Saturday, February 14, 2009
Radical Right Reaction: Radioactivity, But Not On The AM Band
We take you now to that worry-wart save-the-whales site where they're all a-twitter about a church shooting, if you can call UUism a "church."
That initial reaction to George Bush's failures (All of it somehow ascribed to the libs, the you-know-what media, &, we guess, those dirty hate-filled Unitarians.) was from a white trash sort of whack job. Climb the food chain a bit & look, it's Jose Padilla, except beyond the "wouldn't it be nice to set off a dirty bomb somewhere" stage.
The report posted on the WikiLeaks Web site states that “On 9 December 2008, radiological dispersal device components and literature, and radioactive materials, were discovered at the Maine residence of an identified deceased [person] James Cummings.” The section referring to Cummings can be read here.Bomb planner Cummings was one of those self-made men who had a great deal to protect from the socialist parasites who surrounded him.
Cummings grew up in California and lived in Texas before moving to Maine in August 2007. Although Robbins said Cummings told him he made his money in Texas real estate, it appears that the actual source of his wealth was a trust fund established by his father, a prominent landowner in the Northern California city of Fort Bragg. An Internet search of the James B. Cummings Trust indicated that it has an annual income of $10 million.Not to rub it in too much, but trust-fund dad sounds like a wonderful parental unit.
It appears that the real source of Cummings’ wealth was his father, who was killed on July 30, 1997, at age 77 by a disgruntled part-time employee, according to news accounts from that time found online. The employee later confessed to shooting the elder Cummings.
Why the estate tax is necessary to the survival of a democracy.
Oh, did we mention that the discovery of the dirty-bomb making material was a result of the younger Cummings being plugged dead by his wife (allegedly) after yrs. of domestic abuse? (He abusing her, smart-ass.)
This "You'd think it would be all over the news, wouldn't you?" item, which seems to have stayed in Maine, brought to our attention via Sadly, No!
Today in History Appears To Be ♥♥♥Valentine's Day♥♥♥
Today is Saturday, Feb. 14, the 45th day of 2009. There are 320 days left in the year. This is ♥Valentine's Day♥.
AP page. AP A/V Report. UPI Almanac.
Today's Highlight in History:
One hundred and fifty years ago, in 1859, Oregon was admitted to the Union as the 33rd state.
On this date:
In 1778, the American ship Ranger carried the recently adopted Stars and Stripes to a foreign port for the first time as it arrived in France.
In 1894, comedian Jack Benny was born Benjamin Kubelsky in Waukegan, Ill.
In 1895, Oscar Wilde's final play, "The Importance of Being Earnest," opened at the St. James's Theatre in London.
AP page. AP A/V Report. UPI Almanac.
Today's Highlight in History:
One hundred and fifty years ago, in 1859, Oregon was admitted to the Union as the 33rd state.
On this date:
In 1778, the American ship Ranger carried the recently adopted Stars and Stripes to a foreign port for the first time as it arrived in France.
In 1894, comedian Jack Benny was born Benjamin Kubelsky in Waukegan, Ill.
In 1895, Oscar Wilde's final play, "The Importance of Being Earnest," opened at the St. James's Theatre in London.
In 1899, Congress approved and President William McKinley signed legislation authorizing states to use voting machines for federal elections.
In 1903, the Department of Commerce and Labor was established. (It was divided into separate departments of Commerce and Labor in 1913.)
In 1912, Arizona became the 48th state of the Union.
In 1920, the League of Women Voters was founded in Chicago; its first president was Maud Wood Park.
Eighty years ago, in 1929, the "♥St. Valentine's Day Massacre♥" took place in a Chicago garage as seven rivals of Al Capone's gang were gunned down.
In 1903, the Department of Commerce and Labor was established. (It was divided into separate departments of Commerce and Labor in 1913.)
In 1912, Arizona became the 48th state of the Union.
In 1920, the League of Women Voters was founded in Chicago; its first president was Maud Wood Park.
Eighty years ago, in 1929, the "♥St. Valentine's Day Massacre♥" took place in a Chicago garage as seven rivals of Al Capone's gang were gunned down.
In 1945, Peru, Paraguay, Chile and Ecuador joined the United Nations.
In 1962, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy conducted a televised tour of the White House in a videotaped special that was broadcast on CBS and NBC (and several nights later on ABC).
Thirty years ago, in 1979, Adolph Dubs, the US ambassador to Afghanistan, was kidnapped in Kabul by Muslim extremists and killed in a shootout between his abductors and police.
In 1984, six-year-old Stormie Jones became the world's first heart-liver transplant recipient at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (she lived until November 1990).
Twenty years ago, in 1989, Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini called on Muslims to kill Salman Rushdie, author of "The Satanic Verses," a novel condemned as blasphemous. [Sal's been resting on those laurels ever since, hasn't he? — Ed.] Union Carbide agreed to pay $470 million to the government of India in a court-ordered settlement of the 1984 Bhopal gas leak disaster.
Ten years ago: President Bill Clinton, accompanied by his wife, Hillary, began a quick visit to Mexico to encourage its struggle against narcotics and government corruption, and grow its markets for U.S. products. John D. Ehrlichman, President Nixon's domestic affairs adviser who was disgraced and imprisoned for his role in the Watergate cover-up, died in Atlanta at age 73.
In 2003, Dolly the sheep - the first mammal cloned from an adult - was put to death at age 6 due to premature aging and disease.
Five years ago: Guerrillas overwhelmed a police station west of Baghdad, killing 23 people and freeing dozens of prisoners. Twenty-eight people were killed when the glass-and-concrete roof of an indoor water park in Moscow collapsed.
In 2005, Former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was assassinated.2006Iran said it had resumed uranium enrichment; Russia and France immediately called on Iran to halt its work.
One year ago: A former student dressed in black walked onto the stage of a lecture hall at Northern Illinois University and opened fire on a packed science class; Steven Kazmierczak killed five students before committing suicide. Republican campaign dropout Mitt Romney endorsed John McCain for the party's presidential nomination.
♥Love Children♥: TV personality Hugh Downs is 88. Actress-singer Florence Henderson is 75. Country singer Razzy Bailey is 70. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is 67. Jazz musician Maceo Parker is 66. Movie director Alan Parker is 65. Journalist Carl Bernstein is 65. Senator Judd Gregg, R-NH, is 62. [Having a happy birthday there, J. G.? Everything going well? — Ed.] TV personality Pat O'Brien is 61. Magician Teller (Penn and Teller) is 61. Cajun singer-musician Michael Doucet (Beausoleil) is 58. Actor Ken Wahl is 52. Opera singer Renee Fleming is 50.
Actress Meg Tilly is 49. Singer-producer Dwayne Wiggins is 48. Actor Enrico Colantoni is 46. Actor Zach Galligan is 45. Actor Valente Rodriguez is 45. Rock musician Ricky Wolking (The Nixons) is 43. Tennis player Manuela Maleeva is 42. Football player Drew Bledsoe is 37. Football player Steve McNair is 36.
On February 14th, 1972, "Grease" opened off-Broadway. Original cast members included Barry Bostwick and Adrienne Barbeau. The show moved to Broadway later in the year. It closed in 1980. [Better late than never. — Ed.]
Also in 1972, John Lennon and Yoko Ono began a week as co-hosts of the Mike Douglas television talk show.
In 1973, David Bowie collapsed from exhaustion at the end of an elaborate ♥Valentine's Day♥ show at Radio City Music Hall.
In 1977, singer-songwriter Janis Ian received nearly 500 ♥Valentine's Day♥ cards from fans. She sang about never getting ♥Valentine's Day♥ cards as a teenager in her ballad, "At Seventeen."
Also in 1977, The B-52's played their first concert at a party in Athens, Georgia.
In 1980, CBS announced that Dan Rather would succeed Walter Cronkite as anchorman and managing editor on "The CBS Evening News" the following year.
In 1984, Elton John married studio engineer Renate Blauel. The marriage lasted four years.
In 1992, Weezer had their first practice as a band, in Los Angeles. They played their first show a few weeks later.
In 1996, the Artist Formerly Known As Prince married dancer Mayte in Minneapolis.
Thought for Today: "I am living on hope and faith ... a pretty good diet when the mind will receive them." — Edwin Arlington Robinson, American poet (1869-1935). [Beats living on a Chinese rock, we suppose. — Ed.]
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
In 1962, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy conducted a televised tour of the White House in a videotaped special that was broadcast on CBS and NBC (and several nights later on ABC).
Thirty years ago, in 1979, Adolph Dubs, the US ambassador to Afghanistan, was kidnapped in Kabul by Muslim extremists and killed in a shootout between his abductors and police.
In 1984, six-year-old Stormie Jones became the world's first heart-liver transplant recipient at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (she lived until November 1990).
Twenty years ago, in 1989, Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini called on Muslims to kill Salman Rushdie, author of "The Satanic Verses," a novel condemned as blasphemous. [Sal's been resting on those laurels ever since, hasn't he? — Ed.] Union Carbide agreed to pay $470 million to the government of India in a court-ordered settlement of the 1984 Bhopal gas leak disaster.
Ten years ago: President Bill Clinton, accompanied by his wife, Hillary, began a quick visit to Mexico to encourage its struggle against narcotics and government corruption, and grow its markets for U.S. products. John D. Ehrlichman, President Nixon's domestic affairs adviser who was disgraced and imprisoned for his role in the Watergate cover-up, died in Atlanta at age 73.
In 2003, Dolly the sheep - the first mammal cloned from an adult - was put to death at age 6 due to premature aging and disease.
Five years ago: Guerrillas overwhelmed a police station west of Baghdad, killing 23 people and freeing dozens of prisoners. Twenty-eight people were killed when the glass-and-concrete roof of an indoor water park in Moscow collapsed.
In 2005, Former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was assassinated.2006Iran said it had resumed uranium enrichment; Russia and France immediately called on Iran to halt its work.
One year ago: A former student dressed in black walked onto the stage of a lecture hall at Northern Illinois University and opened fire on a packed science class; Steven Kazmierczak killed five students before committing suicide. Republican campaign dropout Mitt Romney endorsed John McCain for the party's presidential nomination.
♥Love Children♥: TV personality Hugh Downs is 88. Actress-singer Florence Henderson is 75. Country singer Razzy Bailey is 70. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is 67. Jazz musician Maceo Parker is 66. Movie director Alan Parker is 65. Journalist Carl Bernstein is 65. Senator Judd Gregg, R-NH, is 62. [Having a happy birthday there, J. G.? Everything going well? — Ed.] TV personality Pat O'Brien is 61. Magician Teller (Penn and Teller) is 61. Cajun singer-musician Michael Doucet (Beausoleil) is 58. Actor Ken Wahl is 52. Opera singer Renee Fleming is 50.
Actress Meg Tilly is 49. Singer-producer Dwayne Wiggins is 48. Actor Enrico Colantoni is 46. Actor Zach Galligan is 45. Actor Valente Rodriguez is 45. Rock musician Ricky Wolking (The Nixons) is 43. Tennis player Manuela Maleeva is 42. Football player Drew Bledsoe is 37. Football player Steve McNair is 36.On February 14th, 1972, "Grease" opened off-Broadway. Original cast members included Barry Bostwick and Adrienne Barbeau. The show moved to Broadway later in the year. It closed in 1980. [Better late than never. — Ed.]
Also in 1972, John Lennon and Yoko Ono began a week as co-hosts of the Mike Douglas television talk show.
In 1973, David Bowie collapsed from exhaustion at the end of an elaborate ♥Valentine's Day♥ show at Radio City Music Hall.In 1977, singer-songwriter Janis Ian received nearly 500 ♥Valentine's Day♥ cards from fans. She sang about never getting ♥Valentine's Day♥ cards as a teenager in her ballad, "At Seventeen."
Also in 1977, The B-52's played their first concert at a party in Athens, Georgia.
In 1980, CBS announced that Dan Rather would succeed Walter Cronkite as anchorman and managing editor on "The CBS Evening News" the following year.
In 1984, Elton John married studio engineer Renate Blauel. The marriage lasted four years.
In 1992, Weezer had their first practice as a band, in Los Angeles. They played their first show a few weeks later.
In 1996, the Artist Formerly Known As Prince married dancer Mayte in Minneapolis.
Thought for Today: "I am living on hope and faith ... a pretty good diet when the mind will receive them." — Edwin Arlington Robinson, American poet (1869-1935). [Beats living on a Chinese rock, we suppose. — Ed.]
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Anchors Aweigh!
They finally got the Port Royal off the shoal it had been on. By "finally," we mean last Monday, but let it not be said that we don't follow up on the little to which we pay attention.
The cruiser was structurally sound, but an eight-inch thick rubber sonar dome was cracked. Blade tips on the vessel's two propellers were sheared off.Comedy Gold, as they say. Like getting into a fender-bender while driving home from the 10,000-mile tune-up at the dealer's.
The vessel had just finished its first day of sea trials after wrapping up a four-month routine maintenance stay at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.The Port Royal (Foreground. Or is it "foresea?" "Foreocean?") when she was operational, alongside U. S. S. Lake Erie.
Feeling Lucky, Punk?
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Holy Crap, Friday The 13th Already? Today in History & The Past
Today is Friday, Feb. 13, the 44th day of 2009. There are 321 days left in the year.
The AP page. The AP A/V. UPI Almanac.
Today's Highlight in History:
On Feb. 13th, 1935, a jury in Flemington, N.J., found Bruno Richard Hauptmann guilty of first-degree murder in the kidnap-slaying of the son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh. (Hauptmann was later executed.)
On this date:
In 1542, the fifth wife of England's King Henry VIII, Catherine Howard, was executed for adultery.
In 1635, The Boston Public Latin School was founded. (It is now the oldest public school in the United States.)
In 1741, Andrew Bradford of Pennsylvania published the first American magazine. Titled "The American Magazine, or A Monthly View of the Political State of the British Colonies," it lasted three issues.
In 1914, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, known as ASCAP, was founded in New York.
In 1920, the League of Nations recognized the perpetual neutrality of Switzerland.
In 1939, Justice Louis D. Brandeis retired from the US Supreme Court. (He was succeeded by William O. Douglas.) [Hello, Lesley Wells. What up? — Ed.]
In 1945, during World War II, Allied planes began bombing the German city of Dresden. The Soviets captured Budapest, Hungary, from the Germans.
In 1960, France exploded its first atomic bomb, in the Sahara Desert.
[Photo above historically un-true; it's 1999 & Mururoa, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia, not the Sahara, but it's a French bomb. Photo by volker. — Ed.]
In 1980, the 13th Winter Olympics opened in Lake Placid, New York.
In 1984, Konstantin Chernenko was chosen to be general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party's Central Committee, succeeding the late Yuri Andropov.
In 1988, the 15th winter Olympics opened in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
In 1991, Hundreds of Iraqi civilians were killed when a pair of laser-guided U.S. bombs destroyed an underground facility in Baghdad identified by U.S. officials as a military installation, but which Iraqi officials said was a bomb shelter.
In 1997, the Dow Jones industrial average broke through the 7,000 barrier for the first time, closing at 7,022.44. [How's that fucking thing looking now, chumps? — Financial Ed.]
Ten years ago: In his weekly radio address, President Bill Clinton said as many as 4,000 American troops would go to Kosovo as part of a NATO peacekeeping force if warring Serbs and ethnic Albanians were to reach a political settlement. A federal judge held American Airlines' pilots union and two top board members in contempt and promised sizable fines against them, saying the union did not do enough to encourage pilots to return to work after a court order.
In 2000, Charles Schulz's final "Peanuts" comic strip ran in Sunday newspapers, the day after the cartoonist died at age 77.
Five years ago: President George W. Bush, trying to calm a political storm, ordered the release of his Vietnam-era military records to counter Democrats' suggestions that he'd shirked his duty in the Texas Air National Guard.
In 2005, final results showed clergy-backed Shiites and independence-minded Kurds had swept to victory in Iraq's landmark elections.
One year ago: Under oath and sometimes blistering questioning, seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens told Congress: "I have never taken steroids or HGH." Hollywood writers ended their 100-day strike that had disrupted the TV season and canceled awards shows. Japanese movie director Kon Ichikawa died in Tokyo at age 92.
[Photo above historically un-true; it's 1999 & Mururoa, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia, not the Sahara, but it's a French bomb. Photo by volker. — Ed.]
In 1980, the 13th Winter Olympics opened in Lake Placid, New York.
In 1984, Konstantin Chernenko was chosen to be general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party's Central Committee, succeeding the late Yuri Andropov.
In 1988, the 15th winter Olympics opened in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
In 1991, Hundreds of Iraqi civilians were killed when a pair of laser-guided U.S. bombs destroyed an underground facility in Baghdad identified by U.S. officials as a military installation, but which Iraqi officials said was a bomb shelter.
In 1997, the Dow Jones industrial average broke through the 7,000 barrier for the first time, closing at 7,022.44. [How's that fucking thing looking now, chumps? — Financial Ed.]
Ten years ago: In his weekly radio address, President Bill Clinton said as many as 4,000 American troops would go to Kosovo as part of a NATO peacekeeping force if warring Serbs and ethnic Albanians were to reach a political settlement. A federal judge held American Airlines' pilots union and two top board members in contempt and promised sizable fines against them, saying the union did not do enough to encourage pilots to return to work after a court order.
In 2000, Charles Schulz's final "Peanuts" comic strip ran in Sunday newspapers, the day after the cartoonist died at age 77.
Five years ago: President George W. Bush, trying to calm a political storm, ordered the release of his Vietnam-era military records to counter Democrats' suggestions that he'd shirked his duty in the Texas Air National Guard.
In 2005, final results showed clergy-backed Shiites and independence-minded Kurds had swept to victory in Iraq's landmark elections.
One year ago: Under oath and sometimes blistering questioning, seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens told Congress: "I have never taken steroids or HGH." Hollywood writers ended their 100-day strike that had disrupted the TV season and canceled awards shows. Japanese movie director Kon Ichikawa died in Tokyo at age 92.Thought for Today: "It is not so much what we have done amiss, as what we have left undone, that will trouble us, looking back." — Ellen Wood, English playwright and journalist (1813-1887). ["Don't look back. You never know who's following you." — Satchel Paige]
Today's Birthdays (Any of whom may have been born on a Friday the 13th): Former test pilot Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager is 86. Actress Kim Novak is 76. Actor George Segal is 75. Actress Carol Lynley is 67. Singer-musician Peter Tork (The Monkees) is 67. Actress Stockard Channing is 65.
Talk show host Jerry Springer is 65. Actor Bo Svenson is 65. [A trifecta, & all of them ready to retire. — Ed.] Duke men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski is 62. Former national security adviser Stephen Hadley is 62. Singer Peter Gabriel is 59. Actor David Naughton is 58. Governor of Missouri Jay Nixon is 53. Rock musician Peter Hook is 53. Actor Matt Salinger is 49. Singer Henry Rollins is 48.
Actor Neal McDonough is 43. Singer Freedom Williams is 43. Actress Kelly Hu is 41. Rock musician Todd Harrell (3 Doors Down) is 37. Singer Robbie Williams is 35. Football player Randy Moss is 32.
On February 13th, 1961, Frank Sinatra unveiled his own record label, Reprise. Sinatra did not have a very high opinion of rock music, but the label would release recordings by The Beach Boys, Jimi Hendrix and The Kinks. [Yeah, after Warner Bros. Records took it over. — Ed.]
In 1972, Led Zeppelin had to cancel a concert in Singapore after authorities would not let the group off the plane because of their long hair.
In 1982, a 300-pound marker on the grave of Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Ronnie Van Zant was stolen from an Orange Park, Florida, cemetery. Police found it two weeks later in a dry river bed.
In 1991, a helicopter carrying actor Kirk Douglas collided with a stunt plane over an airport in California. Douglas suffered cuts and bruises. Two people on the plane were killed. [Jesus loves the celebrities more than the crew. — Ed.]
In 1997, Michael Jackson and then-wife Debbie Rowe became parents to a son named Prince. [There oughta be a law. — Ed.]
In 2005, Ray Charles won eight posthumous Grammy awards for his final album, "Genius Loves Company."
Talk show host Jerry Springer is 65. Actor Bo Svenson is 65. [A trifecta, & all of them ready to retire. — Ed.] Duke men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski is 62. Former national security adviser Stephen Hadley is 62. Singer Peter Gabriel is 59. Actor David Naughton is 58. Governor of Missouri Jay Nixon is 53. Rock musician Peter Hook is 53. Actor Matt Salinger is 49. Singer Henry Rollins is 48.
Actor Neal McDonough is 43. Singer Freedom Williams is 43. Actress Kelly Hu is 41. Rock musician Todd Harrell (3 Doors Down) is 37. Singer Robbie Williams is 35. Football player Randy Moss is 32.
On February 13th, 1961, Frank Sinatra unveiled his own record label, Reprise. Sinatra did not have a very high opinion of rock music, but the label would release recordings by The Beach Boys, Jimi Hendrix and The Kinks. [Yeah, after Warner Bros. Records took it over. — Ed.]
In 1972, Led Zeppelin had to cancel a concert in Singapore after authorities would not let the group off the plane because of their long hair.
In 1982, a 300-pound marker on the grave of Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Ronnie Van Zant was stolen from an Orange Park, Florida, cemetery. Police found it two weeks later in a dry river bed.
In 1991, a helicopter carrying actor Kirk Douglas collided with a stunt plane over an airport in California. Douglas suffered cuts and bruises. Two people on the plane were killed. [Jesus loves the celebrities more than the crew. — Ed.]
In 1997, Michael Jackson and then-wife Debbie Rowe became parents to a son named Prince. [There oughta be a law. — Ed.]
In 2005, Ray Charles won eight posthumous Grammy awards for his final album, "Genius Loves Company."Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Fascist Fundamentals
What "They" want to do to "Us":
[H]ere are some quick points to keep in mind about what Khameini and Ahmadinejad believe: 1. The end of the world is near and the Islamic Messiah known as the Mahdi or the 12th Imam is coming soon. 2. The Islamic Messiah will only come when the world is engulfed in chaos and carnage. 3. Islamic leaders can hasten the arrival of the Islamic Messiah by annihilating two countries — Israel, “the Little Satan,” and the United States, “the Great Satan.” 4. It is not just possible, it is the God-given mission of Iran’s leaders to destroy Jews and Christians or force them to convert to Shia Islam. 5. Iran must rapidly acquire the technology necessary to accomplish genocide — namely nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles. 6. Israel’s “defeat” by Hezbollah and Hamas and Israel’s divided election results indicate the Jewish states is increasingly weak and prepared for destruction. The severe economic crisis in the U.S. shows America is about to collapse as well. 7. With the U.S. and Israel so weakened and their collapse imminent, there is no incentive to truly negotiate with “Satan” and give up Iran’s pursuit of advanced nuclear technology. 8. However, there is an incentive to buy time until Iran builds, buys or steals the weapons it needs to accomplish its genocidal, apocalyptic objectives.One can only imagine what Alabamians might want to do to us, in their equal-to-Iranian religious fervor.
The proportion of those who say religion is important in their daily lives is highest in Mississippi, at 85% -- a figure that is slightly higher than the worldwide median (among all countries, rich and poor). Two others, Alabama (82%) and South Carolina (80%) are on par with the worldwide median. Lining up these percentages with those on our worldwide list allows us to match residents of the most religious states to the global populations with which they are similar in terms of religiosity. The results produce some interesting comparisons -- Alabamians, for example, are about as likely as Iranians to say religion is an important part or their lives.
And it's worked out so well for both of them, hasn't it? (Not to mention Mississippi & S. C.)
Today's Birthdays & Entertainment
Movie director Franco Zeffirelli is 86. Actor Louis Zorich is 85. Baseball Hall-of-Fame sportscaster Joe Garagiola is 83. Senator Arlen Specter, R-Pa., is 79. Basketball Hall-of-Famer Bill Russell is 75. Actor Joe Don Baker is 73. Author Judy Blume is 71. Rock musician Ray Manzarek (The Doors) is 70.
On February 12th, 1924, George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" premiered in New York.
In 1940, the radio play "The Adventures of Superman" began airing on the Mutual Network.
In 1956, Screamin' Jay Hawkins recorded "I Put A Spell On You" in New York City.
In 1957, The Coasters recorded "Young Blood," which became the group's first big hit.
In 1961, "Shop Around" by The Miracles became the first million-seller for Motown Records.
In 1967, police raided the English country home of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards in a search for drugs. Singer Mick Jagger was there at the time. They were charged three months later. ['Zat the one w/ Marianne Faithfull & the Mars bar? — Ed.]
In 1968, Jimi Hendrix returned home to Seattle to perform a free show for some local high school students. [Added detail from the Music Editor. The Experience played an assembly at Jimi's alma mater, Garfield High (The Purple & White). This was while The Experience was in town touring w/ The Monkees, a double-bill which wasn't to last much longer. — M. Bouffant]
In 1977, The Police recorded their first single, "Fall Out."
In 1981, Blondie vocalist Deborah Harry announced plans to record a solo album. The group had two number one singles that year "The Tide Is High" and "Rapture."
In 1983, Eubie Blake, who wrote such songs as "I'm Just Wild About Harry" and "Memories of You," died in Brooklyn, New York, five days after turning 100.
In 1990, M.C. Hammer released "Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em," featuring the hit single, "U Can't Touch This."
In 1993, talk show host Joan Rivers swapped jobs with one of her viewers and worked as a flight attendant on a flight from New York to Pittsburgh. She spilled a drink on a passenger.
In 2000, "Peanuts" cartoonist Charles Schulz died at his home in San Francisco after battling colon cancer. He was 77. He died the day before his last "Peanuts" strip was published.
On February 12th, 1924, George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" premiered in New York.
In 1940, the radio play "The Adventures of Superman" began airing on the Mutual Network.
In 1956, Screamin' Jay Hawkins recorded "I Put A Spell On You" in New York City.
In 1957, The Coasters recorded "Young Blood," which became the group's first big hit.
In 1961, "Shop Around" by The Miracles became the first million-seller for Motown Records.
In 1967, police raided the English country home of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards in a search for drugs. Singer Mick Jagger was there at the time. They were charged three months later. ['Zat the one w/ Marianne Faithfull & the Mars bar? — Ed.]
In 1968, Jimi Hendrix returned home to Seattle to perform a free show for some local high school students. [Added detail from the Music Editor. The Experience played an assembly at Jimi's alma mater, Garfield High (The Purple & White). This was while The Experience was in town touring w/ The Monkees, a double-bill which wasn't to last much longer. — M. Bouffant]
In 1977, The Police recorded their first single, "Fall Out."
In 1981, Blondie vocalist Deborah Harry announced plans to record a solo album. The group had two number one singles that year "The Tide Is High" and "Rapture."
In 1983, Eubie Blake, who wrote such songs as "I'm Just Wild About Harry" and "Memories of You," died in Brooklyn, New York, five days after turning 100.
In 1990, M.C. Hammer released "Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em," featuring the hit single, "U Can't Touch This."
In 1993, talk show host Joan Rivers swapped jobs with one of her viewers and worked as a flight attendant on a flight from New York to Pittsburgh. She spilled a drink on a passenger.
In 2000, "Peanuts" cartoonist Charles Schulz died at his home in San Francisco after battling colon cancer. He was 77. He died the day before his last "Peanuts" strip was published.
Today in History
Today is Thursday, Feb. 12, the 43rd day of 2009. There are 322 days left in the year.
The AP page of the day. The Tee Vee Wrap Up. And UPI's Almanac.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
The AP page of the day. The Tee Vee Wrap Up. And UPI's Almanac.
Today's Highlight in History:
Two hundred years ago, on Feb. 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was born in present-day LaRue County, Ky.
And naturalist Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England.
On this date:
In 1554, Lady Jane Grey, who'd claimed the throne of England for nine days, and her husband, Guildford Dudley, were beheaded after being condemned for high treason.
In 1818, Chile officially proclaimed its independence, more than seven years after initially renouncing Spanish rule.
In 1870, women in the Utah Territory gained the right to vote (however, that right was taken away in 1887 before being restored in 1895).
In 1908, the first round-the-world automobile race began in New York. (It ended in Paris the following July with the drivers of the American car, a Thomas Flyer, declared the winners over teams from Germany and Italy.)
One hundred years ago, in 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded in New York.
In 1912, Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, abdicated, marking the end of the Qing Dynasty.
In 1914, ground was broken for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. (The cornerstone was laid on this date one year later.)
In 1940, the radio play "The Adventures of Superman" debuted with Bud Collyer as the Man of Steel.
Fifty years ago, in 1959, the redesigned Lincoln penny, with an image of the Lincoln Memorial replacing two ears of wheat on the reverse side, went into circulation.
In 1973, Operation Homecoming began as the first release of American prisoners of war from the Vietnam conflict took place.
Ten years ago: The Senate voted to acquit President Bill Clinton of perjury and obstruction of justice; Clinton told Americans he was "profoundly sorry" for what he'd said and done in the Monica Lewinsky affair that triggered it all. Swarms of anxious travelers were left stranded when American Airlines again scrubbed more than 1,000 flights after its pilots defied a court order and continued their mass sickout.
Five years ago: Defying a California law, San Francisco officials began performing weddings for same-sex couples. Four men were charged in a 42-count indictment alleging they'd run a steroid-distribution ring that provided performance-enhancing drugs to dozens of athletes in the NFL, the major leagues and track and field. (All four later pleaded guilty to steroids-related charges, and two of them, personal trainer Greg Anderson and Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative founder Victor Conte, served several months in prison.)
One year ago: Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain won their respective parties' primaries in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. General Motors reported losing $38.7 billion in 2007, the largest annual loss in automotive history, and offered buyouts to 74,000 hourly workers. Imad Mughniyeh, one of world's most wanted terrorists, was killed in a car bombing in Damascus, Syria. Character actor David Groh died in Los Angeles at age 68. Uno became the first beagle named Westminster's best in show.
Thought for Today: "Quarrel not at all. No man resolved to make the most of himself can spare time for personal contention. Still less can he afford to take all the consequences, including the vitiating of his temper and loss of self-control." — Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865).Two hundred years ago, on Feb. 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was born in present-day LaRue County, Ky.
And naturalist Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England.
On this date:In 1554, Lady Jane Grey, who'd claimed the throne of England for nine days, and her husband, Guildford Dudley, were beheaded after being condemned for high treason.
In 1818, Chile officially proclaimed its independence, more than seven years after initially renouncing Spanish rule.
In 1870, women in the Utah Territory gained the right to vote (however, that right was taken away in 1887 before being restored in 1895).
In 1908, the first round-the-world automobile race began in New York. (It ended in Paris the following July with the drivers of the American car, a Thomas Flyer, declared the winners over teams from Germany and Italy.)
One hundred years ago, in 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded in New York.
In 1912, Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, abdicated, marking the end of the Qing Dynasty.
In 1914, ground was broken for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. (The cornerstone was laid on this date one year later.)
In 1940, the radio play "The Adventures of Superman" debuted with Bud Collyer as the Man of Steel.
Fifty years ago, in 1959, the redesigned Lincoln penny, with an image of the Lincoln Memorial replacing two ears of wheat on the reverse side, went into circulation.
In 1973, Operation Homecoming began as the first release of American prisoners of war from the Vietnam conflict took place.
Ten years ago: The Senate voted to acquit President Bill Clinton of perjury and obstruction of justice; Clinton told Americans he was "profoundly sorry" for what he'd said and done in the Monica Lewinsky affair that triggered it all. Swarms of anxious travelers were left stranded when American Airlines again scrubbed more than 1,000 flights after its pilots defied a court order and continued their mass sickout.
Five years ago: Defying a California law, San Francisco officials began performing weddings for same-sex couples. Four men were charged in a 42-count indictment alleging they'd run a steroid-distribution ring that provided performance-enhancing drugs to dozens of athletes in the NFL, the major leagues and track and field. (All four later pleaded guilty to steroids-related charges, and two of them, personal trainer Greg Anderson and Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative founder Victor Conte, served several months in prison.)
One year ago: Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain won their respective parties' primaries in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. General Motors reported losing $38.7 billion in 2007, the largest annual loss in automotive history, and offered buyouts to 74,000 hourly workers. Imad Mughniyeh, one of world's most wanted terrorists, was killed in a car bombing in Damascus, Syria. Character actor David Groh died in Los Angeles at age 68. Uno became the first beagle named Westminster's best in show.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Not More Information. Please.
The Reverend Moon's Unification Press International has various facts about crap that happened on 11 February throughout recorded human existence, including Now-dead people born on the 11th, & a slightly more global re-cap. After all, the Rev. is the (real) messiah, & for the whole world.
Bizarro (R - Everywhere) Semantics
Slate on Steele:
"You and I know that in the history of mankind and womankind, government—federal, state or local—has never created one job," he told House Republicans in January. He repeated the point to George Stephanopoulos on Sunday, saying that jobs created by the government aren't even jobs—they're "just work." If Obama's weakness is nuance, Steele's is the utter lack thereof. [...] Gawker declared: "The Republicans have finally found their voice: it's the voice of a 50-year-old using hiphop slang from the end of the '90s." Obama's hip-hop references are from at least 2003.Good deal. Even if the bastards master the webs their content will remain fifteen yrs. behind.
"That's Just History."
They've been at it for a couple of yrs. now, trying to revise history by claiming that FDR not only didn't stop the Hoover Recession, but that his policies worsened it & made it last longer.
And now it goes to a new level, as a well-informed House Member (not a first-term state assemblyman from Bumfuck & all the lean-tos in the area, but a damn U. S. Representative) takes it to the outright lying level.
[T]he Beavercreek Republican told The Dispatch editorial board that the huge influx of money into the economy could have a negative effect. "When (President Franklin) Roosevelt did this, he put our country into a Great Depression," Austria said. "He tried to borrow and spend, he tried to use the Keynesian approach, and our country ended up in a Great Depression. That's just history." Most historians date the beginning of the Great Depression at or shortly after the stock-market crash of 1929; Roosevelt took office in 1933.Ignorance is no fucking excuse here. A Congressman should have at least a vague idea of the nation's history, shouldn't he?
Of course there's a post-statement statement involved. A lie on top of another lie, not an apology or even an admittance of stupidity & wilful ignorance.
"I did not mean to imply in any way that President Roosevelt was responsible for putting us into the Depression, but rather was trying to make the point that Roosevelt's attempt to use significant spending to get us out of the Depression did not have the desired effect. Roosevelt did not put us into the Depression, but rather his policies could not pull the nation out of the recession."It's true, he didn't mean to imply anything. He said it outright: "When Roosevelt did this, he put our country into a Great Depression. ... He tried to borrow and spend, he tried to use the Keynesian approach, and our country ended up in a Great Depression. That's just history." But who are you going to believe, a politician or your lying ears? Let's hope the constituents of the lying sack of freshman crap from Beavercreek wise up & keep this fool from becoming a sophomore Congresscritter.
Coming Next Wk. To Repressed Adolescent Nostalgia Theatre
Talented Leslie Nielsen is 83 today. See?
Walter Pigeon, on the other hand, is dead.
Walter Pigeon, on the other hand, is dead.
Annals of Militaria & Systems Analysis
NOTICE TO USERS
Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command is consolidating the command's web presence in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD) and Navy guidance. The U.S. Naval Oceanography portal will be the single access point for all public facing Meteorology and Oceanography products and services. This publicly-accessible portal is currently online at http://www.usno.navy.mil and is being populated. In the near future, non-DoD users will be redirected to this portal.
From USNO Astronomical Applications Dep't.Every Work Of Art Is An Uncommitted Crime
Fans of "Marxist theorist" Theodor Adorno might want to click here for music based on his work, Minima Moralia. Yes, this European gentleman
inspired some goober (w/ prompting from Greil Marcus) to write & record some cretin music. At least we think it's cretin music. (The author can't spell "Theodor," so he may be a real cretin.)
inspired some goober (w/ prompting from Greil Marcus) to write & record some cretin music. At least we think it's cretin music. (The author can't spell "Theodor," so he may be a real cretin.)The extra irony being that Adorno despised all popular music of his time. Imagine what he'd think of Hannah Montana, or any of the last 40 yrs. of pop. Or whatever we've linked to.
History: Birthday Pals Jeb Bush & Sarah Palin in '12?
Today is Wednesday, Feb. 11, the 42nd day of 2009. There are 323 days left in the year.
AP "Today in History" Page. AP A/V wrap-up.
Today's Highlight in History:
On Feb. 11, 1858, French teenager Bernadette Soubirous reported the first of 18 visions of a lady dressed in white in a grotto near Lourdes. (The Catholic Church later accepted that the visions were of the Virgin Mary.) [Sure. Wasn't just any old "lady in white." Had to be the V. M. herself. — Ed.]
On this date:
In 1812, Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry signed a re-districting law favoring his party, giving rise to the term "gerrymandering."
In 1861, President-elect Abraham Lincoln departed Springfield, Ill., for Washington.
In 1847, inventor Thomas Alva Edison was born in Milan, Ohio.
One hundred years ago, in 1909, heavyweight boxer Max Baer was born in Omaha, Neb.; Oscar-winning writer-producer-director Joseph L. Mankiewicz was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
In 1929, the Lateran Treaty was signed, with Italy recognizing the independence and sovereignty of Vatican City.
In 1937, a six-week-old sit-down strike against General Motors ended, with the company agreeing to recognize the United Automobile Workers Union.
In 1945, U. S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Josef Stalin wrapped up a conference at Yalta in the Crimea by signing a series of agreements on the governance of post-World War II Europe.
In 1972, McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. and Life magazine canceled plans to publish what turned out to be a fake autobiography of reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes.
In 1975, Margaret Thatcher was elected leader of Britain's opposition Conservative Party.
Thirty years ago, in 1979, followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini seized power in Iran, nine days after the religious leader returned to his home country following 15 years of exile.
Twenty years ago, in 1989, the Reverend Barbara C. Harris became the first woman consecrated as a bishop in the Episcopal Church, in a ceremony held in Boston.
In 1990, South African activist Nelson Mandela was freed after 27 years in captivity.
In 1993, President Bill Clinton announced his choice of Miami prosecutor Janet Reno to be the nation's first female attorney general.
Ten years ago: A federal jury in New York found several gun makers responsible in three area shootings for letting guns fall into the hands of criminals and assessed damages; gun makers were found liable in six other instances, but no monetary damages were awarded in those cases. (However, the plaintiffs suffered a setback in 2001 when the New York Court of Appeals invalidated such claims.)
In 2002, Israel attacked Palestinian security headquarters in Gaza City in response to unprecedented Palestinian rocket fire and a shooting attack on Israeli civilians.
Five years ago: Wesley Clark dropped out of the race for the White House. A car bomb at an army recruiting center in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 47 people. Cable TV giant Comcast Corporation launched a hostile bid to buy The Walt Disney Company for more than $54 billion (Comcast later dropped its bid).
In 2006, Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot and wounded a companion during a quail hunt in Texas. Also in 2006, Dubai Ports World, a state-owned business in the United Arab Emirates, struck a $6.8 billion deal to take over operations at six U.S. ports. (The deal was later blocked.)
One year ago: The Defense Department charged Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and five other detainees at Guantanamo Bay with murder and war crimes in connection with the Sept. 11 attacks. (Charges against one were later dropped.) Yahoo Inc. rejected Microsoft Corp.'s unsolicited takeover bid. Tom Lantos, a 14-term California congressman who was a forceful voice for human rights, died in Bethesda, Md., at age 80.
Today's Birthdays: Actor Leslie Nielsen is 83. Actor Conrad Janis is 81. Actress Tina Louise is 75. [Now we feel old, even if Ms. Louise doesn't look 75. — Ed.]
Actor Burt Reynolds is 73. Songwriter Gerry Goffin is 70. Actor Sonny Landham is 68. Bandleader Sergio Mendes is 68. Rhythm-and-blues singer Otis Clay is 67. Actor Philip Anglim is 57. Former governor of Florida, brother of former President George W. Bush Jeb Bush is 56. [Don't you just love the word "former?" — Ed.] Actress Catherine Hickland is 53. Rock musician David Uosikkinen (The Hooters) is 53. Actress Carey Lowell is 48. Singer Sheryl Crow is 47. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is 45. Actress Jennifer Aniston is 40. [Those last four in one room would make quite a birthday party. — Ed.]
Thought for Today: "Time is really the only capital that any human being has, and the one thing that he can't afford to lose." — Thomas Alva Edison (born this day in 1847, died in 1931).
On February eleventh, 1963, The Beatles recorded all of the tracks for their first album to be released in the UK, "Please Please Me." John Lennon had a bad cold and belted out "Twist and Shout" in one take.
In 1964, The Beatles performed their first US concert, at the Coliseum in Washington. In the following days, the band performed in New York and in Florida, but the concerts were not considered part of an official tour. [Only took a yr. — Ed.]
In 1965, Ringo Starr married Maureen Cox in London. They divorced in 1975.
In 1970, the Ringo Starr-Peter Sellers film "The Magic Christian" premiered in New York. The film's soundtrack album included the Badfinger song "Come and Get It," which was written by Paul McCartney.
In 1972, David Bowie first performed as "Ziggy Stardust," at a show in Tollworth, England.
In 1983, The Rolling Stones tour documentary "Let's Spend The Night Together" opened in the US and Canada.
In 1986, Boy George guest-starred on an episode of "The A-Team" as a singer mistakenly booked into a country dance hall.
In 1987, in the wake of Liberace's death from AIDS, the London Daily Mirror asked if it could have back the $53,000 US libel award the entertainer won from the paper more than 30 years earlier. The tabloid had called Liberace a "fruit-flavoured, mincing, ice-covered heap of mother love" in 1956.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
In 1972, McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. and Life magazine canceled plans to publish what turned out to be a fake autobiography of reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes.
In 1975, Margaret Thatcher was elected leader of Britain's opposition Conservative Party.
Thirty years ago, in 1979, followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini seized power in Iran, nine days after the religious leader returned to his home country following 15 years of exile.
Twenty years ago, in 1989, the Reverend Barbara C. Harris became the first woman consecrated as a bishop in the Episcopal Church, in a ceremony held in Boston.
In 1990, South African activist Nelson Mandela was freed after 27 years in captivity.
In 1993, President Bill Clinton announced his choice of Miami prosecutor Janet Reno to be the nation's first female attorney general.
Ten years ago: A federal jury in New York found several gun makers responsible in three area shootings for letting guns fall into the hands of criminals and assessed damages; gun makers were found liable in six other instances, but no monetary damages were awarded in those cases. (However, the plaintiffs suffered a setback in 2001 when the New York Court of Appeals invalidated such claims.)
In 2002, Israel attacked Palestinian security headquarters in Gaza City in response to unprecedented Palestinian rocket fire and a shooting attack on Israeli civilians.
Five years ago: Wesley Clark dropped out of the race for the White House. A car bomb at an army recruiting center in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 47 people. Cable TV giant Comcast Corporation launched a hostile bid to buy The Walt Disney Company for more than $54 billion (Comcast later dropped its bid).
In 2006, Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot and wounded a companion during a quail hunt in Texas. Also in 2006, Dubai Ports World, a state-owned business in the United Arab Emirates, struck a $6.8 billion deal to take over operations at six U.S. ports. (The deal was later blocked.)
One year ago: The Defense Department charged Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and five other detainees at Guantanamo Bay with murder and war crimes in connection with the Sept. 11 attacks. (Charges against one were later dropped.) Yahoo Inc. rejected Microsoft Corp.'s unsolicited takeover bid. Tom Lantos, a 14-term California congressman who was a forceful voice for human rights, died in Bethesda, Md., at age 80.
Today's Birthdays: Actor Leslie Nielsen is 83. Actor Conrad Janis is 81. Actress Tina Louise is 75. [Now we feel old, even if Ms. Louise doesn't look 75. — Ed.]
Actor Burt Reynolds is 73. Songwriter Gerry Goffin is 70. Actor Sonny Landham is 68. Bandleader Sergio Mendes is 68. Rhythm-and-blues singer Otis Clay is 67. Actor Philip Anglim is 57. Former governor of Florida, brother of former President George W. Bush Jeb Bush is 56. [Don't you just love the word "former?" — Ed.] Actress Catherine Hickland is 53. Rock musician David Uosikkinen (The Hooters) is 53. Actress Carey Lowell is 48. Singer Sheryl Crow is 47. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is 45. Actress Jennifer Aniston is 40. [Those last four in one room would make quite a birthday party. — Ed.]
Thought for Today: "Time is really the only capital that any human being has, and the one thing that he can't afford to lose." — Thomas Alva Edison (born this day in 1847, died in 1931).
On February eleventh, 1963, The Beatles recorded all of the tracks for their first album to be released in the UK, "Please Please Me." John Lennon had a bad cold and belted out "Twist and Shout" in one take.
In 1964, The Beatles performed their first US concert, at the Coliseum in Washington. In the following days, the band performed in New York and in Florida, but the concerts were not considered part of an official tour. [Only took a yr. — Ed.]
In 1965, Ringo Starr married Maureen Cox in London. They divorced in 1975.
In 1970, the Ringo Starr-Peter Sellers film "The Magic Christian" premiered in New York. The film's soundtrack album included the Badfinger song "Come and Get It," which was written by Paul McCartney.
In 1972, David Bowie first performed as "Ziggy Stardust," at a show in Tollworth, England.
In 1983, The Rolling Stones tour documentary "Let's Spend The Night Together" opened in the US and Canada.
In 1986, Boy George guest-starred on an episode of "The A-Team" as a singer mistakenly booked into a country dance hall.
In 1987, in the wake of Liberace's death from AIDS, the London Daily Mirror asked if it could have back the $53,000 US libel award the entertainer won from the paper more than 30 years earlier. The tabloid had called Liberace a "fruit-flavoured, mincing, ice-covered heap of mother love" in 1956.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Complete Financial Meltdown Averted, But Barely
This has nothing to do w/ the Senate passing anything. Brought to our attention by commenter hatmandu at the House of TBogg, a link, & a video
Liberal Priorities
Tuesday's toad at the Incredible Shrinking Newspaper™©, Jonah Goldberg, is blathering & whining from his list of "Porkulus" talking points.
Sneaking into the package hundreds of millions for, say, sex education, the National Endowment for the Arts and sod for the National Mall doesn't suggest a lot of confidence that Americans support such liberal priorities."Sod the National Mall: How Obama Plans to Ram Socialism Down Your Throat! An Exclusive Five-Part Series at NRO.com." Can hardly wait for that one. A couple of other delights.
Don't tell that to Specter, a living antonym for the word "Churchillian."Jonah, "Churchillian" doesn't mean what the right has re-defined it to mean. Ask one of your regular "readers" to do a little research for you on that one, Mr. Goldberg, as is your style.
Now, to be honest, I think President Obama's stimulus bill is a monstrosity, a bloated behemoth unleashed on America with staggering dishonesty. The centrist "improvements" are like throwing a new coat of paint on a condemned building.Yes, do be honest. Try being honest enough to type that you haven't the slightest idea about, well, anything but Star Wars™ collectible prices, & that you merely recite whatever points were faxed to the NRO cubicle farm by the high-tech, youth-oriented Republican Party.
If he had the intellectual acumen or the honesty to state that any attempts to continue capitalism were "like throwing a new coat of paint on a condemned building," we might pay a bit more attention to his 800 wds. a wk. But there's no point at this stage of the game.
Today In History & Other Crap
Today is Tuesday, Feb. 10, the 41st day of 2009. There are 324 days left in the year.
Shorter AP A/V of today, & other events. Or you could look at the UPI Almanac.Today's Highlight in History:
On Feb. 10, 1959, a major tornado tore through the St. Louis, Mo., area, killing 21 people and causing heavy damage.
On this date:
In 1763, Britain, Spain and France signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the Seven Years' War.
In 1840, Britain's Queen Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
In 1841, Upper Canada and Lower Canada were proclaimed united under an Act of Union passed by the British Parliament.
In 1942, the former French liner Normandie capsized in New York Harbor a day after it caught fire while being refitted for the US Navy.
Sixty years ago, in 1949, Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman" opened at Broadway's Morosco Theater with Lee J. Cobb as Willy Loman.
(On this date in 2005, Miller died in Roxbury, Conn. at age 89.)
In 1962, the Soviet Union exchanged captured American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers for Rudolf Abel, a Soviet spy held by the United States.
In 1967, the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, dealing with presidential disability and succession, was ratified as Minnesota and Nevada adopted it.
In 1968, US figure skater Peggy Fleming won America's only gold medal of the Winter Olympic Games in Grenoble, France.
In 1981, eight people were killed when a fire set by a busboy broke out at the Las Vegas Hilton hotel-casino.
In 1989, Ron Brown was elected chairman of the Democratic National Committee, becoming the first black to head a major US political party.
Ten years ago: Resigned to losing their case, House prosecutors said public opinion polls had made a stronger impression on senators than any evidence that President Bill Clinton had committed high crimes and misdemeanors. A federal judge ordered American Airlines pilots to end a sickout that had grounded 2,500 flights, stranded 200,000 travelers and left businesses scrambling for cargo carriers.
Five years ago: The White House, trying to end doubts about President George W. Bush's Vietnam-era military service, released documents it said proved he had met his requirements in the Texas Air National Guard. Democrat John Kerry won the Virginia and Tennessee primaries. A truck bombing in Iskandariyah, Iraq, killed 53 people. An Iranian plane crashed in the United Arab Emirates, killing 46 people.
One year ago: Hillary Rodham Clinton replaced campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle with longtime aide Maggie Williams. Barack Obama defeated Clinton in the Maine Democratic presidential caucuses. British journalist Richard Butler and his Iraqi interpreter were kidnapped in Iraq. (Both were later released.) A fire destroyed a 610-year-old wooden city gate in Seoul, South Korea. The NFC defeated the AFC 42-30 in the Pro Bowl. Amy Winehouse won five Grammys, appearing via satellite from London. Death claimed actor Roy Scheider, 75, in Little Rock, Ark.; lounge rocker Freddie Bell, 76, and "Howard the Duck" creator Steve Gerber, 60, in Las Vegas; and "Married with Children" co-creator Ron Leavitt, 60, in Los Angeles.
Today's Birthdays: Opera singer Leontyne Price is 82. Actor Robert Wagner is 79. Rock musician Don Wilson (The Ventures) is 76. Singer Roberta Flack is 72. Singer Jimmy Merchant (Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers) is 69. Jazz singer Kenny Rankin is 69. Rock musician Bob Spalding (The Ventures) is 62. Olympic gold-medal swimmer Mark Spitz is 59. Country singer Lionel Cartwright is 49. Movie director Alexander Payne ("Sideways") is 48. ABC News correspondent George Stephanopoulos is 48. Actress Laura Dern is 42.Thought for Today: "Be nice to people on the way up. They're the same people you'll pass on the way down." — Jimmy Durante (1893-1980). [Today is Mr. Durante's birthday. — Ed.]
Entertainment History:
On February tenth, 1942, Glenn Miller and his Orchestra received a gold record for their recording of "Chattanooga Choo Choo," which had sold more than one million copies.
It was the first gold record ever presented to an artist. Twelve years later, on this date in 1954, "The Glenn Miller Story," starring Jimmy Stewart, premiered in New York.
In 1971, Carole King released her "Tapestry" album.
In 1975, record producer Phil Spector was injured in a car accident. Not much was known about what happened, except that it occurred somewhere between Los Angeles and Phoenix and that Spector was injured.
In 1990, Paula Abdul became the first female artist to have an album stay in the top ten for over 50 weeks. It was her debut album, "Forever Your Girl."
In 1992, Alex Haley, the author of "Roots," died in Seattle at age 70. Also in 1992, New Kids On The Block filed a slander suit against a former producer who'd claimed they didn't do much singing on the "Hangin' Tough" album or during New Kids concerts. (The producer, Gregory McPherson, later retracted his allegation.)
In 1993, Michael Jackson revealed during a live TV interview with Oprah Winfrey that he has a disorder that destroys the pigmentation of his skin. He also insisted he's had very little plastic surgery, contrary to what the public thought.
In 1995, rapper Dr. Dre was sentenced to five months probation for drunk driving.
In 1997, singer Brian Connolly of Sweet died of kidney failure in a hospital in southern England. He was 52. Also in 1997, Liam Gallagher of Oasis called off his wedding to actress Patsy Kensit because of what he called "obsessive and intrusive" media attention. They quietly got married the following April. They have since separated.
In 2006, singer Scott Stapp married former Miss New York Jaclyn Nesheiwat in Miami. The next day, he was arrested on suspicion of being drunk in the Los Angeles International Airport (however, prosecutors declined to charge him).
(On this date in 2005, Miller died in Roxbury, Conn. at age 89.)
In 1962, the Soviet Union exchanged captured American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers for Rudolf Abel, a Soviet spy held by the United States.
In 1967, the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, dealing with presidential disability and succession, was ratified as Minnesota and Nevada adopted it.
In 1968, US figure skater Peggy Fleming won America's only gold medal of the Winter Olympic Games in Grenoble, France.
In 1981, eight people were killed when a fire set by a busboy broke out at the Las Vegas Hilton hotel-casino.
In 1989, Ron Brown was elected chairman of the Democratic National Committee, becoming the first black to head a major US political party.
Ten years ago: Resigned to losing their case, House prosecutors said public opinion polls had made a stronger impression on senators than any evidence that President Bill Clinton had committed high crimes and misdemeanors. A federal judge ordered American Airlines pilots to end a sickout that had grounded 2,500 flights, stranded 200,000 travelers and left businesses scrambling for cargo carriers.
Five years ago: The White House, trying to end doubts about President George W. Bush's Vietnam-era military service, released documents it said proved he had met his requirements in the Texas Air National Guard. Democrat John Kerry won the Virginia and Tennessee primaries. A truck bombing in Iskandariyah, Iraq, killed 53 people. An Iranian plane crashed in the United Arab Emirates, killing 46 people.
One year ago: Hillary Rodham Clinton replaced campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle with longtime aide Maggie Williams. Barack Obama defeated Clinton in the Maine Democratic presidential caucuses. British journalist Richard Butler and his Iraqi interpreter were kidnapped in Iraq. (Both were later released.) A fire destroyed a 610-year-old wooden city gate in Seoul, South Korea. The NFC defeated the AFC 42-30 in the Pro Bowl. Amy Winehouse won five Grammys, appearing via satellite from London. Death claimed actor Roy Scheider, 75, in Little Rock, Ark.; lounge rocker Freddie Bell, 76, and "Howard the Duck" creator Steve Gerber, 60, in Las Vegas; and "Married with Children" co-creator Ron Leavitt, 60, in Los Angeles.
Today's Birthdays: Opera singer Leontyne Price is 82. Actor Robert Wagner is 79. Rock musician Don Wilson (The Ventures) is 76. Singer Roberta Flack is 72. Singer Jimmy Merchant (Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers) is 69. Jazz singer Kenny Rankin is 69. Rock musician Bob Spalding (The Ventures) is 62. Olympic gold-medal swimmer Mark Spitz is 59. Country singer Lionel Cartwright is 49. Movie director Alexander Payne ("Sideways") is 48. ABC News correspondent George Stephanopoulos is 48. Actress Laura Dern is 42.Thought for Today: "Be nice to people on the way up. They're the same people you'll pass on the way down." — Jimmy Durante (1893-1980). [Today is Mr. Durante's birthday. — Ed.]
Entertainment History:
On February tenth, 1942, Glenn Miller and his Orchestra received a gold record for their recording of "Chattanooga Choo Choo," which had sold more than one million copies.
It was the first gold record ever presented to an artist. Twelve years later, on this date in 1954, "The Glenn Miller Story," starring Jimmy Stewart, premiered in New York.
In 1971, Carole King released her "Tapestry" album.
In 1975, record producer Phil Spector was injured in a car accident. Not much was known about what happened, except that it occurred somewhere between Los Angeles and Phoenix and that Spector was injured.
In 1990, Paula Abdul became the first female artist to have an album stay in the top ten for over 50 weeks. It was her debut album, "Forever Your Girl."
In 1992, Alex Haley, the author of "Roots," died in Seattle at age 70. Also in 1992, New Kids On The Block filed a slander suit against a former producer who'd claimed they didn't do much singing on the "Hangin' Tough" album or during New Kids concerts. (The producer, Gregory McPherson, later retracted his allegation.)
In 1993, Michael Jackson revealed during a live TV interview with Oprah Winfrey that he has a disorder that destroys the pigmentation of his skin. He also insisted he's had very little plastic surgery, contrary to what the public thought.
In 1995, rapper Dr. Dre was sentenced to five months probation for drunk driving.
In 1997, singer Brian Connolly of Sweet died of kidney failure in a hospital in southern England. He was 52. Also in 1997, Liam Gallagher of Oasis called off his wedding to actress Patsy Kensit because of what he called "obsessive and intrusive" media attention. They quietly got married the following April. They have since separated.
In 2006, singer Scott Stapp married former Miss New York Jaclyn Nesheiwat in Miami. The next day, he was arrested on suspicion of being drunk in the Los Angeles International Airport (however, prosecutors declined to charge him).
Monday, February 9, 2009
Relax. It's Nobody.
A medium shot of the driver of the Bentley, said to have Illinois plates, reveals a pudgy male w/ a short beard & shades. No one immediately recognizable. Bummer.
Celebrity(?) Car Chase
As we type, a white Bentley, possibly w/ an "armed & dangerous" suspect at the wheel, is sitting in the middle of a street in Universal City, w/ the California Highway Patrol officers who've been led on a merry chase for some three hrs. standing around w/ pistols & shotguns drawn looking at the Bentley.
The subtext is that it may be a despondent "high-profile" person in the Bentley. If we don't get bored & watch something that moves, we may up-date you. (After a three hour chase, we figure they may not be much petrol left in the Bentley.)
This is the second televised car chase of the evening, the other one occurring during the dinner-time news. No weapons involved in that one other than the automobile, which ended up clipping a car while running through an intersection & rear-ending a parked pick-up truck.
Putting Sin Back In The "Equation"
More on the Whore of Babylon: She's not selling them ("Charity" gladly accepted, of course.) yet, but indulgences are back. All part of the Pope's nostalgia marketing campaign, which is off to a great start w/ the aging & nostalgic.
Octavia Andrade, 64, laughed as she recalled a time when children would race through the rosary repeatedly to get as many indulgences as they could — usually in increments of 5 or 10 years — “as if we needed them, then.”
Still, she supports their reintroduction. “Anything old coming back, I’m in favor of it,” she said. “More fervor is a good thing.”
Karen Nassauer, 61, said she was baffled by the return to a practice she never quite understood to begin with.
“I mean, I’m not saying it is necessarily wrong,” she said. “What does it mean to get time off in Purgatory? What is five years in terms of eternity?”
The latest offers de-emphasize the years-in-Purgatory formulations of old in favor of a less specific accounting, with more focus on ways in which people can help themselves — and one another — come to terms with sin.
Sin. Your time in Purgatory. And some fervor. What a racket.
Getting Catholics back into confession, in fact, was one of the motivations for reintroducing the indulgence. In a 2001 speech, Pope John Paul described the newly reborn tradition as “a happy incentive” for confession.
“Confessions have been down for years and the church is very worried about it,” said the Rev. Tom Reese, a Jesuit and former editor of the Catholic magazine America. In a secularized culture of pop psychology and self-help, he said, “the church wants the idea of personal sin back in the equation. Indulgences are a way of reminding people of the importance of penance.”
The thought at Just Another Blog™ is that people would be much better off if they got a couple of extra hrs. of sleep every Sunday, rather than returning the idea of personal sin to whichever equation Jesuit-boy referred to.
Catholics & Republicans: Circling Wagons Around The Base
Be ready for further foaming, of an even more rabid nature, as two institutions confronted w/ impending slides into irrelevance & doom try to stand athwart history & its dialectic screeching "Stop, damnit, for the love of my non-existent gawd, stop!!"
All should be familiar w/ the Republican "We weren't right wing enough! We lost the base!" etc., etc. chant, tempered here & there by the slightly less-ideological & more rational, "Maybe we should have an appeal to more than old white Christian male high school drop-outs who'll be dead in ten yrs.," elements of the party. (Both of them.)
And all should be aware we'll be hearing more of the same, for some time. "George Bush was no conservative, he was a spendthrift, big government type." "If not for Sarah Palin we would've really lost! The at least six un-flattering adjectives media lied Obama into office," & probably more than once its sub-text: "AmeriKKKans are so stupid they don't deserve our glorious rule," ad nauseum.
The other institution is that globe-girdling enterprise of repression, guilt, self-loathing & general Whore of Babylonatry, the Roman Catholic Church. There aren't as many pasty-white patoots in the pews as there used to be, so the Pope is going for quality of delusion, not quantity of the deluded.
Very high on Benedict's list of concerns is the defense -- perhaps the saving -- of Catholic Christianity on the European continent. Benedict knows only too painfully that Catholic loyalties in most countries are far weaker than they were 40 years ago, whether measured by mass attendance or vocations. Meanwhile, once-faithful countries like Spain seem happy passing very liberal laws on abortion and gay marriage -- both of which Benedict opposes strenuously. If there is a solution to this great fall from grace, he has suggested, it is to be found in the small and very faithful Catholic societies -- including the so-called new ecclesial orders. If we can no longer count on heavy majorities of Spaniards or French people going to mass, Benedict reasoned, the Catholic future depends on dedicated minorities who will act like a leaven to raise the whole mass.
Good luck, Joey Ratz. You've been doing a good job so far improving the standing of the Church. And we can expect more, it seems.
The sect's eccentricity went further than simply holding quirky or reactionary views. Lefebvre and his immediate circle reacted radically and fundamentally to the Vatican's 1960s reformism. Theirs was not simply suspicion of modern decadence, but rather a fundamental belief in the evil forces subverting the modern world -- which included the Jews. Pope Benedict erred in seeing the Lefebvrists as simple traditionalists or reactionaries whose views slotted into the right wing of the acceptable European political spectrum. Some, at least, were far more extreme, and the Vatican's attempted embrace of them will probably cause lasting damage both inside the church, and in relations with other faiths.The Pope may not have too sharp an ear for the acceptable political spectrum, having been a Junior Nazi & all. And how could he have imagined that these simple, traditionalist reactionaries would have simple, traditional, reactionary views? It's not as if the Holy Father is infallible or anything.
Today in Entertainment History: It's All Paul!
Associated Press - February 9, 2009 3:13 AM ET
On February ninth, 1964, The Beatles made their first live U.S. television appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." An estimated 73 million people tuned in to watch the band perform five songs, including "I Want To Hold Your Hand."
In 1972, Wings played its first show -- unannounced and uninvited -- for students during lunchtime at Nottingham University in England. The price of admission was 33 cents.
In 1979, K-Mart pulled Steve Martin's comedy album "Let's Get Small" for being in bad taste.
In 1981, singer Bill Haley died in Harlingen, Texas, of natural causes. He was 56.
Today in History - Feb. 9
By The Associated Press 53 mins ago
Today is Monday, Feb. 9, the 40th day of 2009. There are 325 days left in the year.
[In some worlds, this is the]
AP Highlight in History:
On Feb. 9, 1964, the Beatles made their first live American TV appearance, on "The Ed Sullivan Show."
Read the original AP story
Ed Sullivan introduces the Beatles
[In others, this:]
Today's Highlight in History:
In 1943, the World War II battle of Guadalcanal in the southwest Pacific ended with an Allied victory over Japanese forces. [Still pretty cool, highlight or no. — Ed.]
On this date:
In 1773, the ninth president of the United States, William Henry Harrison, was born in Charles City County, Virginia Colony.
In 1825, the House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams president after no candidate had received a majority of electoral votes.
In 1861, Jefferson Davis was elected the provisional president of the Confederate States of America
In 1870, the U.S. Weather Bureau was established.
One Hundred years ago, in 1909, Dean Rusk, secretary of state under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, was born in Cherokee County, Ga.
In 1933, the Oxford Union Society approved, 275-153, a motion "that this House will in no circumstances fight for its King and Country," a stand that was widely denounced.
Read the original AP story
Ed Sullivan introduces the Beatles
[In others, this:]
Today's Highlight in History:
In 1943, the World War II battle of Guadalcanal in the southwest Pacific ended with an Allied victory over Japanese forces. [Still pretty cool, highlight or no. — Ed.]
On this date:
In 1773, the ninth president of the United States, William Henry Harrison, was born in Charles City County, Virginia Colony.
In 1825, the House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams president after no candidate had received a majority of electoral votes.
In 1861, Jefferson Davis was elected the provisional president of the Confederate States of America
In 1870, the U.S. Weather Bureau was established.
One Hundred years ago, in 1909, Dean Rusk, secretary of state under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, was born in Cherokee County, Ga.
In 1933, the Oxford Union Society approved, 275-153, a motion "that this House will in no circumstances fight for its King and Country," a stand that was widely denounced. (In 1983, the Oxford Union Society rejected, 416-187, a motion "that this House would not fight for Queen and Country.")
In 1942, daylight-saving "War Time" went into effect in the United States, with clocks turned one hour forward.
In 1950, in a speech in Wheeling, W.Va., Sen. Joseph McCarthy, R-Wis., charged the State Department was riddled with Communists. ["57 card-carrying communists ..." Ah, memories. Hear tail-gunner Joe at the "In some worlds" link above. — Ed.]
In 1971, the crew of Apollo 14 returned to Earth after man's third landing on the moon.
In 1984, Soviet leader Yuri V. Andropov died at age 69, less than 15 months after succeeding Leonid Brezhnev; he was succeeded by Konstantin U. Chernenko.
Ten years ago: The Senate began closed-door deliberations in President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial, even though members from both parties acknowledged that the two-thirds margin for conviction could not be attained.
Five years ago: President George W. Bush and Democratic front-runner John Kerry sparred over the president's economic leadership, while Kerry's rivals sought to slow his brisk pace. Anti-government rebels took control of nearly a dozen towns in western Haiti as the death toll in the violent uprising rose to at least 40.
One year ago: Democrat Barack Obama swept the Louisiana primary and caucuses in Nebraska and Washington state; Republican Mike Huckabee outpolled John McCain in the Kansas caucuses and Louisiana primary, while McCain won the Washington caucuses. A suicide bomber blasted a political gathering in northwestern Pakistan, killing at least 27 people. Space shuttle Atlantis, carrying a European-built science lab, docked with the international space station.
Today's Birthdays: Actress Kathryn Grayson is 87. Television journalist Roger Mudd is 81. Actress Janet Suzman is 70. Actress-politician Sheila James Kuehl ("The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis") is 68. Singer-songwriter Carole King is 67. Actor Joe Pesci is 66. Singer Barbara Lewis is 66. Author Alice Walker is 65. Actress Mia Farrow is 64. Singer Joe Ely is 62. Actress Judith Light is 60. Rhythm-and-blues musician Dennis "DT" Thomas (Kool & the Gang) is 58. Actor Charles Shaughnessy is 54. Country singer Travis Tritt is 46. Actress Julie Warner is 44. Country singer Danni Leigh is 39. Actor Jason George is 37. Actor-producer Charlie Day is 33. Rock singer Chad Wolf (Carolina Liar) is 33. Actor A.J. Buckley (TV: "CSI: NY") is 32. Rock musician Richard On (O.A.R.) is 30. Actress Ziyi Zhang is 30.
Thought for Today: "Modesty is the conscience of the body." — Honoré de Balzac, French author and dramatist (1799-1850). [Oh please, what the fuck is that even supposed to mean? — Ed.]
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
NOT Live-Blogging The Fucking Grammies ...
... which haven't yet begun their tape-delayed airing on the coast w/ the most.
Barter System
Land Ho! Pacific Fleet spokeswoman Agnes Tauyan says the Navy is reassessing its options.
Missed this until now.
HONOLULU - The Navy says its third attempt to free a $1 billion warship that ran aground off the coast of Hawaii has failed. Tugboats and a salvage ship tried unsuccessfully for four hours early Sunday to pull the USS Port Royal off a rock and sand shoal. The guided missile cruiser ran aground Thursday about a half-mile south of the Honolulu airport.Maybe it takes three tries before the elite bias liberal mainstream legacy drive-by media reports anything bad about our sailors.
Wayne's World of Psycho- & Sociopathic Oddity
Seriously, who hasn't noticed this probably meaningless yet possibly culturally significant phenomenon?
Weird news fan Chuck Shepherd was onto it some time ago (We suspect not as early as the Editorial Board here, but who the hell can remember exactly when this or that formerly crackpot theory began to make sense?) has compiled a list composed exclusively of murderers w/ the middle name "Wayne," & offers a theory.
[File this under: Whatever, Getting Rid Of Crap We Bookmarked For Some Reason, Why Should We Care?, Are We Getting Paid For This? — Ed.]
HIstory, Etc., On This Date
Today is Sunday, Feb. 8, the 39th day of 2009. There are 326 days left in the year.
Link to the AP's page.
Today's Highlight in History:
On Feb. 8, 1968, three black college students were killed in a confrontation with highway patrolmen in Orangeburg, S.C., during a civil rights protest against a whites-only bowling alley.
On this date:
In 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots was beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle in England after she was implicated in a plot to assassinate her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I.
In 1693, a charter was granted for the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va.
In 1837, the Senate selected the vice president of the United States, choosing Richard Mentor Johnson after no candidate received a majority of electoral votes.
In 1904, the Russo-Japanese War, a conflict over control of Manchuria and Korea, began as Japanese forces attacked Port Arthur.
In 1910, the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated.
In 1924, the first execution by gas in the United States took place at the Nevada State Prison in Carson City as Gee Jon, a Chinese immigrant convicted of murder, was put to death.
In 1974, the last three-man crew of the Skylab space station returned to Earth after spending 84 days in space.
In 1978, the deliberations of the Senate were broadcast on radio for the first time as members opened debate on the Panama Canal treaties.
In 1989, 144 people were killed when an Independent Air Boeing 707 filled with Italian tourists slammed into a fog-covered mountain in the Azores.
In 2007, model, actress and tabloid sensation Anna Nicole Smith died in Florida at age 39 of an accidental drug overdose.
Ten years ago: The Senate heard closing arguments at President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial, with House prosecutors challenging senators to "cleanse the office" and the president's attorney dismissing the case as one of partisan retribution. Jordan's King Hussein was laid to rest during a five-hour funeral in Amman attended by dignitaries from all over the world, including President Clinton and former U. S. presidents George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and Gerald R. Ford.
Five years ago: President George W. Bush denied marching America into war under false pretenses and said in an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" the US-led invasion was necessary because Saddam Hussein could have developed a nuclear weapon. The National Football Conference won the Pro Bowl, defeating the American Conference 55-52. In the National Hockey League All-Star Game, the Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference, 6-4. At the Grammy Awards, rap funksters OutKast won album of the year for "Speakerboxxx-The Love Below"; Beyonce' took home five trophies.
One year ago: Scotland Yard investigators concluded that Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto died on Dec. 27, 2007, as the result of a bomb blast, not a gunshot. Latina Williams, a 23-year-old nursing student at Louisiana Technical College in Baton Rouge, shot and killed two other students and then herself. Novelist Phyllis A. Whitney died in Charlottesville, Va., at age 104.
Today's Birthdays: Composer-conductor John Williams is 77. Former ABC News anchor Ted Koppel is 69. Actor Nick Nolte is 68. Comedian Robert Klein is 67. Actor-rock musician Creed Bratton is 66. Country singer Dan Seals is 61. Singer Ron Tyson is 61. Actress Brooke Adams is 60. Actress Mary Steenburgen is 56. Author John Grisham is 54. Actor Henry Czerny is 50. Rock singer Vince Neil (Motley Crue) is 48. Rock singer-musician Sammy LLanas (The BoDeans) is 48. Actor Gary Coleman is 41. Actress Mary McCormack is 40. Actor Seth Green is 35. Actor Josh Morrow is 35.
On February eighth, 1915, the motion picture "The Birth of a Nation," directed by D.W. Griffith, premiered in Los Angeles.
In 1969, the "supergroup" Blind Faith was formed, featuring Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Steve Winwood.
In 1971, the Bob Dylan film "Eat The Document" was shown at the New York Academy of Music. Dylan had wanted the documentary to appear on TV, but it didn't until ten years later.
In 1973, Carly Simon received a gold record for the single "You're So Vain."
In 1990, singer Del Shannon was found shot to death at his home in Santa Clarita, Calif. Police found a rifle near his body, suggesting he'd committed suicide. His biggest hits were "Runaway" and "Hats Off To Larry." Also in 1990, CBS News suspended "60 Minutes" commentator Andy Rooney for racial remarks he'd allegedly made about blacks in the gay magazine The Advocate. Rooney denied the quotes.
In 2006, Sly and the Family Stone reunited for a performance at the Grammys. Stone had not performed live in 19 years.
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