EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKK! I thought last night's COUNTDOWN said the deal probably WOULDN'T go!

I'd have a bit more respect for Rupert if he decided to buy WEEKLY WORLD NEWS. At least that publication would be more up his alley, and we could keep up with what Elvis and his alien companions are doing these days.

Again, EEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKK!

From NBC’s Courtney Kube:

"No amount of troops in no amount of time will make much of a difference," in Iraq, according to the nominee to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, because the troops can not help the political process.

Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing, Admiral Mike Mullen just said that the U.S. must plan for the eventual drawdown of U.S. troops in Iraq and the turnover of security responsibility there to the Iraqis.  

Mullen said that he believes that the surge is helping commanders on the ground, and that "security is better, not great, but better" because of the surge. He said that security is critical, but there has not been much political progress in Iraq.

Mullen said that he understands Americans' frustration about the war, adding, "I share it," and that the U.S. "must consider our next moves very carefully."

Rupert Murdock: Did any of your on air commentators think about this? No, because our Administration didn't either.

Question: Who should I send my check to this month Mr. Murdock? Our disabled veterans or to the Iraqi civilians in dire need of aid?

Great!  Now even the Wall Street Journal is going to smack of the right-wing blather that pours out of the totalitarian Murdoch "news" machine!!

Here's something we really can blame on Clinton after all he's the president who signed the telecommunications deregulation act that made media monopolies possible.      

My Wall Street Journal subscription is officially history

And now, let us pause for a moment of silence, as another quality newspaper passes over to the great yellow 'scandal sheet' in the sty (as in pig).  Reputable business news as they published it, will be gone forever.

Will CNBC still want to be associated with the Faux Wall Street Journal, once it loses it's reputation?

Where will all the credible journalists go?  Barrons, Bloomberg?  No one worth their salt will stay.  

What ever happened to the anti trust laws?  Where's the FCC in all this?  If nothing is done to prevent this, then we will know, without a shadow of a doubt, that our government is truly bought and paid for.  

So, when will the Journal follow in the footsteps of the Sun and the Post and start posting girlie pictures between the news stories?

FOX NEWS already finds excuses to put titilation in it's content. Look at how much time Sean Hannity spent in Reno 'investigating' the legal prostitution there.

Dan, Princeton IN (Sent Tuesday, July 31, 2007 5:25 AM) - FROM AN EARLIER THREAD

I truly appreciate your post.  You are absolutely correct about the "spelling" and that was wrong.  Paul has said some "tough" things to me in the past and yes, I allowed myself to stoop to that level.

Also, I in no way intentionally attempted to make this a racial issue.  I remember in 1974 when Aaron was getting death threats based on his skin color, the Babe was a "Saint", etc. and he really was not. Race DOES factor in based on the “All White League” vs. “The Negro League” during Babe’s era.  I don’t blame Babe Ruth for this at all; however, I do believe had there been no segregation in baseball during Babe’s era, his stats would have been negatively affected.  Also, yes, I do want Barry Bonds to break this record and hope he does.

Also, if he EVER admits to using performance enhancing drugs, or it is proven, I would be the FIRST person to want his stats stripped - all of them!!

Paul's original post included Pete Rose and he's done this before.  Rose has nothing to do with Bonds and MANY people use Bonds as rationale that Rose should be in the Hall of Fame.  I've heard it before and it’s just absurd.

Also, facts are facts; and it is true that Babe Ruth did not face certain players because of the all/white vs. Negro League in Babe's time.

I have also gone on record many times stating "I have my doubts about Bonds' use of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs".  I will do it again now.  I certainly do.  I also do believe in "due process" and unless he admits guilt or someone turns on him and he is proven guilty, I don't think people should state, "he's guilty, he's a cheater", etc.  That does not mean I personally do not have doubts, I do.  I also do of several other players; however, I won't state they are guilty or cheaters either.  They don't play for the Giants' so it's not a home town thing.

I love the game and do want the truth to be proven and/or told.  If is proven, ALL of his stats should be stripped and I would support that 1,000%.

Thank you for your kind words and hopefully, one day, we will know the truth.  I agree with you.

PEACE!!

RIP, WSJ.  May God have mercy on your souls.

Sounds like Rupert can eat out of either end.  I guess that means he can relieve out of either end, too.  The WSJ is on it's way to becoming the Necon "Rolling Stone".  Another FOX/FAUX-type info-tainment lump.

Yes...another victory. My subscription for the WSJ has just been completed. Next Dow Jones.

Lets roll!

Nard...if you would give this administration the same latitude as you give Bonds you would feel alot better AND receive much more respect.

It just amazes me how wound up you all get over this. All the newspapers, opinion channels, network news all slanting to the left and little ole me buys Dow/WSJ and your panties are in a bunch! Where's the love?

Conservatively Yours, RM

I guess we all cant be to upset about all the idiots out there being misinformed, when we have people feeding them a bunch of crap like Rupert does.

Remember, his company was the one that was going to put O.J. back in front of the camera.

Not only has George W. Bush's attack on a sovereign nation who did nothing to us cause the once successful mission in Afghanistan to fail.  The Taliban is raging back and it is only a matter of time before we begin to see more military deaths there also.  Bin Laden is free because of this and the criminal in the White House is also responsible for the horrific story below.  May you burn in Hell George W. Bush!!

GHAZNI, Afghanistan - Police at daybreak Tuesday discovered the body of a second South Korean hostage slain by the Taliban, officials said. A purported spokesman for the group said the man was killed because the Afghan government failed to release imprisoned insurgents.

The Taliban threatened to kill more hostages if their demands were not met by the latest of several deadlines — noon on Wednesday.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry confirmed that 29-year-old Shim Sung-min’s body had been found. The former information technology worker was volunteering with a South Korean church group on an aid mission to Afghanistan; 21 others remain captive.

Bunny Bump Beantown USA (Sent Tuesday, July 31, 2007 1:15 PM)

I would NOT want respect from you or the likes of you!!

Hop along now and go watch your re-runs of Oliver North War Stories and you keep that shredder handy so anything you don't like can just go away - SHRED BUDDY!!

Rupert, NYC (Sent Tuesday, July 31, 2007 1:28 PM)

Thanks for the email you sent me in response to mine.  Keith's guest last night stated what I wrote to you six months ago.  

You have a right have whoever you want on your station, FNC; however you have NO right to state it is "fair and balanced" or use the word “news” whatsoever.  I advised you to just call it as it is and you would get much less criticism.  

Advertise it as the “Conservative Commentary Channel” (CCC) and hundreds of thousands would back off of you.  You emailed me back personally and stated, "Thanks for the suggestion."

I hope you have considered it over the last six months, as FNC is not reporting news; as O'Reilly's lesbian gang story, in comparison to reporting on Iraq, well, not news Rupy!!

I hope now that Keith's guest echoed my words; you will finally state what you really are, the “CCC”!!

CIAO!!

Ah great.....well, they should start printing the WSJ on softer paper so that I can wipe my ass with it.

UPDATE?

Can't wait to see how Murdoch applies his notion of "fair and balanced" to financial news.

Are there NO LIMITS on how much media can be controlled by one person?  If not we need one immediately.  Wake up Congress.

Dear President Jimmy Carter:

I plead with you to BABYSIT anyone from this administration, and especially Condaleeza Rice, when traveling ANYWHERE to discuss ANYTHING with ANYONE!!

Sincerely,

Your greatest admirer,

Pam Bignardi

"SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt - The United States won no specific new promises of Arab help for struggling Iraq after a gathering Tuesday of several nations listed as recipients of an expanded aid and weapons package for friendly states in the region.

Iraq’s Arab neighbors repeated a general pledge to promote stability in Iraq, torn by more than four years of war and bitter sectarian divisions that have killed thousands and driven far more from their homes.

“I think we know what the obligations of the neighbors are,” Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said, adding that Egypt and other U.S. allies are working to meet past promises of relief of Iraq’s heavy international debt, additional foreign aid and help tamping down violence inside Iraq.

Rice and Defense Secretary Robert Gates are making a rare joint show of diplomatic force during two days of meetings with Arab allies — part of an 11th-hour effort to rally diplomatic and practical help for the U.S.-backed Shiite-led government in Baghdad. The tour also opens talks on a proposed U.S. arms package for Arab states worth more than $20 billion."

There are no limits on media ownership anymore there are anti-monopoly laws but they have not been enforced since AT&T was broken up.  Pretty much all the media in the country is controlled by 5 corporations whose only duty is to increase profits for thier shareholders.  There is no fairness doctrine or even rules governing what can and cannot be called news.  Welcome to privatized capitalist America.  The big problem is that the majority of americans think this is a good thing.  We are living in the second coming of the robber barons.  They are smarter this time though they hire public relation firms to make sure anyone who questions them is a nut and sell us the capitalism at all costs is good, message.  Even Clinton fell for it, NAFTA and the telecommunications deregulation act are a direct result of the idea conservatives have been pushing for 40yrs.  The US Embassy in Iraq being built by men kidnapped from the philipines and held at gun point is another.  

To the Bancroft family,

You have just helped to kill journalism dead.
May God have mercy on your souls, because we won't.

Dan, Princeton IN (Sent Tuesday, July 31, 2007 5:25 AM)

Since this guy's been on his way out since the MLB enacted tougher rules, Congress got involved in the steroid issue and he got hurt and he's sucked ever since, I'll reveal my feelings.  I "think" Eric Gagne is guilty of using steroids and/or performance enhancing drugs in the past and I have "thought" for many years he is a cheater.

I guess that's how I would like the Bonds verbiage handled for those who think of Bonds the way I do of Gagne (and many others).  Everyone has a right to their opinion, as I do with Gagne and have for YEARS; however, "think" or "feel" are fairer words to use when someone has not been proven guilty of the offense.

“The Red Sox are on the verge of winning the Eric Gagne sweepstakes, pending his approval and a review of his medical records, according to major-league sources.

Gagne must waive his no-trade clause to Boston for the deal to be completed. It is possible the Red Sox will allow him to share the closer's role with Jonathan Papelbon.”

Jen - Bill Clinton got several angry letters from me about NAFTA, among other things.  We absolutely need to run the robber barons out of our country - again, and, hopefully, permanently.

I'm glad the WSJ has a tv deal with CNBC for the next 5 years because "they're an out of control network over there."  (doing my best Billo impression).  UHHH, It's about to be more out of control.  Welcome to NBC Rupert.  

With the horrifying news that “Dow Jones’ controlling shareholders give their OK to Rupert Murdoch’s $5 billion offer,” I would like to make a personal plea to Rupert Murdoch – print ALL of the print medium you own YELLOW!!

As you, Murdoch, are stuck in 1898, when it was common practice for a newspaper to report the editor's interpretation of the news rather than objective journalism. If the information reported was inaccurate or biased, the American public had little means for verification.

NEWFLASH MURDOCH – The year is 2007 and guess what, the American public does have the means for verification!!

You, however still believe you will have the influence and political power newspapers did in 1898. You don’t!!  Just as you have done with FNC and every other medium you own, and In order to increase circulation and ratings, albeit temporary as you’re going down, you have exploited your position by sponsoring a flamboyant and irresponsible approach to news reporting!! 109 years after this reporting was labeled for what it was, you are still practicing this disgraceful practice and have the audacity to call it “news” or “journalism”.

I will from this point forward refer to any medium you own as the "CCC"!!

    Absolutely insane, that one man (business, corporation, whatever) can control so much of the media in this country.
    The Representatives and Senators who voted for the change to the ownership rules several years ago should be hauled before a kangaroo court somewhere, and forced to listen to one side of an argument for the rest of their miserable lives.....

Update me please?

So that's why Keith's string pullers were making him go nuts about the offer from NewsCorp.
James, San Diego, CA (Sent Tuesday, July 31, 2007 4:44 PM)

Wayne-TN is looking for you to watch re-runs of "Oliver North War Stories"!! He is making confetti for New Year's Eve, now run along as the adults are having a conversation!!

Pam, I was surprised by the Gagne pick up. He's going to be used in the set up role. Gagne, Okajima and Papelbon - not bad.

Of great, great concern to me right now is whether or not the combination of Red Sox, Cleveland and Seattle can FINALLY, FINALLY knock the NYY out of the playoffs. And to think back in May I thought we would FOR ONCE have an easy September up here. Talk about being naive. Geez. Pain in my you know what.

Plan B - Belichick & Brady.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, July 31, 2007 5:13 PM)

I would love to see you scenario happen and I never thought I would say that.  I always loved the Yankees, primarily because of Joe DiMaggio, who was from San Francisco.  He had a great restaurant and used to greet his guests – a class act!!  My mother has several autographed matchbooks from his old restaurant in San Francisco signed by him.  After the arrogance displayed by the Yankees in the series with your Red Sox, I lost respect for the team, so I'm with you!!

Don't count on Gagne though; he's been bad since the scenario I outlined above.  I do "think" he used "something" as a Dodger.  I do hope your dream comes true and best of luck to the Red Sox!! I love them!!

PEACE!!

Keith,

Have you seen the web cast of the great Alaskan bull moose in winter’s deep snow.  He is being chased by a hungry pack of wolves.  He is finally surrounded and they go in for the kill.  They start with the hind quarters, the soft under belly and finally tear out his throat.  Nature’s white coat turns a scarlet hue. Do I care for this creature? Yes, but this is nature and there is nothing to be done.  Now I see a great Alaskan leader who is waist deep in the snow.  The wolves are encircling him, and will soon go in for the kill.  As an Alaskan  and American I think it is time for all of us to come to his aid..  When  an  eighty-four year old senior statesmen of the United States Senate  who has brought so much to the state of Alaska as well as the country is treated like this, the people of Alaska should  unite and  support him in all ways possible.  My father was a steel mill worker, and die -hard unionist  Democrat .  He worshiped the ground that President  Clinton walked on.  Even so, I believe his dear departed sole would rally support for a friend and neighbor.
 
When I got home last night and saw the wolves surrounding this Alaskan Icons home, it angered me as it should all true Alaskans.  Wasn’t this man punished enough , when ANWR was defeated.  Have you taken a close look at this person of interests  “mansion”? For God’s sake, it’s a cabin.  I have been a proud American all my life and an Alaskan the last  twenty four years.  This country and state has given me so much.  What has fundamentally changed in this great land?  The smell of blood is in the air.  It’s time to come to the aid of a great man, not to idly stand by and watch the wolves devour him!

Gary H. Wilson

To everyone from Boston.  There's no peaceful discussion possible between Red Sox fans and Yankee fans so please, let's not go there.  

Pat, Boston MA, other than the Sox stuff, I enjoy reading everything that you post.

If you all agree not to bring up the Red Sox, I'll agree not to write about the Yankees. Deal?

Peace.

(not you Wayne, I don't care what you think)

Bignardi (Tuesday, July 31, 2007 12:12PM) - I NEVER used Barroid Bonds as a "rationale" for Pete Rose's inclusion in the Hall of Fame. How could I? I don't believe Rose should be in the Hall of Fame. Again, you choose to mis-read or make false assumptions just because I brought up Rose.

I don't criticize people for typos but since you made such a big deal that I left an N out of my hometown CincinNati, (which I told my wife you'd jump on) it's at least fair & balanced to bring up your typos, one of which is ONION (supposed to be opinion) in an earlier post. What goes around ....


Also, you told Dan that "Paul has said some tough things to me in the past, and, yes, I allowed myself to stoop to that level." Pamela, you're NOT telling the whole story, are you? You've admitted, again on another recent thread, that "we've" exchanged insults. That means me AND YOU .. and I wonder who started it. My only real criticism of you is that you like to twist things in your favor and that you ALWAYS have some form of ridicule or put down for anyone who doesn't agree with you. That's why I refer to your blogs, generally, as ALL PAM ALL THE TIME ... which, in my mind, fits. In one recent blog, again on another thread, you apologized to me for what you said to me in your preceding blog. They read back to back, which means you knew right when you sent it that you probably regretted it.  

Then, on that same thread, you tell me "don't EVER"
call San Francisco by the nick "Frisco." You wrote about 12 lines telling me how San Franciscans hate that word, that it wreaks of tourists, and then you tell me what and what not to wear there. I've also called it San Fran. Hope that's alright. So pardon me again, if I stepped on your toes. I didn't know there was anything wrong with the nick "Frisco." And you might want to pass that info along to those national announcers that do play-by-play for the Whoever vs. Giants games. Apparently they're uninformed it's an unwanted word in that area.

I once suggested that you "calm down. It'll be okay."
Dan sees it so I'm suggesting it again.
And I once said "you guys are easy,"
meaning that if I used the names O'Reilly, Hannity, Limbaugh or the like in a sentence ... all hell would break loose. The rebuttals weren't opinions but over-the-top sarcasms. But that's alright. I just fired back.

I'm 58, retired from my government job at 55 after 33+ years and have been deeply involved in music, travel (been everywhere) and photography my entire life. I've been a musician (guitarist & songwriter) since 13, had my own band and my songs played on radio. And, of course, baseball. That's my basic bio. Time to move on.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Tuesday, July 31, 2007 6:14 PM)

I'll agree to that Carol and I'm sorry if I offended you as you know how much I love my Giants.  Therefore, putting myself in your shoes, PLEASE FORGIVE ME!!

Gary H Wilson, you're kidding, right?

When asked to give up the bridge to nowhere in order to help Katrina victims, Ted Stevens gave a resounding "NO" on the senate floor.  His boondoggle bridge, connecting 50 people to the main land (when there is already a functioning ferry), is more important to him than humanitarian aid elsewhere!  His priorities are skewed.  Food, clothing and shelter are more important than the pork that he and his cohorts brought home to Alaska.  

After watching his heartlessness on C-SPAN and then the Daily Show, I can't feel sorry for him at all.  Karma -- it couldn't have happened to a crankier guy.  

Prediction for the new Murdochian "Wall Street Journal": It's going to be a bare market for dolly-birds on Page 3. Expect to be kept a breast (or two) of all the "news" from Rupert's perspective.

I don't remeber where I heard or read this but this but it's right on target.  "Rooting for the Yankees is like going to a casino and rooting for the blackjack dealer."  On to more serious topics, yes it is a very sad day for journalism.  On a positive note I see troop casualties are down, yay, now lets declare victory and bring 'em home!

Paul Gardner, Cincinnati Ohio (Sent Tuesday, July 31, 2007 6:38 PM)

Is your panic attack over? Good, I won't respond to you anymore, rest assured.

Big deal. The WSJ had shoddy journalism, and partisan reporting for years but somehow kept it's reputation. Now it's reputation will fall in line.

Who would have thunk it, Murdock was a closet Liberal, afterall it appears he is a consistant blogger here now. I always suspected he had something to hide in his closet, but not this. Doesn't he know this could get him kicked out of the "he-man womwan haters club". Wait til Spanky and Buckwheat finds out.

Paul Gardner, Cincinnati Ohio (Sent Tuesday, July 31, 2007 6:38 PM)

Paul, based on your mistruths above, I decided I would post one more time to you to a.) Show that it is YOU who have taken my text out of context in your post above and b.) To make it evident that my post about "Frisco" was intended to be humorous, and I was in NO WAY attacking you as you have implied above, for using the word "Frisco".  I began my post below with the following sentence,

"Paul, I think we have broken ground here on a friendship, as when you first came on, we both said some "not so nice" things to each other."  (how nasty of me to think perhaps we had resolved some differences and I stated there could be a friendship on the horizon – how rude!!)

Ok Paul, I am very sorry I misunderstood and thought perhaps we had broken some ground and put the past behind us.  Also, the difference, as you did note above, is that I have apologized to you as stated in your own words. Yet you Paul have NEVER apologized to me for rude comments you have made to me.  Nor have you EVER apologized to Tru M in Cleveland for mocking the city this blogger lives in.  My FIRST response to you was a direct result of you insulting the city of Cleveland while praising the graces of your city, Cincinnati!! It was NOT that I disagreed with your stance as you have noted above. Tell the truth Paul, it really does set you free!!

The following is my "Frisco" post and it was intended as a joke.  Again, I am so sorry I made the horrible and wrong assumption that we had broken some ground.  Also, I also stated in another post on the same thread, “Great post Paul, as it has become very evident you love the game of baseball as I do.” Again, how nasty of me to state you wrote a GREAT post Paul and how horrid of me to state you love baseball.

I also admitted I agreed with Don and should not have used your incorrect spelling of Cincinnati.  I must really get under your skin, as you are the second blogger who has brought their wife into this. I didn't realize I was so important in your life Paul for you to find it necessary to discuss me with your wife, as I told the other blogger!!  

My entire post, where I refer to myself as a “bratty teenager” (again, I can “see” where making fun of myself would insult you), is copied and pasted below. It can be located on the “Countdown Friday: House of Secrets” thread, along with our entire dialogue, consisting of MANY exchanges. Note my section begins with “PSS”, meaning there were more posts to each other.  Oh, and I shared a personal story of boys/men who have called me “Bignardi”, as is common when you’re “one of the boys”!! Again, rest assured Paul, I will not respond again to anything you write.

“Bignardi - The question about Willie Mays possibly hitting 800-900 home runs if he DIDN'T play in Frisco

PSS: Paul, I think we have broken ground here on a friendship, as when you first came on, we both said some "not so nice" things to each other.

The one thing that could jeopardize this is calling my city, "Frisco".  NO ONE and I mean NO ONE who is a native San Franciscan calls it that and you may fall victim to some “pranks”.  I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble by having some bratty teenagers give you wrong directions to Fisherman’s Wharf when you’re a block away (I did this MANY times as a teenager – not nice but REALLY funny then), i.e. “How did I end up in San Jose or Oakland?” We call it either "The City" or "San Francisco". "Frisco" reeks of tourism and we don't like it!! Now where a sweat shirt that says “Fisherman’s Wharf”, “San Francisco” or “Alcatraz while wearing shorts and referring to it my city as “Frisco” – look out, could be dangerous to your vacation!!  You may wear a Giants or 49ers sweat shirt as this IS appropriate!!

Also, growing up and even today, but to a much lesser degree, boys/men have called me "Bignardi" instead of "Pam", like I'm "one of the guys".  I hope that's why you have done this twice now, as that would be ok.  My dad had four daughters and called me "his only son" because I loved AND understood sports!! My sisters were "girls" big time growing up!! My male childhood friends called me "Bignardi" and some of my male adult friends do today.

I hope it's one of the above!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, July 30, 2007 9:46 PM)

Hi keith-

Actually WTVT in Tampa is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rupert's empire,  one of the  New World stations that Ron Perlman was holding for Rup around the time he wasn't quite a citizen.   Thanks for mentioning it.  jane a.  PS- its refreshing to see someone actually speak out, up, loudly and with agitation. I've been wondering where the hell it is!!
Thanks so much-
jane a

Krista: "I'd have a bit more respect for Rupert if he decided to buy WEEKLY WORLD NEWS."

Give him time. He'll probably turn the WSJ into another WWN.

"I'm 58, retired from my government job at 55 after 33+ years and have been deeply involved in music, travel (been everywhere) and photography my entire life. I've been a musician (guitarist & songwriter) since 13, had my own band and my songs played on radio. And, of course, baseball. That's my basic bio. Time to move on.



Paul Gardner, Cincinnati Ohio
"
Seems like I've heard of you somewhere Paul, in relation to music that is.
If this site had a PM function I'd tell you more.

Anyway take no notice of Nards, pure waste of skin.

Carol, don't worry; when I want to talk sports, I go to another website.

Brenda, I hope to meet you as well in DC in Sept. We'll have to figure out a way to meet, perhaps in front of the Lincoln Memorial. I don't have details of my schedule as yet, but I think it will be pretty easy to hook up.

And to think the right-wing nutjobs piss and moan so much about the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.  Y' ever notice that all the harping about the 'liberal' media is heard on.... that's right- 'THE MEDIA'! Well, with the new ownership of the WSJ, maybe some of that will stop now.  NOT!!!

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