What Caught My Eye Today

Economy - Don't look now, but we may have an economic stimulus package soon. With job losses soaring nationwide, Senate Democrats reached agreement with key Republicans on an economic stimulus measure at the heart of President Barack Obama's plan for reviving the economy. I must have something in my eye. Did I just read that the Senate reached an agreement? Let me pause for a moment to pick my jaw up off the floor. Officials put the cost of the measure at $780 billion in tax cuts and new spending combined. No details were immediately available, and there appeared to be some confusion among senators about the price tag. Now see, that's sounds much more like the Senate I have come to know and love. At $780 billion, the legislation would be smaller than the measure that cleared the House on a party-line vote last week. It also would mean a sharp cut from the bill that has been the subject of Senate debate for a week. That measure stood at $937 billion. Beyond the numbers, though, any agreement would mark a victory for the new president and would keep Democratic leaders on track to fulfill their promise of delivering him a bill to sign by the end of next week. Dear lord, first they manage to agree on something and now they are delivering upon promises they've made. It is a world gone mad, I say!

Russia - Speaking of gone mad. What's this about Russia wanting to help the United States? Russia granted transit rights to non-lethal U.S. military supplies headed to Afghanistan but only after apparently pressuring a former Soviet state to close an air base leased to the Americans. Kyrgyzstan announced the closure of the Manas air base but American officials suspect that Russia was behind the decision, having long been irritated by the U.S presence in central Asia. Russia wants to open discussions on thorny policy issues that Washington and Moscow have clashed on in recent years — NATO enlargement, missile defense in Europe, a new strategic arms control treaty. More importantly, Russia's expectation is that Washington must go through Moscow where Central Asia is concerned. And a little leverage never hurt, especially when that leverage involves making sure that American troops have adequate provisioning. Russia may also be showing Washington that its positions aren't immovable — particularly where Afghanistan is concerned. Russia fears Afghanistan is collapsing into anarchy, leading to instability or Islamic radicals migrating northward through Central Asia. They might be arrogant, but they're not stupid. Afghanistan didn't work to well for the Russians (it was basically their Vietnam War). I'm sure the last thing the Russians want to do is get dragged back into this mess, not when the Americans seem perfectly willing and eager to throw their troops and money at the problem. Well played comrades.

New Mexico - Actor Val Kilmer is pondering running for governor of New Mexico in 2010, when Democrat Bill Richardson's second term ends. "I'm just looking for ways to be contributive," Kilmer said. "And if that ends up being where I can make a substantial contribution, then I'll run." I looked it up. Contributive is actually a word. Who knew. I though Val was just making words up...you know, like most politicians do. He's currently registered as a Democrat and said he cast a ballot for Barack Obama from Bulgaria, where he was filming. Kilmer said if he ran it wouldn't have to be a conventional campaign. While the actor decides, he's getting out and about and has been listening to people — something he says he's pretty good at. Well heck, why not. If Jesse "The Body" Ventura and Arnold "The Governator" Schwartenegger can do it why can't Kilmer. "Ice Man" was awesome in Top Gun, you know.

Jessica Simpson - With the likes of Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears starting off the year with uncharacteristically low profiles, we turn to Jessica Simpson for our first sob story of the year. A bizarre 38-minute set by opening act Jessica Simpson inadvertently stole the spotlight from headliner Rascal Flatts at a concern in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Press reports said Simpson forgot her lyrics, struggled with her ear monitors, mumbled through songs and fought back tears during the performance. Don't you just hate when that happens? As you well know, those concern tickets are non-refundable, no matter how bad the talent is. Simpson apologized to the supportive audience of about 9,000 by mouthing the word "sorry" on two large video screens. Supportive? Dude, this is Simpson's job for chrissake! It's not like she's new at this sort of thing. Folks doled out a lot of coin to attend this concern. Is Simpson going to refund their money. I don't think so. While introducing her last song, Simpson said she sometimes feels like quitting. She appeared to be wiping away tears after finishing the song and walking off the stage. I'm not sure I go for quitting, but maybe Simpson should reconsider the rest of those tour dates. Sounds like girlfriend could use some time off to chill her poop out.

Sports - Women's college basketball doesn't always get much press, but it isn't often when you see a milestone like this in the college ranks. If I've checked my facts correctly it never has. Tennessee Volunteers women's basketball coach Pat Summitt chalked up her 1000th win last night. Lifetime her record is 1000 - 187; that's a winning percentage of better than 84%. In her 30th season, Summitt has never had a losing season. In 28 NCAA appearances, her team has failed to make the Sweet Sixteen just one time, and has advanced to the Final Four (or better) 18 times. This broad knows her way around a basketball court.