's a religious holiday.
8. We open doors for women.That is applied to all women, regardless of age.
9. No, there's no "vegetarian special" on the menu. Order steak. Or you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham & turkey.
10. When we fill out a table, there are three main dishes: meats, vegetables and breads. We use two spices: salt, pepper.
11. You bring "coke" into my house, it better be brown, wet, and served over ice. You bring "Mary Jane" into my house, she better be cute, know how to shoot, drive a truck, and have long hair.
12. The "Tar Heels", "Blue Devils" and High School Basketball are as important here as the Lakers and the Knicks, and a dang site more fun to watch.
13. Yeah, we have golf courses. But don't hit the water hazards - it spooks the fish.
14. Our kids: They come outa here with an education plus a love for God and country, and they still wave at passing pickups when they come home for the holidays.

Always remember: YOU ARE LOVED IN North Carolina !!!!!!!!!!

...My Sunday Prayer....

2005-08-14T14:46:00.000-07:00

Dear God: Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another?
Dear God: When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it still the same old story?
Dear God: Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We do love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the "Chrysler Eagle" the " Chrysler Beagle"? YEAH!!!!!
Dear God: If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?
Dear God: We dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID's, electromagnetic energy fields, and Frisbee flight paths. What do humans understand?
Dear God: More meatballs, less spaghetti, please. (especially if they are Grandma's!)
Dear God: Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize? (GULP)

Dear God: Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember to be a good dog.

1. I will not eat cat food before they eat it or after they throw it up.
2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell.
3. I will not munch on "leftovers" in any kitty litter box, although they are tasty.
4. The diaper pail is not a cookie jar.
5. The sofa is not a 'face towel'. Neither is Mom's lap.
6. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.
7. My head does not belong in the refrigerator.
8. I will not bite the officer' s hand when he reaches in for Mom's driver's license and registration.
9. I will not play tug-of-war with Mom's underwear when he's on the toilet.
10. Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is an unacceptable way of saying "hello".
11. I don't need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm under the coffee table.
12. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house - not after.
13. I will not throw up in the car.
14. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt.
15. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch when we have company.
16. The cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing. And, finally, My last question . . .

Dear God: Why do humans only have 10 Commandments and dogs have 16?

....You Might be a Diehard Red Sox Fan if....

2005-08-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.redsoxdiehard.com/features/if/page2.html

For us faithful pets who live with those diehard Red Sox fans, thought i would pass along a great website that mom refers to alot....heres just a few gems from it (now remember, alot of these were before the NOH-MAR trade and before the World Series win last year, but it is STILL priceless:)

WOOF!!!

You Might Be A Red Sox Die Hard If....

...while on vactaion in February in the Bahamas, you asked an old man at a hotel bar to remove his Yankees hat because it was bothering you. (His reply: "You must be a Sox fan.")

...you don't get NESN at school, so instead of the games you watch this on your computer screen: Pitch 1: Strike...Pitch 2: Ball....Pitch 3: Hit into Play....for the entire 9 innings, all the while wondering why you're at school because your only dream in life is to be Mike Greenwell, as it has been since you were just a little girl.

...you wrote your Senior year business thesis for college on the Boston Red Sox and what they need to do in order to survive, and win the World Series. (actually, Auntie Carolyn REALLY DID DO THIS!)

...you get up and wave Carlton Fisk's home run fair with him every time you see a replay of Game 6 of the '75 World Series.

...you wear a Yankees shirt to school on "Tacky Shirt Day"

Pirro Leads Clinton in Online Poll

2005-08-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

Westchester County District Attorney Jeanine Pirro was leading Sen. Hillary Clinton in an online poll Thursday night conducted by the most listened-to radio station in New York, 1010 WINS.

With over 3,000 New Yorkers responding, Pirro led Clinton by six-tenths of a point, 50.30 percent to 49.70 percent. Though the WINS survey is unscientific, it continues a trend that began this week after Pirro announced she intended to challenge Mrs. Clinton.

A Marist College poll released on Wednesday showed Clinton defeating Pirro, 50 percent to 28 percent. But while Pirro's number hadn't budged from an earlier survey in April, Clinton's support plummeted by 14 points.

Wedding #2 In the Books.....

2005-08-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

Shawn Trogdon and Lauren Simmons were married July 30th in Greensboro, North Carolina. OK, OK, I wasn't the official beagle for the wedding, but I was there in spirit:). What a crazy summer of weddings, dinners, receptions, fittings, shopping, trips, and now, it is all over!

I feel sorry for my Auntie Sharon. Now she only has Uncle Scotty, but he says he's going to do the whole SHABANG wedding, so if any of you women are out there and want the whole big wedding and are 24, there's someone looking for you. Just respond to this blog and send me your picture..i will screen them out for him:)..or, you can just go down to Natty Greene's any Friday or Saturday night and ask for Scotty...

Anyway....Shawn and Lauren's wedding was great. The "Grease" theme was fun and then they went to St. Lucia..WOOF!!!! Now, they need to get Skeeter trained:)

2005-08-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Here's to the Happy Couple!:)

2005-08-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

This is Uncle Steve and Auntie Sharon BEFORE all the wedding bills start to come in!:)

2005-08-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

...Auntie Sharon and her baby!

2005-08-12T08:06:00.000-07:00

..shall we dance????

2005-08-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

...and Shawnie-bear said he was never going to get married..now we know WHY he did:)...

2005-08-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

....one for you, and four for us....

2005-08-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

A kiss for good luck!

FAMILY OF FALLEN SOLDIER PLEADS: PLEASE STOP, CINDY!

2005-08-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

The family of American soldier Casey Sheehan, who was killed in Iraq on April 4, 2004, has broken its silence and spoken out against his mother Cindy Sheehan's anti-war vigil against George Bush held outside the president's Crawford, Texas ranch.

"Our family has been so distressed by the recent activities of Cindy we are breaking our silence and we have collectively written a statement for release. Feel free to distribute it as you wish.....

The Sheehan Family lost our beloved Casey in the Iraq War and we have been silently, respectfully grieving. We do not agree with the political motivations and publicity tactics of Cindy Sheehan. She now appears to be promoting her own personal agenda and notoriety at the the expense of her son's good name and reputation. The rest of the Sheehan family supports the troops, our country, and our President, silently, with prayer and respect.

Sincerely, Casey Sheehan's grandparents, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins."

Birthdays this Week (Happy Birthday Virgo!)

2005-08-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

August 15 Birthdays
1972 Ben Affleck (actor)
1950 Tess Harper (Washam) (actress)
1950 Princess Anne (Mountbatten) (British Royalty)
1946 Jim Webb (composer, sound designer)
1945 Jill Haworth (actress)
1944 Linda Ellerbee (journalist, TV co-host: Our World; Maxwell House commercials)
1942 Peter York (musician)
1941 Don Rich (country musician, songwriter)
1935 Abby Dalton (actress)
1933 Bobby Helms (singer)
1931 Janice Rule (actress)
1925 Oscar Peterson (jazz pianist)
1925 Mike Connors (Krekor Ohanian) (actor)
1925 Rose Marie (Curley) (comedienne, actress)
1912 Dame Wendy Hiller (actress)
1912 Julia Child (McWilliams) (chef, author, TV Host)
1904 Bil Baird (puppeteer)
1887 Edna Ferber (novelist, playwright)
1879 Ethel Barrymore (Blythe) (actress)
1771 Sir Walter Scott (writer)
1769 Napolean Bonaparte (Emperor of France)

August 16 Birthdays
1980 Vaness Carlton (singer)
1972 Emily Robison (singer - dixie chicks)
1960 Timothy Hutton (actor)
1958 Angela Bassett (actress)
1958 Madonna (Ciccone) (singer, actress)
1954 James Cameron (director, screenwriter)
1953 James J T Taylor (singer)
1953 Kathie Lee (Epstein) Gifford (talk show host, singer)
1946 Lesley Ann Warren (actress)
1936 Anita Gillette (Luebben) (actress)
1935 Julie Newmar (Newmeyer) (actress)
1931 Eydie Gorme (singer)
1930 Robert Culp (actor)
1930 Frank Gifford (Football player, sports broadcaster)
1929 Lois Nettleton (actress)
1928 Ann Blyth (actress)
1927 Fess Parker (actor, singer)
1920 Charles Bukowski (author)
1913 Menachem Begin (Israeli Prime Minister)
1910 Mae Clarke (actress)
1868 Bernard McFadden (publisher)

August 17 Birthdays
1970 Jim Courier (tennis)
1969 Donnie Wahlberg (singer, actor)
1960 Sean Penn (actor)
1958 Belinda Carlisle (musician, singer)
1943 Robert DeNiro (actor)
1929 Glenn Corbett (Rothenburg) (actor)
1926 Jiang Zemin (president china)
1923 Larry Rivers (Yitzroch Grossberg) (artist)
1921 Maureen O'Hara (Fitzsimmons) (actress)
1909 Larry Clinton (bandleader, composer)
1901 Ann Harding (Dorothy Gatley) (actress)
1893 Mae West (playwright, actress)
1888 Monty Woolley (actor)
1882 Samuel Goldwyn (Goldfish) (movie pioneer)
1786 Davy Crockett (frontiersman, soldier, defender of the Alamo)

August 18 Birthdays
1970 Malcolm Jamal Warner (actor)
1969 Christian Slater (actor)
1969 Erik "everlast" Schrody (singer/songwriter)
1969 Edward Norton (actor)
1958 Madeleine Stowe (actress)
1954 Patrick Swayze (dancer, actor)
1950 Dennis Elliott (musician)
1943 Martin Mull (comedian, actor)
1941 Christopher Jones (actor)
1939 Johnny Preston (singer)
1937 Robert Redford (actor, director)

August 19 Birthdays
1989 Lil' Romeo (rapper, hip hop)
1969 Matthew Perry (actor)
1966 LeAnn Womack (country singer)
1965 Kevin Dillon (actor)
1963 John Stamos (Stamotopoulos) (actor)
1956 Adam Arkin (actor)
1955 Peter Gallagher (actor)
1952 Jonathan Frakes (actor, director)
1951 John Deacon (musician)
1948 Gerald McRaney (actor)
1948 Tipper (Mary) Gore (Aitcheson) (author)

BAGHDAD WEATHER

2005-08-11T13:58:00.000-07:00

Friday: Mainly sunny. High 113F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday: Mainly sunny. High 116F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday: Sunny. Highs 114 to 118F and lows in the upper 80s.

Monday: Mainly sunny. Highs 114 to 118F and lows in the mid 80s.

Can Pirro Beat Clinton?????

2005-08-11T07:09:00.000-07:00

Dick Morris believes the Republicans have a decent chance of beating Hillary Clinton in her bid for re-election to the Senate with the candidacy of Jeanine Pirro.

Westchester DA Jeanine Pirro is about to formally announce her candidacy for Senate from New York, which will pit her against Hillary in a battle royal. This is just the kind of fight that Sen. Clinton would have hoped to avoid. While Hillary would have no problem dispatching an opponent like Nixon son-in-law Edward Cox or Yonkers Mayor John Spencer (the two other possible GOP contenders), Pirro presents a real problem.

Jeanine Pirro is pro-choice, pro-gun control, pro-affirmative action, pro-gay-civil unions and pro-immigration. And, of course, she's a woman. In a sense, Hillary will have to end up running against someone who is quite like herself in her public positions; except, of course, Pirro is a good old-fashioned anti-tax, anti-crime, tough-on-terror Republican from the suburbs.

Hillary would love to cloak her Senate re-election as a necessity in the face of a determined GOP effort to overturn Roe vs. Wade and to roll back the clock on gun controls. But against Pirro, she will be disarmed of all her best issues. She will have to run on her own record, which is limited at best.

Pirro, on the other hand, can point out that Hillary refuses to say that she will serve out her term if elected — since we all know that the day the returns are in she will start her campaign for president. (Hillary has her own twist on the famous line of Gen. Sherman: "If elected, I refuse to serve").

The Quinnipiac Poll recently found that Hillary beat Pirro by more than 30 percentage points — but in the same poll, 60 percent of the state's voters said that Mrs. Clinton should pledge to serve out her full term if she runs for the Senate. Honestly, this strikes me as far-fetched indeed. New Yorkers elected Clinton easily six years ago and she has represented them quite ably. She's incredibly popular and has a huge advantage in name recognition, money, and organization.

This part is only slightly more intriguing; and Pirro doesn't need to beat Hillary to wound her. If she finishes less than the 12 points behind Clinton that Rick Lazio managed in the 2000 election, it will be a victory of sorts. Hillary will have some explaining to do to tell why fewer New Yorkers wanted her to be re-elected than voted for her in the first place. And, at some point, Mrs. Clinton may feel Pirro gaining on them and wonder if it is worth the battle.

Hillary almost has a lock on the Democratic nomination in 2008 and can build up a massive financial and political lead over all possible rivals. But if she is engaged in a nip-and-tuck battle in New York to keep what she already has, she will have to divert $30 million or $40 million from her presidential race and spend her time in Rochester, rather than in Iowa. If Pirro posts some early gains, particularly upstate, where it is cheap to do early advertising, Hillary and Bill may read the handwriting on the wall and she may pull out of the race.

She has already pledged to run for re-election and it strikes me that she has much more to lose by ducking a race she'll almost surely win than by spending a few million to fight. And it's absurd that whatever money she spends on the Senate run is money out of her '08 race. She's wealthy but not nearly enough so that she'd be self-financing. From a campaign finance standpoint, '08 and '06 are completely unrelated; for that matter, the '08 primaries and the '08 general election are completely different races. Money is a non-issue for Clinton; the question is whether her opponents can keep up.

Ms. Clinton has nothing to gain in this race. Even if she wins by a large margin she was supposed to. Lose and it's all over. Win narrowly and it's damaging. Meanwhile, Ms Pirro forces her Left on social issues, where she needs to be headed Right. Since ducking the race allows Ms. Clinton to avoid two extra years of Senate votes it's a possibility that can't be ruled out.

Still, Clinton has already said she's in. Getting re-elected adds to her resume--which is, after all, quite thin from a presidential perspective--and continues to have a platform for demonstrating that she's really a moderate

All about Recess Appointments.....

2005-08-02T03:35:00.000-07:00

By various News Services

Presidents since George Washington have made appointments during congressional recesses to fill positions in the executive and judicial branches. Under the Constitution, the president can make temporary appointments while the Senate is in recess, without Senate approval. The appointment lasts through the end of the following one-year session of Congress.Following are some of the more notable recess appointments:

President Bush: 106 recess appointments, including Bolton, mostly to minor posts. Among them:

-Anthony J. Principi, chairman of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, April 2005. Bush used the recess to also appoint the panel's other eight members, circumventing a move by Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., to delay the base closings.
-William Pryor, 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, February 2004. The Alabama judge's re-nomination and Senate approval this June was part of a deal struck by centrist senators to avoid a judicial filibuster battle.
-Charles Pickering, 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, January 2004. First nominated in 2001, he was blocked by Senate Democrats. He retired when his temporary appointment expired last December.
-Eugene Scalia, Labor Department solicitor, January 2002. Bush extended Scalia's term by naming him acting solicitor in November 2002, with the intent of re-nominating him before a GOP-controlled Senate. But Scalia, son of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, resigned in January 2003.
-Otto Reich, assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere, January 2002. The former Reagan White House aide left when his recess term expired the following November.

President Clinton: 140 recess appointments over two terms. Among them:

-Former Sen. Wyche Fowler, D-Ga., ambassador to Saudi Arabia, August 1996. Put in the post two months after a bombing that killed 19 American soldiers stationed there, he received Senate confirmation in October 1997 and served until March 2001.
-Mickey Kantor, commerce secretary, April 1996. He replaced Ron Brown, who died in a plane crash, but left in January 1997 before his nomination went before the Senate.
-Roger Gregory, 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, December 2000. He was later re-nominated by Bush and confirmed by the Senate.
-Bill Lann Lee, assistant attorney general for civil rights, August 2000. Blocked by Senate Republicans, he was appointed acting assistant attorney general in 1997, then received the recess appointment to serve out Clinton's term.
-James Hormel, ambassador to Luxembourg, June 1999. A gay philanthropist whose nomination was blocked by Senate Republicans, he remained ambassador until near the end of Clinton's term.

Other recess appointments of note:

The first President Bush made 77 recess appointments over one term, and President Reagan made 243 over two terms. President John F. Kennedy appointed Thurgood Marshall to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in October 1961, getting around opposition from Southern senators. Their resistance had weakened by the following September, and the Senate approved him 54-16. President Dwight Eisenhower made three recess appointments to the Supreme Court: Chief Justice Earl Warren (1953) and Associate Justices William Brennan (1956) and Potter Stewart (1958). Each later received Senate confirmation. President George Washington appointed John Rutledge of South Carolina as chief justice during a 1795 recess. The Senate rejected the nomination and his appointment expired after he served one term.

Life in the 1500's - WOW!

2005-07-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

Mallory sent this to me...whoever said History was boring?

The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be. Here are some facts about the1500's.These are interesting...

Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.

Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water."

Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip off the roof. Hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs."

There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.
The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying "dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they read thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until when you opened the door it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood wasplaced in the entranceway. Hence the saying a "thresh hold."
(Getting quite an education, aren't you?)

In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme, "Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old."

Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could "bring home the bacon." They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat." Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or "upper crust."

Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would sometimes knock the bibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a "wake."

England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a "bone-house" and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist ofthe corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the "graveyard shift") to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be "saved by the bell" or was considered a "dead ringer."

....Mom's only a Bottle Blonde.....

2005-07-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

Two bowling teams, one of all Blondes and one of all Brunettes, chartered a double-decker bus for a weekend bowling tournament. The Brunette team rode on the bottom of the bus, and the Blonde team rode on the top level.

The Brunette team down below really whooped it up, having a great time, when one of them realized she hadn't heard anything from the Blondes upstairs.

She decided to go up and investigate. When the Brunette reached the top, she found all the Blondes frozen in fear, staring straight-ahead at the road, clutching the seats in front of them with white knuckles.

The Brunette asked, "What the heck's going on up here? We're having a great time downstairs!"

One of the Blondes looked up at her, swallowed hard and whispered......."YEAH, BUT YOU'VE GOT A DRIVER!!!!!!"

woof:)

2005-07-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

BAGHDAD WEATHER FOR THE NEXT 5 DAYS
Tonight: Generally clear. Low 89F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow: Mainly sunny. High 119F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow night: A mostly clear sky. Low 89F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A mainly sunny sky. High 119F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Abundant sunshine. Highs 114 to 118F and lows in the upper 80s.
Sunday: Sunny. Highs 112 to 116F and lows in the mid 80s.

Birthdays This Week....

2005-07-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

...and on Saturday, light up your favorite Cuban in honor of Monica..she'll be 32!

July 19
1990 Steven Anthony Lawrence (actor)
1962 Anthony Edwards (actor)
1947 Brian Harold May (musician)
1947 Bernie Leadon (musician)
1943 Dennis Cole (actor)
1941 Vikki Carr (Florencia Bisenta deCasilla Martinez Cardona) (singer)
1938 Richard Jordan (actor)
1937 George Hamilton IV (singer)
1926 Sue Thompson (Eva McKee) (singer)
1926 Pat Hingle (actor)
1926 Helen Gallagher (actress)
1922 George McGovern (US Senator)
1896 A J (Archibald Joseph) Cronin (author)
1865 Charles Mayo (surgeon)
1860 Lizzie Borden (alleged murderess)
1834 Edgar Degas (artist)

July 20
1964 Chris Cornell (singer)
1963 Dino Esposito (singer)
1947 Carlos Santana (musician)
1946 John Almond (musician)
1945 Kim Carnes (singer)
1944 T G Sheppard (William Bowder) (singer)
1945 John Lodge (musician, singer)
1938 Natalie Wood (Natasha Gurdin) (actress)
1938 Diana Rigg (actress)
1938 Natalie Wood (actress)
1938 Jo Ann Campbell (singer)
1936 Elizabeth Dole (lawyer, Cabinet member)
1934 Sally Ann Howes (actress)
1929 Mike Ilitch (entrepreneur)
1925 Lola Albright (actress)
1919 Sir Edmund Hillary (explorer)
1890 Verna Felton (actress)
1890 Theda Bara (Goodman) (actress)
1873 Alberto Santos-Dumont (aviator)

July 21
1988 Hatty Jones (actress)
1978 Josh Hartnett (actor)
1957 Jon Lovitz (comedian, actor)
1952 Robin Williams (comedian, actor)
1947 Cat Stevens (Stephen Georgiou) (Yusuf Islam) (singer)
1946 Kenneth Starr (lawyer, judge)
1943 Edward Herrmann (actor)
1938 Janet Reno (US Attorney General)
1926 Norman Jewison (actor)
1926 Paul Burke (actor)
1924 Don Knotts (comedian, actor)
1922 Kay Starr (Katherine Starks) (singer)
1920 Isaac Stern (concert violin impresario)
1911 Marshall (Herbert) McLuhan (professor, writer)
1899 Ernest Hemingway (writer)

July 22
1973 Daniel Jones (singer - savage garden)
1973 Rufus Wainwright (songwriter)
1964 David Spade (comedian, actor)
1955 Willem Dafoe (actor)
1949 Alan Menken (composer)
1947 Don Henley (drummer, singer)
1947 Danny Glover (actor)
1947 Albert Brooks (Einstein) (actor)
1944 Bobby Sherman (singer)
1941 Thomas Wayne (Perkins) (singer)
1940 Alex Trebek (game show host)
1939 Terence Stamp (actor)
1937 Chuck Jackson (singer)
1934 Louise Fletcher (actress)
1932 Oscar De La Renta (fashion designer)
1930 Marcia Henderson (actress)
1928 Orson Bean (Dallas Burroughs) (comedian, actor, author)
1924 Margaret Whiting (singer)
1923 Robert Dole (US Senate majority leader)
1898 Stephen Vincent Benet (poet)
1898 Alexander Calder (sculptor)
1890 Rose Kennedy (mother of JFK, Robert, Edward)

July 23
1989 Danieal Radcliffe (actor)
1980 Michelle Williams (singer)
1973 Monica Lewinsky (former white house intern)
1972 Marlon Wayans (actor)
1970 Charisma Carpenter (actress)
1965 Slash (guitarist)
1962 Eriq La Salle (actor)
1961 Woody Harrelson (actor)
1961 Martin Gore (musician)
1951 Edie McGlurge (actress)
1950 Belinda Montgomery (actress)
1947 David Essex (Cook) (singer)
1940 Gary Stites (singer)
1939 Nicholas Gage (writer)
1936 Don Drysdale (baseballer)
1935 Cleveland Duncan (singer)
1933 Bert Convey (TV host, actor, singer)
1925 Gloria De Haven (actress)
1921 Calvert DeForest (actor)
1920 Amalia Rodrigues (singer)
1913 Coral Browne (actress)
1912 Michael Wilding (actor)
1908 Karl Swenson (actor)
1894 Arthur Treacher (Veary) (actor)
1894 Vincent Sardi (restaurateur)
1893 Karl (Augustus) Menninger (psychiatrist)
1888 Raymond Chandler (writer)

Joke of the Day...WOOF!

2005-07-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

A doctor, a lawyer, a little boy and a priest were out for a Sunday afternoon flight on a small private plane. Suddenly, the plane developed engine trouble. In spite of the best efforts of the pilot, the plane started to go down. Finally, the pilot grabbed a parachute, yelled to the passengers that they had better jump, and then he bailed out.

Unfortunately, there were only three parachutes remaining. The doctor grabbed one and said "I'm a doctor, I save lives, so I must live," and jumped out. The lawyer then said, "I'm a lawyer and lawyers are the smartest people in the world. I deserve to live." He also grabbed a parachute and jumped.

The priest looked at the little boy and said, "My son, I've lived a long and full life. You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. Take the last parachute and live in peace."

The little boy handed the parachute back to the priest and said, "Not to worry, Father. The 'smartest man in the world' just took off with my back pack." WOOF< WOOF< WOOF!!!!!!!!:)

2005-07-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

THE FOLLOWING ARE STATEMENTS FROM ROY WILLIAMS UNC CHANCELLOR JAMES MOESER, UNC DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS DICK BADDOUR AND FORMER KANSAS AD BOB FREDERICK REGARDING THE SELF-REPORT THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MADE TO THE NCAA:
Roy Williams: "For 15 years as head coach at the University of Kansas I tried to run a model program, adhering to all NCAA rules. We wanted a program that would positively represent the University and the integrity of our basketball program was always very important to me.
I am deeply saddened to say there was evidently a mistake. I want to comment on this report at this time.
It hurts me greatly to see some of the headlines and the news crawl across the bottom of the television saying some of the things that were printed last night and today. There may have been a mistake, but these sensational headlines do not portray a true picture of what took place.
I also regret that these three people involved are seeing their names in this setting. They are three wonderful people who are leading citizens in their communities, have a great deal of love for the University of Kansas athletics and have this same love for all aspects of the University. They are nothing but great people! I will address the report as it pertains to each of the three individuals.
1. I did speak with one alumnus and one alumnus only on the question of "May I give these seniors a graduation gift?" I personally felt this was not a problem and evidently a communication problem led me to believe this was okay with our compliance department. Therefore, I told the alum a small `gift' would be okay. I also stated the `gift' shouldn't be extravagant and there should be no campaign for this - just a personal graduation `gift.'
I did not know the rule that `once you are a student-athlete, you are a student-athlete until death.' Kansas never gained a recruiting or competitive advantage - the students had completed their eligibility and it was seen as a `graduation gift.' I have never promised anything to a prospective student-athlete, including playing time.
2. The self-report says that the second scenario of a `graduation gift from an alum was a small gift of $25 to $100' and actually began before I was the head coach at Kansas. I never had any knowledge of these `gifts' and therefore never gave `approval.'
3. The alumnus himself says in the report that I referred him to the KU compliance department and that is where he felt he received `approval.' The `gifts' in three instances were purchasing lifetime memberships to the university's alumni association and in one case the purchase of a suit of clothes for an individual. I never had any knowledge of these `gifts' and therefore did not give my `approval.'
Men's basketball is mentioned two other times in this report. I am bothered by them, as well. In the spring of 2002, I regret that a mistake in reimbursement of travel expenses gave one prospective student-athlete $6.22 extra, another prospective student-athlete 23 cents extra and another prospective student-athlete 14 cents extra. I also regret that two walk-ons on the 2002-03 team were given four meals at the training table (at a value of $26) for which they were not properly charged.
I don't believe there is any pattern of intentional wrongdoing in these cases, but they were mistakes.
I love the University of Kansas and hate that this situation developed. I feel strongly that this does not paint a proper picture of my 15 years there. I am personally very hurt by what has happened. My integrity and reputation are extremely important to me and the initial media reports of these incidents have in some instances been extremely harsh.
I take compliance with NCAA rules very seriously. If ever I do not, or the university leadership thinks I do not, it is time for me to move on. As always, my staff and I are committed to running a program in complete compliance with the rules. I will never do anything to embarrass this great university, just as I was committed to doing things the proper way at Kansas. I will continue to represent Carolina in a positive manner, always conducting myself as a person with great integrity."
Statement from University of North Carolina Chancellor James Moeser: "I have absolute confidence in Roy Williams. We are proud to have him as our coach. Our program is in good hands. Roy and his staff pay close attention to NCAA rules and he competes with the highest of integrity."
Statement from University of North Carolina Director of Athletics Dick Baddour: "No one is more committed to complying with NCAA rules than Roy Williams. He and his staff have the utmost respect for doing things the right way. I am confident he received approval from the compliance staff at Kansas. I have never worked with a coach who is more serious about adhering to the rules than Coach Williams. He has proven that for more than 25 years. That is one of the reasons he has been and will continue to be one of the most respected coaches in the country."
Statement from Bob Frederick, University of Kansas Director of Athletics, 1987-2001:
"Because the NCAA is in the process of investigating a men's basketball matter, I am not going to comment on the specifics. But I want to say one thing about Roy Williams.
In all my years of intercollegiate athletics, there has never been anyone I worked with who was more scrupulous about working within the rules, asking questions about the rules, and being committed to the rules than Coach Williams. He ran a model program at Kansas in every respect. If there was a mistake in this matter, it was a communications mistake, because Roy Williams would never knowingly violate a rule. And everyone who worked around him at that time knows that to be the case.
If this matter had been reported (to the NCAA) as a single issue, I am confident it would be dealt with as a secondary rules violation."

...Before All you "ABC" Fans Have a Field Day...Read the TRUTH!.....

2005-07-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

......I am so tired of all you ABC fans who are jealous of Roy and the Carolina program and are ready to believe all the fodder (YES, read my blog people, FODDER!) who said that Roy committed NCAA rules violations. Below is the shakeout from TarheelBlue.com and also
ESPN.com.

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Roy Williams violated NCAA rules when he was the basketball coach at Kansas, approving payments to players who had used up their eligibility, the school said Friday.
After conducting an internal review, the school said Williams -- preparing for his third season at national champion North Carolina -- approved payments to graduating players and other Jayhawk players who had exhausted their eligibility.

The violations, which Kansas reported to the NCAA last month, were among several involving the men's and women's basketball programs, and the football program, ending in 2003.
Most of the violations involved arranging for test preparation and transportation for prospective athletes. The school began its investigation on the same day athletic director Lew Perkins arrived on the job in June 2003.

The university, which put its athletic department on probation for two years, said the violations wouldn't carry any television or postseason sanctions, but would result in a reduction of scholarships in the football and women's basketball programs.

In a letter dated July 1, the NCAA told the university its staff was reviewing the self-report and conducting follow-up interviews. NCAA vice president David Price told the school the investigation was expected to be completed by the fall.

The men's basketball violation will be addressed through extra education about the rules regarding gifts. No other sanctions against the program are planned. "Coach Williams and I discussed this matter some time the past and will talk again after both of us have had a chance to review the report," North Carolina AD Dick Baddour said in a statement Friday. "Coach Williams has a long and distinguished record of running a program with integrity and within NCAA rules. His record for more than 25 years as a college coach clearly demonstrates that to be the case."

Kansas officials said three representatives of the university's "athletics interests" -- Dana Anderson, Joan Edwards and Bernard Morgan -- gave cash and clothing to graduating student athletes and other players who had exhausted their eligibility.

2005-07-16T04:52:00.000-07:00

...off we go, into the wide GREEN yonder! SEE YA! Thanks Trot!

..I know, I know I wanted Francona Fired after he Put Schilling in on Thursday, But.....

2005-07-16T04:42:00.000-07:00

......Friday Was SOOOOOOOOO Pretty!!!!!!!

BIG BATS BURY BOMBERS!!!!!!
Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com.

BOSTON -- Before the game started, the talk was about a suspension. Once the Red Sox and Yankees started playing baseball, there was no suspense. The man who was handed the six-game suspension just a few hours before the first pitch and immediately appealed it -- Sox left-hander David Wells -- was just one of a multitude of reasons this game was never close. The Red Sox rose quickly from the depths of Curt Schilling's rough debut as the closer Thursday night and flattened the Yankees by a score of 17-1.

Schilling could rest up on Friday night, knowing full well that his teammates had this one well in hand. "We'd take a win any way we can, but it was nice to be able to have some offensive success and also we got some guys out of there," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who rested Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon, Bill Mueller and Jason Varitek for the late innings.
The 16-run romp matched the most lopsided victory the Red Sox have ever had against their long-time rivals, matching the identical 17-1 walloping the Sox put on the Yankees in New York on May 28.

While Wells (seven innings, five hits, one run, five strikeouts) was clearly in top form, the Boston bats allowed him to put his left arm in cruise control. "You always go out there and take it as a 0-0 ballgame or a 1-0 ballgame and just pitch and try to hit your spots," said Wells. "You try to utilize every pitch that you have."

The Yankees wished they had anyone who could have done that very thing on Friday night, but it wasn't to be. A day after learning that solid right-hander Chien-Mieng Wang might be lost for the year, the Yankees sent an emergency starter (Tim Redding) to the mound -- and it showed.

The Red Sox ripped Redding (one inning plus three batters, four hits, six runs, four walks) and then mashed Darrell May (2 2/3 innings, six hits, six runs, three walks). Damon (3-for-3, two runs, two doubles, two RBIs and a walk in his first four plate appearances) had yet another big game from the leadoff spot, extending his hitting streak to 27 games, tying him with Dom DiMaggio for the fifth-longest streak in Red Sox history.

And Trot Nixon, who has come out blazing in the second half, belted a line-drive to medium depth center field in the second inning that wound up being an inside-the-park three-run homer. Yankees center fielder Melky Cabrera tried to make a lunging grab, but instead, the ball zipped right past him and all the way to the end of the warning track. Nixon never stopped sprinting and scored easily for his first career inside-the-parker and first by the Red Sox since Pokey Reese's memorable dash against the Royals on May 8, 2004.

"Against anybody, it's a feat for me," said Nixon. "I'm not really fleet of foot like Johnny. It may look ugly, but I'll take it." Francona looked at the fluky homer as a turning point in the game. "The ball Trot Nixon hit -- it's 5-0," said Francona. "That potentially is not even a sac fly because Cabrera's coming in and David [Ortiz] may not be able to tag. Trot leaves the batter's box like you're supposed to and we end up getting three."

Wells had an 8-0 lead when he took the mound for the third. In the sixth, Ortiz smashed a grand slam to right field of Buddy Groom, New York's fourth pitcher of the night. "I think David is very effective against everybody," said Nixon. "It's a pleasure to be able to play with him. He's a phenomenal hitter. To watch him grow as a hitter here in Fenway Park, this ballpark is made for him because he can drive the ball out to all parts of the field. "Yankees manager Joe Torre had a fairly helpless feeling from the visiting dugout.

"It's just an indication of what this club can do to you when you don't pitch," Torre said. "We just didn't have the answer tonight for their type of ballclub." Not with the effortless way Wells was working. Boomer knew what to do with the big lead. He pounded the strike zone, taking a two-hitter into the sixth.

"David Wells did a great job with the lead," said Francona. "He got some early outs, he's efficient."

As comfortable a victory as this was for the Sox, they know it doesn't amount to much when Matt Clement takes on Randy Johnson on Saturday afternoon.

"The most important thing is we got the win," Nixon said. "These guys are right on our heels in the division. It's always a big series when we play each other. It's just good to get the win."

Guys, I KNOW We're Hard up when WE Hire John Edwards to Teach Graduate School, But, When You Accept The Likes of These....?????

2005-07-15T06:27:00.000-07:00

From FOX News

CAIRO, Egypt — An Egyptian biochemist arrested in Cairo in connection with the London subway and bus bombings taught at a British university after taking graduate courses in North Carolina.

Magdy el-Nashar 33, has denied any role in the attacks during questioning by Egyptian authorities, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

A government official said el-Nashar was detained in Cairo between July 7, when the bombings occurred, and Wednesday.

U.S., British and Egyptian officials had been in contact concerning el-Nashar following the attacks, the official said.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was giving information not in the official ministry announcement.

The ministry said el-Nashar came to Egypt from London on vacation and intended to return to Britain to continue his studies.

"El-Nashar denied having any relation with the latest events in London. He pointed out (to questioners) that all his belongings remained in his apartment in Britain," the ministry statement said.

The head of the Cairo research center that sponsored el-Nashar's studies said he arrived in the Egyptian capital two weeks ago.

British and FBI officials were looking for el-Nashar, who recently had been teaching chemistry at Leeds University north of London. The Times of London said el-Nashar was believed to have rented one of the homes police searched in Leeds in a series of raids Tuesday.

The four other men also believed to have been involved in the bombings all had connections to the Leeds area.

Neighbors reported el-Nashar recently left Britain, saying he had a visa problem, the newspaper said.

Leeds University said el-Nashar arrived in October 2000 to do biochemical research, sponsored by the National Research Center in Cairo, Egypt. It said he earned a doctorate on May 6.

The head of the research center said el-Nashar returned to Egypt two weeks ago, turned in his Ph.D. thesis to the center's Chemistry Department and spent a week there with colleagues.

A week ago, el-Nashar told colleagues at the center he was going on vacation for 45 days, the center's president, Dr. Hany el-Nazer, told The Associated Press.

FBI agents in Raleigh, N.C., had joined the search for el-Nashar, a former graduate student at North Carolina State University.

University spokesman Keith Nichols said a person named el-Nashar studied at North Carolina State as a graduate student in chemical engineering for a semester beginning in January 2000. Nichols said the school has gathered records in anticipation of being contacted by the FBI.

Sox/Yankees Series Tonite

2005-07-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

We are at the half way point!

Most are still unclear on how good this team really is but the standings are the bottom line and we are the first place team in the AL East! Gather 'round the TV's and pull like hell for the boys in red like we do all year, it's GAME ON from here on!!!!!!

It's us and the EVIL EMPIRE!!!!! Take NO PRISONERS!!!!!

It's Mussina and Arroyo IN BOSTON

Talk to you tomorrow!

GO SAWX!!!!!!

Pitching matchup

NYY: RHP Mike Mussina • 9-5, 3.97 ERA in 2005• 0-2, 7.07 ERA vs. BOS in 2005
BOS: RHP Bronson Arroyo• 7-5, 4.02 ERA in 2005• 0-0, 7.94 ERA vs. NYY in 2005
Player to watch:

Johnny Damon carries a 25-game hitting streak into the second half. In that stretch he has hit .351 and scored 23 runs.
Quotable: "You go 1,000 miles an hour, and then you go home. You don't like go 90, 80, 70, 60 [mph]." --Terry Francona, on whether his team slowed entering the All-Star break.

2005-07-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

Good Luck!

2005-07-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

Huey, Dewey, Louie and the Parents:)

2005-07-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

Scotty & date on their way to the Rehearsal Dinner (NOTE TO MOM: Social Events require a Date)

2005-07-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

Grandma holding up Scotty before the Rehearsal Dinner - literally (nice shirt Scotty:)

2005-07-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

Mr. & Mrs. B:)

2005-07-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

It's Official!

2005-07-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

"...their first kiss!"

2005-07-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

"is that Al Roker presiding at Bryan's wedding? Are you sure he's really married?"

2005-07-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

.....Here comes the Bahama Mama!

...a Feminist I am Not, but these are worth one of my famous Barks:)

2005-07-14T04:16:00.000-07:00

Inside every older lady is a younger lady wondering what the hell happened.
Cora Harvey Armstrong

Inside me lives a skinny woman crying to get out. But I can usually shut her up with cookies.
Cora Harvey Armstrong

The hardest years in life are those between ten and seventy.
Helen Hayes (at 73)

I refuse to think of them as chin hairs. I think of them as stray eyebrows.
Janette Barber

Things are going to get a lot worse before they get worse.
Lily Tomlin

A male gynecologist is like an auto mechanic who never owned a car.
Carrie Snow

Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry with your girlfriends.
Laurie Kuslansky

My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being, hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint.
Erma Bombeck

Old age ain't no place for sissies.
Bette Davis

A man's got to do what a man's got to do. A woman must do what he can't.
Rhonda Hansome

The phrase "working mother" is redundant.
Jane Sellman

Every time I close the door on reality, it comes in through the windows.
Jennifer Unlimited

Whatever women must do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult.
Charlotte Whitton

Thirty-five is when you finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart.
Caryn Leschen

I try to take one day at a time -- but sometimes several days attack me at once.
Jennifer Unlimited

If you can't be a good example -- then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.
Catherine

When I was young, I was put in a school for retarded kids for two years before they realized I actually had a hearing loss. And they called ME slow!
Kathy Buckley

I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb -- and I'm also not blonde.
Dolly Parton

If high heels were so wonderful, men would still be wearing them.
Sue Grafton

I'm not going to vacuum 'til Sears makes one you can ride on.
Roseanne Barr

When women are depressed they either eat or go shopping. Men invade another country.
Elayne Boosler

Behind every successful man is a surprised woman. (Mom's favorite!)
Maryon Pearson

In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.
Margaret Thatcher

I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine marriage and a career.
Gloria Steinem

I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man, I keep his house.
Zsa Zsa Gabor

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.
Eleanor Roosevelt

-

2005-07-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

Bryan and the Jamaican Pastor who performed the ceremony - "Let's get together and feel alright; People Get Ready" - Bob Marley/Curtis Mayfield

2005-07-13T17:24:00.000-07:00

Shawn, Bryan & Scotty - my 3 nephews -can you believe mom used to change THEIR diapers???? (oh, and by the way, it's baby, oldest, and middle child for the inquiring minds)

2005-07-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

A proud Papa and Son!

2005-07-13T17:20:00.000-07:00

Aunt Sharon and her Baby! (snif!)

2005-07-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

Grandma & the Groom! AWWWWWWW

"..May I present to you Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Trogdon.....Ya Mon"

2005-07-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

"No woman no Cry?" Not for my nephew...(well, I call him my nephew but he's really mom's nephew, so we share:) June 18th Shelley Whitener and Bryan Trogdon were married in Jamaica (pre-Dennis, thank goodness) in front of their parents, brothers and sisters and yes, even Grandma Duke! Although it was hotter than a streetwalker in church, and the bugs were biting everywhere, the bride was lovely, and the couple was very much in love!

Leading up the the ceremony was a very festive rehearsal dinner, not to mention a rowdy day on the beach (complete with floating bar in the ocean, kayak trips, and, of course, what trip to Jamaica would be complete with out the obligatory sunburns?)

All in all, it was a memorable trip, followed up by a reception the following weekend with all the slack friends and family who wouldn't shell out the money to fly to the Caribbean to watch the nuptials (including me and mom! - we had to hold the fort down at home - and by the way, the NEXT time all of you go out of town, split up the trip so you are on different flights - we don't want to be orphaned if the plane goes down..ok?????)

..anyway, in the words of Bob Marley..his best love song...."Is this Love"
I wanna love you and treat you right
I wanna love you every day and every night
We'll be together with a roof right over our heads
We'll share the shelter of my single bed
We'll share the same room,
Jah provide the bread
Is this love, is this love
Is this love, is this love that I'm feelin'?(Repeat)
I wanna know, wanna know, wanna know now
I got to know, got to know, got to know now
I, I'm willing and able
So I throw my cards on your table
I wanna love you
I wanna love and treat you right
I wanna love you every day and every night
We'll be together with a roof right over our heads
We'll share the shelter of my single bed
We'll share the same room, oh,
Jah provide the bread
Is this love, is this love,
Is this love, is this love that I'm feelin? (Repeat)
Oh, yes I know, yes I know, yes I know now. (Repeat)
I, I'm willing and able
So I throw my cards on your table
See, I wanna love you
I wanna love and treat you right, love and treat you right
I wanna love you every day and every night
We'll be together with a roof right over our heads
We'll share the shelter of my single bed
We'll share the same room,
Jah provide the bread
We'll share the shelter of my single bed.

Hillary Clinton 'Seething' Over Rick Santorum

2005-07-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

2008 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was reportedly "seething" after what the New York Post says was a "frosty" encounter yesterday with her conservative Senate colleague Rick Santorum.

Clinton paused during a Capitol Hill interview with Post reporter Ian Bishop "to let out a week's worth of pent-up frustration," the paper said, over Santorum's new book, "It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good."

Santorum penned his tome in response to Clinton's own best-selling tribute to socialism, "It Takes a Village." But up until now, the former first lady has held her fire. "It takes a village, Rick, don't forget that," Clinton called out as the two passed in a narrow hallway. "It takes a family," Santorum shot back through a veiled smile.

Not content to let the Pennsylvania Republican have the last word, Clinton responded, "Of course, a family is part of a village!"

The exchange may be the first of several debates between the two diamatrically opposed senators, if - as the Post posits - Santorum tosses his hat into the presidential ring in 2008 and challenges Mrs. Clinton.

The Associated Press reported this week that Santorum, a social conservative, authored "It Takes a Family," aimed at countering Hillary Clinton's message and asserting liberal politics have weakened the American family. The book was released last week. The 449-page book by Santorum tackles domestic issues ranging from home schooling to welfare reform, and promotes family over what he describes as the big government, or village, in Clinton's 1996 book. Santorum chairs the Senate Republican Conference and is sometimes hailed as a possible 2008 presidential candidate, even as he prepares for what is expected to be a tough 2006 re-election battle.

Clinton, who is also up for re-election next year, is considered the early leader among potential Democratic candidates for president in 2008.

Santorum's book questions Clinton's oft-cited desire to reduce the number of abortions, while at the same time defending abortion rights. He dismisses Clinton's talk of meaning and morality as "little more than feel-good rhetoric masking a radical left agenda." Pennsylvania Democrats are seeking to turn Santorum's book into a campaign issue against him. When the book was released, the head of state's Democrats, T.J. Rooney, said every woman in the state should be offended. Santorum wrote that 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 mysogynistic crusade to make working outside the home the only marker of social value and self-respect."

He also argued that a college education to help low-skilled unmarried mothers move up the economic ladder "is just wrong."

2005-07-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

"Success is where preparation and opportunity meet."
- Bobby Unser

2005-06-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

"...what was that again? 515-256-........"

Don't Dogs Deserve Dasani, too?

2005-06-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

Memo to mom, BUY SOME MORE DASANI!!!!!!!!!!!! It's hot out there and don't us loving, loyal, sweet, cute doggies deserve the good stuff like you?

I mean, it's all well and good to keep the bowl full, but, face it, tap water is tap water....as a matter of fact, I can't remember the last time I saw you drink anything out of the tap that wasn't sterilized, strained or purified first!

So, what I am merely asking is this...not the moon, not prime rib (but that would be nice - HINT), not even a Frosty Paw, but just buy a an extra 12 pack at Wal-Mart for lil' ole me. (And if you do, I promise not to pee on the bed anymore:)

2005-06-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

...wasted away again in Alporitaville...

Predraft Travel Busy for Tar Heels

2005-06-14T05:10:00.000-07:00

Several members of the 2005 national champions have been traveling the country to work out for NBA teams.

By Adam Lucas

The life of Marvin Willaims hasn't changed much since he declared for the NBA Draft on April 22. Sure, he's got an agent now, and even a media coordinator to help with the barrel of national media requests (he talked to The New York Times last week and Sports Illustrated this week). But he's still quick with a smile and a handshake, and he still absolutely refuses to call people older than him anything other than "sir."

Williams has been working out with Tar Heels assistant CB McGrath every day in Chapel Hill over the past month. The daily routine, which included a session with Sean May yesterday at the Smith Center, will be broken today when he journeys to Chicago to be measured and weighed at the NBA predraft camp. He won't play in the camp games, and instead will work out privately for teams expressing an interest in adding a versatile 6-foot-9 forward to their lineup. He'll be in Milwaukee on June 19 and Atlanta on June 22--not coincidentally, they happen to be the teams with the two top picks in the upcoming Draft.

Portland, which is just three hours from his hometown of Bremerton, Wash., has the third pick, but Williams doesn't express a preference for his future employer. "That would be nice," he says. "But honestly, I haven't paid any attention at all." Asked how many mock drafts he's read over the past three weeks, he smiles that familiar Marvin Williams grin and holds up his right hand in a "zero" sign. "Not a single one," he says.

Jackie Manuel: The news wasn't quite as good for Jackie Manuel this week. He earned an invitation to the Chicago camp with a strong showing at the Portsmouth Invitational, but a foot injury cut short his weekend.

Jawad Williams: Williams is also at the predraft camp in Chicago. The Cleveland native and recent UNC graduate is a camp teammate of Illinois guard Luther Head, Clemson post man Sharrod Ford, and former NC State player Michael Bell.

Sean May: The Final Four's Most Outstanding Player was briefly back in Chapel Hill this week. He'll have a Tar Heel reunion later this week in Chicago, where he'll have his official height and weight taken at the predraft camp. Unlike Marvin Williams, May has already gotten most of his individual workouts out of the way. He was in Charlotte earlier this week and thinks he'd be a good fit for the Bobcats. May has also worked out with the Clippers and says he wouldn't mind playing in LA.

Rashad McCants: The Asheville native was back in town this week to celebrate with his cousin, Cameron Maybin, who was picked 10th in this week's major league baseball draft. McCants has a visit scheduled with the Charlotte Bobcats and has already worked out with a handful of teams, including Toronto and Orlando.

Raymond Felton: Another Tar Heel who has been in Canada is Raymond Felton, who worked out with the Raptors on June 4. Felton has been busy--he also stopped by New Orleans to work out with the Hornets and had some quick words after his workout with the Clippers.

Time to Howl at the Moon!

2005-06-14T03:42:00.000-07:00

Pink Floyd reform for Live 8 show

Roger Waters left Pink Floyd in the mid-1980s to pursue a solo careerRock band Pink Floyd's classic line-up will be reunited on stage for the first time in 24 years at next month's Live 8 concert in London.

Roger Waters will join band members Dave Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright for the show in Hyde Park.

Waters last performed on stage with them at London's Earls Court in 1981. The Live 8 concert, organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to help fight African poverty, is one of five taking place around the world on 2 July.

Pink Floyd join a star-studded line-up at Hyde Park which includes Madonna, REM, U2, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, Coldplay and Robbie Williams.

"Like most people I want to do everything I can to persuade the G8 leaders to make huge commitments to the relief of poverty and increased aid to the third world," said Pink Floyd's Dave Gilmour. "Any squabbles Roger and the band have had in the past are so petty in this context, and if reforming for this concert will help focus attention then it's got to be worthwhile," he added.

Legendary Pink Floyd are viewed as being one of the biggest rock bands of all time. The group released their first record in 1967, with founding member Syd Barrett on lead guitar, alongside Waters, Mason and Wright.

At the beginning of 1968, guitarist Dave Gilmour - a friend of the band - was brought in as a fifth member. Barrett left the group shortly afterwards.

The remaining four members achieved legendary status with albums such as 1973's The Dark Side Of The Moon, which stayed in the US album chart for more than a decade. Fans have long yearned for a reunion of the classic Pink Floyd line-up of Waters, Gilmour, Mason and Wright, but it seemed unlikely because of a fall-out between founder member Waters and the rest of the group in the mid-1980s.

Gilmour, Mason and Wright continued to record and tour as Pink Floyd during the remainder of the 80s and into the 90s, releasing their last studio album - The Division Bell - in 1994.

Sox honor Fisk with left-field foul pole

2005-06-14T03:33:00.000-07:00

Former catcher credits Carbo for setting up his classic shot
by mlb.com wire reports

BOSTON -- When he hit the home run that defined his Hall of Fame career, Carlton Fisk never imagined he would one day be standing next to the pole that made him famous -- let alone have it named after him.

But that's exactly what happened on Monday prior in the Interleague series opener against Cincinnati at Fenway Park, 30 years after his hallmark moment.

Sporting a Hawaiian shirt appropriate for such a warm, humid night, Fisk joined Red Sox principal owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner atop the Green Monster, halfway up the left-field foul pole. The three, along with the rest of the sellout crowd, remembered that magical moment at precisely 12:34 a.m. ET early on the morning of Oct. 22, 1975, when Fisk drove a 1-0 fastball from Cincinnati right-hander Pat Darcy high into the air, heading down the left-field line.

"The ball only took about two and half seconds," recalled Fisk. "It seemed like I was jumping and waving for more than two and a half seconds."

Two and a half seconds later, the ball caromed off the bright yellow pole, ending one of the most dramatic World Series games ever played and giving the Red Sox a 7-6 win over the Reds in 12 hard-fought innings.

From now on, like the Pesky Pole down the right-field line, the left-field pole will officially be called the Fisk Foul Pole. The idea was the inspiration of the countless fans who contacted the Red Sox about recognizing the historic moment.

"Not everybody has a foul pole named after them," Fisk said. "There [are] only two of them. To be named one of them is a pretty big thrill, an honor."

Adding to the thrill for Fisk was a surprise from Henry and Werner. They gave him a 2004 World Series ring as a special advisor -- the ring that eluded him less than 24 hours after his famous shot in Game 6, when the Reds captured Game 7, 4-3.

"It doesn't seem like 30 years ago," said Fisk, the 1972 AL Rookie of the Year. "It didn't seem like it was me. It happened early in my career. I thought there'd be more, but it never happened. That might be one of the biggest regrets. If we'd have won the World Series, I'd feel more deserving.

"If you think about it for a moment, they think about it, then they think about you. When they think about you, your body of work comes into play," Fisk said.
Fisk thanked teammate Bernie Carbo, who made his heroics possible by swatting a two-out three-run homer to center off Rawly Eastwick.

"There was a lot of good pitching, good hitting and defense," Fisk said. "We had the bases loaded in the ninth, [when] a fly ball [was hit] to George Foster, who wasn't known for his great arm, and he threw the runner out at home easily. When we were still down by three runs, Bernie Carbo had probably one of the worst swings ever and managed to foul the ball off right before he hit the home run. If he doesn't, I never get a chance. Someone was watching out for extra innings."

Before taking his swing for the ages, Fisk said he had no sense of the history he was about to make or the impact it would have on the team.

"You could never sense that moment in time," Fisk said. "It is the type of thing you dream of. To have a moment like that come true is special."

"Payne and Glory" - this Guy was the Heat!

2005-06-14T01:48:00.000-07:00

Final Putt In 1999 Open Sealed Win, Stewart’s Legacy
By Dave Shedloski

The moment is itself a story, but the story is more than one moment. Six years ago at the 99th U.S. Open, Payne Stewart pierced the gauzy mist that hung over storied Pinehurst No. 2 with a lightning flash of brilliance that still resonates in the mind’s eye like a lingering sun spot. If we close our eyes we can still see it.

It’s the putt – character defining, career defining, history defining.

The classic pose that will never diminish: Payne Stewart’s animated fist pump after the critical putt went in.

"What I remember was him making that putt on the last hole. I think that stays in your mind forever," said Vijay Singh, the No. 1-ranked player in the world. "When you think of Pinehurst, it’s the U.S. Open, Payne Stewart making that last putt and hugging his caddie. I think that sticks in everyone's mind. When we go there I think what we'll remember the most is that one last hole."

Indeed. How can anyone forget it? With a gutsy 18-foot par-saving putt at the 72nd hole, Stewart held off Phil Mickelson by one stroke to win his second U.S. Open and ward off the demons that had been closing around him for the 12 previous months since he faltered at the ’98 Open at The Olympic Club in San Francisco. Stewart had led by four strokes entering the final round only to see Orlando neighbor and good friend Lee Janzen edge him by one.
So you can imagine the relief and the sheer ecstasy, both etched clearly on Stewart’s face, when his final putt, uphill, breaking left to right, cleanly dove into the hole. He leaned forward and punched the air, then shouted as he raised his arm triumphantly. His caddie, Mike Hicks, leaped in his arms. He then held Mickelson’s face in his hands, and reminded the disappointed competitor – on Father’s Day – that a consolation prize of more importance awaited him, that he was about to become a father. Mickelson’s wife, Amy, gave birth to the couple’s first child the very next day.

Stewart, who began the final round with a one stroke lead, closed with an even-par 70 on Pinehurst’s pernicious No. 2 course, and completed 72 holes with a 1-under 279 total, the only man to finish under par. Mickelson’s 280 was one ahead of Singh and Tiger Woods.
"From a selfish standpoint I’m glad Payne made that last putt at 18 so I can sleep better tonight," said Woods, whose bogey at 17 after a birdie at the arduous par-4 16th cost him dearly. "To lose the U.S. Open by one would be hard to swallow."

Stewart would know, having had that ignominious fate befall him at Olympic Club after having the Open title all but sealed. Stewart looked like he might have to take on more grief when he bogeyed holes 10 and 12 to hand Mickelson the advantage. The talented left-hander either held or shared the lead until the final hole. He bogeyed 16 while Stewart was making a 25-foot par-saving putt, and then after missing a 10-footer for birdie, Mickelson watched Stewart sink a 7-foot birdie putt at the par-3 17th to reclaim a one-stroke advantage.
Stewart, who led or shared the lead the last three rounds after his opening 68 trailed Mickelson, David Duval, Paul Goydos and Billy Mayfair by one, putted brilliantly in the final round, thanks to a tip from his wife, Tracey, who reminded him to keep his head still during the stroke. He hit only seven fairways the final day, but he covered those 18 holes in a mere 24 putts.

Of course, it was the last putt that mattered most.

After driving in the right rough, Stewart appeared certain to make bogey. He layed up short of the green then landed his 80-yard wedge shot 18 feet from the flag. Stewart told himself to trust the line and his stroke.

"Last year after the Open, my friends said, ‘Great try.’ I didn’t want to hear that (again) today. That motivated me," said Stewart. "I never gave up. I got the job done, and that means a lot to me."

Stewart’s performance on the 7,175-yard No. 2 Course was as much about perseverance as it was about par. After his 1991 Open win in a playoff over Scott Simpson at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn., he twice had finished second, including the ’98 gut-wrencher. At Pinehurst he was the only player to better par when the field averaged 75.54 strokes.

Stewart broke par twice in four days. The rest of the field combined did it just 27 times.
Stewart will be at Pinehurst next week for the 105th U.S. Open, but only in spirit and the form of a statue behind the 18th green. Four months after his momentous triumph he died along with five others in a Learjet crash. Stewart’s bronzed statue forever punches the air, just as he did that cool, cloudy June day in 1999.

"Payne would have loved that statue," says Peter Jacobsen, one of Stewart’s closest friends. "He would have sat in front of that statue with a pitcher of margaritas telling everybody who walked by, ‘That’s me.’ I could just see him doing that."

But everyone would already have known it was Payne Stewart. The moment is frozen in time, a story unto itself that will be retold for years to come.

Dave Shedloski is a free-lance writer whose work has appeared previously on www.usopen.com.

2005-06-14T01:16:00.000-07:00

Can you believe even Norman Rockwell thinks we're cool?

THIS IS SOME GOOD ADVICE! Happy Monday:)

2005-06-14T00:59:00.000-07:00

THIS IS SOME GOOD ADVICE I LIVE BY

If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you. (to a point - especially if your master if Michael Jackson)
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout..! run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently. (again, remember Michael Jackson...)

...Lady with a Vacuum!

2005-05-24T02:59:00.000-07:00

Oh No! She's at it again....It wasn't enough that on Monday morning mom got up and COMPLETELY cleaned, sterilized, aired out and "de-dogged" our home, NOW she has to get up THIS morning and do a touch up...

I mean, it's not like anyone is coming over for a visit or a DATE (ahem), but, she just has to have the place perfect..you know, IN CASE...(right, wishful thinking!)

Anyhow, it is time for me to go to my hangout when she's in this mood...under the bed! I'll be back when the "feeling" passes and her OCD fit is over. Don't get me wrong..she's the first to admit she is like this, and I guess that has rubbed off on me. I have to have the cleanest condo on the block! (smells good too..)

Talk to you soon..I hear the vacuum revving up!

My Famous Friend, Anji....

2005-05-24T02:46:00.000-07:00

Good morning all! Just wanted you to know that I found a friend of my mom's website who has now become a full time actor!

She is the coolest lady, and, as you can see from her website is very talented! If you ever run across Anji Wood, make sure you take notice! Check out her website above - she's not only talented but very cute! WOOF!:)

It's the Pretty Boys versus The Idiots....

2005-05-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

The Red Sox and Braves, two perennially strong teams, will spend this three-game series at Fenway Park trying to snap out of their own funks.

The Red Sox enter this series on the heels of a 2-4 road trip through Seattle and Oakland. The Braves can relate, having lost six of their last nine. A great Friday night pitching matchup will allow both teams to get into a better groove. The Sox send right-hander Wade Miller to the mound in his third start of the season. The Braves counter with Tim Hudson, a man the Sox are plenty familiar with from his days with the A's.

"The Braves are a very good team with tough pitchers," said Sox center fielder Johnny Damon. "Maybe that's what we need, is to face is guys who have the names like Hudson and John Smoltz. If we can hit them, we should be able to hit anyone."

The Braves come into Fenway looking ragged, having just been swept by the Padres, marking the first time manager Bobby Cox has allowed a sweep in the regular season since April 2003. "They go about their business every year by having tremendous pitching," said Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who lives in the Atlanta area during the offseason. "That's the way they've survived over the years, because they have three, four or five horses. So that's not going to get any easier. They have those same horses, new pitchers, but they're still horses."

Sox first baseman Kevin Millar knows all about the Atlanta machine from his years in the National League.
"What they've done is remarkable," said Millar. "It's a testament to Bobby Cox. You haven't heard a bad thing about this guy. Guys play for him. Obviously, their pitching staff has a great plan, down and away. There's no secret. That's what they throw."

Braves star Chipper Jones has always enjoyed his trips to Fenway, where his team has gone 12-3 since the start of Interleague Play. However, Jones knows full well that this Red Sox team is much more improved than the one the Braves went up against when last they played at Fenway. "It will be a fun series," said Jones. "We always have a good time up there. I just wish they weren't as good as they are."

Many of the Braves are looking forward to getting a glimpse of historic Fenway Park. "It's probably the Mecca of baseball stadiums," said Braves catcher Johnny Estrada. "They've got the history, the fans and the support. I'll be able to one day tell my grandchildren that I played at Fenway."

Pitching Matchup:
ATL: RHP Tim Hudson• 4-2, 3.18 ERA in 2005• 0-2, 15.43 ERA vs BOS in 2004
BOS: RHP Wade Miller• 0-0, 4.22 ERA in 2005 - did not play versus ATL in 2004

Sen. Kennedy Relative Testifies in Clinton Fundraising Case

2005-05-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

NewsMax.com Wires
Friday, May 20, 2005

LOS ANGELES - A brother-in-law of Sen. Edward Kennedy testified in federal court Thursday against Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's former national finance director, who is accused of lying to regulators about the cost of a lavish Hollywood fundraiser. Raymond Reggie, a prominent political consultant whose sister is married to Kennedy, told jurors that David Rosen said before the gala that event producers were charging $500,000 - $100,000 more than was reported as the overall cost.

Reggie helped solicit contributions for the glitzy August 2000 dinner and concert that attracted celebrities including Cher, Diana Ross and Muhammad Ali. He said Rosen told him afterward that "the last-minute costs crushed him."

Prosecutors say Rosen, panicked over mounting expenses, intentionally caused forms to be filed with the Federal Election Commission that underreported "in-kind" contributions used to pay for the event by about $800,000.

Rosen's attorney Paul Sandler has said the costs were hidden from Rosen by event organizers, and emphasized Thursday that the Clinton campaign didn't benefit from the underreporting.
Sandler attacked Reggie's credibility, noting that he has pleaded guilty to unrelated bank fraud charges in Louisiana and had been charged in 2002 with impersonating a police officer. The latter charges were dismissed.

Rosen has pleaded not guilty to three charges of filing false statements with the government. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, plus fines.

Clinton, a possible 2008 presidential candidate, has not been charged or linked in court to any wrongdoing. Neither Clinton nor former President Clinton are expected to be called to testify.
Prosecutors were expected to rest Friday.

Grandma's is Great!!!!!!

2005-05-19T01:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am part of that bloody "Dog-o-sphere" journalist wanna be's that sit around in their jammies and slippers while creating opinion and madness in the streets. But not today....

I am sitting around in my slippers and jammies today because I am still stuffed from dinner last night. I went over to my Grandma's last night and she made good old fashioned MEATBALLS! MMMMMMMM....

Isn't going to Grandma's the best? You play all day, get lots of love, lots of food and then SLEEP in the best places. She has this sunroom where I sleep in a big ole comfy chair and the sun comes in and keeps me warm.

Boy were the meatballs good! Of course, I took my doggie Prilosec beforehand, but, just a small price to pay for an Italian grandma who is the best cook in the world! Now, if I can only get mom to start cooking like that - that's what I'm saying! Hey! That's it...get her cooking like Grandma and she MIGHT snag her a man...gotta go....

Have to go have a heart-to-heart with mom. Who knows, before it's all over, I could be giving Dear Abby a run for her money-maybe even Dr. Phil!

Thanks again Grandma-those meatballs have inspired me to greatness today (or maybe that's a little gas??)

2005-05-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

Krzyzewskiville?

Pets and the Single Mom....

2005-05-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

I cannot sit by and simply observe anymore. There is enough material here (or lack thereof) to fill 3 seasons of a combination of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Suddenly Susan". (sorry, "Sex and the City" wasn't even a blip on the radar screen).

I love my mom dearly, but she really needs to get with it. So, I thought I would host and post a column keeping you up-to-date on mom's life (such as it is). I think some of you out there will be able to relate, given the atmosphere of the single mom with a pet these days:).

Gotta go.....time to go wee-weeze!

In search of.... the Perfect Fire Hydrant

2005-05-18T05:37:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or is the Great American Fire Hydrant just a myth? Just a mirage in the oasis of doggie parks that never materializes into anything more than just a community waterbowl standing in mud?

Yes, I am a little cynical today. I look around me and I see fellow canines rummaging through garbage, wandering aimlessly on the side of the road and, even, if they are having a really bad day, in the kitchen of some Vietnamese-Thai restaurant with a "C" rating.

I digress-whatever happened to the days when dog's were man's best friend, we took leisurely walks after work, before dinner with the family (at a decent hour-not 10pm at night), and, we didn't have a noon-time nanny to come walk us because our masters are too busy?

True, we live to serve our moms and dads, but we yearn for a simpler time when the days didn't start at 5am, the TV was our best play buddy, and, the fire hydrants were still red. A pretty, shiny red with a silver top. It was a sign of simpler times - traditions, gender-roles, and non-weight management kibble because we had backyards to play in - not apartment courtyards and the once-a-week trip to the dog park.

Can we go back? To the white picket fences, dogs and their fire hydrants? Perhaps if we do, this world might be a better place instead of how it's now going to the cats!

Renteria lets his Bat do the Talking

2005-05-18T01:50:00.000-07:00

By Ian Browne / MLB.com

OAKLAND -- Some 3,000 miles to the East, there was more fodder on the talk shows back home about Edgar Renteria's early struggles with the Red Sox. Renteria's former manager Tony La Russa even chimed in on a mid-day WEEI show, wondering if Boston, with its intense fan and media scrutiny, was a good fit for the veteran shortstop, who is shy by nature.

Renteria, quiet by mouth, let his bat do a lot of talking in leading the Sox to a 7-5 victory over the A's on Tuesday night at McAfee Coliseum. On this night anyway, worries about Renteria were brushed aside. With the Sox down by a run and the bases loaded with one out in the top of the eighth, Renteria took the first pitch he saw from A's reliever Huston Street and roped it to the opposite field for a two-run single that put Boston in front for good. In perhaps a sign Renteria's luck is about to change, he had additional fortune on the play, as the ball rolled past Eric Byrnes, allowing Renteria to scoot all the way to third, and more importantly, permitting a third run to score.

Meanwhile, the doubters aren't high on Renteria's list of things to worry about.

"I think I'm going to be fine," said Renteria. "It's just my personality. I don't care what people say. I just come to do my job and play hard every day. Whatever happens happens. That's why I don't worry what somebody says. I just try and do what I can to beat the other team, that's the kind of player I am." Renteria's resurgence was just part of a spirited win for the Sox, who drew a season high of 11 walks, enabling them to win on a night they had just four hits. The opportunistic aspect of the win was particularly sweet for the Sox in that it came a day after they stranded 13 runners in a 6-4 loss.

"A lot of walks, a lot of good at-bats," said Sox manager Terry Francona. "We didn't knock the cover off the ball, but we made them work, we took our walks, we got baserunners. That's how we're successful."
The A's, holding a 5-3 lead entering that eighth, self-imploded leading up to Renteria's at-bat. A's reliever Juan Cruz began the inning by hitting Jason Varitek, then he walked Bill Mueller and Jay Payton. With one out, Johnny Damon hit an RBI grounder to first to bring the Sox within one and the play wound up worse for the A's with Scott Hatteberg making an error on the play, allowing the Sox to keep the bases loaded for Renteria.
The clutch knock capped a solid night for Renteria, who roped a double off the wall in the first inning and wound up scoring, and also sparked a rally in the fifth by drawing a leadoff walk against Barry Zito and then scoring on a double to left-center by David Ortiz.

Renteria, who was moved to the No. 2 spot in the reshuffled Boston lineup on Saturday, has looked more comfortable at the plate the last few days. "I feel good," Renteria said. "I feel better. It just takes time."
His veteran teammates have been more than happy to give him all the time he needs.

"It's taken him a month or so to get going," said Damon. "We know what kind of player he is. We got him knowing what we were going to get. We're going to get 10-plus home runs, 70-plus RBIs, we're going to get 100 runs scored. We know we're going to get that from Edgar, and great defense, too. It was just a matter of him starting for him to feel at home." Before Renteria delivered the key hit of the game, the contest wasn't all that artistic.

The control problems Zito (career-high seven walks) was having seemed to rub off on Sox starter Matt Clement in the bottom of the fifth, as he walked Mark Kotsay and Jason Kendall to load the bases with one out. Eric Chavez got a run home on a fielder's choice grounder and Hatteberg tied it up with an RBI single to right. The A's nearly went ahead on Hatteberg's hit, but Payton nailed Kendall at the plate.

Clement continued to struggle in the sixth, this time getting into a big jam after retiring the first two batters. Matt Watson and Marco Scutaro got things rolling with consecutive singles. Then the Sox went to Matt Mantei, who couldn't get Clement (5 2/3 innings, six hits, five runs, four walks) out of the inning unscathed. Byrnes connected on an RBI single to give the A's their first lead at 4-3. Kotsay followed with an RBI single to boost the lead to two runs, putting Clement in danger of suffering his first loss of the season.

But the Sox would be back before it was all said and done. The bullpen stepped up in a big way, with Alan Embree giving the Sox 1 2/3 flawless innings for his first win of the season and a recently revitalized Keith Foulke coming on in the ninth for his 10th save of the season.

"To get picked up when you're on the hook, that's nice," said Clement. "Most importantly, we won the game."
And that was made largely possible by the shortstop. "They got Edgar for a reason," said Ortiz. "Everyone knows Edgar is a great player. People just need to be patient with him. The guy works hard and believe me, he's going to be here."

2005-05-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

Clinton’s Rubber Stamp
by Sean Rushton

Among the most tiresome claims by Senate Democrats is they are forced to filibuster judicial nominees because Republican party discipline is so strong that even moderates must vote in lockstep for President Bush’s “worst” nominees. (John Bolton, call your office.) In rebuttal, Sen. Orrin Hatch’s office has done a nice breakdown of Democratic voting patterns during the Clinton years. Unsurprisingly, the party voted with their President.

The Senate confirmed 379 Clinton judges that fall in the “Article III” category, that is, judges who have life tenure.
• 307 to the U.S. District Court
• 65 to the U.S. Court of Appeals
• 2 to the U.S. Supreme Court
• 5 to the U.S. Court of International Trade.

The Senate defeated 1 nominee to the U.S. District Court.

334 of the confirmations were by unanimous consent = 33,400 total votes

46 of the confirmations and the one defeat were by roll call vote = 4432 votes (less those not voting)37,832 total votes cast on confirmation of Clinton Article III judicial nominees

A total of 12 NO votes were cast by Democrats
* Rosemary Barkett (11th Circuit, 1994):
* H. Lee Sarokin (3rd Circuit, 1994)
* Bryan (NV), Byrd, Ford (KY), Reid, Sasser (TN), Shelby (AL)

Byrd and Reid also voted for cloture

* Brian Stewart (District Court, Utah, 1999)
*Boxer, Feingold, Johnson, Mikulski, Wellstone 12 no votes out of 37,832 judicial votes = .0317 percent

2005-05-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

The Newsweek Riots - A telling Error
by Rich Lowry - author of Legacy: Paying the Price for the Clinton Years

How many stories has Newsweek written about the Bush administration allegedly "skewing intelligence" by relying on raw, insufficiently sourced data? How many times has it lamented that these mistakes have hurt the U.S. abroad? Too many to count.

What would be funny if it weren't so tragic is that some of them were authored by reporters Michael Isikoff and John Barry, the very duo that has itself dealt the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan a blow by stretching poorly sourced information into a false report about the deliberate desecration of the Koran by U.S. interrogators.

Isikoff and Barry wrote in the May 9 edition: "Investigators probing interrogation abuses at the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay have confirmed some infractions alleged in internal FBI e-mails that surfaced late last year. Among the previously unreported cases, sources tell Newsweek: interrogators, in an attempt to rattle suspects, flushed a Qur'an down a toilet." They continued that "these findings (are) expected in an upcoming report by the U.S. Southern Command [SouthCom] in Miami." Based on the report, destabilizing and deadly anti-U.S. riots broke out in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The report gave the impression that (1) FBI e-mails from Gitmo mentioned the Koran-flushing incident; (2) the incident had been confirmed; and (3) it was about to appear in a U.S. government report. All of these claims are, according to the Pentagon, false (which is not to say that nothing bad ever happened at Gitmo).

No one is perfect — not even the brilliant Mike Isikoff — but this is a telling error. One government official told Isikoff that he had seen the Koran-desecrating incident in the forthcoming Gitmo report. Newsweek tried to confirm this. But a spokesman for SouthCom refused comment because it is an ongoing investigation. Another Defense official attempted to correct one error unrelated to the Koran desecration, but didn't comment on the rest. With this solid nonconfirmation in hand, Newsweek ran with its explosive single-sourced item.

Once people started dying, Isikoff's original source said he couldn't be sure that he had read about the incident in the SouthCom report. Newsweek editor Mark Whitaker issued a weaselly statement saying that "we regret that we got any part of our story wrong," without detailing what the errors were. Nor did he forthrightly apologize — although Newsweek was part of the press pack demanding that President Bush acknowledge and apologize for his errors during last year's presidential campaign.

It is, of course, unfair to blame the magazine for the deadly work of anti-American fanatics abroad. But it can be blamed for its shoddy original work, for its nonapology, and for the media culture of hostility toward the military that makes its mistake so characteristic. That is not to say that any of its reporters or editors harbors personal animosity toward the military. But they work in an industry that has defined its success since the Vietnam War almost exclusively in terms of exposing U.S. wrongdoing. The media collectively want to believe the worst about the military, and in light of Abu Ghraib, they have panted after every possible prison abuse.

During the fallout from last year's CBS forged-documents flap, shrewd Newsweek political writer Howard Fineman said: "A political party is dying before our eyes — and I don't mean the Democrats. I'm talking about the 'mainstream media.'" He argued that the media had been identified with a crusading liberalism since Watergate and Vietnam, but their power was waning in the new political and information environment: "It's hard to know who, if anyone, in the 'media' has any credibility."

It's only getting harder. Back in November 2003, Newsweek complained in a cover story that Vice President Dick Cheney "bought into shady assumptions" leading into the Iraq war, partly because of his "dire view of the terrorist threat." In its Koran story, Newsweek itself bought into shady assumptions, partly because of the media's dire view of the U.S. military. And so the media party continues its decline.

Sox look to swing back into WIN Column

2005-05-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

Boston (22-16) at Oakland (15-23), 10:05 p.m. ET
By Ian Browne / MLB.com

This West Coast swing has been unkind to the Sox thus far, but they can still salvage it with a .500 record by winning the final two games.

That quest begins Tuesday night, when Matt Clement faces Barry Zito in a rematch of last Wednesday's game at Fenway. The Sox won that game, though neither starter factored in the decision of a game that ended on a walk-off homer by Jason Varitek in the bottom of the ninth.
The Sox have lacked that type of magic on this road trip, losing three of the first four games on the journey through Seattle and Oakland. In Monday's series opener against the A's, the Sox tied a season high by stranding 13 runners in a 6-4 loss.

Quotable "We just haven't really hit our stride yet. We're going to be beating up on some people real soon." -- Damon

Quick hits Right fielder Trot Nixon is red-hot, with nine hits in 15 at-bats on the trip. However, with Zito pitching, Nixon will probably be saved for the late innings with Jay Payton getting the start. ... David Ortiz leads the Sox in total bases with 85. ... Kevin Youkilis has made the most of his sporadic playing time, producing a .385 average in 26 at-bats.

On deck • Wednesday: at Oakland, 3:35 p.m. ET• Thursday: Off• Friday: vs. Atlanta, 7:05 p.m. ET

Missed chances cost Red Sox - Strand 13 Runners

2005-05-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

The Red Sox were no strangers to the basepaths of McAfee Coliseum Monday night. Unfortunately, the majority of those runners never crossed home, and a night full of lost opportunities resulted in the Sox suffering a 6-4 loss to the A's in the first of a three-game series.

By Ian Browne / MLB.com

OAKLAND -- The Red Sox were no strangers to the basepaths of McAfee Coliseum Monday night. Unfortunately, the majority of those runners never crossed home, and a night full of lost opportunities resulted in the Sox suffering a 6-4 loss to the A's in the first of a three-game series.

The only thing more common on this night than a stranded Boston runner was a Boston hitter muttering in disgust on his way back to the dugout.

The fact the Sox had more men left on base (13) than hits (12) indicated what kind of frustrating night this was. On the other side of the field, the A's were just relieved to finally get a win, snapping a season-long eight-game losing streak.

"I think we're all just shaking our heads thinking this should not have happened," said Sox center fielder Johnny Damon. "They were bound to get a victory. They plugged away, they did what they had to, got out of some tough jams. You have to tip your hat to those guys."
Despite the plethora of missed opportunities by the Sox, they were still in this one down to the very end.

But the A's rallied against Sox relievers Mike Myers and Mike Timlin in the eighth to snap a 4-4 tie and that proved to the difference. Lefty specialist Myers surrendered singles to left-handed batters Eric Chavez and Erubiel Durazo to open the inning. It wasn't as if Myers didn't make his pitches. The A's just found some holes. In fact, Myers broke Durazo's bat in three pieces, only to have the ball deflect off his hand and his glove, leading to an infield hit.

"Yeah, it's frustrating," said Myers, who took the loss. "It was a fastball in. I thought it was in good enough. I got a broken bat. He hit it to the right spot. It put Timlin in a tough situation."
With runners on second and third and one out, the Sox opted to walk Scott Hatteberg. The move didn't pan out, as rookie Matt Watson struck a two-run single through the second-base hole, into right field.

Bronson Arroyo turned in a decent outing for the Sox (seven innings, six hits, four runs), who fell to 1-3 on the six-game road trip. "Bronson has been solid for us, we couldn't help him on some tough plays out there," said Damon. "He's still pitching like our ace."

Things started well enough for the Sox. A's starter Kirk Saarloos helped spark a Boston rally in the top of the second by walking Kevin Youkilis and hitting Bill Mueller, loading the bases with two outs for Mark Bellhorn. The second baseman delivered, smacking a two-run single up the middle to give the Sox a 2-0 lead. However, coming through with men on base was not a recurring theme for Boston on this night. In the fourth, the Sox loaded the bases with nobody out and didn't score. First Bellhorn struck out, then Damon. Edgar Renteria flew out to center, and the chance was gone.

"Yeah, we definitely did not take advantage of what was out there," Damon said. "We struck out a few too many times with men in scoring position, me included. You have to tip your hat. I felt like I missed those pitches by a good foot and they were right down the middle. He did a good job of getting out of some tough spots, but there's no way we should have come out with a loss."

Arroyo cruised most of the night, but had a rough fifth inning. With the bases loaded and one out, Mark Kotsay roped a three-run triple to center, giving the A's their first lead. Jason Kendall made it 4-2 with a fielder's choice grounder that Renteria, playing shallow, bobbled.
The A's sent nine batters to the plate and Arroyo avoided being removed from the game by retiring Ginter on a flyout to center to end the inning.

"Well, I think he's human," said Sox manager Terry Francona. "He's been so good. He nicked their No. 9 hitter there, right in the middle of the inning, it didn't help. I will say he gathered himself. You know how we feel about trying to put crooked numbers up, it gives you a heck of a chance to win, and then they did that to us and we couldn't overcome it."

Oakland went to the bullpen in the seventh, with right-hander Keiichi Yabu -- originally slated to start on Wednesday -- replacing Saarloos. The Sox gave Yabu a rude greeting, with Bellhorn leading off with a double to right, followed by a walk to Damon and a single by Renteria. David Ortiz took advantage of that opportunity, belting a two-run double off the wall in left-center to tie the game.

That opened up yet another big chance. With runners on second and third and nobody out, the Sox seemed primed to go in front. On most nights, they would have. But once again, they couldn't cash in. Manny Ramirez and Jason Varitek struck out and Youkilis grounded to short.
There would be another opportunity for the Sox in the eighth as Mueller led off with a single and Damon drew a one-out walk. Did Francona think about having Bellhorn -- who batted before Damon and struck out -- try to bunt Mueller to second?

"I didn't," Francona said. "Bell had swung the bat pretty good."

Yabu dug down, though, striking out Renteria and getting Ortiz on a grounder to first.
This most annoying of nights for the Sox wouldn't have proper closure without another tantalizing chance, this one against A's closer Octavio Dotel. Trot Nixon smacked a one-out single. And with the Sox down to their last out, they appeared to have a monumental break. Pinch-hitter Kevin Millar hit a tapper to second and reached when Dotel, covering first, somehow didn't touch the bag. But the break wasn't something the Sox could capitalize on, as Mueller lofted a routine flyout to left to end it.

"We got ourselves in good positions," said Francona. "We just couldn't get one big hit at one key time to have a big inning, or to be able to get ourselves a lead. I thought we did a great job to get ourselves in those positions. We just couldn't do anything with it."

2005-05-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

'Star Wars' Wields Light Saber at Bush Policy
courtesy of NewsMax's "The Left Coast Report"

If there's one thing Europeans and U.S. film critics can spot a galaxy away, it's hatred of President Bush's policies.

Actually, some are claiming to see traces of Bush animosity in George Lucas' latest flick, "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith," where Lucas may have stuck in an anti-U.S. military policy message.

When you think about it, it makes sense that somebody at the Cannes Film Festival would step up and toss the Europeans some red meat since Michael Moore wasn't around this year to dish his documentary dog chow. Apparently, the Cannes audience noticed similarities between Anakin Skywalker's fall to the dark side coupled with the cinematic rise of a warmongering emperor and President Bush's foreign policy approach.

Newsweek's David Ansen saw a resemblance. He wrote: "It's hard not to feel that Lucas's engagement with this story has a contemporary urgency, as line after pointed line invites us to see a parallel with today's wartime climate. As the Senate cedes power to Palpatine under the guise of intergalactic security, Natalie Portman's Princess Padme exclaims bitterly, 'So this is how liberty dies -- with thunderous applause.'"

Before Anakin (played by Hayden Christensen) transforms into Darth Vader, he declares, "If you're not with me, then you're my enemy." The line is reminiscent of Bush's post-Sept. 11 statement, "Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists."
And Obi-Wan Kenobi (played by Ewan McGregor) explains that "only a Sith Lord deals in absolutes."

While at a Cannes news conference, Lucas said: "I hope this doesn't come true in our country. Maybe the film will waken people to the situation." In case there was any confusion as to where Lucas stands, politically speaking, he made his proclivity clear, saying, "We were just funding Saddam Hussein and giving him weapons of mass destruction. We didn't think of him as an enemy at that time. We were going after Iran and using him as our surrogate, just as we were doing in Vietnam. ... The parallels between what we did in Vietnam and what we're doing in Iraq now are unbelievable."

Lucas added: "You sort of see these recurring themes where a democracy turns itself into a dictatorship, and it always seems to happen kind of in the same way, with the same kinds of issues, and threats from the outside, needing more control. A democratic body, a senate, not being able to function properly because everybody's squabbling, there's corruption."
The Left Coast Report says that while it's true Lucas is a typical Hollywood lib, Europeans hate us so much these days they see anti-Bush messages in "House of Wax."

...Not to Fear, I will be Posting & Hosting again Soon!

2005-05-13T01:55:00.000-07:00

Fellow Bloggies and Bloggettes, I know I have been "laying down on the job" (literally) these last few days, but, my computer has been down, and, to be honest, I have been a LITTLE preoccupied with, ahem, a little cutie, that has left me a wee worn outIF you know what I mean!

SO! This weekend is dedicated to research and updating, so never fear! Woof, woof, woof! And thank you for your patience!

No Manny, no Cry: Sox rout A's

2005-05-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

Manny Ramirez leaves after being hit by pitch in first inning

By Ian Browne / MLB.com
The Red Sox would like to think they earned Monday night's 13-5 romp over the A's. However, Oakland might see it otherwise.

The Sox scored an almost unfathomable nine unearned runs, with three A's errors opening the floodgates in front of 35,000 spectators at Fenway Park. While the night was all about lowlights for the A's (none bigger than Scott Hatteberg's double error in the fourth), there were plenty of highlights for the Sox.

Kevin Millar snapped the longest power drought of his career by clubbing his first homer of the season -- a three-run shot -- in his 112th at-bat. Trot Nixon also had a good night, belting a two-run homer and a two-run double. And while not at his sharpest, veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (six innings, seven hits, three runs, five walks) earned the victory to run his record to 4-1.

The Sox put pressure on Oakland right from the outset, loading the bases with nobody out in the first. But it came at a price, as Manny Ramirez was drilled on the left shoulder, and then the helmet, on a pitch from Danny Haren and had to leave the game. David Ortiz followed by grounding into a 4-6-3 double play that allowed Johnny Damon to score.

The A's took their first lead of the night in the top of the third, with Bobby Kielty striking a two-run double to left. However, it didn't take the Sox to rally back from that 2-1 deficit. They again loaded the bases with nobody out in the fourth. It looked as if Haren had gotten just what he needed when Bill Mueller struck a hard grounder at first baseman Hatteberg. But before you could say 3-2-3 double play, Hatteberg booted the ball, allowing a run to score. Things got even worse when Hatteberg attempted damage control. His throw to first -- where Haren was covering -- was errant, allowing a second run to score. Hatteberg was charged with two errors on the play. The gaffe opened the floodgates in an inning which saw the Sox score five unearned runs. Nixon's two-run double, which traveled 420 feet, was the biggest hit of the inning.

Clinging to a 6-3 lead, Millar's three-run blast into the second row of the Monster Seats in the seventh opened up some breathing room. Shortstop Marco Scutaro's error later in that inning gave the Sox the chance to score another four runs, turning the game into a certified blowout.

2005-05-09T21:20:00.000-07:00

What a dude! Spot the Springer Spaniel - he was the COOLEST of the cool - here, after witnessing the famous Pretzel Incident that caused lockdown in the West Wing, Spot is showing Master W that you CAN put an object in your mouth and not choke on it!

2005-05-09T21:15:00.000-07:00

W's "Nuclear Option" if Harry Reid gets out of line! YEEHAW!

2005-05-09T21:12:00.000-07:00

White House pets Miss Beasley (L) and Barney (R), out for a run on the South Lawn looking for evidence of WMD.

Baily Blogs Off! Presidential Pets - Can you say The Bush Twins???

2005-05-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I knew I would get your attention on THAT headline, but in all honesty, this is about my colleagues living it up at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (and Crawford!)

The Bush family has a new addition to the animal kingdom now....Miss Beazley, their new Scottish Terrier puppy. She has been chasing Barney, the "senior" White House pooch around the South Lawn since she got there, but, I am sure ole Barn will lay down the law soon! (perhaps she needs a good ole fashioned trip to Crawford and an introduction to Ofelia....the Presidential longhorn!

Here are the pets the Bushes have (or had) since taking office in 2001:
Miss Beazley, Scottish Terrier - http://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/Pets/Beazley.htm
Spot, dog - http://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/Pets/Spot.htm
Barney, Scottish Terrier - http://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/Pets/Barney.htm
India, cat - http://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/Pets/India.htm
Ofelia, Longhorn - http://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/Pets/ofelia.htm

Now, if I can only get ONE of them to return my calls.....

2005-05-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

..I have heard of people pitching inside to Manny, but THIS is ridiculous!

Sorry everyone..I have been busy..

2005-05-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok, i'll admit i have been a little slack over the weekend, but hey! the Red Sox gained a game and it was a beautiful weekend..i ran around alot outside and now, I am pooped! Will be back in the game tonite or tomorrow.... LATER! Woof!

ACTUAL AUSTRALIAN COURT DOCKET 12659 CASE OF THE

2005-05-06T15:07:00.000-07:00

A lady about 8 months pregnant got on a bus.

She noticed the man opposite her was smiling at her. She immediately moved to another seat.

This time the smile turned into a grin, so she moved again. The man seemed more amused.

When on the fourth move, the man burst out laughing, she complained to the driver and he had the man arrested for public harassment!

The case came up in court. The judge asked the man (about 20 years old) what he had to say for himself.

The man replied, "Well your Honor, it was like this: When the lady got on the bus, I couldn't help but notice her condition. She sat under a sweets sign that said, "The Double Mint Twins are Coming" and I grinned.

Then she moved and sat under a sign that said,"Logan's Liniment will reduce the swelling", and I had to smile.

Then she placed herself under a deodorant sign that said, "William's Big Stick Did the Trick", and I could hardly contain myself.

BUT, your Honor, when she moved the fourth time and sat under a sign that said, "Goodyear Rubber could have prevented this Accident"..... I just lost it."

Arroyo locates a gem in Detroit; Red Sox right-hander took no-hitter into seventh inning

2005-05-06T02:25:00.000-07:00

SOX ONLY 2.5 BACK!!!
By Ian Brown - mlb.com

DETROIT -- The obstacles were there for the Red Sox every day on this seven-day road trip through Texas and Detroit. From injuries and illnesses to various players, to the simultaneous slumps of All-Star mashers Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz, this was a journey that could only be successful with plenty of grinding and pitching.

The Sox got the perfect mix of both, and that's why they managed to find their way home with a 5-2 record on the journey. This, after scratching out a tense 2-1 victory over the Tigers on Thursday afternoon at Comerica Park.

Bronson Arroyo pitched a gem for the Sox, firing a no-hitter for 6 1/3 innings and allowing three hits and one run over eight innings. He walked two and struck out eight, throwing 113 pitches in his finest performance of the season.

As good as Arroyo was, it nearly wasn't enough for a win. But with two outs and nobody on in the top of the ninth, Trot Nixon (4-for-5) blooped a single into center. That set up the slumping Ortiz, who bashed a clutch RBI double to right-center off Ugueth Urbina, snapping a 1-1 tie.
"I was just praying to get a hit, man. I haven't got a hit in a long time," said Ortiz. "It's been tough up there, man. My part in the game is hitting. If I don't hit, it's like I'm just stealing money."

Instead, Ortiz was money, putting Arroyo in position for the win and setting up closer Keith Foulke for his seventh save of the season, and third in as many days. When they departed Fenway Park for Texas, the Sox were a perfectly mediocre 11-10. They come back at 16-12, and feeling as if they might have rediscovered themselves.

"I'm very proud of what we did this trip," said Sox manager Terry Francona. "The trip is over now. ... I don't like being banged up, but to me, our dugout was back to being more of our dugout. There wasn't a lot of guys in there, because they're all in the training room. But the enthusiasm, the coming together, sometimes those things help. We were going to find a way to win and we did."

Reason No. 1 was Arroyo, who was dazzling right from the outset, running his record to 4-0 and lowering his ERA to 3.18. His no-hit bid was broken with one out in the top of the seventh when Carlos Guillen lofted a solo homer to right. On that same pitch, Arroyo lost his 1-0 lead. Dmitri Young followed with a single to right, but Arroyo settled down and got the next two hitters.
"Bronson's been pretty awesome all year," said Sox center fielder Johnny Damon. "He could be our No. 1. He's been throwing well. On any other team he's a No. 1. Right now he actually might be ours. He's been pretty incredible lately."

The same could not be said for the man known as Big Papi, who has had trouble finding the stroke that was so prolific the last two seasons. But if you give Ortiz enough chances, he's going to cash in.

"We hit some balls the last couple of days really well and had nothing to show for it," said Francona. "David, it was low enough where it didn't hang up there, and it wasn't high enough where it bounces over. He did what he's supposed to do." Ortiz was set up by the most innocent-looking hit from Nixon, who dropped one just in front of center fielder Nook Logan. For Nixon, it was a sweet return from a two-game suspension.

"I didn't scald the ball the whole time, but I'll take those four hits any time," Nixon said. "The big thing for me is to get on base with the big boys behind me. The gaps are huge here, so you have a chance to score." That was a tough task for both sides all day. Not to be overshadowed by Arroyo was a strong pitching performance by Tigers right-hander Jason Johnson. He induced several weak swings from the Sox, and Kevin Millar, who broke his bat in his first three at-bats, seemed particularly perplexed.

"He just had big time movement on his sinker," said Millar. "Jason Johnson has always had good stuff. He threw a good game, too. We just found a way." In a game where every scoring opportunity was precious, the Sox forged one across in the top of the second. Jason Varitek led off with a double to center. Edgar Renteria tried to bunt him over, but instead caught the pitch on his right index finger and had to be removed from the game. X-rays were negative. No matter though, as Ramon Vazquez came off the bench and ripped a single up the middle for the first run of the game.

For a while, that seemed to be all Arroyo would need. He breezed over the first six innings, as a walk to Marcus Thames in the second was his only blemish during that span. After throwing a perfect game for Triple-A Pawtucket on Aug. 10, 2003, Arroyo had visions of his first Major League no-hitter. And you could hardly blame him when Millar and Jay Payton made back-to-back solid plays on defense in the fifth.

"Oh yeah, it crept in my mind after the sixth inning for sure," said Arroyo. "Any time you can look at the board and see that you've only got to go three more innings, you have an opportunity to maybe face only nine more guys and throw a no-hitter, if anybody says they've been out on the mound and they didn't know that was going on, I think they're lying." But after Guillen ended the fun and the Sox suddenly found themselves in a tie, there was urgency to scratch out the win.

"Big win, big road trip," Millar said. "The way we're swinging the bats right now, to go 5-2, that's big." "We've had a lot of people sick, a lot of people in and out of the lineup, a lot of people battling different things," Varitek said. "But you're going to win more games when you pitch."

2005-05-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

"No woman no cry....."

2005-05-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

BRONSON! BRONSON! BRONSON!

2005-05-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

...at least they picked a good picture to put up....

Youkilis, Red Sox slide past Tigers

2005-05-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

By Ian Brown - MLB.com

As long as the Red Sox hold options on Kevin Youkilis, the third baseman knows too well that he could wind up back in the Minor Leagues the next time the team winds up in a roster crunch. But he is hitting like a man who wants to stay, and it was Youkilis who delivered the biggest hit of Wednesday night's 4-3 victory over the Tigers.

With runners on first and second and one out in the eighth, Youkilis lined a 2-2 slider from Kyle Farnsworth into left for a single, scoring Jay Payton and snapping a 3-3 tie. It was the culmination of a solid night for Youkilis, who went 2-for-3 with a walk and scored a run. This came on a night Youkilis was in the lineup so Bill Mueller could rest up for Thursday afternoon's contest.

"I'm just filling in for guys, that's what I'm doing here," Youkilis said. "We have a set roster, we have great players here. Right now, I'm just filling in and basically just making the best of my opportunity. It feels good. This is great, to get up there and have an opportunity to put us ahead late in the game."

The bullpen made the slight lead stand up, allowing starter Tim Wakefield (seven innings, 10 hits, three earned runs) to run his record to 3-1. Mike Timlin, fresh off two brilliant innings Tuesday night, worked a scoreless eighth, aided by a great play in the hole by Edgar Renteria. With one out, Rondell White, at the very least, looked to have an infield hit. But Renteria went a couple of steps on to the outfield grass and fired a bullet to Kevin Millar, nabbing White by inches and snuffing out a potential rally.

"I know he runs good," Renteria said of White. "I tried my best. When I got the ball, I saw him running and I said, 'I have a chance.' That's why I tried to put a little bit on the ball." Timlin, who played with Renteria in St. Louis for parts of three seasons, has seen it before. "I knew he had a chance to catch it, I didn't know he had a chance to throw him out," Timlin said. "That was deep in the hole, that was a tremendous, tremendous play. I was lucky enough to see that in St. Louis. I know what he can do."

Closer Keith Foulke, perhaps ready to start rolling after a shaky start, came on in the ninth to record his sixth save. But the save of the night likely came on a defensive play in the bottom of the fifth.

White lined a double out of the reach of Manny Ramirez, who made a wrong turn in pursuit of the ball. One run scored on the play to tie it up, but Ramirez gathered himself quickly, made a textbook relay to Renteria, who then fired home to catcher Doug Mirabelli to nail the potential go-ahead run.

Day 3 of Allergy Wars - Can't a Guy Catch a Break?

2005-05-05T14:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok, I no longer look like I have spent the last week in a back room of a Jamaican "yah man" weave shop. Plus, I am no longer scratching like a sailor with a weekend pass, BUT, there are some downsides to recovering from an allergy with the aid of medication.

1. Thirst - I can't drink alcohol while I am on this stuff, because if I did, I would look like an old Basset Hound after Thanksgiving weekend - wobbling and teetering and barely able to stand. Then, when I drink all this water, all I want to do is pee; well, you can only IMAGINE the problems that creates when you can't take yourself out every hour! Just don't turn on the faucets or take a shower!!!!!

2. The Charlie Brown Syndrome - I AM SO DEPRESSED! Fellas, you know the drill; romantic kibble, soft night lights from the hallway stairs, chasing each other around the house fighting for the 1 chew bone between the 2 of you (always good to work up a good sweat!), and you've got her already to move in for the kill and guess what???? SNOOPY HAS LEFT THE BUILDING! THE DOCTOR IS NOT IN! Little did I know that the allergy anti-inflammatory medicine was an anti-inflammatory IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD!

OK, so I have another date coming up soon and let's just say that it is one more day of the meds and, scratching or not, I am not taking my chances. This is a critical juncture and I don't want her thinking shrinkage is a way of life for me (yes, I am fixed, but I still like to order the items off the menu even if I can't always partake!)

And, if things don't work out with this little poochie and me, well, back to the Benadryl. You know, that Bassett Hound is looking cuter and cuter......

TRANSCRIPT OF FIRST LADY LAURA BUSH'S PEE-YOUR-PANTS FUNNY REMARKS TO ATTENDEES OF THE 2005 WHITE HOUSE CORREPSONDENTS DINNER

2005-05-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

President Bush: Thank you and good evening. I always look forward to these dinners, where I'm supposed to be funny — intentionally. I'm really looking forward to hearing Cedric the Entertainer. I kind of think of myself that way.

Cedric, did you hear that hilarious line I ad-libbed down in Arkansas? A woman in a town meeting told me she was from DeQueen, and I said, 'That's right next to DeKing.' You gotta' admit that's pretty good, Cedric. That's what you call sophisticated re — par — tay.
Then out in Montana, I told a joke about a cattle guard, which, to be honest, didn't get a very big laugh — actually, none. But Cedric, I think you'll appreciate this, and you can use it if you want to. See, there was this city slicker who was driving around lost and he came across this ol' cowboy. And so the city slicker asked the old guy how to get to the nearest town, and —

First Lady Laura Bush: Not that old joke — not again.
Ladies and gentlemen, I've been attending these dinners for years and just quietly sitting there. Well, I've got a few things I want to say for a change.
This is going to be fun because he really doesn't have a clue about what I'm gonna' to say next.
George always says he's delighted to come to these press dinners. Baloney. He's usually in bed by now.

I'm not kidding.

I said to him the other day, "George, if you really want to end tyranny in the world, you're going to have to stay up later."

I am married to the president of the United States, and here's our typical evening: Nine o'clock, Mr. Excitement here is sound asleep, and I'm watching Desperate Housewives— with Lynne Cheney. Ladies and gentlemen, I am a desperate housewife. I mean, if those women on that show think they're desperate, they oughta be with George.

One night, after George went to bed, Lynne Cheney, Condi Rice, Karen Hughes and I went to Chippendale's. I wouldn't even mention it except Ruth Ginsberg and Sandra Day O'Connor saw us there. I won't tell you what happened, but Lynne's Secret Service codename is now "Dollar Bill."

But George and I are complete opposites — I'm quiet, he's talkative, I'm introverted, he's extroverted, I can pronounce nuclear — The amazing thing, however, is that George and I were just meant to be. I was the librarian who speant 12 hours a day in the library, yet somehow I met George.

We met, and married, and I became one of the regulars up at Kennebunkport. All the Bushes love Kennebunkport, which is like Crawford, but without the nightlife. People ask me what it's like to be up there with the whole Bush clan. Lemme put it this way: First prize — three-day vacation with the Bush family. Second prize — 10 days.

Speaking of prizes brings me to my mother-in-law. So many mothers today are just not involved in their children's lives — Not a problem with Barbara Bush. People often wonder what my mother-in-law's really like. People think she's a sweet, grandmotherly, Aunt Bea type. She's actually more like, mmm, Don Corleone.

Cedric, am I doing all right?

I saw my in-laws down at the ranch over Easter. We like it down there. George didn't know much about ranches when we bought the place. Andover and Yale don't have a real strong ranching program. But I'm proud of George. He's learned a lot about ranching since that first year when he tried to milk the horse. What's worse, it was a male horse.

Now, of course, he spends his days clearing brush, cutting trails, taking down trees, or, as the girls call it, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. George's answer to any problem at the ranch is to cut it down with a chainsaw — which I think is why he and Cheney and Rumsfeld get along so well.

It's always very interesting to see how the ranch air invigorates people when they come down from Washington. Recently, when Vice President Cheney was down, he got up early one morning, he put on his hiking boots, and he went on a brisk, 20- to 30-foot walk.
But actually, in all seriousness, I do love the ranch, and I love the whole Bush family. I was an only child, and when I married into the extended Bush clan, I got brothers and sisters and wonderful in-laws, all of whom opened their arms to me. And included in the package, I got this guy here.

I think when you marry someone, you unconsciously are looking for something in your spouse to help fulfill something in you, and George did that for me. He brought fun and energy into my life and so many other things. George is a very good listener, he's easy to be around, and on top of it all, he's a loving father whose daughters absolutely adore him.

So in the future, when you see me just quietly sitting up here, I want you to know that I'm happy to be here for a reason — I love, and enjoy being with, the man who usually speaks to you on these occasions.

So George and I thank you for inviting us, thank you for all of the good work that you and the press do, and thank you for your very kind hospitality this evening.

2005-05-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

It's the Run for the Roses Folks! Bellamy Road in warmups this week...he's a stud!

Kentucky Derby: Favored Bellamy Road draws an Outside Post

2005-05-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

By Seattle Times news services

Here are the morning line odds and post positions for the 131st running of the Kentucky Derby : http://www.derbypost.com/tipsheet.html

Kentucky Derby favorite Bellamy Road, with exercise rider Carlos Correa up, works out along the backstretch at Churchill Downs. Bellamy Road's trainer is Nick Zito, above. Zito has five horses in the field and is looking for his third victory.

Trainer Nick Zito has the favorite for the Kentucky Derby again, this time with Bellamy Road, owned by Yankees boss George Steinbrenner. Bellamy Road was made the 5-2 favorite for Saturday's richest Derby ever, and drew the No. 16 post yesterday.

The No. 16 post has worked well in the last decade, producing three Derby winners — Thunder Gulch in 1995, Charismatic in 1999 and Monarchos in 2001. A full field of 20 3-year-olds was entered for the 1 ¼-mile race, with Afleet Alex the second choice at 9-2. Bandini was the third choice at 6-1. Bellamy Road is one of five Zito horses in the field, equaling the record by Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas in 1996. Lukas won that year with Grindstone.

Zito's other horses are High Fly at 8-1, leaving from the No. 11 post; Noble Causeway at 12-1 (No. 4 post); Sun King at 15-1 (No. 3); and Andromeda's Hero at 50-1 (No. 2). Asked how long it took to decide which horse would leave from which gate, Zito said: "Five minutes, a minute for each horse. I wanted Bellamy Road on the outside, and I think we got everything we wanted."

Last year, Zito's The Cliff's Edge was the slight favorite, but Smarty Jones ended up as the top choice.
It's unlikely the favorite's role will change this year, not after Bellamy Road's last two races, a 17 ½-length romp in the Wood Memorial on April 9 and a 15 ¾-length rout in an allowance race a month earlier. Bellamy Road will be ridden by Javier Castellano.

This is the richest Derby, with a purse of $2,399,600. If all 20 start, the winner's share is a record $1,639,600. The last time 20 horses started the Derby was 1984. That year a rule was made to cap the field at 20, and since then the maximum has yet to be reached. Last year 20 were entered but St Averil and Wimbledon were late scratches.

Steinbrenner's Derby record is 0 for 5. His first starter, Steve's Friend, was fifth in 1977. Eternal Prince was 12th in 1985, Diligence (1996) and Concerto (1997) each finished ninth and Blue Burner was 11th in 2002.
Lukas, a four-time Derby winner, and Bob Baffert, a three-time winner, both have 50-1 longshots. Lukas trains Going Wild and Baffert has Sort It Out.

Zito, playing to his Kentucky audience in the selection event in Churchill Downs' Triple Crown Room, compared having a fourth of the field to making college basketball's Final Four. "No matter how you look at it, we've made it," he said. "Now we've just got to see if we can get it done."

In 1998, the track instituted a two-tiered format to determine post positions that is supposed to infuse an element of strategy into the time-honored "luck of the draw." Under this system, a traditional draw is held to determine the order in which entrants' representatives pick their positions in the starting gate.

With the 10th selection, Zito took what might seem to be an unusual post for the front-running Bellamy Road, because conventional wisdom suggests being closer to the rail is the best option for a horse that runs on or near the lead. But Zito said he didn't want to risk the long-striding Bellamy Road getting blocked or bumped as horses fight to secure a good position out of the gate. He said he hopes Bellamy Road will settle behind horses if the pace is too fast, and the best way to do that is from the outside. "I've said all week I wanted to be on the outside with that horse," he said. "He's a big, huge horse. He's like a big cat. ... Sixteen, he's way outside and he'll get a clear run."

The auxiliary gate used to be shunned, but it has come into fashion while serving as a launching pad for five of the past 10 Derby winners. With the first pick, trainer Todd Pletcher picked post 15 for Bandini, marking the first time the No. 1 choice has been used to select the auxiliary gate.

Gore to Get Lifetime Internet Award

2005-05-05T06:40:00.000-07:00

Al Gore may have been lampooned for taking credit in the Internet's development, but organizers of the Webby Awards for online achievements don't find it funny at all. In part to "set the record straight," they will give Gore a lifetime achievement award for three decades of contributions to the Internet, said Tiffany Shlain, the awards' founder and chairwoman.

"It's just one of those instances someone did amazing work for three decades as congressman, senator and vice president and it got spun around into this political mess," Shlain said. Vint Cerf, undisputedly one of the Internet's key inventors, will give Gore the award at a June 6 ceremony in New York.

"He is indeed due some thanks and consideration for his early contributions," Cerf said.
Gore, who boasted in a CNN interview he "took the initiative in creating the Internet," was only 21 when the Internet was born out of a Pentagon project.

But after joining Congress eight years later, he promoted high-speed telecommunications for economic growth and supported funding increases for the then-fledging network, according to the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, which presents the annual awards. He popularized the term "information superhighway" as vice president.

2005-05-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

Senators Mutt and Jeff...what are Massachusetts and Nevada THINKING?????

2005-05-05T06:18:00.000-07:00

...now you know why they call dogs "Man's Best Friend". (except, of course, for Greyhounds!)

Need a Dog Sitter???

2005-05-04T06:35:00.000-07:00

Miss Charlene is MY mom when mom is working...

Home Sweet Home
Burlington, NC 27215
(336) 570-9433 /(336) 312-5074
Email - cmalosky@bellsouth.net
Certified in pet CPR/First Aid/Bonded & Insured

Alamance County, NC

2005-05-04T05:03:00.000-07:00

....ah! this is why i am so sneezy! beautiful to play in, but heck on the allergies!

2005-05-04T05:02:00.000-07:00

"....Hey Coach, did you see where Doherty is sitting? Nosebleed!"

2005-05-04T04:58:00.000-07:00

Booyah Baby Blues!

2005-05-04T04:54:00.000-07:00

...a picture is worth a THOUSAND words....