What Caught My Eye Today

War on Terror -The economic costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are estimated to total $1.6 trillion — roughly double the amount the White House has requested thus far, according to a new report by Democrats on Congress' Joint Economic Committee. The report attempted to put a price tag on the two conflicts, including "hidden" costs such as interest payments on the money borrowed to pay for the wars, lost investment, the expense of long-term health care for injured veterans and the cost of oil market disruptions.The Bush administration has requested $804 billion for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars combined, the report stated. Future economic costs would be even greater. The report estimated that both wars would cost $3.5 trillion between 2003 and 2017. Under that scenario, it would cost a family of four $46,400. The report, from the committee's Democratic majority, was not vetted with Republican members. My problem with this sort of report is that you can pretty much apply any assumptions you want to produce the outcome you are looking for. Plus, what does this report--valid or not--tell us that we don't already know? I don't think there is anyone, the President included, that doesn't agree that this has been a costly endeavor. The real question is, what are we going to do know? Nothing in this report seems to suggest an answer.

UK - Gordon Brown has said Britain's "most important" relationship is with the US, in his first major foreign policy speech since becoming prime minister. He warned that he had "no truck with anti-Americanism" and said the EU should strengthen ties with the US. Mr Brown also called for more "hard-head internationalism" in peacekeeping, aid and reconstruction. The speech followed reports that Mr Brown was keen not too appear as close to President Bush as his predecessor, Tony Blair. Has anyone noticed the recent show of goodwill to the U.S. by newly elected European leaders? First German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, then newly elected French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, and now British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. I'm not saying there is anything wrong, but it is a bit curious. A couple of years ago, Europe was lining up to criticize the U.S. Now we have newly elected officials singing the praises of the U.S. It is kind of hard to believe that these countries' electorates had a sudden change of heart about the U.S. and voted in U.S. friendly leaders.

San Francisco - A harbor pilot under investigation in San Francisco Bay's biggest oil spill in two decades initially believed the damage to his ship was minor, radioing that the vessel had just "touched" the Bay Bridge. In fact, last week's collision ripped a gash in the fuel tank of the Hong Kong-based Cosco Busan, unleashing 58,000 gallons of thick, toxic fuel oil that was still being cleaned up. The spill, initially reported at just 140 gallons, ended up being hundreds of times worse. The collision caused no structural damage to the bridge, but the fuel has fouled miles of coast, closed nearly two dozen beaches and piers and killed dozens of seabirds. More than 12,000 gallons of oil had been recovered by Monday, but much of it never will be, the Coast Guard said. Some will evaporate or dissipate and be absorbed into the environment. The oil spill was the biggest since 1988, when 400,000 gallons of oil spilled after a Shell refinery drain line broke. Another spill in 1996 poured 40,000 gallons of oil into the bay from a military vessel near Pier 70. The problem with 'touching' as the pilot so eloquently understated is that when you are talking about a really big boat mixing it up with a really big bridge, that 'touching' is likely to inflict some serious damage on something. Frankly, I'm surprised the boat didn't sink right on the spot.

In the spirit of the old saying 'things could always be worse,' sadly we have another incident that makes the oil spill in San Francisco almost insignificantly by comparison.

Black Sea - A fierce storm in the Black Sea sank at least five ships on Sunday, killing at least three sailors and causing a massive oil spill that could lead to severe environmental damage. A powerful storm that has hit the Sea of Azov and parts of the Black Sea since Sunday has sunk about 10 ships, and the large quantities of oil and chemicals that have leaked from the ships have caused fears of an environmental disaster in the area. One ship alone spilled 560,000 gallons into the Black Sea when it split in two. At least three sailors have died and 20 sailors are missing. 35 crew members from the stricken vessels were rescued. Soldiers and emergency workers from Russia and Ukraine are working hard to clean up the oil spill that has reportedly killed some 30,000 birds. When you look at a incident like this, you have to appreciate how fortunate the Bay Area was that it didn't suffer more damage than it did.

Air Travel - In the annals of excess, it could be a new high: a more than $300 million, super-sized luxury airplane, bought and outfitted solely for the private comfort of a Saudi Arabian billionaire. Once done, the Airbus A380, the world's biggest passenger plane, will be a "flying palace" for Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, the manufacturer announced. Airbus would not give a specific price tag for the VIP double-decker jet, with its football field-length wings, saying only that it would cost more than the aircraft's list price of $320 million. That doesn't even include the money the prince will spend to custom fit the nearly 6,000-square foot plane to include whatever he wants. The options include private bedrooms, a movie theater or even a gym with a jacuzzi. He'll also need a flight crew of about 15 to operate the luxury liner. As a member of the Saudi royal family, he benefits from the country's vast oil wealth. But much of bin Talal's huge fortune comes from his investment firm, the $25-billion Kingdom Holding Co., which has stakes in Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., Fairmont Raffles Hotels International Inc., Time Warner Inc., Apple Inc., PepsiCo Inc., Walt Disney Co. to name a few major corporations. The prince, who is in his early 50s, appears to have a taste for super-sized jumbo jets. He already is the only private owner of a Boeing 747-400. Okay, this is going to totally sound like sour grapes, but I have to say it. This guy is totally compensating for having a small wee-wee. What other possible explanation could there be. For crying out loud, an A380 and a 747? Gimme a break. If you have too much cash on your hands, how about kicking some of it in for a good cause like say world peace...or maybe my retirement fund?

What Caught My Eye Today

Pakistan - Opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was placed under house arrest for the second time in four days to prevent her staging a march to protest emergency rule. The showdown intensified the political crisis engulfing Pakistan and further clouded the prospect of a pro-U.S. alliance against rising Islamic extremism forming between Bhutto and President Gen. Pervez Musharraf. The protest caravan was intended meant to pressure Musharraf to end the state of emergency he imposed on Nov. 3 and give up his post as army chief. It had been expected to take about three days, and Bhutto's party said thousands of supporters were expected to join en route. Oh, for heaven's sake, make up your minds already, will you? Either lock the broad up or let her speak her peace. I, for one, don't see how a demonstration contributes to the terrorist activity that this 'state of emergency' is suppose to combat, but then again, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed either.

Iraq - The first big test of security gains linked to the U.S. troop buildup in Iraq is at hand. The military has started to reverse the 30,000-strong troop increase and commanders are hoping the drop in insurgent and sectarian violence in recent months won't prove fleeting. The current total of 20 combat brigades is shrinking to 19 as the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, operating in volatile Diyala province, leaves. Between January and July — on a schedule not yet made public — the force is to shrink further to 15 brigades. The total number of U.S. troops will likely go from 167,000 now to 140,000-145,000 by July. As the U.S. troop reductions proceed, it should become clear whether the so-called "surge" strategy that increased the U.S. troop presence in and around Baghdad resulted in any lasting gains against sectarianism. Critics note that the divided government in Baghdad has made few, if any, strides toward political reconciliation that the Americans have said is crucial to stabilizing the country. What I find fascinating about this story is that this was inevitable from the start. The surge had no way of lasting longer, because we had no more troops left to staff it. Bush isn't giving in to the 'will of the people'. He didn't have any other choice.

Pope - Pope Benedict XVI will travel to the United States for the first time as pontiff next year to meet with President Bush, address the United Nations and visit ground zero. The announcement comes as the 67 million-member American church is grappling with a priest shortage and an often alienated flock, and is still recovering from the clergy sex abuse crisis. American dioceses have paid more than $2 billion in settlements with victims since 1950. Benedict has dedicated his pontificate to fighting secularism and strengthening Catholic faith, and his visit reflects those priorities. I'll say this for the man. He'll have plenty to choose from. Those Americans are just a bunch of sex-crazed, drugged-addicted, war mongers. My perspective is that if I'm a lost soul and going to Hell anyway, I might as well go with good reason.

Finally, two more entries from the 'so bizarre it must be true' file...

Air Travel - Passengers aboard a Sri Lankan Airlines flight from London to Colombo rebelled and refused to let the plane take off because it was missing a 5-foot section of wing--sheared off in an accident the previous day. Airline officials insisted that the plane could have flown safely, explaining that the tips of the wings "are purely for aerodynamics." So like, what type of aerodynamics, do you think they were referring to? I'm thinking the ones involved in keeping the plane airborne would be rather important. And another thing, what was the pilot's involvement in all this? I would question the competence of anyone willing to fly an aircraft with part of a wing missing.

Drought - University of Georgia advised fans attending a recent football game not to flush "if it's yellow", due to a severe drought afflicting the Southeast. Bathroom attendants were given the job of deciding when it was absolutely necessary to pull the toilets' handles. Eww. Here's what I want to know. Who comes up with the criteria for when its 'absolutely necessary' to flush? Are there parameters or is it strictly a judgment call? And, seriously, how many bathroom attendants are going to relish the notion that flush inspections have been added to their job doodies, I mean duties (sorry, I couldn't resist).

What Caught My Eye Today

Afghanistan - Six U.S. troops were killed when insurgents ambushed their foot patrol in the high mountains of eastern Afghanistan. The attack, the most lethal against American forces this year, made 2007 the deadliest for U.S. troops in Afghanistan since the 2001 invasion. The six deaths brings the total number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan this year to at least 101, according to a count by the AP. That makes this year the deadliest for Americans here since the 2001 invasion, a war initially launched to oust Taliban and al-Qaida fighters after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, but one that has evolved into an increasingly bloody counterinsurgency campaign. It is a bit eerie that on the eve of Veteran's day, the casualty counts in both Iraq and Afghanistan have hit annual highs. Just another reminder of the sacrifices that our armed forces continue to make on a daily basis to protect those of us at home. Regardless of your opinion of the politics involved, take a moment this weekend to reflect upon the valiant efforts of our troops both at home and abroad. Stay safe, guys and gals.

Nuclear Weapons - Members of Congress have warned about the dangers of suitcase nuclear weapons. Hollywood has made television shows and movies about them. Even the Federal Emergency Management Agency has alerted Americans to a threat — information the White House includes on its Web site. But government experts and intelligence officials say such a threat gets vastly more attention than it deserves. These officials said a true suitcase nuke would be highly complex to produce, require significant upkeep and cost a small fortune. Why don't the assurances of 'government experts and intelligence officials' make me feel any safer? I'm sure they said the same thing about the possibility of someone crashing a commercial aircraft into a skyscraper. Look how that turned out.

Economy - Full disclosure: I ripped this one off from The Onion (published earlier this week). These guys are hysterical.

While speaking to a group of White House reporters, President Bush fended off questions about the weak state of the dollar, the expected long-term deficit caused by Social Security and Medicare payments, and a faltering housing market by assuring reporters that the U.S. economy's ability to have such a widespread negative impact on the world only further proves it is "easily the best."

"Our recent credit crisis alone has been enough to depress share prices in Japan, Rome, China, and Brazil," a smirking Bush said during a press conference Thursday.

"Sounds to me like our economy is still pretty powerful." Bush later added that he was equally proud of the impact U.S. foreign policy has had over the past six years, adding that only a truly great president could be capable of fostering so much hatred across the globe.

What makes this so funny is that there's a good chance that Bush could have made these sorts of remarks. Thankfully, this time around, it was just a really good satire from the comically gifted minds who publish The Onion.

India - Here's another entry from the 'so bizarre it must be true' file...

Delhi's Deputy Mayor fell to his death last week after being attacked by monkeys. The Indian capital is suffering from a plague of Rhesus macaques, whose natural habitat has been shrinking as urban sprawl claims the nearby forests. The 'monkey menace' is particularly hard to combat because many Hindus, who believe monkeys to be the manifestations of the monkey god Hanuman, feed the animals; that encourages them to hang around urban areas and beg. Some become aggressive, but they can't be killed because of their religious significance. Nor has relocating monkeys to rural areas or wildlife sanctuaries been successful, as they tend to find their way back. As is so often the case, with stories like this, I again find myself at a loss for words. I wonder if the U.S. State Department plans to issue a travel advisory to would-be American visitors to Delhi.

Cars - This is an obituary of sorts for a car that I never would have thought would achieve icon status. Clearly, I'm wrong.

The Ford Crown Victoria is an American institution: a big, comfortable, gas-guzzling sedan that has become the workhorse for major urban police departments and cab companies. But with retail sales down 90% since 2000, the Crown Vic--a favorite of car buffs--might soon become a nostalgia piece. Ford will stop selling it to the public next year, and pretty soon it might vanish from the street altogether. The automaker expects to sell 50,000 units to the government this year, mostly for use in law enforcement, but the Police Interceptor model has been losing market share in the last few years to the Chevy Impala and Dodge Charger; both of which are faster than the Crown Vic. The car's future as a cab is also grim. Of the 4,000 units sold to cab companies, 3,500 end up in New York City. However, cities are increasingly moving to hybrid fleets to cut air pollution. Truth be told, I don't know that I've ever been in a Crown Vic. So far, I have successfully evaded law enforcement officials, and most of my recent cab rides have been in minivans or Impalas. Maybe Ford needs to license a John Mellencamp song to promote the Crown Vic.

What Caught My Eye Today

Pakistan - I'm having a hard time keeping up with all the developments going on over there. Here's my best shot at the latest happenings...

Pakistan quickly ended house arrest for opposition leader Benazir Bhutto on Friday as President Gen. Pervez Musharraf came under new U.S. pressure to end a crackdown that Washington fears is hurting the fight against Islamic extremism. Earlier in the day, police threw up barbed wire around Bhutto's house to keep her from speaking at a rally to protest Musharraf's imposition of emergency rule. As Musharraf's chief international backer, the Bush administration is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation of 160 million people that is on the front lines of the U.S.-led campaign against terrorist groups. The suspension of the constitution last weekend has intensified the anger of moderate and secular Pakistanis who have become increasingly frustrated with military rule. At the same time, Islamic militants with ties to the Taliban and al-Qaida are stepping up violence, including suicide bombings and fighting in the northwest along the border with Afghanistan. Perhaps you are familiar with this old saying..."With friends like this, who needs enemies?" What does it say about the United States, when we have to try to overlook all this nonsense because Pakistan is the best ally we have in that region of the world to assist in curbing terrorism?

Congress - I love the headline on this next story. It reads, "Dems question latest anti-war strategy." Yeah, no kidding. It's not like this is the first time.

Rank-and-file Democrats expressed dismay over their party's latest anti-war strategy, with some members reluctant to vote around Veterans Day to bring troops home. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pushed off plans for vote today after caucus members told her late yesterday they weren't sure they would support it. Liberal Democrats said the proposal was too soft, while conservative members told Pelosi they thought it went too far. Pelosi told reporters that she was confident the measure would pass. Based on what, honey? From what I can see, you guys cannot reach consensus on anything. You know why you guys are so pissed at Bush? It's not because he's having his way with you; it's that you are letting Bush have his way with you.

Army - The Army is spending $2.6 billion on hundreds of European-designed helicopters for homeland security and disaster relief that turn out to have a crucial flaw: They aren't safe to fly on hot days. During flight tests in Southern California in mild, 80-degree weather, cockpit temperatures in the UH-72A Lakota soared above 104, the point at which the Army says the communication, navigation and flight control systems can overheat and shut down. The Lakota represents the Army's first major effort to adapt commercially available helicopters for military use. Air conditioning is standard in commercial versions of the aircraft, which have not had overheating problems. But the military usually avoids air conditioning in military aircraft to reduce weight and increase performance. I suppose in a different day and age, this might have surprised or even angered me. Not anymore. Nevertheless, did it not occur to someone in the procurement process that there was the remote possibility that these helicopters may be called upon for service in regions of the world where it the mercury occasionally exceeds 80 degrees? You know, I bet they did. I bet you the Pentagon came up with a contigency for just this sort of circumstance--something along the lines of this, I imagine--'From now on, all those wishing to do harm to the United States or any of the allies that we care about shall do so only in cool weather climates.'

Stock Market - Stocks fell for a third session today and more weakness in technology shares helped send the Nasdaq down to its biggest weekly point loss since the September 11, 2001, attacks. For the week, the Nasdaq lost 6.5 percent -- or 182 points. The Dow dropped 4.1 percent and the S&P 500 declined 3.7 percent. That's cool. I'm planning to die of natural or unnatural causes long before I have to worry about retiring--so I'm not particularly concerned about my nest egg imploding before my very eyes.

What Caught My Eye Today

Iraq - Under pressure to support the troops but end the war, House Democrats said they would send President Bush $50 billion for combat operations on the condition that he begin withdrawing troops from Iraq. The proposal, similar to one Bush vetoed earlier this year, would identify a goal of ending combat entirely by December 2008. It would require that troops spend as much time at home as they do in combat, as well as effectively ban harsh interrogation techniques like waterboarding. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had hoped the House would vote as early as tomorrow on the bill. But late today, after meeting with liberal Democrats who were concerned the bill was too soft, she decided to put off debate until next week. No, your minds are playing tricks on you and no I'm not copying previous posts because I have run out of fresh material. Sadly, the Democratic leadership seems to think that if it passes the exact same legislation has the President vetoed a couple of months ago, that the results with be different this time. Of course they have failed to garner any Republican support, but sure, things will turn out better this time, won't they?

North Korea - Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned that Japan and its neighbors must do more to confront security problems in Asia, calling it one of the "last places on earth with the potential for a nuclear confrontation." It will take more than one or two countries to overcome the threats from North Korea and nuclear proliferation, Gates said. The Japanese have expressed concerns about the possibility that North Korea may eventually be taken off the U.S. list of countries that support terrorism, but Gates stressed the United States' continued commitment to Asia. So here's what I'm thinking Gates wanted to say..."Okay, listen up. We're stuck with this Iraq mess and really want to bomb the piss out of Iran. I'm pretty sure the American people won't let us fight three wars at the same time. So its up to you guys to either get North Korea to roll over and play dead or trump up some charges that the United Nations will believe. That way we can get a coalition of the suckered, I mean willing, to go in and take care of business."

Pakistan - President Gen. Pervez Musharraf yielded to pressure from the United States on Thursday and said Pakistan will hold parliamentary elections by mid-February, just a month later than originally planned. But the military leader showed no sign of letting up on his political foes, reportedly arresting more than 800 supporters of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto. The White House hailed its ally's election pledge, but Bhutto denounced his announcement as "vague" and demanded Musharraf give up his second post as army chief within a week.

Check this out, I managed to get a wiretap on the White House and heard part of the conversation between Bush and Musharraf...

Bush: Okay Mustafa, here's what you're gonna do.
Musharraf: It's Musharraf.
Bush: Yeah, whatever. See you can't be President and commander of the Army. It's just no good. It sends a bad message to the American people.
Musharraf: What about what's best for my people?
Bush: You're not listening, Mustafa. You can't have both. Pick one or I'll withhold your aid package.
Musharraf: Aren't you President and commander-in-chief of your armed forces? Why can't I do the same thing.
Bush: This ain't about me, Mustafa.


Tennis - Here are a couple of items you wouldn't normally expect to see in what I used to think was an elegant, upper class sport...

Czech tennis player Jan Hernych says he was approached in Russia last year and asked to lose first-round matches at ATP tournaments in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The matches allegedly involved were against Italy's Filippo Volandri at the Kremlin Cup and against Russia's Evgeny Korolev at the St. Petersburg Open. Hernych won both matches.He said he was not offered a specific sum of money. Online gambling company Betfair voided all bets when fourth-ranked Nikolay Davydenko withdrew against 87th-ranked Martin Vassallo Arguello in the third set of a match in Poland in August, citing a foot injury. Unusually large amounts were wagered on the lowly ranked Argentine throughout the match, even after he lost the first set 6-1. The ATP is investigating. Since then, several players have said they have been approached about influencing a match.

And if you think that is bizarre, check this one out...

The International Tennis Federation is investigating allegations that Tommy Haas was poisoned before Germany's Davis Cup match against Russia. Haas was forced out of his match against Mikhail Youzhny with a suspected stomach virus. Russia won both reverse singles matches on Sept. 23 to win the semifinal series 3-2 and reach the Davis Cup final. German teammate Alexander Waske said he was told by a Russian who manages numerous athletes that it was poisoning, not a virus. Waske didn't say who the manager was.

I can see the punchline already..."I went to see a payoff in the alley and a tennis match broke out."

What Caught My Eye Today

Space Shuttle - Discovery and its crew returned to Earth on Wednesday and concluded a 15-day space station build and repair mission that was among the most challenging in shuttle history. The seven shuttle astronauts and three residents of the international space station teamed up during the docked mission to save a mangled solar wing. It was one of the most difficult and dangerous repairs ever attempted in orbit. The astronauts knew they were in for one of the most challenging and complicated space station construction missions ever. They had no trouble installing a pressurized compartment named Harmony and moving a girder from one side of the space station to another, and even managed to peek into a clogged joint needed to turn the right-sided set of solar wings. But the flight took a dramatic turn Oct. 30 when it came time to unfurl the solar wings on the relocated girder on the left side of the space station. The first wing popped out fine, but the second one became snagged in a clump of tangled wires and ripped in two places. Flight controllers rushed to come up with a repair plan. Astronaut Scott Parazynski floated outside with wire cutters, pliers and some homemade tools and fixed the torn wing. No one had ever ventured so far from the safe confines of the space station before or worked right up against a solar wing coursing with more than 100 volts of electricity and swaying back and forth. He was propped on the end of a 90-foot extension beam that just barely reached the wing's damaged section. The repair allows the space agency to press ahead with the next shuttle flight to the space station in early December. Atlantis will deliver a European laboratory. Okay, so maybe I'm a closet space geek, but you have to admit--they guess are pretty cool. How many times have you tried to repair something and messed up all up? Big deal, you go to the hardware store or call in the handyman. These guys didn't have that option. One misstep and we're talking billions of dollars down the toilet.

Iran - Iran has reached a milestone in its nuclear program, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday, suggesting that the country now has 3,000 uranium-enriching centrifuges fully operating. "We have now reached 3,000 machines," Ahmadinejad said. An official with knowledge of Iran's nuclear activities said that Iran does now have nearly 3,000 centrifuges operating at Natanz. But that official said it would take years for all the centrifuges to run smoothly without frequent breakdowns. The number 3,000 is the commonly accepted figure for a nuclear enrichment program that is past the experimental stage and can be used as a platform for a full industrial-scale program that could churn out enough enriched material for dozens of nuclear weapons, should Iran chose to go the route. Mr. President, admittedly I am an infidel and a citizen of the Great Satan, so I don't expect you to necessary heed this little tidbit of advice, but calling centrifuges, 'machines,' pretty much makes you sound like an imbicile. If it sounds like a centrifuge, looks like a centrifuge and produces enriched uranium like a centrifuge, you might as well call it a centrifuge. I'm just saying.

Pakistan - President Bush, personally intervening in the political crisis in Pakistan, told President Pervez Musharraf he must hold parliamentary elections soon and step down as army leader. Musharraf, who has been promising to restore democracy since seizing power in a 1999 coup, has ousted independent-minded judges, put a stranglehold on the media and has put thousands of Pakistanis in jail or under house arrest since assuming emergency powers last weekend. Musharraf said his decisions to suspend the constitution and oust its top judge were necessary to prevent a takeover by Islamic extremists. It was Bush's first contact with Musharraf since he declared emergency rule on Saturday and granted sweeping powers to authorities to crush political dissent. For days, the White House has faced questions about why Bush was taking a softer line on Pakistan than he did, for instance, against Myanmar where military rulers cracked down on pro-democracy protesters in September. I was wondering when someone was going to bring up Myanmar. See, I have a slightly different theory (gee, what a surprise). I'm thinking that if Pakistan was all buddy-buddy with the likes of China, Bush might be applying the same tactics as he did in Myanmar...basically nothing.

2008 Presidential Campaign - Televangelist Pat Robertson, founder of the Christian Coalition, endorsed Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani. The former New York mayor backs abortion rights and gay rights, positions that put him in conflict with conservative GOP orthodoxy, and has been trying to persuade evangelical conservatives like Robertson to overlook their differences on those issues. Giuliani is best known for leading New York in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Shortly after 9/11, Robertson released a statement in which he said the attacks occurred because Americans had insulted God and lost the protection of heaven by allowing abortion and "rampant Internet pornography." Talk about a match made in heaven. I so want to know what horse-trading (or arm-twisting) went on behind closed doors, to make this happen. How much do you want to bet that Giuliani had to be talked into this by his campaign staff? I just don't see this guy voluntarily soliciting Robertson's support.

Stock Market - Wall Street suffered its second big drop in a week today, with investors worried about spreading fallout from the credit crisis at banks and about a dollar that just keeps getting weaker. The Dow Jones industrial average fell more than 360 points. Meanwhile, the dollar swooned amid speculation that China will seek to diversify some of its foreign currency stockpiles beyond the greenback and General Motors Corp. further dampened sentiment by posting a record loss tied to an accounting adjustment. Oil hit a record, rising above $98 per barrel before retreating, and gold pushed higher, moves exacerbated by an anemic dollar. This just in...Prices on handguns and bullets in the Manhattan area have shot up as demand for self-inflicted gunshot wounds among white collar professionals has spiked to levels not seen since the Great Depression. Alright, maybe that is a bit dramatic, but honestly, how much depressing news do we have to be subjected to in one article?

What Caught My Eye Today

For those of you keeping count, this is posting #200.

Congress - The House approved what could become the first override of a President Bush veto Tuesday, with Republicans joining Democrats in challenging the president over a $23.2 billion water resources bill that addresses pressing infrastructure needs while offering hundreds of home district projects. The vote was 361-54, well over the two-thirds majority needed to negate a presidential veto. The Senate, which approved the bill 81-12 in September, could cast its override vote as early as Wednesday. Bush did not veto a single bill during the first five years of his presidency, when Congress was mainly in GOP hands. He has since vetoed a stem cell research bill twice, an Iraq spending bill that set guidelines for troop withdrawal and a children's health insurance bill. He vetoed the Water Resources Development Act, or WRDA, on Nov. 2, saying it was too expensive. The few critics pointed out that the Army Corps now has a backlog of $58 billion worth of projects and an annual budget of only about $2 billion to address them. Alright, then. First things, first. Well done, guys. You may actually get a piece of legislation enacted. Better late then never. As for the critics of this bill, all I can say is can I have some of whatever you dudes are smoking? By your own admission, there is a backlog of $58 billion of projects. Yet your solution to the problem is to withhold money so that the backlog doesn't get any bigger. What a great idea. Let's just let our whole infrastructure collapse. That way we won't have anything left to pay taxes to fit. Good plan...you ninnies.

Iraq - The U.S. military announced six new deaths today, making 2007 the bloodiest year for American troops in Iraq despite a recent decline in casualties and a sharp drop in roadside bombings that Washington links to Iran. With nearly two months left in the year, the annual toll is now 853 — three more than the previous worst of 850 in 2004. In fairness, the majority of these came earlier in the year and recent months have seen a dramatic downturn in casualties. Still rather sobering numbers, no matter how you look at it.

Pakistan - Pakistani opposition parties will discuss how to overturn emergency rule, hoping to capitalize on international disapproval over the detention of growing numbers of lawyers and political opponents. Opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, in her strongest comments since President Pervez Musharraf assumed emergency powers on Saturday, said the world must make Pakistan's military leader revoke his measures or tell him to quit. The United States and Britain were joined by the 27-nation European Union in urging Musharraf to release all political detainees, including members of the judiciary, relax media curbs, and seek reconciliation with political opponents. Washington has said it will review aid to Pakistan, which has reached nearly $10 billion since the Sept 11 attacks. But it has yet to come up with a clear stance for dealing with a nuclear-armed country which is on the frontline in the battle against al Qaeda and the Taliban. Well, duh. That's because Washington doesn't know what to do. Talk about a PR nightmare. Here we are sending billions of dollars in aid to Pakistan for the war on terror, relying on Musharraf to spend the money wisely, while at the same time he's turning himself into a dictator. One has to wonder, how the masterminds in the State Department didn't see this one coming.

Pope - Pope Benedict and Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah held a historic meeting on Tuesday and discussed the situation of minority Christians in the Islamic country where the Vatican wants them to have more freedom. At the first meeting between a Pope and a Saudi monarch, the two also discussed the need for greater collaboration between Christians, Muslims and Jews and prospects for a Middle East peace. The Vatican wants greater rights for the 1 million Catholics who live in Saudi Arabia, most of them migrant workers who are not allowed to practice their religion in public. Vatican officials often ask why church construction is banned in Saudi Arabia while Muslims can build mosques in Europe. Good question. Sounds like a bit of a double standard to me. Then again, what sane Catholic would want to live in a devout Muslim country in the first place? I'm not saying its right, but reality is what it is.

Space Shuttle - Discovery's astronauts got their spaceship ready for the ride home wrapping up a 15-day mission that kept the crew far busier than planned. This 15-day mission is longer than most — and more stressful, too, with the astronauts required to carry out repairs to a torn solar energy panel at the space station. After leaving the space station yesterday, the astronauts used a laser- and camera-tipped boom to hunt for possible micrometeorite damage to the shuttle's wing and nose that might have occurred during the 11 days the shuttle was docked to the orbiting outpost. Shuttle Atlantis, meanwhile, is being prepped for launch as early as Dec. 6. It is set to deliver a new European laboratory called Columbus to the space station. Please, please, please, let this be a sign that NASA has finally sorted out its issues with debris damaging the space shuttle. These guys finally have some momentum and have a chance to finish building the International Space Station. If you have one, maybe you can rub your lucky rabbit's foot, horseshoe, or any other good luck charm that you have on NASA's behalf. They've had a long year.

What Caught My Eye Today

Let me begin by saying this is my favorite weekend of the year. Why you ask? Because is it the only weekend in the entire year that last 49 hours. That's right folks, Day Light Savings is over tonight. Don't forget to roll those clocks back a hour.

Federal Government - Just when you think the government cannot stoop any lower... The Federal Emergency Management Agency admitted that it staged a press conference on the Southern California wildfires last week, with FEMA employees posing as reporters. The agency had called the press conference with only 15 minutes' notice. When no reporters showed up at FEMA's Washington press room, stand-ins from the agency took their place. After the ruse was publicized, FEMA's public affairs chief resigned. Here's the thing. How many of us are really surprised at FEMA's antics any more. After the Hurricane Katrina fiasco, it was clear that this agency is managed by a bunch of half wits.

White House - This one scares the piss out of me. Earlier this year, the White House quietly issued National Security Presidential Directive 51, to ensure 'continuity of government' in the vente of what the document very vaguely calls a 'catastrophic emergency.' The directive, issued without any review by Congress or the Supreme Court, gives the president authority to decide when an emergency has occurred, and to do whatever he deems necessary to ensure continuity of government, whether it's to cancel upcoming elections, suspend the Constitution, or launch a nuclear attack on the enemy. Oh, where to begin on this one. Just out of curiosity, Mr. President, is the concept of checks and balances completely foreign to you or do you just not care? While we're on the subject, Bush has decided to give himself the power to suspend the Constitution? I was under the mistaken impression that the Constitution existed to prevent this sort of thing from happening.

Vatican - Pope Benedict XVI said that Catholic pharmacists should refuse to dispense drugs intended for controception, abortion or euthanasia. The issue has been attraction attention worldwide since the U.S. licensing of the 'morning after pill,' which can prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. In Chile, the government has threatened to shut down pharmacies that won't dispense the drug. A few U.S. states allow pharmacists to refuse to dispense drugs because of religious conviction. First of all, let me say that I am a Catholic--just not a very good one. I suppose the Pope is entitled to say what he wants, what with being infallible and all, but this treads on dangerous ground. Let's say that pharmacists do as the Pope says. What next? What happens if the Pope decides that AIDS medication shouldn't be dispensed to gays, because homosexuality is immoral?

Utah - This next item just goes to show that not all self-righteous whack jobs live in the Bible Belt. A state liquor official in Utah is calling for restaurants that serve alcohol to cover up the bottles because "some may be offended at the sight of alcohol." State law in the heavily Mormon state already mandates that bartenders work behind a glass partition. I'm all for freedom of religious belief, but let's not forget that these folks who are up in arms about booze practice the same religion that not too long ago looked the other way when it came to polygamy.

Airport Security - Security screeners at two major U.S. airports failed to detect fake bombs carried by undercover agents more than 60% of the time. At Chicago's O'Hare airport, screeners missed 60% of the bombs, while those at Los Angeles International missed the bombs in 75% of the tests. The head of the Transportation Security Administration said the results were somewhat misleading becaus the test have become increasingly difficult. Oh well, if that's the case, I guess there is no problem. That is, of course, assuming that would-be bombers are complete morons and try to get through security with easily identifiable bombs. What gets me is getting through security still takes forever and a day. What is it that these TSA agents are doing? From what I can gather from these tests, they aren't doing that great of a job keeping explosive devices from getting through.

What Caught My Eye Today

International Space Station - One of NASA's most experienced spacewalkers, will face grave risks and nerve-wracking challenges when he is scheduled to fix a damaged solar panel on the International Space Station. As astronauts inside the station issued commands to unfold the panel this past Sunday, a guide wire snagged. Before the unfurling could be stopped, the panel had two rips, a broken hinge and snarled wires. NASA engineers, who did not think this could happen, have been working around the clock to stitch together a repair method. If the astronaut can't fix the panel, the rip could grow, rendering the panel useless. Without the power the panel is supposed to generate, NASA would have to halt further construction on the station, including the addition of laboratories scheduled for December and April. The plan calls for the astronaut to ride a jury-rigged work crane out to the damaged section, which is out of sight of his crewmates inside the station. There he'll try to smooth the wires, either by untangling them or by cutting them. He'll thread metal strips that NASA has nicknamed "the cuff links" through holes in the panel to splint the tears and restore the panel's strength. I don't want to trivialize the danger of this repair, but I cannot help but think this is like that old joke, 'how many guys does it take to screw in a light bulb?'. At any rate, it looks like dude has his work cut out for him. Looks like he'll be earning his supper.

Mexico - Hundreds of thousands of Mexicans fled a flooded region of the Gulf coast Friday, jumping from rooftops into rescue helicopters, scrambling into boats or swimming out through murky brown water. A week of heavy rains caused rivers to overflow, drowning at least 80% of the oil-rich area. Much of the Tabasco state capital, looked like New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, with water reaching to second-story rooftops and desperate people awaiting rescue. At least one death was reported and nearly all services, including drinking water and public transportation, were shut down. The flood affected more than 900,000 people in the state of 2 million — their homes flooded, damaged or cut off by high water. One can only hope that the Mexican government responds to this disaster better than we did in New Orleans. And what is it with the number 900,000? If I remember correctly, about the same number of folks in California were impacted by the wildfires last week. Kind of an eerie coincidence, don't you think?

South Africa - A former employee of Oprah Winfrey's school for disadvantaged girls in South Africa has been arrested on charges of abuse and sexual assault. The school announced Oct. 17 that a dormitory matron had been suspended amid allegations of serious misconduct. Local media recently reported that Winfrey made a tearful apology to parents and pupils in a meeting at the school. The media reports said the woman is accused of physically abusing pupils and fondling at least one of them. Winfrey opened her Leadership Academy for Girls outside Johannesburg on Jan. 2, with celebrities like Tina Turner and Spike Lee in attendance, as well as former President Nelson Mandela. The lavish $40 million school was the fulfillment of a promise she made to Mandela six years ago and aims to give 152 girls from deprived backgrounds a quality education in a country where schools are struggling to overcome the legacy of apartheid. The thing that pisses me off about this is that no one is going to remember all the good things that this school is doing for this region. Instead, all the attention is focus on this one individual who victimized these innocent children. There is an old adage that old bad act can erase ten good ones. Sad but unfortunately true.

Fashion - I apologize in advance but, whenever I see 'wedgie' in the headline, I cannot resist. Wedgie-proof underwear earned 8-year-old twin boys a spot on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." Using rigged boxers and fabric fasteners to hold together some seams, the boys came up with the "Rip Away 1000." The third graders began brainstorming one day after they were horsing around, giving each other the treatment. Their mother's partner sarcastically said someone ought to invent wedgie-proof underwear, the family said. Oh you may laugh now, but just you wait and see. These two enterprising entrepreneurs probably just hit the jackpot.

Tennis - Martina Hingis revealed she tested positive for cocaine at Wimbledon, proclaimed her innocence and retired from tennis for a second time — all in one fell swoop. It was a swift and stunning end to a career highlighted by five Grand Slam singles titles and a rise to the top of the rankings at 16, the youngest No. 1 ever. Hingis tested positive June 29, the day she was upset in straight sets by Laura Granville of the United States in the third round at Wimbledon. "I find this accusation so horrendous, so monstrous," the 27-year-old Hingis' statement said, "that I have decided to confront it head-on by talking to the press." She decided not to the doping case, saying it could drag on for too long. Assuming that Hingis is innocent (Now now, quit scoffing. It's unlikely, but possible) the irony would be priceless. Up to this point you have a bunch of athletes who continue to proclaim their innocence despite a preponderance of evidence to the contrary, but now, you have Hingis throwing in the towel after one rather suspect drug test. Innocent or not, it appears that Hingis recognizes the futility in attempting to clear her name this late in her career. Still, I'd be curious to see how the test came back positive for cocaine.

Baseball - Barry Bonds said he would boycott Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame if officials went along with plans to display his record-setting home run ball with an asterisk. Bonds' record-setting 756th home run ball was recently purchased by fashion designer Mark Echo who then asked baseball fans to vote on what to do with the ball. The fans voted to place an asterisk on it before shipping it to the Hall of Fame for display. "I don't think you can put an asterisk on the game of baseball, and I don't think the Hall of Fame can accept an asterisk," Bonds said. "You can't give people the right to change history." Barry, you know you are my boy, but dude, lighten up.

What Caught My Eye Today

Capitol Hill - Boy, was it chock full of political rhetoric today. Not to worry, thought, nothing was accomplished. Here are some of the highlights from today's posturing:

A defiant Democratic-controlled Congress voted to provide health insurance to an additional 4 million lower-income children, and President Bush vowed swiftly to cast his second straight veto on the issue. The legislation cleared the Senate on a vote of 64-30. It passed the House last week, but supporters were shy of the two-thirds majority needed to override Bush's threatened veto. In a situation of unusual political complexity, Republicans dictated the decision to pass the legislation speedily. It appeared their goal was to short-circuit attempts by supporters of the bill to reach a compromise that could attract enough votes in the House to override Bush's veto. Maybe the Democrats have a strategy of their own that goes something like this--If we keep sending bills to Bush that he vetoes, maybe he'll get writer's cramp; then we'll get him real good.

President Bush compared Congress' Democratic leaders Thursday to people who ignored the rise of Lenin and Hitler early in the last century, saying "the world paid a terrible price" then and risks similar consequences for inaction today. Bush argued the current debate over the Iraq war and the administration's anti-terror methods hearkens back to debates decades ago over resisting action when Soviet founder Vladimir Lenin first talked about launching a communist revolution, when Adolf Hitler began moves to establish an "Aryan superstate" in Germany, and in the early days of the Cold War when some advocated accommodation of the Soviet Union. I agree with the President. Let's throw out all the principles that we stand for and that our troops have spilled blood to preserve in order to get the guys that threaten our way of life. Seems to me that if the President gets his way, so do the terrorists.

And finally...

President Bush sought to save Michael Mukasey's troubled nomination for attorney general, defending the retired judge's refusal to say whether he considers waterboarding torture and warning of a leaderless Justice Department if Democrats don't confirm him. "If the Senate Judiciary Committee were to block Judge Mukasey on these grounds, they would set a new standard for confirmation that could not be met by any responsible nominee for attorney general. That would guarantee that America would have no attorney general during this time of war," Bush said. Uh, not exactly, Mr. President. I think what the Committee is trying to do is to get an answer from the dude who would become the nation's chief law enforcement officer on whether or not waterboarding is torture or not. Saying this is not a reasonable question because he's not familiar with the law regarding torture doesn't really give me a warm and fuzzy. We all agree that the war on terror is of tantamount importance, so how could it be that a nominee for Attorney General is not knowledgeable about such matters. It's not like this is the first time waterboarding has come up in conversation. Gimme a break.

Caribbean - Tropical Storm Noel drenched the Bahamas and Cuba while rescue workers in the Dominican Republic headed out in boats and helicopters to reach dozens of communities isolated by floods and mudslides. The death toll in the Caribbean rose to 107. Noel became the deadliest storm of the Atlantic region this year. Hurricane Felix, a devastating Category 5 storm, killed 101 people when it lashed the Caribbean and slammed into the Nicaraguan and Honduran coasts in early September. Noel's center is accelerating through the Bahamas, according to U.S. forecasters. It was moving north-northeast at roughly 14 mph, and maximum sustained winds were near 65 mph. Over the next 24 hours, Noel is expected to become an extratropical storm, which gets its energy from the collision of warm and cold fronts, not the steamy ocean waters that tropical systems feed on. We were so close to making it through the end of hurricane season, and then this. Here's a little shout out to the fine folks in the Caribbean--and I met a fair few of them last week. You would be hard pressed to find a friendlier group of people anywhere else in the world. All the best to you.

Jobs - The Center for Economic and Policy Research and the Center for Social Policy at the University of Massachusetts has release this year's list of worst jobs:

1. Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop -- 87.0% of jobs categorized as 'bad'


2. Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop -- 87.0%


3. Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers -- 85.4%


4. Fabric and apparel patternmakers -- 82.2%


5. Lifeguards and other protective-service workers -- 81.6%


6. Waiters and waitresses -- 80.4%


7. Tour and travel guides -- 79.4%


8. Models, demonstrators, and product promoters -- 79.2%


9. Dishwashers -- 78.8%


10. Motion picture projectionists -- 78.1%

Two things caught my attention on this list. First, do you notice how most of these jobs are in the service industry? No wonder service sucks so much. Second, I don't know about you, but there are way too many food service positions on this list. You all may want to think twice before yelling at your server or stiffing them on the tip. You may be sorry later.

What Caught My Eye Today

In honor of Halloween, today's entries are presented in orange and black.

Congress - President Bush ratcheted up his confrontation with Democratic leaders Wednesday, laying out what he said is a stark ideological divide between a fiscally prudent, free market-loving GOP president and a Congress that aims to raise taxes and nationalize health care. He chided Congress for failing to send him any appropriations bills even though the government started a new budget year on Oct. 1, and for drafting bills with higher spending than he wants. Bush never vetoed a spending bill when Republicans controlled Congress, but he's itching to do so now to demonstrate fiscal toughness. "Considering how eager they are to spend your money, it's shocking how long they are taking to do so," the president said. Forgive me I take the President's criticism of Congress with a grain of salt. I may not have all my facts straight, but at least Congress is attempting to include ways to pay for the spending increases it is proposing. I haven't seen the President once explain how we're supposed to pay for the war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Myanmar - More than 100 Buddhist monks marched peacefully in a northern Myanmar town noted for its defiance of the country's military rulers, the first large protest since the junta violently crushed a wave anti-government demonstrations. The monks chanted a Buddhist prayer that has come to be associated with the pro-democracy cause. They did not carry signs or shout slogans, but their action was clearly in defiance of the military government. You have to give these guys credit for their persistence in what they believe in. It looks like they are going to need it too, seeing as the international community shows no inclination for getting involved.

Iran - Iran warned the United States on Wednesday it would find itself in a "quagmire deeper than Iraq" if it attacked the Islamic state, and Russia intensified efforts for a diplomatic solution to Tehran's nuclear row with the West. The United States has refused to rule out military action if diplomacy fails. Iran has so far refused to heed U.N. demands to halt nuclear work that has both civilian and military uses. President Bush has suggested a nuclear-armed Iran could lead to World War Three. Russia, a veto-wielding member of the U.N. Security Council, says dialogue rather than punishment or talk of military action offers the best way to ease tension over Iran. It says the International Atomic Energy Agency process should be given time to run its course. How sad of a commentary is it on U.S. foreign policy, when of all countries, Russia is providing the voice of reason?

Health - Keeping slim is one of the best ways of preventing cancer, as is avoiding excessive amounts of red meat and wine, a landmark study has revealed. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) said the link between body fat and cancer is closer than generally realized. The report, which selected 7,000 studies from a worldwide pool of 500,000 written since records began in the 1960s, includes five key findings: 1. Processed meats, such as ham and bacon, increase the risk of colorectal cancer, and should be eaten sparingly. Well that sucks. At least I can enjoy a nice steak 2. Another is the link between red meat and colorectal cancer, for which the evidence is stronger than ever. People should not eat more than 500g of cooked red meat a week -- or between 700g and 750g for "blue" or uncooked meat. DOH!!! Okay fine, I'll just drink my dinner from now on. 3. A further finding was the strongest evidence yet that alcohol is a cause of cancer. If people must drink, the report said, they should limit their intake to two units a day for a man or one for a woman. A unit is a half pint of beer or a small glass of wine. Just kill me now. 4. The report recommended mothers breastfeed exclusively for the first six months after birth followed by complementary breastfeeding, after evidence showed breastfeeding protects the mother against breast cancer. I'm not sure this is going to help me at this point in my life. 5. It did not recommend dietary supplements as prevention. Finally, something that I can embrace. Yeah, so basically it comes down to this--everything you like to eat and drink is bad for you so stop. And on top of all that, now they are saying that pills won't help you. Apparently you have to actually do some exercise. Oh, the humanity! When will the madness stop?

What Caught My Eye Today

Egypt - Egypt's president announced plans to build several nuclear power plants -- the latest in a string of ambitious such proposals from moderate Arab countries. The United States immediately welcomed the plan, in a sharp contrast to what it called nuclear "cheating" by Iran. President Hosni Mubarak said the aim was to diversify Egypt's energy resources and preserve its oil and gas reserves for future generations. A U.S.State Department spokesman said the U.S. would not object to the program as long as Egypt adhered to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and International Atomic Energy Agency guidelines. The United States accuses Iran of using the cover of a peaceful nuclear program to secretly work toward building a bomb, an allegation Iran denies. Iran asserts it has a right to peaceful nuclear power and needs it to meet its economy's voracious energy needs. Jordan, Turkey and several Gulf Arab countries have announced in recent months that they are interested in developing nuclear power programs, and Yemen's government signed a deal with a U.S. company in September to build civilian nuclear plants over the next 10 years. I'm trying to keep an open mind about this and am the first one to admit that Iran is not my favorite country, but doesn't it seem like there is a little bit of a double standard being applied here. Seriously folks, how does this make sense and how is are U.S. officials managing to keep straight faces as we try to explain ourselves out of this one. Iran is cheating, but it is okay for Yemen to pursue a nuclear program. Hell, we're helping them build the freaking thing.

Cuba - The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to urge the United States to lift its four-decade-old embargo against Cuba in a resolution adopted for the 16th consecutive year. The measure is nonbinding and such moves in the past have had no impact on U.S. policy.The resolution, entitled "necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba," was passed with 184 votes in favor, four against and one abstention. Voting "no" with the United States were Israel, Palau and the Marshall Islands. I say screw the U.N. With friends like Israel, Palau (I looked it up--Palau is an island nation of just under 21,000 in the South Pacific) and the Marshall Islands, who needs the rest of the world to side with us. Take that, Fidel.

United Kingdom - The Queen has said Britain and Saudi Arabia must work together against terrorists "who threaten the way of life of our citizens". At a state banquet hosted by the Queen, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia spoke of "ominous signs of war and conflict in the world". Critics said the visit should not take place because of Saudi Arabia's human rights record. I'm not saying that Saudi Arabia is a role model when it comes to human rights--I'm not sure many folks outside the U.S. think very highly of us at present--but it seems to me that turning your nose up at a country doesn't exactly encourage it to change its ways. Some of you may not agree with my assertion. Fair enough. But let me ask you this--how stellar is our track record in employing this strategy?

Congress - I have a two-fer special for you today.

Democrats are debating whether to approve $50 billion to $70 billion more for Iraq and Afghanistan, less than half of President Bush's $196 billion request but enough to keep the wars afloat for a few more months. Such a move would satisfy party members who want to spare the Pentagon from a painful budget dance and show support for the troops as Congress considers its next major step on Iraq. Many Democrats say the money is necessary if Congress passes an annual defense spending bill without any war funding. If left without a "bridge fund" to fill the gap until Congress takes up the full $196 billion request, the Pentagon would have to divert money from less urgent accounts to pay for immediate war requirements — an approach military officials warn is disruptive and inefficient. Earlier this fall, Democrats decided to delay until next year action on Bush's war spending request. Unable to pass veto-proof legislation ordering troops home, they also are divided on whether to continue paying for the unpopular war.

Elsewhere on Capitol Hill...

President George W. Bush again threatened to wield his veto pen. Bush's objection is over the Democrats' desire to spend about $9 billion more than he wants for various domestic social programs, from cancer research and early childhood education to helping the poor heat their homes this winter. Democrats were considering coupling the domestic funding bill with money for the Pentagon and veterans that Bush wants, but final decisions had not yet been made, according to congressional aides. His remarks were another in a string of veto threats as the Republican president tries to burnish his credentials as a fiscal conservative despite six years of deficit-spending and debt accumulation. In blocking enactment of various fiscal 2008 spending bills, Republicans also are trying to paint the Democratic-controlled Congress as incompetent big spenders in the run-up to next year's national elections. While Bush wants Congress to reduce some of its domestic spending priorities that they insist will not add to the debt, he is asking lawmakers to approve $196 billion in new funds for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that would use borrowed funds. Like the previous $600 billion in war funds he has spent, none of the $196 billion would be paid for with spending cuts elsewhere or tax increases.

I know that's a lot of information to digest so let's break it down shall we? On one hand, we have a Democrat-controlled Congress that seems incapable of writing legislation that can withstand a lame-duck Republican President's veto. On the other hand, we have the same lame duck Republican President talking out of both sides of his mouth slamming Congress for submitting out of control domestic spending bills while at the same time asking for another $196 billion dollars to pay for a war that no one wants to see continue. I don't know, seems like business as usual to me.

What Caught My Eye Today

Hi folks, I'm back from vacation. I want to start today's rant--I mean, observations--with a little history. On this date in 1982, my little sister graced humanity with her presence. Happy birthday, Sis.

California - Firefighters have tamed the handful of wildfires still burning in California. The devastating wildfires which erupted on October 21 were among the worst in Californian history, leaving seven people dead, destroying 2,000 homes and displacing 640,000 people as they tore through tinder-dry parks and forests. At the height of the crisis 23 fires were blazing. But a lull in winds which fueled the flames early last week combined with cooling temperatures allowed firefighters to gain the upper hand over the weekend. Early today only six fires continued to be classified as "active." The fires are the worst to hit the state since 2003, when 22 people were killed and more than 3,000 homes lost in a series of blazes. At least two of them were believed to have been set deliberately. San Diego County officials have put the cost of property damage at more than one billion dollars, although insurance industry analysts have said it may go as high as 1.6 billion. So like, here I was thinking finally a year without a major natural disaster in the good 'ol U.S. of A. Sure, there was some flooding in parts of the country, but nothing remotely close to the hurricanes of two years ago. And then come these fires. Guess I spoke too soon. Then again, not all of these fires where sparked by natural causes, were they? I will say this. Whatever penalties these arsonists receive, will not come close to the pain and damage that they inflicted on the residents of Southern California. I hope these fires gave these guys an idea of what burning in hell will feel like.

Caribbean - At least 20 people have been killed in flooding in the Dominican Republic following torrential rains dumped by Tropical Storm Noel. The deaths were reported in the Dominican capital Santo Domingo, and along the south coast. The storm was expected to pour 10 to 20 inches of rain on the Dominican Republic and neighbouring Haiti, the US National Hurricane Center said. Early this evening the center of the storm had passed and was heading north-west, past the eastern tip of Cuba towards the Bahamas. This particular news item drew my attention because two short days ago I was wrapping up a rather enjoyable cruise through the Eastern Caribbean. I want to give a shout out to the staff and crew of the Freedom of the Seas. Be safe, folks.

Space Shuttle - The space shuttle Discovery has extended its 14 day mission to the International Space Station to launch an Italian-built U.S. multi-port module for the station in order to take a closer look at the gears that control the international space station's solar wings to try to find out what's grinding inside and causing steel chips to clog the system. The inspection of the good left gear will take up just a small portion of the spacewalk. The primary goal will be to hook up a giant beam and its attached solar panels — folded up like an accordion — to their new location on the space station. These panels, once unfurled, will be controlled by the left rotary joint. Installing that beam and extending those solar panels to their full 240 feet has taken on added importance because of the rotary joint problem. A significant power shortfall would delay the arrival of European and Japanese laboratories on the verge of launching. This is the 120th space shuttle mission and 23rd mission involved in the construction of the International Space Station. Don't you feel some much more informed now?

Argentina - First lady Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner will become Argentina's first elected woman leader, but her husband, President Nestor Kirchner, is expected to stay active behind the scenes. Fernandez's margin of victory in the Sunday presidential vote, seen as the largest in the history of Argentine democracy, will allow her to avoid a runoff next month. With ballots counted at 96.4 percent of polling stations, Fernandez had 44.90 percent support, followed by another female candidate, former lawmaker Elisa Carrio, who had 22.96 percent. Please, please, please, don't make me explain why I included this bit. If you cannot figure out the connection by now, frankly, I give up.

Oil - Oil futures surged to a new record near $94 Monday, propelled by the weak dollar and news that Mexico's state oil company had suspended a fifth of its oil production due to stormy weather. Crude futures rallied late in the session as the euro rebounded against the dollar, analysts said. The dollar's descent against other major currencies has drawn investors to crude futures as a hedge against the weakening currency and made dollar-denominated oil futures less expensive to people dealing in other currencies. Prices on Monday were also supported by fighting in Turkey between armed forces and Kurdish rebels, and the U.S. government's imposition last week of harsh penalties against Iran, the world's fourth largest oil producer. Despite oil's relentless march higher in recent weeks, many analysts argue that the price increases are being driven by speculation, not market fundamentals. Maybe it's just me, but wouldn't it be nice if these so-called analysts practiced some of these market fundamentals? Seems to me that these analysts are the ones doing most of the talking about all this speculation. Why do they spend so much more time talking about speculation rather than fundamentals. Too boring perhaps? Or there the remote possibility that some of this speculation may actually be based on a sliver of reality. I do know this...I'm paying about $3.25 for a gallon of unleaded. If this keeps up, I may have to cutback on my Starbucks. If that happens, dude, the gloves are coming off.

Baseball - Police in riot gear cleared several large crowds gathered around Fenway Park early Monday and said they made 37 arrests the Red Sox won their second World Series title in four years. Boston, who had gone 86 years without winning a World Series before sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in 2004, repeated the feat by outscoring the Rockies a cumulative 29-10. The Rockies, who won 21 of 22 games to storm into the postseason and their first World Series, never found their stride after waiting eight days for the Series to begin. 37 arrests, huh? I wonder how bad it would have been if Colorado had come back and won 4 in a row? Guys, let's be cool about this. Sure, last time you went a little crazy and who could blame you. 86 years is a long time. But seriously, it shouldn't be that hard to show some class and act like you have been here before and will probably be here again as soon as next year.

What Caught My Eye Today

I'm off for a little rest and reaction for the next week, so if you don't see much new stuff over the next several days, I'm probably endulging in an adult beverage, reading a book or taking a nap.

Harry Potter - Albus Dumbledore, master wizard and Headmaster of Hogwarts, is gay. J.K. Rowling, author of the mega-selling fantasy series that ended last summer, outed the beloved character last night while appearing before a full house at Carnegie Hall in New York. She then explained that Dumbledore was smitten with rival Gellert Grindelwald, whom he defeated long ago in a battle between good and bad wizards. My apologies for leading off with this story, but you have to admit this is huge (wink-wink). I suppose this revelation is not such a big deal. After all, the Christian groups that would likely have been bothered by this already condemned the Harry Potter series for promoting witchcraft. Next to that, how much worse can a gay wizard be?

Pakistan - Benazir Bhutto blamed al-Qaida and Taliban militants for the assassination attempt against her that killed at least 136 people, and declared she would risk her life to restore democracy in Pakistan and prevent an extremist takeover. The former premier presented a long list of foes who would like to see her dead — from loyalists of a previous military regime that executed her politician father to Islamic hard-liners bent on stopping a female leader from modernizing Pakistan. Bhutto's procession had been creeping toward the center of Karachi for 10 hours Thursday when a small explosion erupted near the front of her truck as well-wishers swarmed around it. A larger blast quickly followed, destroying two police vans. Authorities said the assault bore the hallmarks of a Taliban-allied warlord and the al-Qaida terror network — with a man first throwing a grenade into the sea of people around Bhutto's convoy and then blowing himself up with a bomb wrapped in bolts and other pieces of metal. I don't claim to be an expert on security, but if Bhutto knew ahead of time that an attempt on her life was likely, what exactly was she thinking when she left herself open as a target for 10 hours in broad daylight. I'm not saying she should go into hiding, but at the same time, let's not go out there and basically dare someone to take a shot at you.

These next two items are kind of interesting. You'd think that the roles would be reversed.

Poland - Poland's upcoming election could bring to power a party that favors a quicker end to the country's military mission in Iraq and tougher bargaining over hosting a U.S. missile defense base — while still promising to remain a strong American ally. Polls give an edge to the pro-business Civic Platform party over Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski's conservative Law and Justice party going into the balloting for a new parliament. Both favor a strong alliance with Washington, but Civic Platform shows signs it may be more inclined to push for getting more for its friendship with the United States. Since taking power in fall 2005, Kaczynski's government has twice extended the Polish mission in Iraq, beefed up its force in Afghanistan to more than 1,000 soldiers, and voiced strong support for hosting the U.S. anti-missile base despite fierce objections from Russia. Civic Platform, in contrast, has called for bringing home Poland's 900 soldiers in Iraq, though some party officials have said that could take as long as until the end of 2008. The party also says Poland should get more from the U.S. in return for a missile base deal. Regardless of the outcome of the election, it's great that a debate like this actually taking place. It wasn't that long ago when Poland was just another Soviet-bloc nation. You go vote yourselves a new parliament, you crazy kids.

North Korea - North Korea wants the standoff over its nuclear weapons program resolved in order to forge better ties with the United States, according to South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun. Some North Korea analysts had speculated that Kim might try to convey to the U.S. his seriousness about resolving the nuclear issue through Roh. North Korea has been increasingly compliant in international talks to get rid of its nuclear program since the U.S. significantly softened its approach toward Pyongyang after the Communist regime conducted its first-ever nuclear test last October. I find it fascinating how countries at odds with the United States are much more interested in trying to work out their differences with us when we are not threatening to blow them up?

I cannot leave, without one more mention of our favorite damsel in distress.

Britney Spears - Hours after losing visitation rights with her two young sons, Britney Spears apparently ran over the foot of a photographer for celebrity Web site TMZ.com. Spears was driving away from a Beverly Hills medical building, her car surrounded by photographers. Earlier in the day, Spears learned she can no longer visit her two preschool-age sons, who are in the custody of ex-husband Kevin Federline, until she complies with a Superior Court order. Previously, Spears was ordered to undergo random drug and alcohol testing twice a week and to meet weekly with a "parenting coach." Based on Britney's recent track record, I'd say the judge did a huge favor for those poor children. I'm amazed that they managed to survive this long.

Alright then, I'm out of here. See you in a week.

What Caught My Eye Today

Pakistan - A suicide bombing in a crowd welcoming former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto killed at least 126 people, shattering her celebratory procession through Pakistan's biggest city after eight years in exile. Officials at six hospitals in Karachi reported 126 dead and 248 wounded. It was believed to be the deadliest bomb attack in Pakistan's history. An estimated 20,000 security officers had been deployed to protect Bhutto and her cavalcade of motorized rickshaws, colorful buses, cars and motorcycles. At the risk of stating the obvious, I don't think the extra protection helped much. And another thing, if this sort of thing happens during a triumphant homecoming, what kind of reaction can Bhutto expect when the day comes that she isn't so popular any more? And you can bet that day will come sooner or later.

Congress - Hold on to your hats, folks. The Democratic-controlled House failed to override President Bush's veto of a politically popular children's health bill--I know, shocking isn't--and the White House instantly called for compromise talks on a replacement. The maneuvering followed a 273-156 vote that left supporters 13 short of the two-thirds majority needed to prevail in a bruising veto struggle between congressional Democrats and a politically weakened Republican president. It was Bush's third veto of the year. He has yet to be overridden, although Democrats say they will succeed in doing so on a water projects bill that soon will go to the White House. Call me crazy, but I'm not sure a President who has never had his veto overridden and has spent the past year pretty much doing what he's always been doing, despite the fact that the Republican party lost control of both the House and the Senate, can be characterized as 'weakened.'

2008 Presidential Campaign - Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton said that immigrants living in the U.S. illegally would not be covered by her proposed universal health care plan. Clinton said she supports basic health services for illegal immigrants, including hospitalization and treatment of acute conditions. But she said the magnitude of the nation's health care challenge means her universal coverage proposal would not cover the 12 million people living in the country illegally. Maybe I'm missing something here, but are illegal immigrants covered by any sort of health plan now? I'm not sure I understand why this is newsworthy.

France - French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Cecilia have divorced, ending rampant speculation about the state of their 11-year old marriage. It was the first time in modern French history that a serving president has divorced his wife, and Sarkozy's reaction to the split will come under intense scrutiny. Cecilia played a crucial role in his rise to power, serving as an adviser during his previous stints as interior and finance minister. Sarkozy himself vaunted their relationship, telling aides she was "the only non-negotiable part" of his career. Gushing media compared France's first couple to America's glamorous John and Jackie Kennedy, but behind the glossy exterior, there were clear signs their marriage was flailing. Cecilia played no public part in her husband's election campaign this year, did not vote for him in the second round and only appeared fleetingly alongside him at three public engagements since his May victory. Why do the French have to complicate things so much. Heck look at the roller coaster ride the Clinton's have endured. When Bill was President, sure he engaged in a little something-something on the side, but from where I sit, things haven't turned out too badly for Hilary. Girlfriend, has a pretty good shot at snagging the Oval Office next year. And you just know that she's gonna get some payback.

What Caught My Eye Today

Iraq - A State Department review of private security guards for diplomats in Iraq is unlikely to recommend firing Blackwater USA over the deaths of 17 Iraqis last month, but the company probably is on the way out of that job. Blackwater's work escorting U.S. diplomats outside the protected Green Zone in Baghdad expires in May and U.S. officials expect that the company will not continue to work for the embassy after that. State Department officials gave admiring appraisals of Blackwater's work overall, noting that no diplomats have died while riding in Blackwater's heavily armed convoys. No kidding. Blackwater guards shot anyone who came close to their charges. And another thing. Is it just me or does this whole arrangement between the U.S. Government and Blackwater seem reminiscent of its deal with Halliburton? I wonder who's getting rich off this gig?

These next couple of items show just how much influence Congress wields these days...God, help us all.

Turkey - Parliament voted 507-19 to authorize the government to send troops into northern Iraq to root out Kurdish rebels who've been conducting raids into Turkey. While they now have the authority to strike at PKK bases used to stage attacks in Turkey, the country's leaders appear to be holding back in hopes the threat of an incursion will prod Iraq and the U.S. to move against the guerrillas. The Turkish military, which had little success when it last carried out a major incursion into Iraq a decade ago with 50,000 soldiers, estimates 3,800 Turkish Kurd guerrillas operate from Iraq territory and 2,300 are inside Turkey. Public anger is high in Turkey over a recent spate of guerrilla attacks in the southeast as well as a perception that the United States has failed to back Turkey in its fight with the PKK, even though Washington lists the movement as a terrorist group. Meanwhile, in the United States, President Bush urged the Democratic-controlled Congress not to worsen tensions by approving a resolution labeling as genocide the World War I-era killing of up to 1.5 million Armenians by Turks as the Ottoman Empire crumbled. The House vote to label the bloodshed nearly a century ago as genocide was in jeopardy after several Democrats withdrew their support and sounded alarms it could cripple U.S.-Turkish relations. The House vote to label the bloodshed nearly a century ago as genocide was in jeopardy after several Democrats withdrew their support and sounded alarms it could cripple U.S.-Turkish relations. Oh for heaven's sake, make up your minds, Congress. First you go to all this trouble to piss off everybody, for what I thought was a legitimate reason, and now you are backing off. Did I miss something or were all those historical accounts that you cited when you passed this resolution in committee last week wrong? What a bunch of dumb asses.

Besides having no backbones, Congress (and the President, for that matter) seems to be applying a bit of a double standard when it comes to principles.

China - President Bush, raising Beijing's ire, presented the Dalai Lama with the U.S. Congress' highest civilian honor and urged Chinese leaders to welcome the monk to Beijing. Bush praised a man he called a "universal symbol of peace and tolerance, a shepherd of the faithful and a keeper of the flame for his people." "Americans cannot look to the plight of the religiously oppressed and close our eyes or turn away," Bush said. China reviles the 72-year-old monk as a Tibetan separatist and vehemently protested the elaborate public ceremony. China had demanded that the United States cancel this week's celebrations. The Chinese Foreign Minister said the events "seriously wounded the feelings of the Chinese people and interfered with China's internal affairs." U.S. lawmakers regularly criticize Beijing for human rights abuses and a massive military buildup and claim that China ignores abuse by unsavory foreign governments in Sudan and Myanmar in its pursuit of energy and business deals. Perhaps someone can explain to me why its okay to piss off China by honoring the Dalai Lama, but it is way out of bounds to criticize Turkey for the 1.5 million lives lost there? If you can figure this one out, you are way smarter than I am.

And finally, at a time when most second-term Presidents are starting to feel the effects of the 'lame duck' syndrome, Bush took great pride in slamming Congress on a number of issues. Right or wrong, the dude is getting away with it.

President Bush - President Bush, weakened by record-low poll ratings, asserted he is still politically relevant and scolded the Democratic-led Congress on Wednesday for having "little to show for all the time that has gone by." Bush used a mid morning news conference to lecture lawmakers about their failure to complete action on any spending bills to keep the government running or to send him legislation dealing with education, housing and other matters. Saying he did not share any blame for Congress' failure to act, Bush said, "I think it is their fault that bills aren't moving." With his presidency in its final 15 months, his approval ratings at just 31 percent and Democrats running Congress, Bush has little clout to push his own agenda through Congress. However, he can stop the Democrats' proposals with his veto since Congress has been unable so far to override his rejection of troop withdrawal deadlines in Iraq and expanded stem cell research. The House on Thursday is expected to fail to override his veto of an expansion of a popular children's health insurance program. Bush said his veto pen was "one way to ensure that I am relevant; that's one way to ensure that I am in the process. And I intend to use the veto." I just don't get it. This guy has record low approval ratings, is perpetuating a war that no one wants to continue and is having his way with a Congress that the Democratic party controls the majority in both the House and the Senate. Is he that smart or is the Congressional leadership that dumb? I just don't know.

So as not to end this post on a down note, here's a little tidbit that I'm sure we can all use to enrich our lives...well, at least the guys can.

Libations - According to a relationship expert, the type of drink a woman orders at the bar can say a lot about her:

• Martini - Martini women are typically high-maintenance. They tend to be stressed out, depressed and looking to shift their mood.


• Beer - Beer drinkers are spontaneous and fun, but don't feel comfortable with their femininity.


• Lemon Drops - These women are fashionable, trendy and fun-loving, but may not be the sharpest tools in the shed.


• Red Wine - Wine lovers are health conscious and conservative, but also sensual, warm and nurturing.


• Scotch - Scotch-drinking women are grounded. They know who they are and don't care what anybody thinks.


• Rum and Coke - These girls like to have fun and are really laid-back.


• Champagne - These ladies are elitist, pretentious and want people to think they are intellectuals.


• Cosmopolitan - Cosmo drinkers fall into the high-maintenance category, typically trying a bit to hard to look sophisticated

Yeah, whatever. I think I speak for all guys when I say, who cares what they drink so long as they say 'yes' later. Yes, I know it sounds crude and demeaning, but honestly, am I right or am I right?

What Caught My Eye Today

Iraq - Commanders in Iraq have decided to begin the drawdown of U.S. forces in volatile Diyala province, marking a turning point in the U.S. military mission. The number of Army ground combat brigades in Iraq will fall from 20 to 19. This reflects President Bush's bid to begin reducing the American military force and shifting its role away from fighting the insurgency toward more support functions like training and advising Iraqi security forces. The shift in Diyala could be a model for follow-on reductions next year, with a redrawing of the U.S. lines of responsibility so that a departing brigade has its battle space consumed by a remaining brigade. At the same time, Iraqi security forces would assume greater responsibility. It is not yet clear how the rest of the five-brigade reduction will be carried out; the cuts are to be completed by July 2008, under a plan recommended by Gen. David Petraeus, the top commander in Iraq, and announced by Bush in September. Okay, so get this. The part of the story that I did not include is that while the number of U.S. brigades is dropping, the number of troops on the ground will remain the same, because a replacement brigade scheduled to arrive in December is substantially larger than the one it is replacing. You have to hand it to those number crunchers in Washington. Somehow, they manage to tweak the numbers so that everyone gets what they want. Didn't Enron do the same thing a few years back?

Caspian Sea Summit - Vladimir Putin issued a veiled warning against any attack on Iran as he began the first visit by a Kremlin leader to Tehran in six decades — a mission reflecting Russian-Iranian efforts to curb U.S. influence. He also suggested Moscow and Tehran should have a veto on Western plans for new pipelines to carry oil and natural gas from the Caspian Sea, using routes that would bypass Russian soil and break the Kremlin's monopoly on energy deliveries from the region. In Iran's confrontation with the West, Russia has tread a fine line, warning against heavy pressure on Iran and protecting it — for now — from a third round of U.N. sanctions, while urging Tehran to heed the Security Council's demand that it halt uranium enrichment. Putin's careful stance on completing the Russian-built nuclear power plant in Iran suggested the Kremlin is seeking to preserve solid ties with Tehran without angering the West. The main issue before the summit was the Caspian Sea itself. Divvying up territory in and around the inland sea — believed to contain the world's third-largest reserves of oil and natural gas — has been a divisive issue among the five nations, and the leaders showed no signs of progress toward resolving the dispute. Putin argued that all pipeline projects in the region should require the approval by all five Caspian nations to take effect, a view that would give each capital a veto. But the idea was barely mentioned in comments by the leaders of the former Soviet republics of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, which are striving to balance their relations with Russia, the West and Asia. All this noise aside, I think the intriguing thing here is how Putin is rather shrewdly extending the sphere of influence of Mother Russia. Maybe it's just paranoia on my part, but would any of us be that comfortable with access to on of the world's largest oil and natural gas reserve under the control of Russia and Iran...and maybe the three other 'token' countries?

Iran - Republican presidential candidate John McCain said he prays every night the United States doesn't go to war with Iran, and he blamed Russia and China for standing in the way of a diplomatic solution. With sharp words, he accused both Russia and China of causing gridlock in the U.N. Security Council and hindering the world body's ability to sanction Iran or address pressing matters in Darfur, Burma and other trouble spots. In my mind, these latest ramblings explain three things rather succinctly. First, I'm not sure praying constitutes much of a foreign policy. Second, blaming other countries for our inability to negotiate with Iran because our President does want to, doesn't exactly sound like a roadmap to improving the situation. And lastly, those first two observations are just a sampling of the reasons why McCain is so far back in the race for the GOP Presidential nomination.

Social Security - The nation's "first" baby boomer, a retired teacher from New Jersey, applied for Social Security benefits Monday, signaling the start of an expected avalanche of applications from the post World War II generation. Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue called it "America's silver tsunami." Kathleen Casey-Kirschling was born one second after midnight on Jan. 1, 1946, gaining her recognition as the first baby boomer — a generation of nearly 80 million born from 1946 to 1964. An estimated 10,000 people a day will become eligible for Social Security benefits over the next two decades, Astrue said. The Social Security trust fund, if left alone, is projected to go broke in 2041. But Astrue said he is optimistic that Congress will address the issue, perhaps after the 2008 presidential election. Let me see if I've got this straight. This dude, Astrue, calls this the beginning of a 'silver tsunami', acknowledges that the Social Security Fund will dry up in 2041, and is optimistic that Congress will address the issue. This is the very best guy we could find to run the Social Security Administration? We are so screwed.

Britney Spears - This is almost like watching a video loop of a train wreck over and over and over again. Britney Spears reported to a Los Angeles police station last night to face charges of hit and run and driving without a valid license. The charges stem from an Aug. 6 wreck during which paparazzi filmed Spears steering her car into another vehicle as she tried to turn into a spot in a Studio City parking lot. The video showed her walking away after assessing the damage to her own car. She has been spending considerable time dealing with legal issues lately. On Oct. 1, a court commissioner ordered her to temporarily relinquish custody of her two young sons to ex-husband Kevin Federline, citing concerns over Spears' drug and alcohol use. She was in court last week to appeal the order and was granted one overnight stay a week with her boys, but the visits must be monitored. Is there some sort of contest between her and Lindsay Lohan to see who can rack up the longer rap sheet? I used to feel sorry for the broad, but how many times is she going to go into self-destruct mode before enough is enough?