Carter Bashes Bush

Yes, this is old news. However, AOL Journals will not accept my new entries from my Apple: I am posting from someone else's Dell. AOL is horrible when it comes to being user-friendly for Mac support.

Jimmy Carter, probably the worst president in my memory, tried to salvage his own reputation by bashing the current President as being the worst in history with regard to his administration's effect on the world. He later recanted saying that he was referring to W vis-a-vis Nixon. Earlier, the winner of the Nobel "Peace" Prize, even attacked Blair for his "apparent subservience" to Bush as to the Iraq war. This lover of despots and other American "victims" cannot seem to condemn or even criticize (other than in a mild perfunctory manner) Castro, Chavez, etc. Perhaps, he will ask his benighted brother Bush to teach his Sunday school class in an effort to reach out to him and promote world peace and ecumenical love.

Rev. Jerry Falwell R.I.P.

This morning the Rev. Jerry Falwell, founder of the Moral Majority and incredibly influential Christian conservative activist, died at the age of 73. The founder of Liberty University, a media empire, and pastor of the 22,000-member Thomas Road Baptist Church, helped remake the GOP from Rockefeller Republicans into Reagan Republicans with a strong emphasis on social conservative values. The often politically apathetic conservative Christians were convinced to rally against the liberal policies of abortion, homosexual rights, and pornography. His efforts helped elect Reagan and a Republican Senate in 1980.

Cf. http://news.aol.com/topnews/articles/_a/famed-televangelist-dies-at-age-73/20070515124309990001.

TN Teacher Terror

According to the AP, two Scales Elementary School educators who staged a gun attack on 69 sixth grade students on a field trip to a state park a la VA Tech were suspended. Schools director Marilyn Mathis, said that Quentin Masters, a teacher, and Don Bartch,  an assistant
principal, were suspended without pay for neglect of duty and unprofessional conduct. The students were told that there had been a random shooting and that the shooter was on the loose. They were instructed to get under tables or to lie on the floor and told that this
was not a drill. A teacher, disguised in hooded sweats, beat on the window and pulled on the doors. According to one student, kids were crying and praying, and that the teachers laughed after telling the kids that it was a prank. Alisha Graves, a parent of one of the students,
stated, "This was not a good experience. . . they were terrified." Bartch claimed, "The scenario was intended as a learning experience."

Teachers, leave those kids alone!

Cf. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,272333,00.html and FNC Fox & Friends (05/15/07).

Hospitals Gouge Neediest

According to Health Affairs (May-June issue), American hospitals charged uninsured patients an average of 2.5 times what it charges health insurers. For profits' markup was more pronounced at a 4.1 ratio whereas public hospitals upped the ante by a ratio of 2.49. The study by the 2004 study's author, Gerard F. Anderson, director for the Center for Hospital Finance and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, stated "Over time, the uninsured have been paying higher and higher prices for hospital care compared to what the insured population pays. The markup on hospital care for these individuals, especially for those who can afford it least, are unjustifiable." If this basic inequity is not corrected, universal health care will remedy the problem. Satisfactorily or not may be an open question.

Cf. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/08/AR2007050800576.html.

QEII: Guest, Not Ruler

Isn't it wild how W treats QEII (Queen Elizabeth II of the UK) as American royalty and one to fawn over with the utmost deference? The White House is feting the English monarch with a white-tie dinner and acting as if we had lost the Revolutionary War to King George III. Americans should not bow, should not curtsey, and should not not look her in the eye. She is our guest, and we are her equal. Let's act like it!  We are now Americans: no longer British subjects!

Black Reagan? Not! JFK? Maybe.

According to the UK's TimesOnline, Obama has been labeled the "black Ronald Reagan" for his optimism. Perhaps, for his optimism, but definitely not for his wit, wisdom, and policies. A more apt appellation is the "black JFK." Obama seems to represent an attractive candidate that appeals to both sides of the aisle: this Senator of a mixed racial and faith heritage seems to be one that could bridge the chasm of discord that separates red America from blue America. As Matthew Dowd, W's 2004 top campaign strategist, said, "I think that we should design campaigns that appeal, not to 51% of the people, but bring the country together as a whole." As Bush's popularity plummets to the nadir of Presidential approval at 28% otherwise experienced only by, perhaps, our most competency-challenged President, Jimmy Carter, according to the latest poll by Newsweek, one does look to someone who can be like Reagan. Obama does provide a sunny optimism that reminds one somewhat of the great Gipper but more of the left's Camelot.

P.S. Oprah put her incredible heft behind another O, Obama, on the Larry King Show last week.

Cf. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article1752381.ece;
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-05-08-bush-approval_x.htm;
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18505030/site/newsweek; and
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/07/business/media/07oprah.html?_r=1&oref=slogin.

Boris Yeltsin R.I.P.

Today, the first democratically elected president of Russia, Boris Yeltsin, was laid to rest in Moscow. Fittingly, his memorial service was held in Christ the Saviour Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox cathedral, which Yeltsin had rebuilt after it was razed by the atheist despot Stalin. Further, the father of democracy in the former USSR was interred in Novodevichye Cemetery among Everypersons as opposed to the Kremlin, the burial place of his repressive, Communist CCCP predecessors. He was honored with a national day of mourning as his countrymen and world leaders, including his successor President Vladimir Putin, his antecessor and critic
Mikhail Gorbachev, former U.S. Presidents (Bush and Clinton), whilom U.K. Prime Minister John Major, and Solidarity leader and Polish President Lech Walesa, bid the great Russian leader adieu. Thank you, Mr. President, for standing up against tyranny and oppression and for democracy and freedom.

Cf. http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1262483,00.html; http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/04/24/russia.yeltsin/index.html; and http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,21626293-401,00.html?from=public_rss.

1 Charmin Square: "Strong Enough"?

Sheryl Crow has been the butt of many jibes as her inane suggestion on the rationing of toilet paper made even Rosie O'Donnell mock the Missouri native. Karl Rove's not-so-fave eco-cutie opined, "I propose a limitation be put on how many squares of toilet tissue can be used in any one sitting: "I think we are an industrious enough people that we can make it work with only one square per restroom visit, except, of course, on those pesky occasions where two to three could be required." 

No One Said It Would Be Easy. Remember, A Change (Will Do You Good).

Cf. http://entertainment.bodogbeat.com/sheryl-crow-saving-the-world-one-toilet-paper-square-at-a-time-43344.html.

41 & Romney: Bush Fatigue

President Bush I opined yesterday on CNN's Larry King show that the American voters may be having "a little Bush fatigue now." He said this in response to Mitt Romney's observation or echoing of the conservative blogosphere that Jeb would be the Republican standard bearer if his last name were not Bush. However, the proud papa and forty-first President added, "I hope that Jeb . . . is not through with politics. . .: I think he's got a future." I guess the U.S. is not ready for Bush III now: or is that another George III? And no obvious BRAVO jokes.

Cf. http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/blogs/politicalticker/2007/04/bush-sr-bush-fatigue-may-be-setting-in.html.

Bush & CNN, Listen & Learn

President George W. Bush, grandson of a U.S. senator and son of a U.S. President, has been mired in the polls with approval ratings below 40% for the last seven months. Since such polls began, only Truman, Nixon, and Carter have had similarly low approbation from the American people. Bush, an Eli with a Harvard Business School Ph.D., seems to think that Americans merely want him to be their CEO. He produces results for the right with his emphasis on the judiciary (as to abortion especially), the military, and lower taxes and for the left with his accent on education, immigration, and governmental growth. However, like CNN, he seems to think that if you merely perform your tasks, then you will gain the approval of those you serve. In today's society, people want a President who talks with people, listens to them, and truly cares about them. CNN talks to people, doesn't seem to listen enough, and appears to often patronizingly pontificate: President Bush seems to do the same. Both are capable and can do better--much better.

MSNBC Axes Imus

UPDATE: Don Imus lost his radio show as CBS Prez and CEO Leslie Moonves followed MSNBC's example. After suspending the radio host for two weeks, CBS gave in to the mounting calls for his dismissal. Later, last night Imus met with the Rutgers women's team in what was characterized as a productive meeting by the Rutgers coach.

Cf. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/12/national/main2675273.shtml and http://news.aol.com/entertainment/articles/_a/cbs-fires-don-imus-from-radio-show/20070411183809990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001.

MSNBC announced today that it will no longer carry its simulcast of shock jock Don Imus' radio program, "Imus in the Morning." The cantankerous curmudgeon has long been a favorite of the political, literary, and media left and ivied elite. However, his racist and sexist slur, "nappy-headed hos," against the second place Rutgers women's bball team gave him the comeuppance that the p.c. crowd and the aggrieved right desired. He, like Nixon, gave a sword to his enemies, and they with little fault plunged it into him with abandon. Ironically, Imus' ratings increased 39% over a year ago and threatened CNN's American Morning for second place in the cable morning news show. (Thus, Ted Turner's former network canned Soledad O'Brien and Miles O'Brien and replaced them with the delectable Kiran Chetry and her sidekick John Roberts.)

Cf. http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8OEM9M81&show_article=1 and http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/03/AR2007040302298.html.

Fox & Friends Frigid

Has any fan of Fox & Friends noticed the marked decline in the quality of the show in all of its variations? E.g., since luscious, lovely Kiran left, the viewers have nothing to look forward to other than the hope that a Fox vixen will appear. The main weekday F&F has Gretchen Carlson, a former Miss America but a bland, boring blond that gives Swedish girls a bad name. The weekend edition has the Kelly guys that may be good reporters but they have neither natural charisma nor chemistry as co-hosts: to make matters worse, they have no permanent female co host yet. In the mornings and the weekends, only the rare appearance of Page Hopkins reminds one of the saucy, sexy siren attitude that gave Fox & Friends the lift and lilt that it once enjoyed. Sadly, no longer do the likes of jaunty Juliet Huddy and comely Kiran Chetry grace the diurnal dawn. Might as well watch MSNBC.

Kiran at CNN: It's Morning in America Again

CNN's American Morning will pit it's new Fox & Friends snare, Kiran Chetry, against Fox & Friends. The delicious irony is that, according to FNC, Chetry had demanded Gretchen Carlson's co-host role on Fox & Friends. (Kiran Chetry has denied that accusation.) Kiran was the logical and obvious replacement for E.D. Hill when FNC revamped its line-up on its tenth anniversary. Kiran had a real rapport with Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade; a natural ease in front of the camera; and a delightful blend of eloquence, elegance, and equisite beauty. Not to mention--she was the Fox at Fox. Her male co-host will be John Roberts, a former CBS anchor and correspondent, who was a candidate to be the CBS Evening News main man after Dan Rather was shown the door in the wake of Filegate. Finally, CNN has quit shuffling Chetry from place to place as an updater and guest co-host. Now she finally has her own show: it's about time. Kudos, CNN! And I don't say that often.

Cf. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/03/AR2007040302298.html.

"Green" Obama: $25 Million!

Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) showed that he is a real competitor to establishment favorite Hillary Clinton. The well-oiled Clinton money machine garnered $26 million in the first quarter of the year with the expectation of making the coronation inevitable. However, the avatar of Jack Kennedy showed that he is a force to be reckoned with by pulling in a whopping $25 million from an incredible 100,000 donors (double Hill's contributors). The Illinois Senator ridiculed for his greenness in the political process showed he can garner the green from the Democratic base. Penny Pritzker, Obama finance chairperson stated, "This overwhelming response, in only a few short weeks, shows the hunger for a different kind of politics in this country."

Cf. http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8O9S8O80&show_article=1 and CNN's American Morning (04/05/07).

Papa Is a Rolling Stone

UPDATE: Jane Rose, long-time manager of Keith Richards, in an email alleges, "Said in jest: Can't believe anyone took seriously." Would one expect her to say otherwise?

Cf. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1556258/20070403/rolling_stones.jhtml.

Rolling Stones legend and survivor Keith Richards bemoaned that he was no longer on the list of "who's likely to die." (He said that he was No. 1 for a decade.) The sixty-three-year-old Richards stated that he was lucky and warned younger wannabees not to ape him. The worldly wise, wizened wizard of rock shared the oddest drug concoction that he had inhaled. He said, "The strangest thing I've tried to snort? My father." He added, "He was cremated and I couldn't resist grinding him up with a little bit of blow: My dad wouldn't have cared . . . [and] it went down pretty well." I guess a bit of his dad is blowing in the wind as well.

Cf. http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8O9AFO01&show_article=1.

"Puppy" Love

Puppy, a much beloved dog in southern India, died and was mourned by his childless owners, 67-year-old C.N. Madanraj and his 63-year-old wife Hyderabad. After giving their pet of 13 years a burial rite, they held a feast for their friends. Thereafter they hung themselves in their bedroom in sorrow. According to police inspector V. Anantaiah, "The couple described the grief over their pet dog in the suicide note they left on March 29." Martyrs and saints for PETA?

Cf. http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=oddlyEnoughNews&storyid=2007-04-03T023547Z_01_DEL152285_RTRUKOC_0_US-INDIA-PET-SUICIDES.xml&src=rss&rpc=22.

Rodham, Romney Rule $ Race

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) topped the Dem fundraising list as expected: the former First Lady with the aid of hubby Bill, reportedly, raked in $26 million. Her main opponent, Barack Obama, the charismatic junior Senator from Rodham's home state of Illinois, is expected to make a strong showing with $21 million. Third-place John Edwards, 2004 Dem Veep candidate, pulled in $14 million. Surprisingly, former Massachussetts gov Romney, a Republican presidential candidate with ratings in single digits, garnered $21 million and embarrassed GOP frontrunner Rudy Giuliani ($14 million). Second-place John McCain brought in $12.5 million into his coffers. Will Fred own the Dollar Store in the near future?

Cf. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070402/D8O8HU100.html, FNC, and CNN.

Not So Pretty

According to Simon Pretty, a leukemia victim and father of three, his forty-three-year-old sister Helen Pretty refuses to donate her perfectly matched bone marrow to save his life. The Englishman is expected to die within months without a transplant. He states, "I am on death row: I can't believe that she would let my three children lose their father so unnecessarily by her actions." Simon's wife Jacqueline adds, "It is appalling that Helen can stand by and watch her brother die knowing that she could do something to help him: the past few months have been hell." Even though their children play together, the siblings are not close. Miss Pretty refuses to comment on the story.

Remember the saw: "Pretty is as pretty does."

Cf. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=444238&in_page_id=1770.

Too Hot for Teacher

Knoxville, TN, native Sean Powell, an eighteen-year-old, got a lesson from his teacher's jealous husband that was a final one. According to a jailhouse interview broadcast on NBC's Today, thirty-one-year-old Eric McLean stated that he found out that the teenager had been having
an affair with his wife Erin, an intern at the school, West High, that the boy had attended. Reportedly, he found Powell in his home, told him to leave, and called 911 to report an intruder. Later, he called 911 back and asked the dispatched to disregard the call because the person was leaving. Afterwards, McLean said that he got his rifle and fatally shot Powell as he sat in his car.

"Teacher, leave that kid alone!"

Cf. http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Mar22/0,4670,TeacherSexSlaying,00.html.

On That Farm He Had Some Angus

McDonald's has finally decided to make a premium burger, the Angus Third Pounder. It costs $3.99 and ranges from 720 to 860 calories (depending on the type). It is being test-marketed in 600 stores in southern California in the counties of San Bernardino, Ventura, Riverside, and Orange. Even though BK Lounge debuted its dry, barbeque-sauced Angus Steak Burger for the same price in 2004, Mickey D's hopes to make up for lost time with a juicy pemium burger (on a denser bun) with the regular "fixins" and others with less traditional extas. Hungry?

Cf. http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0703070312mar07%2C0%2C323944.story?track=mostemailedlink.