Affluent Effluent..!

Feds Investigate Bush/Cheney Oil Czar

The Justice Department is investigating whether the director of a multibillion-dollar oil-trading program at the Interior Department has been paid as a consultant for oil companies hoping for contracts.

The director of the program and three subordinates, all based in Denver, have been transferred to different jobs and have been ordered to cease all contacts with the oil industry until the investigation is completed some time next spring, according to officials involved.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation had not been announced publicly, said investigators were worried that senior government officials had been steering huge oil-trading contracts to favored companies.

Any such favoritism would probably reduce the money that the federal government receives on nearly $4 billion worth of oil and gas, because it would reduce competition among companies that compete to sell the fuel on behalf of the government.

If the allegations prove correct, they would constitute a major new blot on the Interior Department’s much-criticized effort to properly collect royalties on vast amounts of oil and gas produced on land or in coastal waters.

The Interior Department’s Minerals Management Service, which oversees royalty collections, is now the target of multiple investigations by Congress and the Interior Department’s inspector general. <more>

D.C. Here I Come..?

What turmoils will bubble up to the surface

"The clock is ticking on Fitzgerald’s time in Chicago — while he’s presently serving at the will of the president, his tenure effectively ends when Bush’s term is up. That leaves two years for the outsider Fitzgerald to wrap up his investigation of insider dealings before a new U.S. attorney would be free to go in a different direction." <more>

A.G., V. P. - it's all good! ;)

Happy Year End...

I wonder if Dick Cheney and Scooter Libby are making any new year resolutions?

"Randall Samborn, spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office, said he had no comment, but hopes to become very talkative in 2007!"

Need A Busta Move...

all the crooks in this state...

State pension systems reap

benefit from Ryan’s conviction

"The recent headlines reveal that U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald can help save us from this mess. Recall that the state pension board unanimously canceled former Gov. George Ryan’s $197,000-a-year pension, because of his recent conviction.

Even though the state constitution does not allow pension benefits to be reduced, state law does allow pensions to be taken away from someone who has been convicted of a crime. So now it is up to Fitzgerald to solve the $45.8 billion unfunded pension liabilities problem.

He just needs to uncover other massive state corruption schemes and convict the majority of current and former state employees and teachers. With the conviction of Ryan and some of his state employees, and the investigation of the current administration, Fitzgerald seems to be well on the way." <more>

"Feared Special Prosecutor, Patrick J. Fitzgerald..."

LaRouchites have one thing right! ;)

Aaron Burr and Dick Cheney: Two Treacherous VPs

I said "one" thing.

Swing Low Sweet Chariot...

Gerald R. Ford...

Wonderbread version.

If you get there before I do, comin' for to carry me home
Tell all my friends I comin' too, comin' for to carry me home.

Abramoff & Abramoff...

“I’m not only the president, I’m also the client”

Abramoff Opts for Self-Defense in Latest Suits

Top 10 Corrupt Politicians for 2006

About half right...

Political Blunders of the Year

Merry Christmas...

...with attitude.

Open Thread...

'07 - My Best Year Ever...

Karl Rove Leaving As Soon As January?

Antsy Pants...

Sorry, my dance card is full.

Dow Jones / AP Still Jumping to Conclusions in Libby Case

Two news organizations are asking a federal judge to unseal documents in the CIA leak case, arguing that Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald never needed the testimony of reporters because he knew the source of the leak all along.

The Associated Press and Dow Jones, in court papers filed this week, asked for the release of the sworn statements Fitzgerald gave to justify subpoenas for New York Times reporter Judith Miller and Time magazine reporter Matthew Cooper.

Fitzgerald wanted the reporters’ help in his investigation of the leak of CIA operative Valerie Plame’s identity to syndicated columnist Robert Novak. <more> WARNING: Graphic photo

Lynne Cheney - "Why All The Fuss..?"

1) Virgin Mary - mother of baby Jesus,
2) Virgin Komodo Dragon, or
3) Virgin Mary, daughter of Dick Cheney...leaping lizards!

It's My Birthday...

Thank you. Thank
you very much. :D

How Do I Reconcile...

the fact that tomorrow is both my birthday and Global Orgasm
for Peace Day?

"O" No...

Here Comes Da Judge...

Zip it!

Judge Walton warns Ms. Melanie

over dead on Libby 'prediction'

Crime Does Not Pay...

Ex-pension consultant sentenced for fraud

7 years and $6.6 million

A Crete man was sentenced to 7 years in prison Wednesday and ordered to pay for embezzling and defrauding pension and welfare benefit plans of more than $6.9 million and paying graft to union officials.

Michael Linder, 61, who was president of Matteson-based Joseph/Anthony and Associates Inc., was ordered by U.S. District Judge Philip Reinhard in Rockford to serve 3 years of post-prison supervision and pay nearly $6.6 million to the plans he defrauded.

In 2004, Linder pleaded guilty to graft charges for giving two union pension officials Harley-Davidson motorcycles valued at more than $19,000 each, said U.S. Atty. Patrick J. Fitzgerald, whose office prosecuted Linder. <more>

Top Of The Hour...

and headline news for this trial?

Video: Cheney testimony could be very 'damaging' Soledad O'Brien remarked that "it can be kind of confusing" but that "the big take away from this is 'the VP on the stand.'"

I never would have guessed it - if Soledad can understand the implications, so can anyone. ;)

This Is New(s)..?

I posted it last week titled See Dick. See Dick Testify.

Cheney Will Be Under Oath During Libby Trial

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 – Vice President Dick Cheney will be summoned as a defense witness in the perjury and obstruction of justice trial of his former chief of staff, I. Lewis Libby Jr., which is scheduled to begin next month, a defense lawyer said today. <more>

Open Thread...

Hot Dog...

The National Law Journal Selects Libby Defense Lawyer Theodore Wells as 2006 Lawyer of the Year

"The National Law Journal today announced the selection of litigator and high-profile defense attorney Theodore V. Wells Jr as its 2006 “Lawyer of the Year.” Wells, who is preparing to defend I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby in a trial scheduled for Jan. 16..." <more>

Please pass the mustard..! ;)

Not(e)worthy..?

Foley only risk was
Hastert's "memory"

"The 100 pages of texts of the e-mails and instant messages portray Mr. Foley as a risk-taker who appeared to know he was doing something wrong."

"Mr. Palmer testified he could not recall having such a discussion with Mr. Foley: 'I just don't remember it, and I think it would have been an awkward conversation'."

"House Majority Leader John Boehner recalled to the panel he and Mr. Hastert spoke about the Foley matter on the House floor and the speaker told him something to the effect of 'it had been taken care of.'

Mr. Hastert professed a foggy memory, testifying: 'I don't remember having that conversation with Boehner on the House floor, and probably the House floor would not be the place to have that conversation.'

Mr. Hastert said he carries 'little note cards' with him at all times, writing down items of importance to remember them later. He had made no notes about the Foley affair, he said."

"The ethics panel said lawmakers failed to protect congressional pages and noted how the Democrats shopped the story of the Foley e-mails to newspapers in the hope of creating a scandal before the elections.

But it recommended no punishment, despite saying several Republicans, including House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert and his staff, seemed to have ignored the situation in fear of political consequences or of exposing Mr. Foley's homosexuality." <more>

Little note to self: Congressional Ethics = Oxymoron

Gag Me With An NIE..!

Naked To
My Enemies

by Clarice Feldman

"If Congressman Reyes, incoming chair of the House Intel Committee, is on this panel, is he up to the job? And who will staff it?"

"I am growing increasingly concerned. How much longer can we count on dumb luck to protect us from our enemies?"

"What's less well known is that there has been little discernable change in our counter terrorism efforts. They still stink." <more>

Clarice, please give us some credit - we have exposed and are prosecuting the damaging National Security leakers in the Office of the Vice President and EOB. Good to see you thunking more. Now, will you get dressed? :(

Let Freedom Ring...

FYI:

It recently came to my attention, after an aggressive barrage of SPAM in our comment section, that my "Desk" had become overrun by a cadre of Lyndon LaRoucher's (well intentioned fascists and "anti-Zionists"). I am aware that this is not an isolated case, however, as many other blogs and news sites on the Internet (i.e. Huffington Post, Alec Baldwin's blog) experience the same.

Many say it is a dangerous cult with a political agenda.

Personally, I do not believe a single thing Mr. LaRouche has ever espoused and feel that he brainwashes and exploits the weak-minded and mentally challenged with wild and outrageous disinformation until they do his bidding. *

Of course, you can do your own research using "the Google" (LaRouche's group has recently been in European news regarding a murder investigation) and draw your own conclusions, or follow links to their many publications and conspiracy theory blogs.

Now that you are aware of their agenda, tactics and presence on this blog, I will now return the comment section to the bastion of free speech it was intended to be - a microcosm of the love/hate relationship our country both enjoys and has to endure to truly be free.

You gotta love it! ;)
* No one does my bidding.

Open Thread...

Have at it!

Spam away conspiracy theorists and Lyndon LaRouche Office of Global Disinformation & Recruitment.

WARNING: Tin foil hats strongly recommended!

Do The Right Thing...

Update on Senator Johnson's health

"At some point, it may be healthy to have a discussion as to why the Republicans should trying to steal the election results. The American people voted to change the House and the Senate, they voted for new leadership in Iraq, they voted to boot out the Republicans. They didn't vote for a single Republican governor to hand the Senate back to the very people who got us into this war, who lost New Orleans, who invaded the privacy of Terri Schiavo's hospital room. If the situation arose where a replacement were needed for any Senator at this point, the American people have spoken. No one governor should overturn the will of the majority of Americans. That's called stealing an election. And while it's something the Republicans are quite good at, it's wrong." - Americablog

The "right thing" to do if he died or could not serve would be to appoint his wife (or partner if it) to serve out his term or until a special election could be held.

24 - 7 - 365.2425..!

Seasons greetings,

G-Men & Women!

Harder working than Santa's elves, the dedicated team of professionals working in the field and at the J. Edgar Hoover - FBI Building 'round the clock (even on Christmas and Leap Day) investigating graft and corruption (my pet peeve) and locking up evildoers - an endless and often thankless task. Talk about results...

Over 1,000 Govt. Employees
Snared by FBI for Corruption

Over the last two years, the FBI has convicted more than 1,060 government employees involved in corrupt activities, to include 177 federal officials, 158 state officials, 360 local officials, and more than 365 police officers. In FY 2005 alone, the Public Corruption Program saw a 25% increase in public corruption cases investigated, resulting in 890 indictments, 759 convictions, and 2,118 cases still pending. There are 622 agents currently working public corruption matters, an increase of 264 since 2002. - Dec. '06 - testimony by Robert S. Mueller, III - Director FBI before the Senate Judiciary Committee - an A++ read.

Alas, there is always more work to be done...

Rep. Murphy fires aide who made accusations has now become FBI Probes Claims Against Congressman Murphy

Would you believe this is the 19th member of the 109th Congress under federal investigation?

Hopefully, Rep. Alan "Midas Touch" Mollohan, the incoming chair of the House appropriations panel which oversees the budget of the Justice Department, including the FBI, will increase funding next year to fight this epidemic of corruption. $500 million (about the cost of 10 AH-64D helicopters) would be a good start to bolster programs already aimed at cleaning up government at all levels, federal, state and local. Oops, maybe I spoke too soon.

And now the ethics-challenged Mollohan

"Mr. Mollohan's personal wealth in connection with real estate investments -- his net worth surged from the low-to-mid six figures in 1999 to at least $6.8 million and as much as $25 million by 2005 -- while he was in office; and one concerning $250 million in federal appropriations to five nonprofit organizations that Mr. Mollohan himself set up and which employ his friends and some of his campaign contributors."

Oy!

Open Thread...

I wonder if it will be a white Christmas
in Chicago or D.C. this year, in 5 years?

See Dick. See Dick Testify...

Good Dick Cheney.

Happy Hanukkah!

Witnesses in Libby trial all expected to testify
Fitzgerald signals nobody to assert privilege; Cheney appearance "certain"

WASHINGTON - Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald has signaled that none of the government witnesses he intends to call will refuse to testify in the upcoming trial of Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff, I Lewis "Scooter" Libby. <more>

Is the mainstream media so dense that they can't figure out that in a trial involving Vice President Dick Cheney's CoS that Dick himself would not be called to testify? (sloooooow whistle)

As always, Christy at Firedoglake breaks it down for you.

Holiday No No's...

Pray for Coal
The 10 most dangerous
play things of all time.

11. I burned myself on this one a few times. ;)

Mum Is The Word...

Is the word
Is the word
Is the word.

Fitzgerald Mum on
Cheney in Leak Case

WASHINGTON -- Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald said Thursday that he does not expect any government officials to refuse to testify in the CIA leak trial, but he did not specifically say whether Vice President Dick Cheney or other top White House officials were on his witness list.

Attorneys for Cheney's former chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, meanwhile, told a judge that two unidentified reporters may resist testifying on Libby's behalf in the case. The attorneys predicted the issue would be resolved before trial, however. <more>

Sorry, but now I am humming this song, now you will be too. ;)

Happy Friday..!

Have you read Jason's book?

Truthout's Sarah Olson Subpoenaed in Watada Case

Surreal Quote's Of The Week...

Perhaps month or even year!

"The first time I came here with Sen. McCain we went rug shopping. Yesterday, we moved around in a tank. It's one of the most dangerous places on the planet." - Sen. Lindsey Graham

Wait, there's more...Sen. McCain, Sen. Lieberman, Sen. Collins and Tariq al-Hashemi! This wire story is a powerful snapshot of both the chaos in Iraq and the disconnect/differing opinions between a majority of Americans and certain members of Congress.

You Better Watch Out...

you better not cry.

Clarice Feldman uses the Google on her self and then stops in for a visit. Isn't that special?

So, if you are responsible for any of these 26 comments, play nice - she is watching! ;)

P.S. I noticed her once before reading this.

Deciding Is Hard Work...

Doing It For
The Soldiers

Q Did the military leaders encourage him to just take a little bit more time?

MR. SNOW: No, no, no. The President is the Commander-in-Chief; he issues orders. He decided, frankly, that it's not ready yet. . . .

Q So some might infer that the delay means he doesn't know what to do.

MR. SNOW: No, well, that would be the wrong inference to draw. . . .

Q So just to get this clear, the reason for the delay is, number one, the complexity of the Iraq issue, and not because the President learned something in the last week that changed his mind?

MR. SNOW: That is correct. . . .

Q Is it possible that the President does not want to announce the deployment of thousands of more U.S. troops to Iraq before the holidays?

MR. SNOW: No, it has nothing to do with that. Cynical, but false. . . .

Q. . . . [T]here have been a number of references here about the Baker-Hamilton commission. To what extent is this delay in the expected announcement an effort to put some distance between the release of, and the reaction to that?

MR. SNOW: It has nothing to do with it, period. Nothing. Simply put, before he begins looking at any new materials he wants to first finish reading the Shakespeares he began over the summer.

Randall, watch and learn from the master. Tony Snow, the top professional in your field.

Holy Smokes..!

What day is it today?

Statute of Limitations Passes
in Probe of Leaks to N.Y. Times

WWJD..?

Group Enlists Pastor in

New Anti-Wal-Mart Ad

A new television ad by WakeUpWalMart.com features a pastor asking, "Would Jesus shop at Wal-Mart? Should you?"

Answer: Hell, yes because:

1) They are lax on the "no shoes- no service" policy,

2) He feels warm and fuzzy knowing many of its after hours laborers are named after him,

3) Idleness is the work of the Devil and the hard working Chinese manufacture 80% of the merchandise for only .45 cents an hour,

4) While supplies last he can buy the hot new video game "Left Behind: Eternal Forces" and stock up on bulk pet food for his Dinosaurs - Dobson and Falwell,

5) Along with Haliburton, Exxon, and Lockheed Martin, Wal Mart has been one of his best performing stock picks in the after life,

6) He is a master of timing so that any number of the elderly greeters can personally carry his purchases to the pearly gates, and

7) Please, can anyone from Nazareth to Roanoke resist those prices?

Quote Of The Day...

Before this election, DeLay was in the grave with dirt on top of him.This is a final repudiation of DeLay's arrogance and bullying ways." <more>

He-Man...

College rugby playa! ;)

Someone Has A Crush On Me...

over at the State Department or

it is a slow day in the world of foreign affairs, Condi can't fathom why I won't go out with her or an indication of a dirty trick/smear campaign on the eve of the Libby trial.

Free Speech Has Its Costs ...

in today's Army and our country. One thing is certain - you just can't yell "weapons of mass destruction" in a crowded State of the Union address anymore...

Army Targets Truthout for
Subpoenas in Watada Case

In a case that cuts right to the heart of the First Amendment, a US Army prosecutor has indicated he intends to subpoena Truthout Executive Director Marc Ash, a Truthout reporter, and two of the nonprofit news organization's regular contributors, to authenticate news reports they produced and edited earlier this year that quoted an Army officer criticizing President Bush and the White House's rationale for the Iraq War.

Captain Dan Kuecker, the Fort Lewis, Washington-based Army prosecutor, has stated his intent to compel Ash, Truthout reporter Sari Gelzer, and contributors Dahr Jamail and Sarah Olson to testify at the court-martial of First Lieutenant Ehren Watada. Kuecker is actively seeking the journalists' testimony so he can prove that Watada engaged in conduct unbecoming an officer, directly related to disparaging statements the Army claims Watada made about the legality of the Iraq War during interviews with Truthout and his hometown newspaper, the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, in June. <more>

AND don't be messing with my homeboy Jason!

Sign Me Up..!

Melanie Sloan too! And don't forget the teeth!

House Dems Consider
Outside Ethics Panel

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 — House Democrats are seriously exploring the creation of an independent ethics arm to enforce new rules on travel, lobbying, gifts and other issues that Democrats intend to put in place on taking power next month.

Senior party officials said Tuesday that Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, the incoming speaker, had consulted with Representative John A. Boehner of Ohio, the minority leader, on forming a bipartisan group to examine outside enforcement. The goal would be to have the group report back in the spring.

An independent Congressional watchdog, if approved, would be a major break with tradition. Some lawmakers say House and Senate members have sole responsibility for policing themselves when it comes to internal rules.

Some lawmakers have said an independent entity could be unconstitutional. (Names please?)

The Democratic officials, who spoke only if they were not publicly identified because the proposal for the new panel was now being presented to lawmakers, said the prominence of corruption as a concern in the elections last month gave new impetus to such an idea.

“With ethics such a big issue coming out of the election, members see a need to think outside the box,” one senior official said. <more>

Do you think my - Just say "No, thank you to graft!" campaign is gaining some traction?

"The Power Of All Of Us..."

Chicagoans busted
in eBay fraud ring
More than 2,000 victims in fraud topping $5M.

"On Tuesday, federal wire fraud charges were unsealed against 21 people, including three cell leaders who were the alleged masterminds of more than $5 million in eBay scams since November 2003." <more>

Almost Final House Numbers...

Democratic Pickups: 30
GOP Pickups: 0

Seat Totals: Democrats 233 Republicans 201

Independent/3rd Party Seats: 0
Undecided Seats: 1 of 435 (should go Dem in special election)

source: DCCC
Swami said...

"Go Directly To Jail..!"

do not pass Go, do not collect $200, scumbag.

Appeals court to Skilling: Your Freedom Ends Now

HOUSTON — A federal appellate court denied former Enron Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Skilling's request to remain free during his appeal Tuesday and ordered him imprisoned immediately.

Judge Patrick Higginbotham of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals wrote in his two-page order that "Skilling raises no substantial question that is likely to result in the reversal of his convictions on all of the charged counts." As a result, Higginbotham denied Skilling's request for bail pending his appeal and vacated an earlier order staying his prison report date. Skilling is now required to report to a low-security federal prison in Waseca, Minn., to begin serving his 24-year sentence on 19 counts of conspiracy, fraud and insider trading. <more>

In case anyone is keeping score - I am 3-0 on appeals over the last few weeks - NY Times, Scooter Libby (technically, I only threatened to appeal - Judge Walton wisely reconsidered) and now this.

Mega-Kudos to my entire Enron Task Force - especially Sean Berkowitz, Kathryn H. Ruemmler, John C. Hueston and Cliff Stricklin! Great people and great team effort. The only thing I have left to say is NEXT!

Grim Milestone...

"Three years and nine months after the U.S.-led Coalition began its war against Saddam Hussein, researchers have quietly recorded another grim milestone in the cost of the conflict. American military casualties have now exceeded 25,000. Almost 3,000 U.S. soldiers are dead; 22,000 are injured. Some 245 other Coalition soldiers--mostly Brits--have also died, as well as at least 50,000 Iraqi civilians. Glenn Kutler, a researcher for the non-partisan iCasualties.org, has analyzed the patterns behind the numbers--and says he sees a conflict of gruesome logic and distinct phases." <more>

Newsweek's number are low. Mark this important date.

Surf's Up..!

Democrats still riding the big waves of reform.

GOP Rep. Bonilla soundly defeated
in Texas runoff

Another Democrat will
join 110th Congress

SAN ANTONIO - Former Congressman Ciro Rodriguez defeated seven-term Republican Henry Bonilla in a runoff election Tuesday, adding another Democrat to Congress.

With more than half the precincts reporting in the state’s largest district, Rodriguez had 57 percent to Bonilla’s 43 percent.

They were the top vote-getters in a special election held Nov. 7, but neither got 50 percent, prompting the runoff. <more>

* Tsunami warning - November 4, 2008 *
The Oval Office and 21 Republican Senate seats will be up for grabs, with only 12 potential Democratic seats in play.

Hang loose.

Wax On, Wax Off...

Waxman has Bush administration in sights

LOS ANGELES - The lawmaker who may cause the most headaches for the Bush administration when Democrats take control of Congress is a grocer's son from Watts who's hardly a household name off Capitol Hill.

Rep. Henry Waxman has spent the last six years investigating the White House and its corporate allies, focusing on everything from military contracts to Medicare prices from his perch on the Government Reform Committee.

In January, Waxman becomes committee chairman — and the lead congressional hound of an administration many Democrats feel has blundered badly as it expanded the power of the executive branch.

Widely known as the inspiration for the movie character Daniel LaRusso in the 1984 coming of age classic Karate Kid, Waxman's biggest challenge as he mulls what to probe?

"The most difficult thing will be to pick and choose," he said.

The choices he makes could help define Bush's legacy. <more>

He never made Prom King, but he got the girl and this Karate' Man kicks evildoer butt! Henry, give me a ring and I will point you in the right direction(s).

Bob Woodward Needs A Hand...

job.

As the successful candidate, you will act as Bob’s right hand man or woman.

Rebel With Cause...

and miles to go before we sleep...

Ex-aides expose
abuse of power

Rep. Gary Miller (R-CA) uses political muscle for personal gain.

"There was never a clear line in the office between what was congressional business and what was just business," one former aide said. "The expectation was that you would do both." <more>

PHOTO: Congressman "Reb" Miller on the set of Warner Brother's film Gods and Generals and Congressmen. November 24, 2001.

'Real Americans' in the O.C. and GOP just love their men in gray.

Gas Queen...

Clarice Feldman, Esq?

Breaking Down Our Will For Freedom:
Gaslighting American Wingnuts

"I hope the airline if sued (by the "Lying Imams") will respond with a countersuit, and passengers subjected to such aggressive assaults (praying) will consider consulting counsel to determine if they have a cause of action against the imams for intentional infliction of emotional distress and compensation for the inconvenience caused by their conduct (and her ramblings?).

And I hope that the rest of us have the wit to challenge in every way possible the repeated attempts to gaslight us." <more>

Confession...I look forward to the good whizgigging I always get whenever I read Clarice's twisted and noxious fumings - anxiously awaiting her next Libby release regarding:

"ORDERED that the government’s Supplemental Motion Pursuant to CIPA Section 6(c) for Substitutions in Lieu of Disclosure of Classified Information is GRANTED."

NEW CONTEST: What "law school" did Clarice attend?

Mussolini Made The Trains Run On Time...

Mayor's fingers all over city,
but he's far from finished

"Everywhere you look, this is Daley's city. He has recast, remodeled and redecorated it according to his own vision, from the flower planters to the red-light cameras to the new skyscrapers popping up on every third corner downtown. Whatever you say about Daley -- and I've said plenty -- you can't deny he has a vision for this city and devotes himself to executing it."

"And that's one big reason that it's going to stay Daley's city until either he loses interest or an opponent of substance steps up to take it away from him, the only other possibilities being beyond the control of any candidate.

That would leave health and the office of U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald as the only intervening factors that could keep Daley from winning and completing a sixth term as mayor, surpassing his father's tenure in office in the process. You wouldn't want to bet against the mayor on those counts either."

"Chicago voters get to decide whether this imagery rings true -- or whether, even if true, it is outweighed by the corruption the mayor allowed to fester during his first four terms in office until press and prosecutors finally caught up to it." <more>

Inquiring minds want to know - what is Dick hiding under his frozen peas and carrots? ;)

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like...

Scooter, very naughty!

Grecian Formula ...

It's as easy as 1-2-3!

Judge Reggie Walton - Snip/Clip/Rinse

Decision neuters prospect of 'graymail'

A federal judge has accepted a series of redactions and substitutions proposed by Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald - to be provided to I Lewis "Scooter" Libby's defense team - which will limit what Libby can share with jurors at his upcoming trial on some of the specifics of his top-secret White House briefings. <more>

Gelded Mayor Will Run for Sixth Term

"Daley's administration has had its share of scandal as well. A federal investigation of hiring practices and alleged payoffs for trucking contracts has resulted in charges against 45 people and convictions of 41, including the former city clerk. One defendant has died, and three cases are pending, according to Randall Samborn, spokesman for U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald."

Prosecutors Detail Case To Eunuchize Black

Federal prosecutors offered an advance look at their case against media baron Conrad Black, who is to stand trial on fraud and racketeering charges in Chicago next spring.

Mr. Black, along with three other former executives, is alleged to have diverted more than $80 million from newspaper publisher Hollinger International Inc., which has been renamed Sun-Times Media Group Inc. The company publishes the Chicago Sun-Times and a cluster of suburban Chicago papers.

In an 81-page filing with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the government laid out statements detailing fraud, evil doing and a total disregard for the law on a scale and magnitude not seen since the 109th Congress adjourned last Saturday. <more>

been kinda slow and sterile at the office(s)...next! ;)

"History Will Absolve Me..." - Fidel Castro

Poor Bush had a
week that reeked

"Yet Bush is described by another recent visitor as still resolutely defiant, convinced history will ultimately vindicate him."

"I'll be dead when they get it right," stated el Presidente' Bush during an Oval Office meeting last week.

"For a wounded President locked in a lethal downward spiral ever since his reelection, it was the cruelest week of all."

without a paddle or clue...

News Tidbits...

Nicole Richie Seeks More Advice On Iraq

Report: Bush Arrested For DUI

Enter U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald...

The Chicago takedown

Not all evildoers are in Washington D.C.

Bah Humbug...

Man Charged With Planning
Attack On Holiday Shoppers

"A Muslim convert is in custody accused of trying to trade two stereo speakers for a 9 mm pistol and the grenades authorities say he wanted to carry out an attack on holiday shoppers.

The FBI says it was tipped by an acquaintance of Derrick Shareef, then recorded the 22-year-old planning to use hand grenades to blow garbage cans into clouds of flying shrapnel in a crowded mall the Friday before Christmas." <more>

Open Thread...

after a long week of fighting for truth, justice and the American way.

Time For Recess..?

and new old school leaders.

Iraq Study Group Criticizes Washington

Iraq Study Group Report: Full Text (PDF)

Staring into the Abyss of Iraq’s Future

Habeus Corpus...

showing signs of life.

Soft On Terrorists Liberals or Pro-Constitution Americans?

Very Interesting...

straw poll, indeed!

Achoooooooooooo...!

'tis cold and flu season. Ack!

TGIM...

Open thread.

How To Win Friends And Influence People...

was apparently never on John's reading list.

Bush accepts Bolton's U.N. resignation

Pizza Hut $5 Medium Pizzas...

Terror and Nukes May
Have Distracted Libby

The "Extra Cheese" defense..?

Happy Saturday...

In This Holiday Season...

sharing is caring, and caring is what made this country great.

No matter how you feel about the war - T.A.P.S. needs your support with new families in need every day.

Holiday Menu For The Troops...

Display of Specialty Cheeses and Winter Fruits (Served with a Bountiful Display of Lavish Specialty Crackers and Spiced Pecans).

Colossal Shrimp Cocktail and Jonah Crab Claws (Served with Ramsey’s Cocktail Sauce and Spiced Remoulade).

Stuffed Turkey Breasts with Winter Mushrooms, Cheese and Brandied Cranberries.

Sugar Cured Virginia Ham with Hot Pepper Mustard (Served with Warm Blue Corn Muffins).

Chicken Fried Beef Tenderloin with White Onion Gravy (Served with Tiny Icebox Rolls).

Herb Roasted Lollipop Lamb Chops served with Warm Yeast Rolls.

Honey Cup Mustard Sauce.

Fresh Tamales with Tomatillo Sauce and Black Beans.

Baked White Cheddar Farfalle.

Sweet Potato Soufflé.

Asparagus Tier with Lemon-Garlic Aioli.

Golden and Crimson Beet Salad with Orange, Fennel, and Feta.

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies with Peppermint Crunch.

Pecan Sandie Tree (Mexican Wedding Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes) with Layers of Cookies.

Holiday Ornamental Cookies: Barney, Miss Beazley, Christmas Trees, Snowflakes, Candy Canes.

Red Hat Box Mascarpone Cake.

White Pound Cake with Mascarpone Cream Filling, Red Marzipan Frosting and Red Ribbon Bow Decoration.

Coconut Cake.

Coconut Chiffon Cake, Coconut Pastry Cream Filling and 7 Minute Meringue Frosting.

Chocolate Roulade (Christmas Log): Soft Ganache Frosting with a Chocolate Sponge, Meringue Mushrooms, Magnolia Leaves in White Chocolate, Raspberries.

Mini Tartlettes.

Pecan Pie, Lemon Meringue Pie, Orange Chiffon and Chocolate Boston Cream Pie.

Chocolate Truffles.

Homemade, Bittersweet Chocolate Ganache.

Long Stem Strawberries with Dark Chocolate Dipping Sauce.

Warm Macintosh Apple Cobbler With Oatmeal Crumble.

Pumpkin Trifle.

Spiced Pumpkin Mousse with Whipped Cream and Shaved Dark Chocolate.

...if they happen to be invited to the White House.