DCCC 1 - Limbaugh 0

60 Senate Seats?

It looks very possible at this juncture:

"There is a strong possibility that Barack Obama will ask Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) to serve as his Secretary of Commerce, Democratic Senate aides tell the Huffington Post. Provided that Al Franken emerges victorious in the Minnesota recount, it would give Democrats in the Senate a 60th caucusing member, as New Hampshire's Democratic governor John Lynch would appoint Gregg's replacement."

Safe GOP Seats Down to FIVE!

Via: Gallup

The accompanying map shows party strength by state for 2008, ranging from states that can be considered solidly Democratic (a Democratic advantage in party identification of 10 percentage points or more) to those that can be considered solidly Republican (a Republican advantage in party identification of 10 percentage points or more). States in which the partisan advantage is less than 5 points in either direction are considered "competitive."

The political landscape of the United States has clearly shifted in the Democratic direction, and in most states, a greater proportion of state residents identified as Democrats or said they leaned to the Democratic Party in 2008 than identified as Republicans or leaned Republican.

As recently as 2002, a majority of states were Republican in orientation. By 2005, movement in the Democratic direction was becoming apparent, and this continued in 2006. That dramatic turnaround is clearly an outgrowth of Americans' dissatisfaction with the way the Republicans (in particular, President George W. Bush) governed the country.

DCCC takes on Druggie Limbaugh

Entering the fray between Rush Limbaugh and the new Obama administration, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has launched an online petition here to repudiate the incendiary conservative talk-show host. Please take a moment to sign it and forward it on to your contacts.

The petition is accompanied on the DCCC website by the well-circulated video of the Limbaugh statements that began this whole affair: the assertion, "I hope he fails." If anyone missed it, here is the video:

Stimulus Package Clears House

ZERO Republicans voted for it!

A nearly $820 billion stimulus package passed the House of Representatives Wednesday without a single Republican vote. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it stands a better chance of picking up at least a modicum of bipartisan support.

Approval of the bill is a victory for President Barack Obama and comes only eight days after his inauguration -- the swiftest passage of such a massive package in American history. The vote was 244-188, with 11 Democrats crossing party lines and opposing the measure.

"Another week that we delay is another 100,000 or more people unemployed. I don't think we want that on our consciences," said Rep. David Obey, D-Wis., chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and one of the leading architects of the legislation. "There are an awful lot of people in this chamber who think like Herbert Hoover."

William Thomas has died at 61

Anti-nuclear activist William Thomas passed away at home on Friday in Washington, D.C. Thomas is best known for setting up a permanent peace vigil outside the White House. For 27 years, he held daily vigils against US militarism and nuclear weapons in Lafayette Park across from the White House. Thomas is survived by his wife, Ellen, who resides at the Peace House. There will be a special memorial for him in Lafayette Park at noon on March 20th, on what would have been his 62nd birthday. Ellen writes: "Please send me emails with your favorite anecdotes about Thomas."

Here's video of Thomas being arrested last November at his vigil in front of the White House:



Local peace activist and friend of this blogger, Robert Rouse, passed on the following statement:

Last Friday morning, William Thomas passed away. ANYONE who has walked in front of the White House since late 1981 has seen Thomas.

William Thomas, dedicated peace and anti-nuke activist, passed away Friday morning at home. He was co-pilot of the 24-hour seven-day a week vigil at the White House for 27 years. He is survived by his wife Ellen and vigil co-pilot Concepcion. I remember Thomas from my high school years early on in his vigil. Millions of people from hundreds of countries visited Thomas as he kept vigiling, warning them of the dangers of nuclear holocaust and the ravages of war. He will be greatly missed by the peace and justice movement.

Rest in PEACE, Thomas. The world became a much more hopeful place during the week of your death. Perhaps you knew that and were comfortable in leaving behind your long vigil. Others will carry on in your absence and ensure that the United States of America once more becomes a shining beacon of peace and hope to the rest of the world.

Too Sexy for the Super Bowl

From The New York Post:

NBC pulled the plug on a PETA pro-veggie commercial planned for the Super Bowl because it "depicts a level of sexuality exceeding our standards," according to NBC Universal's advertising standards executive, Victoria Morgan. The ad, which carries the tagline, "Studies Show Vegetarians Have Better Sex," shows lingerie-clad stunners getting "intimate" with vegetables.

Check out more shunned ads from PETA here!

What Would Jesus Do?

A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front
of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.

As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up.

He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

He said, ‘I’m very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him.’ I noticed the ‘What Would Jesus Do’ bumper sticker, the ‘Choose Life’ license plate holder, the ‘Follow Me to Sunday-School’ bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk; naturally…I assumed you had stolen the car.’

Quotes of the Day

Via the New York Post:

President Obama warned Republicans on Capitol Hill today that they need to quit listening to radio king Rush Limbaugh if they want to get along with Democrats and the new administration.

"You can't just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done," he told top GOP leaders, whom he had invited to the White House to discuss his nearly $1 trillion stimulus package.

One White House official confirmed the comment but said he was simply trying to make a larger point about bipartisan efforts."There are big things that unify Republicans and Democrats," the official said. "We shouldn't let partisan politics derail what are very important things that need to get done."

That wasn't Obama's only jab at Republicans today.

In an exchange with Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) about the proposal, the president shot back: "I won," according to aides briefed on the meeting."I will trump you on that."

Not that Obama was gloating. He was just explaining that he aims to get his way on stimulus package and all other legislation, sources said, noting his unrivaled one-party control of both congressional chambers.

Fox News Fears Imbalance

Fox News is really scared about what might happen, and oblivious to what already has:

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Fox News Fear Imbalance

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

An Apology

We, the United States of America, your top quality supplier of the ideals of liberty and democracy, would like to apologize for our 2001-2008 interruption in service. The technical fault that led to this eight-year service outage has been located, and the software responsible was replaced November 4. Early tests of the newly reinstalled program indicate that we are now operating correctly, and we expect it to be fully functional on January 20. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the outage. We look forward to resuming full service and hope to improve in years to come. We thank you for your patience and understanding,

Sincerely,
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

OBAMETER

I found this site recently, and it's worth looking at or even bookmarking. It's pretty in depth into President Obama's campaign promises and sorting truth from fiction.

PolitiFact is a project of the St. Petersburg Times to help find the truth in politics. Every day, reporters and researchers from the Times examine statements by members of Congress, the president, cabinet secretaries, lobbyists, people who testify before Congress and anyone else who speaks up in Washington. They research their statements and then rate the accuracy on their Truth-O-Meter – True, Mostly True, Half True, Barely True and False. The most ridiculous falsehoods get their lowest rating, Pants on Fire.

They also rate the consistency of public officials on their Flip-O-Meter using three ratings: No Flip, Half Flip and Full Flop.

Find them on the web at http://www.politifact.com/

Friday Nite Retro - Soul Asylum

THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY!!! Okay. . .I feel better now! Welcome once again to Friday Nite Retro here at Left in Aboite - where tonight's headliner is Soul Asylum. The band, in one form or another, has been active since 1981 but flew under the radar until their 1992 album "Grave Dancer's Union". The first release from Union, Runaway Train, quickly broke into the top ten and garnered the band the recognition and success that had eluded if for a decade.

On January 20, 1993, the group performed at the first inauguration of President Bill Clinton. The next year, Soul Asylum received the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song for "Runaway Train." The music video for "Runaway Train" featured photographs and names of missing children in a public service video style. At the end of the video, lead vocalist David Pirner appears and says "If you've seen one of these kids, or you are one of them, please call this number" before a missing children telephone helpline number appeared. For use outside the USA, the video was edited to include photos and names of missing children from the area the video would be used. The video was instrumental in reuniting several children with their families.

Runaway Train


Two other songs from Union, Somebody to Shove and Black Gold, also cracked the top ten for the band.

Somebody to Shove


Black Gold


Soul Asylum never again achieved the success level of Union, but did manage a top twenty hit with the track "Misery" from "Let Your Dim Light Shine". By 1997, the band had been dropped from Columbia Records roster. David Pirner said, "It's sort of sad to say, but you could see the whole grunge-rock-band thing getting totally over-saturated and people were looking for something new." The band took a step back; Pirner explained, "We needed to reassess how far we've gone and how much further we're going to go and which way we want to go and what we do right and what we do wrong. It was kind of time to take inventory."

Misery


Dave Pirner became good friends with director Kevin Smith, a longtime Soul Asylum fan. The band contributed music to three Kevin Smith films, Clerks, Clerks II, and 1997's Chasing Amy (in which Pirner provided the score). Smith directed the music video for the song "Can't Even Tell," which was featured on the Clerks soundtrack.

Soul Asylum still tours today; check them out at their official website.

The Ultimate Obama Action Figure

Geezuss. Rollerblading. In spandex. Christ. This is, without a doubt, the best President Obama action figure ever: Posable, with facial expressions, interchangeable hands, katanas, 9mm gun, assault rifle, and a lightsaber, among many other complements.

Seriously, the level of detail in this thing is simply amazing - leave it to Japan! And the possibilities are endless. . .

Confirmed: NSA Watching Everything on Anyone Illegally

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Quote of the Day

It's not often that I quote Druggie Limpballs here, so, relish the moment:

RUSH: The Democrats own the country. There's nothing anybody can do to stop it. We should just lay down and accept it.

It's good to see that even his assholiness is capable of a moment of clarity!

Obama's First Press Conference as President

"As of today, lobbyists will be subject to stricter limits than under any ... other administration in history," Obama told reporters as he signed the new rules. The restrictions included a ban on gifts by lobbyists to anyone serving in the administration.

The Obama Inauguration

In a word: whew. . .

Obama inaugurated in Lego form

President-elect Obama and his family along with Vice President-elect Joseph Biden and his wife will be replicated as mini-figures in Lego bricks. Invited dignitaries include Lego versions of President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Lynne Cheney, former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush and Sen. Dianne Feinstein:

Justice After All?

Now that we are in the final hours of the Bush administration, does it appear that there may be a special prosecutor in the future for Bush and company? Were Dem leaders whistling past the graveyard and waiting out the clock on this one? I'm beginning to suspect so:

Celebrity-Packed Pledge For Obama

Hollywood heavyweights made their pledges to Barack Obama in the video below. Directed and edited by Demi Moore, it features celebrity pledges by Cameron Diaz, Hayden Panetierre, Laura Linney, Dakota Fanning, Jaime Pressley, Ashlee Simpson, Nicole Richie, Ashton Kutcher, Tobey Maguire, Diddy, Alyssa Milano, Marisa Tomei, Courteney Cox Arquette and David Arquette, and others.

Reflecting Barack's call for change, the film features over 50 of the biggest stars in Hollywood revealing how they plan to personally participate in keeping America strong, proud and green. The clip will be presented to our new President during his inaugural celebration.

Ken Blackwell - "Country First"

That's high sarcasm, of course, considering the RNC chair's primary concern regarding job growth under President Obama:

While only a few details are known, one overlooked issue is that it could create a major electoral advantage for Democrats at taxpayer expense. That would be unacceptable for what is being touted as a nonpartisan measure, and gives Republicans yet another reason to oppose it if not restructured. […]

But most federal employees, that are not political appointees, vote Democrat. Since Washington, DC is the seat of government, whenever new federal bureaucrats are created many live in Maryland and Virginia. In 2008, Virginia went Democrat for the first time since 1964, and Mr. Obama won it by 130,000 votes. Creating 600,000 new jobs might help cement Virginia in the Democrat column, making it harder for Republicans to retake the White House.

In summary, Blackwell is all for new jobs. Provided they go to loyal Republican voters. . .I, for one, am pleased to have Blackwell at the helm of the Republican Party. It takes away some of the pressure. Then again, I wasn't particularly feeling any as of late.

Countdown: The Bush Legacy - Eight Years in Eight Minutes

"Gitmo of Everything"!

On January 20th, everything must go:

"Hoods! Blindfolds! Shackles! Chains! Dog bones for people! If it's used to humanely detain or interrogate prisoners, we've got it! And we're passing the savings onto you."

Ode to a Friend

I lost my dad when I was 35, and my mom when I was 37. Now I've lost a friend at 44; and she was only 36. None of the above makes any sense to me. Your 30's should not involve death in any shape or manner. . .sing it, Don:

Rick Sanchez blasts "Joe the Plumber"

On Wednesday, CNN's Rick Sanchez went after "War Corespondent" Joe the Plumber:



Thanks for reminding me of this, Charles!

Friday Nite Retro - 90's One Hit Divas

Welcome to Friday Nite Retro - The 90's One Hit Divas Edition!

The Triplets - "You Don't Have to Go Home Tonight"

The Divinyls - "I Touch Myself"


Four Non Blondes - "What's Up"


Merril Bainbridge - "Mouth"


Donna Lewis - "I Love You Always Forever"


Meredith Brooks - "Bitch"


Tracy Bonham - "Mother Mother"


Deelite - "Groove Is In The Heart"

The Evolution of Dance - Part 2!

Judson Laipply is back with the official sequel to "Evolution of Dance" - one of the most watched Internet videos of all time! Go to http://www.eod2.com/ for more information. Upload your photo and dance alongside Judson at http://www.peoplejam.com/eod/ ! Presented by Saveology.com:

Ashford and Simpson: "Solid as Barack"

Ricardo Montalban has died at 88

Ricardo Montalban died this morning at home in Los Angeles from complications related to old age. May we all be so lucky to expire in the same manner. Montalban was a big-screen star from the 1940's through the 1960's, starring in dozens of films during that period. But his largest fame was to come from the small screen, portraying the mysterious Mr.Rourke on Fantasy Island. That series ran from 1978 through 1984.



Also during that time, he served as a commercial spokesperson for Chrysler Corporation, particularly known for his silky allusion to the "soft Corinthian leather" of the Chrysler Cordoba.



Montalban also had a role in the 1967 "Star Trek" television episode, "Space Seed," in which he portrayed Khan Noonian Singh. He reprised that role on the big screen with great success in the 1982 film "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan". As Khan, Montalban was deliciously over the top, vowing to wreak revenge on Star Trek Admiral James T. Kirk: "I'll chase him 'round the moons of Nivea, and 'round the Antares maelstrom, and 'round perdition's flames before I give him up."



He had been confined to a wheelchair in recent years, in nearly constant pain from a congenital condition that affected his spine. Despite that, he continued to work, most recently recently, as the voice of Señor Señor Sr. on the Disney Channel's animated series "Kim Possible." Montalban is survived by two daughters, Laura Montalban and Anita Smith; two sons, Mark Montalban and Victor Montalban; and six grandchildren.

Note to Sarah Palin

In her recent interview with Esquire Magazine, Caribou Barbie complained:

"When did we start accepting as hard news sources bloggers, anonymous bloggers, especially? Bored, anonymous, pathetic bloggers who lie annoy me....I'll tell you, yesterday the Anchorage Daily News, they called again to ask -- double-, triple-, quadruple-check -- who is Trig's real mom. And I said, Come on, are you kidding me? We're gonna answer this? Do you not believe me or my doctor? And they said, No, it's been quite cryptic the way that my son's birth has been discussed. And I thought, Okay, more indication of continued problems in the world of journalism."

When did we start accepting as vice-presidential candidates, individuals who cannot name one daily newspaper that they read on a regular basis? This blogger reads three dailys in print in addition to numerous online articles.

When was the last time that you recall any candidate for national office being completely unfamiliar with not only the policies of the current administration (IE The Bush Doctrine), but also the workings of each branch of government. I know what Bush's foreign policy consists of as well as I know what power the vice-president has in the U.S.Senate (A tie-breaking vote. Period.), and I've never held ANY elected office or attended more than ONE college.

When was the last time that foreign policy experience depended solely on. . .vision? You can't even actually see Russia from your house, but. . .what if you could? Should David Patterson be ousted as New York Guv since he can't physically see Canada due to his blindness? I'm guessing that nearly all of the decisions he makes regarding the Empire State have nothing to do with the great white north. . .

Is Trig actually your child? Frankly, I could care less about his genealogy than I do about they way you used the child as a campaign prop. I can see where one might get the idea that you aren't his actual mother. Or maybe you just exercise poor judgement. I think that's far more likely. And way to go with the combination of "family values" and parenting skills. . .perhaps you could co-author a book with Mrs.Spears. Maybe not. . .

I could go on and on but, alas. . .I've devoted far too much time to this already. Nearly 15 minutes by my count. And your 15 minutes have already passed. "Nailin' Palin" will have a longer shelf life than your actual window of fame, due to regressive, perverted members of your party renting or buying it to assuage their only real reason for supporting you at all - you have nice legs. Not much of a platform, but a nice rack. You're a real boon to suffrage in these United States. G'nite Barbie.

Campbell Brown Rips Bush over Katrina Claims

You Tell Me

It's Monday again, and time to submit your wittiest caption for this photo:

Gran Torino Earns Eastwood Best Opening of Career

We saw this on Friday (opening day) and I highly recommend it! Apparently alot of other folks agree.



As reported by Jake Coyle :

Make my weekend. Clint Eastwood has had the best movie opening of his long and esteemed career. His "Gran Torino" revved up the winter box office with $29 million in ticket sales in its first weekend of wide release, according to studio estimates Sunday.

It's Eastwood's best opening ever, topping the $18 million his "Space Cowboys" made in 2000.

In what Eastwood, 78, has said may be his last starring performance, he plays a disgruntled war veteran who reluctantly comes to the aid of his neighbors.

The National Board of Review dubbed Eastwood's performance the best for an actor in 2008, and his song "Gran Torino" was nominated for a Golden Globe at Sunday's awards ceremony.

"Gran Torino," which Eastwood also directed, was previously in limited release for four weeks. It jumped from 84 theaters to 2,808 this weekend after boasting very high theater averages.

Burst of Durst - Five Presidents

Obama takes a Chili Break

President-elect Barack Obama dropped in for a bite to eat at Ben's Chili Bowl, a venerable downtown Washington, DC diner. He was joined by DC mayor Adrian Fenty:

Friday Nite Retro - Chris Rea

Middlesbrough, England native Chris Rea is a blues-rock singer songwriter who's distinctive, raspy voice stands out in the crowd. His first release in 1978 spawned his first hit, and preceded a long dry spell in his career, at least here in America. From "Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?", here's "Fool (If You Think it's Over)":

Fool if You Think it's Over


Rea released eight albums throughout the 1980's, but focused promotion primarily on European audiences. He went mute to most Americans until 1989's "The Road to Hell" spawned it's title track hit:

The Road to Hell


Rea's 1992 album, God's Great Banana Skin, offered up the haunting strains of "Nothing to Fear":

Nothing to Fear


1993's "Espresso Logic" contained the track "Julia", written about his second daughter. The song gave him his 11th Top 40 in the U.K. Locally, fans of WJHS will recognize this one:

Julia


A long period of ill health prevented his next album from appearing until 1998. After his near death experience from pancreatic troubles, Rea returned to his earlier, mellower jazz blues sound. He's still active today, and you can visit his website to see what he's up to today.

The President's Meeting

We were fortunate enough to find this never before published picture snapped at yesterday's meeting of the presidents:

Obama Teams up with Spidey for Inauguration Comic

Spider-Man has a new sidekick: Barack Obama! As a child, Obama collected Spider-Man and Conan the Barbarian comic books. His Senate Web site used to have a photo of him posing in front of a Superman statue. So Marvel Comics wanted to give him a "shout-out back" by featuring him in a bonus story, said Joe Quesada, Marvel's editor-in-chief:

The comic starts with Spider-Man's alter-ego Peter Parker taking photographs at the inauguration, before spotting two identical Obamas.

Parker decides "the future president's gonna need Spider-Man," and springs into action, using basketball to determine the real Obama and punching out the impostor.

Obama thanks him with a fist-bump.

Obamicon Yourself!

A bit of post-election fun from the folks at Paste Magazine. Click on my mug to go there and create your own little masterpiece. . .

The longest election season in memory is now over, and we wanted to help you unwind and express yourself as we head into the new era.

Make your own "Obamicon" — your image in a style inspired by Shepard Fairey's iconic poster. Regardless of your candidate of choice in the 2008 election, here's your chance to sound-off.

Take your picture with a webcam or upload a photo, choose your own message, and submit to the gallery.

The Real Threat to Americans

Mike Pence Challenges Americans to ‘Check’ His Facts: Guess What? He’s Got Them Wrong

Via: Think Progress -

Appearing on CSPAN’s Washington Journal this morning, Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), the third ranking Republican in the House, repeatedly claimed that the solution to the economic crisis was to “do what Ronald Reagan did” and implement “across-the-board permanent marginal tax reductions.” Towards the end of his interview, however, a caller challenged Pence’s idea, saying that deficits exploded under Reagan, forcing the first President Bush to raise taxes.

Pence replied that the caller was right that Reagan “saw deficits and the national debt grow,” but claimed it was the fault of spending in Congress because Reagan’s tax cuts “resulted in more than a doubling of the revenues.” Pence then asked viewers to “check me on this”:

PENCE: You’re absolutely correct in saying that they saw deficits and the national debt grow under President Reagan, but it was — and check me on this, people can check things easily on the internet these days, check me on this — the rate reductions that President Reagan enacted resulted in more than a doubling of the revenues over the next seven years that went from the American people to the federal government.

Watch it:

ThinkProgress loves a challenge, so we looked into Pence’s claim. As he suggested, it wasn’t hard to find out on the internet that this common conservative claim is wrong.

As Media Matters noted when Sean Hannity made the same argument, revenues did not get close to doubling under Reagan:

According to the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB), when adjusted for inflation to constant fiscal year 2000 dollars, receipts (revenues) increased only from $1.077 trillion to $1.236 trillion during Reagan’s term in office. Even in unadjusted (current) dollars, Hannity’s claim that revenues “doubled” to more than $1 trillion during the Reagan administration is false: From 1981 to 1988, revenues in current dollars increased from $599.3 billion to $909.3 billion.

Additionally, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) has found that “Income tax receipts grew noticeably more slowly than usual in the 1980s, after the large cuts in individual and corporate income tax rates in 1981.” In contrast, “income tax collections grew much more rapidly in the 1990s,” when “marginal income tax rates at the top of the income spectrum were raised,” wrote CBPP.

Israeli Soldier - Palestinian Girl

Al Franken on Solid Gold

Apparently today is a good day for old video finds. Earlier I posted video of Barack Obama, the restaurant critic. Now, here's a rarer find - Al Franken, with partner Tom Davis, performing as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards on the 80's dance show "Solid Gold":

Hawaiian Shirt Creator dies at 86

Alfred Shaheen, the man behind the modern Hawaiian garment industry, died Dec. 22 of complications from diabetes. The entrepreneur was 86 years old.

Shaheen noticed the many tourists from the mainland purchasing colorful but cheesy looking shirts and sundresses from small tourist shops to take home as souvenirs. Sensing an opportunity, Shaheen opened his own business in 1948, designing and printing his own higher quality Hawaiian apparel. Within a decade, he had more than 400 employees working for him and was grossing more than $4 million a year as the major player in the islands' garment industry. He closed his factory upon his retirement in 1988.

Restaurant Critic Obama

A long lost clip from a local Chicago television show called "Check, Please!" has surfaced. Here's Barack Obama reviewing "Dixie Kitchen":

Senator Franken

"While there are still possible legal issues that will run their course, there is no longer any doubt who will be the next Senator from Minnesota. With the Senate set to begin meeting on Tuesday to address the important issues facing the nation, it is crucial that Minnesota's seat not remain empty, and I hope this process will resolve itself as soon as possible."

- Chuck Schumer

You Tell Me

Mundane Morning is here again and you know what that means! No, besides that, AND that. I mean it's time to caption this photo:

I took Poppy Bush's Advice

Papa Bush appeared on Fox News Sunday, and advised folks that wanted to know about his son's failures to "google it". . .



So, I took his advice. A few things turned up. . .

Results 1 - 10 of about 3,260,000 for bush failures. (0.16 seconds)

Something's Wrong with the World Today

EMORY, Texas — A teenage girl charged with capital murder for her role in the deaths of her mother and two young brothers agreed to a plea deal that could make her eligible for parole when she's 59, her attorney said.

SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. — A 12-year-old boy who fatally shot his mother after an argument over his chores was found guilty of premeditated murder.

I need to go apologize to my kids for making them clean their rooms. Be right back. . .

Sycamore Hills Blaze Destroys Barrister's Home

The home of Harry Foster, a prominent local attorney, was destroyed by fire yesterday. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two hours on Saturday afternoon to no avail. No human lives were lost in the Sycamore Hills blaze, but two pets were lost in the fire.

"Bushisms" over the Years

_ "I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully." _ September 2000, explaining his energy policies at an event in Michigan.

_ "Rarely is the question asked, is our children learning?" _ January 2000, during a campaign event in South Carolina.

_ "They misunderestimated the compassion of our country. I think they misunderestimated the will and determination of the commander in chief, too." _ Sept. 26, 2001, in Langley, Va. Bush was referring to the terrorists who carried out the Sept. 11 attacks.

_ "There's no doubt in my mind, not one doubt in my mind, that we will fail." _ Oct. 4, 2001, in Washington. Bush was remarking on a back-to-work plan after the terrorist attacks.

_ "It would be a mistake for the United States Senate to allow any kind of human cloning to come out of that chamber." _ April 10, 2002, at the White House, as Bush urged Senate passage of a broad ban on cloning.

_ "I want to thank the dozens of welfare-to-work stories, the actual examples of people who made the firm and solemn commitment to work hard to embetter themselves." _ April 18, 2002, at the White House.

_ "There's an old saying in Tennessee _ I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee _ that says, fool me once, shame on _ shame on you. Fool me _ you can't get fooled again." _ Sept. 17, 2002, in Nashville, Tenn.

_ "Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." _ Aug. 5, 2004, at the signing ceremony for a defense spending bill.

_ "Too many good docs are getting out of business. Too many OB/GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across this country." _ Sept. 6, 2004, at a rally in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

_ "Our most abundant energy source is coal. We have enough coal to last for 250 years, yet coal also prevents an environmental challenge." _ April 20, 2005, in Washington.

_ "We look forward to hearing your vision, so we can more better do our job." _ Sept. 20, 2005, in Gulfport, Miss.

_ "I can't wait to join you in the joy of welcoming neighbors back into neighborhoods, and small businesses up and running, and cutting those ribbons that somebody is creating new jobs." _ Sept. 5, 2005, when Bush met with residents of Poplarville, Miss., in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

_ "It was not always a given that the United States and America would have a close relationship. After all, 60 years we were at war 60 years ago we were at war." _ June 29, 2006, at the White House, where Bush met with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

_ "Make no mistake about it, I understand how tough it is, sir. I talk to families who die." _ Dec. 7, 2006, in a joint appearance with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

_ "These are big achievements for this country, and the people of Bulgaria ought to be proud of the achievements that they have achieved." _ June 11, 2007, in Sofia, Bulgaria.

_ "Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for your introduction. Thank you for being such a fine host for the OPEC summit." _ September 2007, in Sydney, Australia, where Bush was attending an APEC summit.

_ "Thank you, Your Holiness. Awesome speech." April 16, 2008, at a ceremony welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the White House.

_ "The fact that they purchased the machine meant somebody had to make the machine. And when somebody makes a machine, it means there's jobs at the machine-making place." _ May 27, 2008, in Mesa, Ariz.

_ "And they have no disregard for human life." _ July 15, 2008, at the White House. Bush was referring to enemy fighters in Afghanistan.

_ "I remember meeting a mother of a child who was abducted by the North Koreans right here in the Oval Office." _ June 26, 2008, during a Rose Garden news briefing.

_ "Throughout our history, the words of the Declaration have inspired immigrants from around the world to set sail to our shores. These immigrants have helped transform 13 small colonies into a great and growing nation of more than 300 people." _ July 4, 2008 in Virginia.

_ "The people in Louisiana must know that all across our country there's a lot of prayer _ prayer for those whose lives have been turned upside down. And I'm one of them. It's good to come down here." _ Sept. 3, 2008, at an emergency operations center in Baton Rouge, La., after Hurricane Gustav hit the Gulf Coast.

_ "This thaw _ took a while to thaw, it's going to take a while to unthaw." Oct. 20, 2008, in Alexandria, La., as he discussed the economy and frozen credit markets.

Religulous

Watch it while it lasts:

Friday Nite Retro - Low Millions

Okay, not terribly retro, but. . .it's been five years since their first and only album! The meaning of the name "Low Millions", quoted from lead man Adam Cohen in an interview:

"It reflects a condition that anybody at anytime can be in... That is the state of being a low million. It's a calling card — there are millions of subscribers in the world and we are certainly one of them at any given moment. The credentials to be part of this group range from stubbing your toe to waking up on the wrong side of bed, to being stuck in traffic, to being an ex — basically being low."

Eleanor


Statue

You Tell Me

This one just HAD to show up sooner or later! Submit your best caption for this photo, along with a "small contribution" and I will appoint announce you as today's caption contest winner!

Claiborne Pell has died at 90

Long-term Rhode Island Senator was the creator of the Pell Grant:

Claiborne Pell, who was the driving force behind a grant program that has helped tens of millions of Americans attend college, died Thursday after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. The former Senator was 90 years old. He serve the people of the state of Rhode Island from 1960 through 1997, retiring two years after disclosing his illness.

Pell sponsored legislation creating the Basic Educational Opportunity Grants, which passed in 1972 and provided direct aid to college students. The awards were renamed "Pell Grants" in 1980. By the time Pell retired, they had aided more than 54 million low- and middle-income Americans.

"He believed strongly that a good education could open infinite doors of opportunity, and he has transformed the lives of millions of young people who have been able to go to college because of the grant that rightly bears his name," said Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.

Thomas Hughes, Pell's chief of staff from 1975 until his retirement, said Pell believed financial aid should be given directly to students rather than distributed by colleges and universities.

"He always had this view that the federal government should help young people be able to have an education beyond high school," Hughes said.

This blogger was a recipient of one of Senator Pell's grants, which allowed me to attend Ivy Tech in the early 1980's. I salute him for his work on behalf of making higher education possible for all and personally thank him for his influence on my life. Rest in peace, sir.

Kathy Griffin lets loose on Live TV

CNN had Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin cohosting their live New Year's Eve show, and Kathy made Anderson blush on more than one occasion.

When she said she may host a reunion of "Bad Girls Club" during a reality show conversation, she started to catch some flack from Anderson and those off-camera for her job.

Her response?


"I don't go to your job and knock the dicks out of your mouth."