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Countdown Wednesday: Eve of Iowa

Posted: Wednesday, January 02, 2008 8:59 PM by Countdown
Filed Under:

Countdown to the Caucuses:  Iowa. Consisting of one one-hundredth of the nation's population... An estimated six percent of whom will caucus tomorrow... Meaning the first milestone of the campaign to elect the 44th President will be determined by six one-hundredths of one percent... of the country.  In our fifth story on the Countdown, with such wrong-end-of-the-telescope proportions... it should perhaps come as no surprise that the outcome of tomorrow's Democratic contest could hinge on... Dennis Kucinich.

The Last Minute GOP:  "On some great and glorious day," wrote H.L. Mencken 88 years ago, "the plain folks of the land will reach their hearts' desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron." Tonight, Governor Mike Huckabee not only leaves Iowa on the eve of the Republican Caucuses... But does so to go to L.A. to appear on "The Tonight Show"... While announcing his support for the striking writers, who are still striking "The Tonight Show."

ODDBALL: A Chinese TV host gets outed on air, a butter sculpture of a presidential candidate and the float you shouldn't have missed from yesterday's Rose Parade.

The CIA Tapes Investigation:  On the day before the first test of 2008...When all eyes are on Iowa... Comes a last-minute reminder of just why the election that formally begins tomorrow in Davenport and Sioux City... and Winterset and Council Bluffs... is so important.  Our third story on the Countdown, the opening of an official criminal investigation into Water-boarding-Gate: the destruction of CIA interrogation tapes...Tapes that included torture...Tapes that were hidden from the 9/11 Commission... Tapes that at least three senior White House lawyers knew about, and talked about... Including the Vice President's current chief of staff, and the former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

Tabby Time:  To our number two story on the Countdown, Keeping Tabs, wherein Sir Paul McCartney greets the New Year by saying goodbye to the old! And saying hello to... the... old. The acrimony with his estranged wife Heather Mills, marches on.

WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD:  The President of the Food Standards Agency of the Nation of Portugal, the Old Gray Lady and Wendy Wright vie for tonight's top honors.

Caucus in Vegas: A personal admission to make tonight. I have always found the word "caucus" faintly obscene. Particularly the verb form...to caucus. On that note: never mind the Big Three among the Democrats in Iowa. In our number one story on the Countdown... How about the Big Three among the Hollywood Icky Girls set? Britney Spears caucusing with a papparazzo in her hotel room... Lindsay Lohan reportedly caucusing with three different men in a 24-hour span...And Paris Hilton caucusing with first Kevin Federline... and then Larry Birkhead.

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Kevin of NJ (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 8:28 AM) That person's gonna need a bigger boat.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 1:53 PM)

Chris F, Just O'er the border in Williconsinois (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 9:38 AM) Hi! I've read in a couple of places that some candidates are using pizza to "get out the vote." Hell, that would work with me! The only person I won't eat pizza from is our Dictator-Wanna-Be. He'd probably lace it with some kind of Halliburton concoction that would turn my insides into, to quote Mr. Carlin, "liquid $hit."

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 1:56 PM)

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 10:19 AM) Amen, Pat. A-freakin'-men!! Sadly, though, the half-life of the damage done by those you mentioned will be very, very, very long.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 2:00 PM)

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 11:34 AM) My fellow "Hoosier" Dave looks like a dirty old man! If Ball State University takes a look at that pic, they make take his name off that communications building they just named for him. BTW, I live in the same neighborhood where he was raised [insert awe-inspired gasps here]. ;D

Krista Swisher (proud [??!!] "Hoosier"), Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 2:03 PM)

A, CA (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 12:10 PM) I thought they were sisters, too, last night. Thanks for proving me correct! It's so infrequent that I'm right about anything, so I'm going to enjoy this.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 2:05 PM)

JAM 7:38 AM..I have missed you friend. So glad you are doing ok. Keep warm. Don't be a stranger, I don't care if you are protesting MS, you need to keep in touch. HAPPY NEW YEAR..health and happiness to you and yours.

JAM 8:09 AM..thank you for the reminder that we are extremely lucky. Whenever I start to feel otherwise, I will remember your post. Take care friend..loved hearing from you.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 2:07 PM)

Jamie Lago Patria, Italia Thursday, January 3, 2008 7:55 AM..Hi Jamie..so glad your brother is doing fine. At least he'll be home for awhile. Take care Jamie, my thoughts with you always..

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 2:16 PM)

Kevin of NJ Thursday, January 3, 2008 1:40 PM..you're right Kevin. I can't imagine that they are still standing. Probably not sleeping well, eating on the run, overwhelmed by people all around them, I have to say to be a politician stumping must take an enormous amount of stamina. I don't know if I could ever do it. My hats off to them.

Hope you and your Mrs. are doing well.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 2:19 PM)

Sheryl Stolzenberg, Lake Mary, Florida (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 12:23 AM)

Sheryl - well spoken rant on the overly extroardinary amount of pull that Iowa has.  Corn, corn, corn and more corn.  

I must correct one thing, however.  It's not corn syrup itself that's the bad stuff.  The really bad stuff is High Fructose Corn Syrup which turns directly into fat and does not turn into energy like sugar, honey, or even regular corn syrup.  If you look at the usage of High Fructose Corn Syrup, you will see the increase in obesity in this country parallels the use of High Fructose Corn Syrup.  The unwarranted political influence of Iowa essentially promotes the overuse of this crap (it's in nearly everything - check the ingredients) and stops any meaningful investigation or regulation.

How much has Iowa influenced the production of ethanol, which currently takes over a gallon of fossil fuel to produce less than a gallon of ethanol?  Have they prevented research into other renewable sources because they have gobbled up all the available funds?

While I believe that small states should have a greater voice, however, the dominance of Iowa and their infamous "Corn Pledge" that candidates are forced to take, gives them almost an exclusive ability to determine who will be president as well as what products will be available to us.

JAM - nice to hear from you again, but I'm wondering why you are having problems with Internet Explorer?

Sue, still sick and grouchy in West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 2:22 PM)

I don't know why y'all b'tch when Olbermann talks about blond bimbos.  Those segments are the only ones where he is even half way accurate.

scott henderson nv (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 2:27 PM)

Krista Swisher (proud [??!!]"Hoosier"), Indianapolis, IN Thursday January 3, 2008 2:03 PM..LOL! he does look like a dirty old man doesn't he! Robin Williams kept referring to him last night as General Lee..he was really funny.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 2:27 PM)

Kevin of NJ Thursday, January 3, 2008 8:28 AM..oh man, this picture is truly scary. I would absolutely freak at the sight of this following me.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 2:34 PM)

Actually, most studies show that high fructose corn syrup is converted into energy just like any other sugar . . . the problem is that it is very high in calories and American food companies have started putting it in EVERYTHING.  Funny anecdote:  my boss's family was in Paris for a vacation several years ago . . . his wife ordered a sumptious looking French pastry, took one bite and threw it away.  She was expecting the sticky sweet taste of an American knockoff of a French pastry.  We use too much sugar (no matter where it comes from) in this country.  That's what's making us fat.

Also, soft drink consumption (one of the main sources of HFCS) is over the top.  When I was a kid drinking Dr. Pepper made with pure cane sugar, we drank a soft drink a couple of times a week.  Most kids nowadays drink 3-4 a DAY or more.  It's the quantity, not the quality.

junebug (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 2:42 PM)

JAM (7:38 AM Post):

Thank you JAM and here's back at ya on having a safe, wonderful and serene 2008. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Anna Molly (10:51 AM Post - "Well, it’s starting to look like Kenya is shaping up to be another Pakistan"):

History is a repetitive series of events where the players, circumstances and locations may be different but the threads of time that hold us to the highs and lows of mankind as well as the forces that drive human beings remain the same. We have forsaken what should have been major efforts to learn how to preserve the dignity of the human race to improving the means by which we make pawns of or eliminate members of the human race. Kenya may become another Pakistan but is this surprising? It is simply a repeat of man's history to make pawns of or to elimnate others of the human race. What is shocking to us in the States is not that it still occurs but rather the means used. Whereas those in Kenya still rely on the machete others who have advanced beyond the status of a third world country will one day rely on the neutron bomb to reach the same goal. And that goal is to force others to do the bidding of whoever seeks power over others.    

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 2:52 PM)

Now Gator from FL, if this doesn't happen...

"'m not sure why anyone would want to succeed Bush The Dumbest. When he leaves office next year the debt will be 10 trillion dollars, gas may well be threatening 4 dollars a gallon, the dollar may cost less than toilet paper, we will still be bogged down in two little third world countries with no end in site, the recession will be in full bloom, we will still be importing cheap, unsafe crap from China and Dumbya will be out on the speech circuit " replenishing the old coffers "

Will you have the guts to admit your hatred for all things GOP was just that, blind hatred?

Tom, Philadelphpia, PA (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 3:22 PM)

David Molinero (Sent Wednesday, January 02, 2008 11:22 PM)

David – Happy New Year – nice to see you got your computer fixed.  I believe in many things, and I never said there IS nothing I would kill or die for.  I’m just can’t agree that, if there was nothing to kill or be killed for, it would not make life worth living.  For example, I liked Full Moon’s idea of sitting around and feeding each other grapes.  That could work, in the right context.  I can think of other ways to spend my time, as well, that don’t involve killing or dying, but would still be pretty entertaining.

To me, the possibility of dying should never be THE motivating factor in human activity. THAT sounds suicidal to me.  However, the RISK of dying may be a valid factor in determining whether an activity is worth attempting.  If that’s what you mean, then I agree.  Certainly, risk is sometimes acceptable, depending on the overall goal (or thrill) to be achieved (in my case, fundamental liberty, maybe, or space flight, or sailing across the Pacific; bungee jumping not so much).  That’s a personal calculation we make all the time, and people calculate differently.  Soldiers, police officers, and firefighters take risks because they believe what they do is worth it.  Personally, I would just as soon there was no risk for them to take.  Some people take risks for money.  Some even thrive on risk, and I respect that; but hopefully it isn’t because of a secret death wish.  

If my freedom or family was threatened, I would do what I could to defend it.  That’s a risk well worth taking, for sure.  But I prefer peace and wouldn’t make a very good soldier.  I’m not ashamed of that.

Fortune Cookie (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 3:42 PM)

3 hours and 37 minutes until the Caucuses!

I cannot wait!  Already arranging my Biden gear to show my support.

Brandon, Schleswig, IA (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 3:54 PM)

JAM, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 7:38 AM)

Same wishes to you, JAM.  BTW, I read your message about Internet Explorer and am wondering what your issue is.  On my PCs, Google works fine for me accessed through Internet Explorer.  I use Safari on my MACs and can also can use Firefox, but I no longer need it.  No more twirly circles and really good quality.  

Anna Molly aka Anomaly (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 3:57 PM)

Tom from Philadelphia, will you have the guts to admit your hatred for all things CLINTON was just that, blind hatred? Republicans own the hatred market. You use it in politics like oxygen is to humans. You republicans swift boat people, but then turn around and accuse other people of hate? You are such a hypocrit it makes me want to REPUKE. Hatred is what the republican congress was all about during the Clinton impeachment trials. You repukes were falling over yourselves trying to get on soapboxes professing your hatred of Bill Clinton. Hey Tom, how about this, In the lead up to the Iraq war, anyone disputing this president was cast as unpetriotic or a terrorist sympathizer. The 2 ditto heads that called me that, neither ever served or did anything for this country. Just like all you gutless cowards in the republican party. Hatred is a republican trait that is used to bash and belittle anyone that disagrees with republican dogma. So give me a break on your blind hatred. if I want hatred, just listen to FOX radio or FOX network and they will teach you to hate all things liberal. Funny, last time I checked, liberals are americans and you hate them more than terrorists. Republicans run on fear and hate. That is the republican party.

bobf (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 3:59 PM)

Don't wear your good shoes to look at the Republican field...If it wasn't the middle of winter, I wouldn't even be wearing shoes, so thanks for the warning!

Seriously, it's scary to think that the fate of the nation rests on Iowa. The only thing scarier would be if it were my state instead. People here are convinced that all Muslims are terrorists, and that we need to throw them all in lockup just like the Japanese in WWII. And these are the Democrats! Bush's plan is working like a charm here in the redneck states. I hope people who live in places where your vote actually matters will think long and hard, and vote with your head instead of your heart. Hillary or Obama will never win in the south, & without the south nobody can win.

JHoward, Salyersville, KY (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 4:03 PM)

JAM, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 8:09 AM)

Try using FoxFire  http://www.foxfire.com/  

It's a Mozilla based browser, it's free and it's not IE.  I've been using it for years, and I can't remember the last website that it didn't handle well.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 4:16 PM)

ek, mpls mn (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 12:40 PM)

Hi ek – I hope you're doing well and had a great holiday.  That looks like the right link, or one of them.  It’s certainly the right story.  So, just cutting through the legal mumbo-jumbo (I don’t blame you for dumping that career), are you saying that those dancers are NOT likely to get asylum?  I can’t speak for backwater (that’s for sure), but I would be sorry to hear that.  Socialized medicine or no socialized medicine, people who want to dance deserve to dance.

Or, is it maybe just possible they could get asylum based on the fact that it would embarrass Castro?  In other words, is political asylum itself possibly a political football, or something like that?  What was your experience with that?

By the way, I haven’t gotten very far with Cold Comfort Farm, but I’m working on it.  How’s the snow up there?  Ours is deep, but we’re expecting a big thaw this weekend.  Have you read anything interesting lately?  And speaking of Pierce Brosnan (remember?), I’ve been thinking of that movie he made with Renee Russo about art theft (do you know which one?).  I got a DVD of How to Steal a Million for Christmas, and that appears to be the original version of the other movie.  It was great.  Have you seen it?

Anna Molly (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 4:16 PM)

Scott (2:27 PM Post):

Welcome back Scoot. Some time no see. Hope the holidays went well for you. Just one thing. Read my post to Anna Molly above (2:52 PM). Then stop proving my point about man's desire to control and the  hopelessness of the human race.  

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 4:25 PM)

Tom, Philadelphpia, PA (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 3:22 PM)

Tom – gator can speak for himself, of course, but I’m wracking my poor, pathetic, dimmocrat ninny brain to figure out which of those things in gator’s post you believe is NOT likely to be the case when President Bush leaves office?  Unless maybe you mean we’ll be bogged down in MORE THAN TWO third-world countries – that’s certainly possible.  Please illuminate.  Obviously, I need some help on this one.

By the way, I don’t think we’ve met before.  Nice to meet you, sir.

Anna Molly aka Anomaly (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 4:26 PM)

scott henderson nv (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 2:27 PM)

It makes perfect sense that you would like the bimbo stories and the rest of us hate them.  It confirms my opinion of you.  Most of us here think with our brains, you appear to think with something else.  

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 4:33 PM)

Tom, Philadelphpia, PA (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 3:22 PM)

There are times when I am glad to be wrong.  Having Bush/Cheney continue to live down to my expectations of them is one of those times.  Unfortunately, Bush/Cheney haven't failed to disappoint yet.  

Meanwhile, if the dynamic duo does continue on their present course, at what point would you admit that their ideas were not in the USA's best interests?  In other words, at what point will you admit that you are wrong?  

Unless you are a billionaire, you shouldn't be voting Republican, their goal is the demise of the middle class and every time they bring out a wedge issue to distract the values voters, they win and you lose.  

I used to be a Registered Republican, I left because I could see the writing on the wall.  Look around you, check out the employment and wage statistics, if that doesn't scare you then you are heartless.  

Let me know when you wake up and smell the coffee, we can always use another member.  

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 4:42 PM)

Scott (2:27 PM Post):  Welcome back Scoot. Some time no see. Hope the holidays went well for you. Just one thing. Read my post to Anna Molly above (2:52 PM). Then stop proving my point about man's desire to control and the hopelessness of the human race.   C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 4:25 PM)

Thanks, C A, for your always thoughtful reply to my post.  History repeats, for sure.  Sadly, as always.

scott – Please try to remember advanced liberal trick #22 – must not make pawns of us inferior liberals for your own amusement.  We already know Countdown is never accurate about anything but the bimbo segments, but frankly we don’t care, as long as he wears a blue shirt or tie.  By the way, I’d be curious to know which parts of the bimbo segments you think Countdown IS accurate about?  And how do you like Michael Musto?  Me, not so much.  Violates advanced liberal rule #4 because he lacks subtlety, don’t you think?  

Anna Molly aka Anomaly (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 4:53 PM)

Krista, 1:56 Post

Hope things are a little warmer down in "The Nap" and I've got your back, pizza-wise.  A good ole deep dish from the Union Jack or from Mama Bear's in Bloomington could lure me clear across the state! LOL!  Take care, sister!  

Chris F, Just o'er the border in Williconsinois (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 5:21 PM)

Anna Molly, it was THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR--1999 remake of a 1968 Steve McQueen-Faye Dunaway heist film--

Faire Elinor (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 5:31 PM)

Or, is it maybe just possible they could get asylum based on the fact that it would embarrass Castro?  In other words, is political asylum itself possibly a political football, or something like that?  What was your experience with that? Anna Molly (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 4:16 PM)

You've got it in the proverbial nutshell. Not surprising since you are really on a roll today!

As another poster mentioned above, cutting to the chase, yeah Cuba does get special treatment because of Castro, as do some other countries -- just because. However, dancers from some OTHER countries would have a job on their hands. Even when their countries are falling apart due to civil war before our eyes (every night on the news), we've had to prove their membership in a particular tribe/ethnic/religious division, that they/their families have undergone beatings, imprisonment, killing, etc. because of their membership in that particular subgroup. Even when the State Dept. issues reports that such proofs are often unavailable due to chaos going on in the country at that particular moment, it is not an automatic thing. Refugees suffering such things on a daily basis regardless of the required political twist can be, and often are, seen as economic refugees and not granted asylum without such "proofs".

The whole thing makes (and made) me physically ill, although I have to say these were spiritually rewarding tasks to work on when successful.

On that happy note, keep with CCF -- believe me, it is well worth it. Haven't seen the Brosnan flick you mention, but I'll check it out. Have you read the Iain Pears art history murder mystery series? Quite fun--I like to think they're what he wrote to pay the rent while working on "Instance of the Fingerpost." Right now, I'm starting on Jasper Fforde's nursery crime series (just can't stay away from Jurisfiction).

Hoping for double-digit temperatures for the next few days. It may melt last week's snow just enough to make a skating rink out of my driveway.

ek, mpls mn (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 6:30 PM)

Faire Elinor (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 5:31 PM)

Faire -- Now that you mention it, I remember.  But How to Steal a Million is the same story, with the roles twisted bit -- Audrey Hepburn stealing back her grandfather’s fake statue and Peter O’Toole as the private investigator specializing in stolen art.  It’s still great.  You should check it out if you haven’t seen it.

Anna Molly (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 6:55 PM)

Chris F, Just o'er the border in Williconsinois (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 5:21 PM) Thanks! I'm doing laundry! I'm doing laundry!!

My favorite place to get "za" in Indianapolis is a place called WBs (the initials of the owner). It's on the corner of 62nd St. & Allisonville Rd. It is good stuff, and I've had lots of pizza in lots of places.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 7:13 PM)

Who died and made the press kingmakers?  For four years now the press has gone on and on and on about 2008 elections.  The electorate (or the people I know) are sick of it. By the time November 2008 comes along, most voters will be too comatose to go to the polls.

The press has given Hilary a free ride ever since she ran for the Senate in NY.  They knew (and so did everyone else) she would be running for President.  It's probably why she never divorced Bill; she needed him for her dog and pony show.

How about more time for Edwards (my candidate, win or lose) or Dodd or Kucinich?  How about putting the lid on elections until the year of an election?  How about the press, including Olbermann, zipping it up regarding candidates night after night after night.  I think the American voters have lost their chance to elect their candidates. The press is doing it for them.

Sheila Bloom, Alexandria, Virginia (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 7:24 PM)

Why nobody says that Obama  has no chance to win general election? I can't imagine ladys from south voting for a black man and having a black women as their first lady. I think if God wants to punish America more than we already  are people will vote for Obama and he will lose  the general election. Nation, think again with your brains not with your Bible or with your generous wishes and dreams for promised change.

Charles Kellis (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 9:43 PM)

JHoward, Salyersville, KY (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 4:03 PM)

ANOTHER hillbilly?  Great!  Me, I'm hating this cold weather for the same reason!

And I live in the same sort of area.  People around here often mistake Dubya's pronouncements for something akin to gospel--but the Dems tend to be a little more skeptical.



Faire Elinor (Sent Thursday, January 03, 2008 9:43 PM)

“the guts to admit your hatred for all things CLINTON was just that, blind hatred”

My ctrl F is off line at the moment, so please be a dear and find where I said that.

“Republicans own the hatred market.”

Of course they do, therefore Democrats own the love and peace market. So neat, so tidy.

“You republicans swift boat people”

Yep, something completely unheard of by Democrats.

“You repukes”

Ohhhh, repukes instead of Republicans, now that’s clever! Gee, are you a dumbo-crat? Get it, dumb instead of Dem… Much like Olby’s Fox Noise instead of news.

“Just like all you gutless cowards in the republican party.”

Yep, you keep drinkin that kool aid Olby media matters and daily kos serves up and you and your brave patriotic Democrats will do just fine.

“Hatred is a republican trait that is used to bash and belittle anyone that disagrees with republican dogma.”

Something truly unseen on the left.

“liberals are americans and you hate them more than terrorists”

Okay.
“Republicans run on fear and hate”

Yep.

Tom, Philadelpiha, PA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 1:45 AM)

Anna Molly (loves real political wargames) Thursday, January 3, 2008 10:42 AM..thanks ever so much for the link to the mechanics for the Iowa caucus. Our local station also had Iowa Caucus 101 explaining how it works. It's becoming clearer now. Thanks again.

Laura..always wanting to learn something new..in Los Angeles (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:22 AM)

JAM, welcome back-I've missed you too!

Laura, Pam and my other fellow Californians:  Brace y'erselves me hardies (or whatever that word is), as the rains and winds are a comin'.  Seriously, be careful, it taint going to be pretty.

Krista:  We've thought more than a few times about 'transplanting' ourselves to the Indy area-mainly for the cost of living-we'll see.  Since Ft Ben closed, there isn't a lot in the way of military facilities for our use-must take advantage of those benefits we earned.  

Laura, thanks for the kind words about John.  I found out last night that he won't be going back to Iraq (at least not this deployment).  They (his commanders) want him to recover and stay behind to cover medical boards.  However, he's lucky he's in NC right now and not here, or else I'd kill him for calling our house at 0330 this morning-grrrrrr!

Ciao!

Jamie, Lago Patria, Italia (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 5:14 AM)

Tom, Philadelphia PA 1/03 3:22PM
Sorry, Tom, hatred is not in my vocabulary. That emotion is the province of small-minded, frightened people whom I avoid whenever possible. As I mentioned, I used to be a Republican. I actually voted for many Republican candidates from Nixon up through Reagan because at the time I thought they were the most able administrators running in their given years. In the late 80's, however, a certain meanness and scorched earth mentality crept into the party typified by Lee Atwater and the rise of Newt Gingrich. In 2000, the GOP nominated and the country elected? a moral chameleon named George Bush, whose only real claim to fame was screwing the Texas taxpayers into building a baseball stadium so his 200,000 dollar investment turned into a 15,000,000 windfall. The fact that anything that goes to the oval office has to go through Cheney's office first shows what an empty suit Dumbya is. Based on what happened last night, I see that the people of Iowa agree with me. Number one, the Democratic caucuses outdrew the Republican caucuses two to one and the Republican nominee is philosophically closer to the Democrats when it comes to the role government plays in the citizens' everyday lives. There will be no orange security alert issued by the Homeland security department two weeks before the election this time around. I think the American people as a whole are tired of constantly being told they must be afraid by a party that seems unable to do anything to alleviate that fear and only seems to want to exploit it to maintain power. On to New Hampshire and hopefully my man Obama will do it again. It would be nice to have someone with some character and vision in the White House.

gator,stuart,fl (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 8:25 AM)

I think Musto meant Joan Plowright.

Alison Brennan, Sacramento, CA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 1:32 PM)

Krista, 7:13 Thursday post!

"WB's"?  I think I've been there!  Since I can't drive anywhere in 462XX without running over a relative, the next time I'm headed down that way maybe we can split some chow!

Until then, ciao, bella!

Chris F., Just o'er the border in Williconsinois (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 1:35 PM)

Jamie, Lago Patria, Italia Friday, January 4, 2008 5:14 AM..oh Jamie..sooo happy your brother will be staying awhile.

The sky is getting nasty. I just heard on the news we will be getting 1/2 to 1 inch of rain an hour! I fear for those folks living near the burn areas. It will be devastating for them. Mudslides everywhere. God help them. Thanks Jamie..my fellow Californian for your concern. Take care friend.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:40 PM)

well we don't have to vote any more the news media picks our presidents for us.we don't even have to use our heads any more just let the media do it.

Helen Chester Lenoir NC (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 11:47 AM)

[o'rielly on xmas] 13dec07? about mail orders from places like dicks sports and borders or b&n was mad they would not use the term delivery for christmas. he passed on jumping on the book sellers [?] but he tried to contact the sporting goods place saying on the air "i called this guy...ah..dick, who is he anyway i don't know him." finally o'rielly admits it on the air.

kermit mellon nenana, ak. (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 5:32 PM)



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