Saturday, January 5, 2008

Winter Storm Savages the West, Levee Break Traps Thousands in Nevada as Three States Lose Power

McCain: 100 Years in Iraq Would Be Fine With Me

In a New Hampshire town meeting, John McCain made a comment destined to be controversial as an excerpt. However, he also gave a neat little history lesson and frames American involvement in Iraq.

But will this controversial statement enhance or derail his presidential campaign? Will it inspire some honest dialogue among other candidates?

Stay tuned. McCain just set the gold standard for campaign honesty.

New Hampshire vs. Fox News: Republicans Pull Co-Sponsorship of Debate

New Hampshire: Ron Paul Working It, Romney Takes on McCain & "Other Insiders"

Look Out Starbucks: McDonald's Baristas To Add Lattes, Espresso, Flavor Shots in 2008 McCafe

African Adventure: 7-Year-Old to Climb Mt.. Kilimanjaro, Raise Money for Jane Goodall Charity

If Keat Boyds makes his 19,334 feet dream climb, he'll be the youngest person ever to conquer the fabled Mount Killimanjaro. He's also learning Swahili for his African adventure.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Sen. Joe Biden Drops Out After Iowa Caucus

The Iowa Caucus is shaking leaves off the campaign tree. Biden, a populist Democrat, has joined Sen. Chris Dodd in bowing out of the race. Biden, a populist Democrat, wrote the Violence Against Women legislation.

Sen. Chris Dodd Out of presidential Race

Sources are reporting that Sen. Chris Dodd is set to withdraw from the Democratic race for the U.S. presidential nomination. Following his poor showing in Iowa, the Peace Corps veteran and long-time lawmaker is ready to go home to Connecticut.

Over the next few days, the ranks of presidential contenders from both parties may begin to thin out.

Iowa Caucus Results: Obama & Huckabee




Sen. Barack Obama (Democrat) and Gov. Mike Huckabee (Republican) won decisively tonight in Iowa. Other Democratic voting put Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. John Edwards effectively tied for second place, with Obama taking a several-point lead.

Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee emerged as the Republican standard-bearer, with Gov. Mitt Romney several points behind. Sen. Fred Thompson and Sen. John McCain limped in third and fouirth.

The weather's been cold, but the campaigning has been hot--and sometimes hot under the collar, as charges of negative ads soared. Will these votes be an accurate forecast of the next set of primary or caucus elections?

Stay tuned.

Question: are you surprised at any of the results? The comment box is free and open.



Note: video and other coverage follows below.

Texas: Dennis Kucinich in Flap Over Loyalty Oath, Heads to Court

What would an election be without lawsuits and celebrities? Dennis Kucinich, in a snit over the Texas Democratic Party loyalty oath, winds up off the ballot.

Backed by Willie Nelson, Kucinich saddled up and moseyed off to court. He's seeking a restraining order against the party's decision.

Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, people are bombing, shooting, rioting, setting churches on fire with sanctuary seekers inside. Given that, going to court sounds like a darned good alternative.

Dancing Airman: If the Iowa Caucus is Boring You, This Video of Dean Tabrehan Marshalling Jets Will Set You to Dancing

He's now a celebrity--and all because of how this foxy Brit air marshall busts a move directing RAF jets, for a good cause. This event has raised thousands for cancer research.

28-year-old Dean Tabrehan dances Tornado jets into the sky, using music clips that range from YMCA to rap--and some other rhythms you wouldn't expect. It's a bit of cheeky Brit fun in a good cause.

Dance on, Dean. Can I have your autograph?

Oh yes--they'll be doing the caucus thing in Iowa tonight. How about we ask all the candidates to do what Dean did to raise money for charity? Say while directing the media and candidate buses around a parking lot.

Now that we'd pay to see.

Wrestler Chris Benoit's Families Close to Legal Deal on Estate




Video: Media Demands Copies of Tennessee Judge's Fantasy Torture Tape

A couple of years ago, Tennessee Circuit Court Judge John Hagler made a very foolish mistake: he decided to put his torture fantasies on tape. He's now resigned, but a major mystery remains: who ratted him out to the media?

This torturous tale took two years to be outed. His just-fired secretary originally found the tape and turned it over to law enforcement. She claimed she thought it was real. (She apparently was not a graduate of the Rosemary Woods school of secretaries--and oh, no, she wasn't angry about getting fired, just being a good citizen.)

At one point, officials wondered if the tape was linked to the murder of priest Marty Davis. Hagler, however, was cleared of any suspicions.

Then how did the tape suddenly surface? It seems that Hagler had recently ruled against the Bradley County Sheriff's Department in a bitter lawsuit that sought more money for raises, personnel and other expenses.

The Bradley County Bar Association now has asked for an investigation of how the tape was released--and why. And, on the prurient interest beat, the Chattanooga Times Free Press is leading a media charge to get the tape released, citing "freedom of information."




Hey Big Spender: Tom Cruise Spends $1 Million on Jet Fuel Alone


Above: One of Tom Cruise's airplanes. Note its name!

It's long been rumored that Cruise flew Bragelina (Brad Pitt and Angelia Jolie, in normal-speak) out of Namibia on his Gulfstream IV (tail number N800TC).




Above: Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes

Iowa Caucus 101: How It Works

Believe it or not, the Republicans and the Democrats do it differently; the electors have to stand up and declare who they're for and why, and--well, it's basically a community meeting with speeches by citizens, politicing, and confusion.

In New Hampshire, the primary is a state-run function. In Iowa, the caucus system is run by the two major political parties. Citizens who want to get involved have to do more than show up and vote--these gatherings can take hours.

We hope they're serving some hot apple cider. Maybe a little hot apple pie, too.

OJ at Risk: Winter Cold Threatens Florida Orange Groves

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Breaking News: Scotland Yard to Help with Investigation Into Assassination of Benazir Bhutto

Recanting on his former "no help needed" stance, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said today that he will allow Scotland Yard to help in investigating the murder of Benazir Bhutto.

His decision came after revelations that on the day of her death, Bhutto was ready issue a report citing both corruption in the election process and the diversion of U.S. aid funds.

Even Scotland Yard has its work cut out for it. Rather than maintaining a crime scene, the Pakistan government had workers out hosing down the site of Bhutto's death. Doctors who made statements that contradicted the later official government version have said that reports have disappeared and they have been silenced.



Stranded Tourists Rescued After Horrifying Night as Chile's Llaima Volcano Erupts



In Melipeuco, hundreds fled their homes as the massive Llaima volcano erupted in ground-shaking explosions, spewing hot lava, fire, and ash. Some were able to get to emergency shelters, but many had to camp out in the open.

Although more than 150 Forest Service workers and tourists were evacuated, more than 50 people were trapped by rising floodwaters. Authorities had planned to rescue them by helicopter early today, but heavy fog grounded aircraft. Rescue teams were able to get trucks into the area.

So far, no injuries have been reported. The government says that it is ready to evacuate the entire town of about 5,000 to safer areas if the eruptions continue.

Llaima, which means "Blood Veins," is a popular mountain-climbing destination. Its taller peak is 10,253 feet (3,125 meters) high.



Benazir Bhutto Killed to Protect Corruption? Report Says She Was Ready to Reveal Election Rigging & Diversion of US Aid

Video: Global Warming? Chicago Gets The Most Snow in More than 100 Years, Weather Channel Says

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Kenya: Hundreds Die in Violence: EU Monitors Say Election Not Genuine

The horrific violence in Kenya continues to grow. A mob set fire to a church where hundreds had fled for shelter. Many, including children, died.
Warning: graphic images are contained in this report.

Video: Baltimore Fireworks Celebrate America's Star Spangled Banner

An exuberant display of fireworks over Baltimore's Inner Harbor celebrated not only the New Year, but a rich part of American history.

"The Star Spangled Banner", America's national anthem, was written here by Francis Scott Key in 1814. Originally called "The Defence of Fort McHenry", Key's poem celebrated an American victory during the war of 1812 as British ships bombarded the fort but failed to claim the battle--or the American flag.



The victory was especially important to American morale, as the British had just burned Washington, D.C., including the White House and the Capitol. Gallant First Lady Dolley Madison risked her life before British troops arrived, staying long enough to save valuable documents and the Gilbert Stuart portrait of President George Washington.

The escape of Mrs. Madison and President George Madison was such a close call that the state dinner she had planned was eaten by invading British troops before they set fire to the Whiet House. Stubbornly insisting that she stay as long as possible to pack up what she could, Mrs. Madison remained in the White House, salvaging history, after American troops guarding the mansion had fled.

Reflecting the rewed vigor of the American people after the Ft. McHenry victory, Key's poem quickly became popular and was set to music.. It became the U.S. official anthem in 1931.

Almost 200 years later, Key's words echoed in vibrant colors as Baltimore's 2008 fireworks lit up the midnight sky:


And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave?


Yes, it does, Mr. Key.

Flag flown over Ft. McHenry, 1814




For the high number of readers from the Middle East, here's a first try at an Arabic translation. Let us know if this works (in English, please).

فيديو : بالتيمور الالعاب الناريه احتفالا اميركا نجمة سبنغلد بانر

وهو exuberant عرض الالعاب الناريه فوق ميناء بالتيمور الداخلي ليس فقط احتفل بالسنه الجديدة ، ولكن غنية جزء من التاريخ الاميركي.

نجمة سبنغلد بانر" ، النشيد الوطني للولايات المتحدة ، لم يكتب هنا من قبل فرانسيس سكوت الرئيسية فى عام 1814. في الاصل تطلق على نفسها اسم "الدفاع عن فورت Mchenry" ، واحتفلت الرئيسية قصيدة انتصار اميركي خلال حرب 1812 كما قصفت السفن البريطانية فورت ولكن فشلت في معركة المطالبة -- او العلم الاميركي.

. الانتصار الذي يكتسي أهمية خاصة لمعنويات الاميركية ، كما البريطانية لتوه أحرق واشنطن العاصمة ، بما فيها البيت الابيض والكابيتول. الشهم السيدة الاولى dolley ماديسون يخاطرون حياتها قبل القوات البريطانية وصلت ، البقاء طويلا بما فيه الكفايه لحفظ الوثائق القيمه وجيلبرت ستيوارت صورة الرئيس جورج واشنطن.

هروب السيدة ماديسون وكان الرئيس جورج ماديسون هذه الكلمه قريبة من أن الدولة عشاء قالت انها كانت قد خططت كانت تؤكل من قبل القوات البريطانية الغازية قبل ان تشعل النار على منزل وقالت انها تصر بعناد على ان البقاء لاطول وقت ممكن لحزم ما تستطيع ، السيدة ماديسون بقى فى البيت الابيض لانقاذ التاريخ ، بعد ان الجنود الاميركيين الذين يتولون حراسة قصر فروا.

يعكس renewed الحماسه للشعب الامريكى بعد نهاية المباراة. Mchenry النصر ، ومفتاح قصيدة الشعبية ، وسرعان ما وضع من اجل الموسيقى.. فأصبح النشيد مسؤول امريكى فى عام 1931.

: تقريبا 0 2008 حتى أضاءت الألعاب الناريه السماء فان منتصف الليل :

والصواريخ 'الوهج الاحمر ، وانفجار قنابل في الهواء ،
اعطى الدليل من خلال الليل ان علمنا لا يزال هناك.
س اقول ، هل ان نجمة بعد موجة سبنغلد بانر
ارض الحر ، ووطن الشجعان؟



نعم ، انها ، السيد الرئيسية.

. علم جوا أكثر من نهاية المباراة. 1814 Mchenry ، 1814

التسميات : بالتيمور ، وحرق البيت الابيض ، dolley ماديسون ، والالعاب الناريه ، جورج واشنطن ، والتاريخ ، داخل المرفأ ، والنشيد الوطني ، وعشية رأس السنة الجديدة ، نجمة سبنغلد بانر ، وحرب 1812 ، في البيت الابيض

Monday, December 31, 2007

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Benazir Bhutto's Son To Head Pakistan People's Party


"Democracy is the best revenge," Bilawal Bhutto quoted his mother as saying. The 19-year-old said that he will serve as a symbol of his mother's party and vision. His father, Asif Ali Zardar, had been named in Benazir Bhutto's will, but passed the leadership to his son while he helps to manage the party.

Nuclear & Social Fallout: After Bhutto's Killing, a Shell-Shocked Pakistan Explodes in Riots & Ethnic Tensions

As Pakistan's government gives conflicting stories of the cause of death for assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and refuses outside investigatory help, Pakistan is exploding from within. Accusations of a coverup have now been joined with a flaring of ethnic tensions in this nuclear power nation.

Although the government is trying to pass off Bhutto's death as accidental while a shooter and a suicide bomber attacked her, people around the world aren't buying their story. In saying that Bhutto injured herself by falling down during the attack and hitting her head, the government is desperately trying to stop the tidal wave of declaring the truth: Bhutto is a martyr for freedom and her people, and she was assassinated in a skillful plot.



Unctously, government spokesmen have been saying how sad it is that Bhutto chose to stand up and wave at her supporters, thus leading to her falling down and causing her fatal injury. This cold, callous attempt to blame the victim while diverting attention from the government's failure to provide the reasonable security she had requested, and also distract attention from a plot, reveals why Bhutto returned home and gave her life to fight the current government.

Nuclear power, and Pakistan's people, are in the hands of duplicitous power-mongers and are at increasing risk from Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and jihadists. After Bhutto's assassination and the government's deceit, Pakistan is likely to slide backwards, thus giving terrorists exactly what they wanted.

A key question remains: why is the current government so quick to play into the terrorists' hands? Instead of shutting down investigations and turning away help, Pakistan's government should be seeking truth in an open way.

Video: Reuter's Top 10 Odd Stories of 2007

Bhutto Killing Aftermath: US Presidental Candidates Talk Foreign Policy (Roundup)

How Sweet It Is: Patriots Score Perfect Season