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Showing posts from November, 2008

11/30/08- TWD's Agenda For "Sun"Day: The Travel Back Day

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Photo form google.com There won't be many posts today because of me traveling back to Boston. However, later in the day (or night time to be precise), I will have a talk about Plaxcio Burress's stupidity, via The Reel Feel. Peace. (No Pending Schedule today!)

The Sleep Time and Rise "n" Shine Thread For 11/29-30/08: David Alan Grier Reporting Hilarious Realness With "Chocolate News"

Up until last night, I forgot that David Alan Grier had a new show on Comedy Central called "Chocolate News." I saw magazine clips for it, and I think I even got a quick glimpse of it from a commercial. From those brief views, I thought it would be a show in the post-Dave Chapelle era that would either fail miserably, or not come close to the heights of that show. Despite Grier always being one of the funnier comedians in my lifetime, and deserving his own show that was long long overdue, "Chocolate News" seemed like it would not usher in anything new or spectacularly funny for it to become a powerhouse like "Chapelle's Show" or "The Boondocks." Boy, was I completely wrong on what. Watching the first four episodes with my family last night, and seeing how it is doing in the ratings ............... In its first weeks, "Chocolate News" has averaged a healthy 1.9 million viewers, and Grier has found Comedy Central to be "in synch

Saturday Cartoon Throwback Thread For 11/29/08- I Am Weasel

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Photo from geocities.com Hey boys and guys. We were absent last week, but we are back with this week's Saturday Cartoon Throwback Thread. And this week, it's a suggestion from my peoples, Alex Lawrence. It's "I Am Weasel." I was too big on this show, but I thought, since it was suggested. that it still needed shine. And plus, a lot of people liked it, so why not? The funny intro : "Fred The Last of the Idiots" mini-skit. A quick funny segment : And really, not much else to offer. But hey boys and girls, we needed something for this week. That's SCTT, until next time, stay smiling and HAPPY!!!

Isn't He Suppose to Still Be Stumping For McCain?

He, as Mudflats said perfectly, just won't go away. As Cenk said in the video (he is the commentator in the video, and the main man for The Young Turks), he guarantees and fully bets that Joey Ol' Boy here will get that reality show somewhere. The bigger bet would be, who will get their television show first: Him or Mike Wooten life ruiner Governor Palin?

11/29/08-TWD's Agenda For "Satur"Day: The Siege is Over In Mumbai

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Photo from Arko Datta of Reuters It's over : Indian commandos took control of the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, the last nest of terrorist resistance, on Saturday morning, after a lengthy assault that left three terrorists dead and sections of the hotel in flames, the head of the commando unit said in a televised news conference. A three day nightmare appears to be over: It was the third day of a siege that has shaken India, raised tensions with neighboring Pakistan and prompted questions about the failure of the authorities to anticipate the tragedy or to react swiftly enough as it unfolded. And it seems the Lashkar-e-Taiba group did the unforgivable deed: American intelligence and counterterrorism officials said Friday that there was mounting evidence that a Pakistani militant group — Lashkar-e-Taiba, which has long been involved in the conflict with India over the disputed territory of Kashmir — was responsible. It's Saturday, night time on the near end of this Thanksgiving

Music Thread #1: The Flashbacks #1- Rick Astley ("Never Gonna Give You Up")

Because of his unexpected, random appearance yesterday at the Macy's Day Parade on the Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends float, the first of two flashback videos had to be dedicated to the 1987 classic from Rick Astley, called "Never Gonna Give You Up." Too funny, and too classic.

He Can't Get A Divorce From Him

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Photo from Google Get this from Politico's Michael Calderon today : In Michael Wolff’s forthcoming biography of Rupert Murdoch, “ The Man Who Owns The News ,” the author writes that the media mogul has seemed to turn away lately from his cable news network, and isn’t fond its top-rated personality, Bill O’Reilly. “It is not just Murdoch (and everybody else at News Corp.’s highest levels) who absolutely despises Bill O’Reilly, the bullying, mean-spirited, and hugely successful evening commentator,” Wolff wrote, “but [Fox News chief executive] Roger Ailes himself who loathes him. Success, however, has cemented everyone to each other." “The embarrassment can no longer be missed,” Wolff wrote, in another section of the book. “He mumbles even more than usual when called on to justify it. He barely pretends to hide the way he feels about Bill O’Reilly. And while it is not that he would give Fox up—because the money is the money; success trumps all—in the larger sense of who he i

11/28/08: TWD's Agenda For FriDay- Madness on Black Friday

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Photo from google.com Black Friday brutality, as usual, leads to a tragedy. (Via the recommended diary from trifecta at the Kos). A Wal-Mart worker died after being trampled when hundreds of shoppers smashed through the doors of a Long Island store Friday morning, police and witnesses said. The 34-year-old worker, employed as an overnight stock clerk, tried to hold back the unruly crowds just after the Valley Stream store opened at 5 a.m. Witnesses said the surging throngs of shoppers knocked the man down. He fell and was stepped on. As he gasped for air, shoppers ran over and around him. "He was bum-rushed by 200 people," said Jimmy Overby, 43, a co-worker. "They took the doors off the hinges. He was trampled and killed in front of me. They took me down too...I literally had to fight people off my back." Please, for the rest of your day, be careful out there on Black Friday. This happens almost every damn year. When will people actually learn? Sad. The Agenda'

Mumbai Massacre Update, Part 3: The Hostage Crisis Is Still Continuing (The Read International for 11/28/08)

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Photo from AFP The horror is still going on , 36 hours after it had commenced: Commandos involved in the operation have described the terrorists as "showing no remorse, firing at anyone who moves". With his face disguised by a scarf and sunglasses, one commando said he had seen around 50 dead bodies in the building and explosives capable of causing "major damage". The wave of terror attacks began more than 36 hours earlier after small groups of militants, armed with automatic weapons and grenades, entered the city by boat and fanned out. They burst into two hotels, a hospital and a railway station as well as a cafe popular with foreign tourists, firing indiscriminately and throwing grenades. Hundreds of people were held captive at the Taj Mahal Palace and Trident-Oberoi hotels, many locking themselves in their rooms or trying to hide as the gunmen roamed the buildings. The firing has intensified at the Taj Mahal Police, as reports still indicated that there are stil

The Sleep Time and Rise "n" Shine Thread for 11/27-28/08: Rick Rolled at Thanksgiving Parade!!!!!

Sports Thread for 11/27/08: Blowouts To Them on NFL Thanksgiving 2008

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(Photo from mlive.com)This sign couldn't be more true Brian van Ochten of mlive.com made a terrific point in column assessing the misery that is the Detroit Lions and their franchise after failing to 0-12 in a 47-10 defeat to the Tennessee Titans today, their worst loss ever on this holiday. This was ion regards to lame turkey coach Rod Marinelli, and how even the venerable but still young Jeff Fisher of all coaches did a classless thing: It is impossible to sugarcoat the painful fact Marinelli is 10-34, including 13 losses in a row and defeats in 19 of his last 20 games at the helm. It's not as if the team is improving either; it keeps getting worse all the time. Even his peers show him no respect. It is a code among NFL head coaches to not run up the score, call timeouts in the fourth quarter of routs or throw needless challenge flags in the final minutes of games -- unless, of course, it involves New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and former protege Eric Mangini of th

Mumbai Massacre Update, Part 2: It Still Isn't Over Yet (The Read International for 11/27/08)

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Photo from the BBC It seems that CNN's number will sadly be true , as the BBC has raised its death toll number to 110. And despite that, things are still unsettled: Some 10-12 gunmen were holed up at three sites in Mumbai nearly 24 hours after a series of devastating attacks in the city, an Indian general said. Sky Sports is now reporting that the French have 15 to 25 of its citizens trapped in the Oberol, as well as 10 Iraqi people as well. Indian officials have stated that the siege on the Taj Mahal have ended. By the way, President Bush has yet to issue a public statement in front of the cameras. Shockingly, isn't it?

Mumbai Massacre Update: It Still Isn't Over Yet (The Read International for 11/27/08)

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Photo from Associated Press CNN is now reporting that 125 people are dead, though the BBC is still at 101 for the moment. One of the terrorists was arrested, and he told the Mumbai police the details of the attack : Ismail alias Zakiruallah, a Punjabi from Faridkot in Pakistan who was arrested by the Mumbai police on Wednesday night during the terror attacks, is giving interrogators the complete story of how the sensational terror operation was planned and executed. He has told the Mumbai police that he has been trained by the Lashkar e Tayiba, said police sources while giving chilling details of the most daring terror attack in India that has so far killed 101 people -- and the horror story is not over, yet. Rediff.com, with help of political and governmental sources in New Delhi [Images] and Mumbai, including from intelligence, has pieced together the government's thinking on the matter. Later in the article, an unfortunate piece of information regarding a possible lack of prepar

The First New Thanksgiving, For The Rest Of His Life

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The President-elect, wishing the nation a Happy Thanksgiving. Photos via the recommended diary from Al Rodgers at the Kos yesterday. And last night on ABC, as Barbara Walters does a fine job with this interview:

Another Reason Why This Thanksgiving 2008 is Different From Others

Flashback to just last week of course. Giving thanks, unless you are Mike Wooten , to Sarah Palin indeed.

Happy Thanksgiving To You, From The Whole Delivery

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Sports Thread #2 for 11/26/08: After Maui Victory, North Carolina Will Be Hard To Beat This Year

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Photo from Associated Press It is no question that the Big East this year will be the dominant conference in college basketball this season. When you have at least three of the top four teams in the country, such as Connecticut, Louisville and Pittsburgh, it is a testament to just how tremendous the conference is, from its coaches all the way to even its walk on players. But the team above those three tonight is not for the Big East of course. North Carolina showed why they are the sound favorites to give Roy Williams a second title at Chapel Hill, as they dispatched the number four Big East team in Notre Dame, who just isn't your average number four conference team. The Fighting Irish, unlike their troubled football counterparts, are an elite team and will be a force to be reckoned with in the loaded East. Hence their number eight ranking of course. And in tonight's 102-87 lost to the Tar Heels in the Maui Invitational Final, it can be said that Mike Brey's side was clearl

Music Thread #2 for 11/26/08: With Album Sales Like That, Who Cares About Bad Reviews?

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Photo from MTV.com Unlike Usher, Beyonce' was able to have her fans buy her mediocre at best effort for this year. By almost going gold in the first week of sells to top the charts, "I Am....Sasha Fierce" won't suffer the same faith as "Here I Stand" despite a CD that was heavily criticized for being another up and down, nowhere near classic effort from the nevertheless superstar figure. Nickelback had to take second place with their Dark House release, with new American Idol winner David Cook taking the bronze with his debut release. Even more stunning is looking at how paltry John Legend's sales are at the moment for his acclaimed Evolver . 297,021 Chalk another victory for style over substance in the music world.Though John Legend is a pretty stylish dude though.

Mumbai Terrorist Attacks Death Toll Hits 101 (and Maybe Counting)

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(Photo from BBC.com) The situation is still deadly and volatile , as the troops are exchanging gunfire with the terrorists. For video footage, turn here. (With much thanks to the BBC, as always).

Sports Thread #1 for 11/26/08: Beleated Congrats To Heroes Verdasco, Lopez and Spain In Their Defeat of Argentina (Davis Cup Final Review)

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(Photo from daviscup.com) Jubilee for Spain as they win the Davis Cup on the road, and without Rafael Nadal Make no bones about it, this was another memorable Davis Cup Final for the ages. And despite the fact that it didn't come to a deciding rubber, it was nevertheless a joy to watch. That's of course, if you were a neutral or, even better, a Spaniard. Because of you were an Argentine that day, it was, and still is, a period of national misery. Without Rafael Nadal, Spain looked destined to remain at two Davis Cup titles, as their counterparts looked poised to capture their first international championship in the city of Marta Del Pata. And that outcome seemed inevitable when David Nalbandian scored his 17th Davis Cup tie victory with a comprehensive beating of David Ferrer in the opener. Ferrer, who whenever he plays Nalbandian usually outworks and frustrates him into defeat (hence Ferrer's 6-3 head to head advantage coming into their match), had nothing, and showed th

Music Thread #1 for 11/26/08: News and Analysis Overload

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A much needed catchup on the music scene is needed for the site. Peace between T.I and Shawty Lo Looks far away from happening: Dirty Awards 2008 Battle Between T.I. and Shawty Lo from Gyant on Vimeo . Jay-Z and Coldplay continued their harmony with each other. Britain will be happy to see that especially. More reason why ANYBODY should want Chamillionaire to succeed. Seriously, the game needs more dudes like that. The mess that has become K-West on Conan O'Brien last night: But he, as you may have seen in this interview, and angry with the paparazzi. And something is being done about that. Actually, a good new video from Ne-Yo, this from his "Mad" song. Now, can he write a non-love related song. I'm just saying. Speaking of cliche', here's another Keri Hilson video that really does nothing. And it features another guest appearance from............you guess it? Weezieeee. More later, because we have a lot to catch up on here.

They Can't Even Get The Holidays Right

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The Whole Delivery is heaping praise on the Bush Administration for early preparation on something. Yes, you read correctly. I am heaping accolades on the Bush Administration for..............preparing for the Holidays. But, even in this rare moments of rare moments, they manage to botch even this: From Think Progress's Ryan Powers , looks like they forgot that those who celebrated Hanukkah don't do it with Maple Forest trees: President and First Lady Bush recently sent Jewish community leaders invitations to a Hanukkah reception at the White House next month. But as the New York Post reports, the invitations “raised more than a few eyebrows” because the image on them was that of a “Clydesdale horse hauling a Christmas fir along the snow-dappled drive to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave”: Hahahaha. They just can't leave fast enough, can't they? At least they didn't have a Kwanzaa Party. That would have been even worse.

11/26/08-TWD's Agenda For The Day: Mumbai Massacre

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Photo from AFP Forgettable. Ugly. Reprehensible. Frightening. Sad. The links are plenty on the terrorists attacks in Mumbai, India today. The Global war on terrorism continues on. The Pending Schedule is in the comments section.

TPM's 100 Seconds For 11/25/08

The Read International Midday News Thread For 11/25/08

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Photo from AFP(A number of protesters stormed a major Thai airport today. From the BBC: 1. UN calls for rapid Zimbabwe Deal 2. Iraq jails are apparently overcrowded. That reminds me of one other country. I wonder what country that is? Hmmm. 3. The French version of the Republican Party in-fighting over here has been settled, for now. From The CBC: 1. No jail For British citizens in Dubai beach sex case. 2. Protesters storm a major Thai airport 3. Youtube is getting bigger. Literally and figuratively. From Al Jazeera: 1. First Iran, and now Afghanistan is calling for their own timetable. Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan's president, has demanded foreign powers set a "timeline" for the withdrawal of their forces from his country. He told a delegation from the UN Security Council that without the timeline he would have to seek a political solution to the Taliban-led insurgency, his office said on Tuesday. "The international community should give us a timeline of how long or

Kerry and Spector Introduces Landmark High Speed Rail

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Photo from indecision2008.com Thanks to beachmom at the Kos for this story, check this story out from the LA Times about John Kerry and Arlen Specter doing what bipartisan does when it actually, you know, works: As reported by the Los Angeles Times, Senator Kerry and Senator Specter introduced the High-Speed Rail for America Act of 2008 on November 20, 2008: The High-Speed Rail for America Act of 2008 builds upon the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 which reauthorizes Amtrak and authorizes $1.5 billion over a five-year period to finance the construction and equipment for eleven high-speed rail corridors. It provides billions of dollars in both tax-exempt and tax credit bond and provides assistance for rail projects of various speeds. The bill creates the Office of High-Speed passenger rail to oversee the development of high-speed rail and provides a consistent source of funding. Specifically, the High-Speed Rail for America Act of 2008 provides $8 billion over

11/25/08:TWD's Agenda For The Day- "I Don't Think There's Any Question That We Have A Mandate"

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TPM's Greg Sargent reports today : An interesting moment at Barack Obama's presser on the economy today: He declared in more direct terms than I've heard before that his "decisive" win has unquestionably given him a "mandate." "We had, I think, a decisive win, because of the extraordinary desire for change on the part of the American people," he said in response to a reporter's question. "And so I don't think there is any question that we have a mandate to move the country in a new direction, and not continue the same old practices that have gotten us into the fix that we're in." But Obama also tempered his claim to a mandate by acknowledging that he needs Republican help to succeed. "I won 53 percent of the vote," he said. "That means 46 or 47 percent of the country voted for John McCain." If most in the media declared that Bush had a mandate four years ago despite over 49% of the country voting again

TPM's 100 Seconds For 11/24/08

The Read International Midday News Thread For 11/24/08: The PitFalls Of Africa's Aid Addiction

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Photo from BBC.com In today's "TRI" thread, another great piece of journalism from the BBC today is offered. This is surly a "must read", and if it wasn't up to that standard, than it certainly wouldn't be apart of The Read nor The Read International . A real question is asked here, setting the stage for a fascinating article for both an eye opening article and a fascinating special documentary titled "Panorama:Addicted To Aid" on the BBC tonight: Over the last 50 years Western governments have paid more than £400bn in aid to Africa. But according to figures from the World Bank, half of sub-Saharan Africans still live in extreme poverty. Why has so much assistance had so little impact? It is a vital question to answer, though the end result will both infuriate you (unless you already understand what the hell has been happening here in that continent). It certainly saddens and frustrates Sorious Samara, the correspondent and West African nati

11/24/08-TWD's Agenda For The Day: "We Need To Put People Back To Work"

In his press conference today announcing his economic team, Obama restates the importance of getting people back to work, as the unemployment percentage grows in this suffering that this country is undertaking. It can't be stated enough that this important campaign promises of his needs to be fulfilled by the people of this nation as well. It is not just his responsibility, but the responsibility of us Americans in total. The Agenda's Pending Schedule is in the comments section.

The Capital For 11/23/08: Bailing Out Fall Street Instead Of Main Street, Again

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Gut-wrenching stuff to read from Berkeley professor Robert Reich , the former Secretary of Labor under Bill Clinton, along with being an economic adviser for Barack Obama. Once again, it shows how Paulsen and Bernake have sold out this country for their friends once again. Especially the auto industry's workers who have been hurting for years, and look to receive the ultimate blow to their stomachs. Citigroup was once the biggest U.S. bank. General Motors was once the biggest automaker in the world. Now, both are on the brink. Yet Citigroup is likely to be rescued within days. General Motors may not be rescued at all. Why the difference? Viewed from Wall Street, Citi is too big and important to be allowed to fail while GM is simply a big, clunky old manufacturing company that can go into chapter 11 and reorganize itself. The newly conventional wisdom on the Street is that the failure of the Treasury and the Fed to save Lehman Brothers was a grave mistake because Lehman's demise

11/23/08: TWD's Agenda For The Day: TWD's NFL WEEK 12 Picks (Sports Thread #1 for 11/23/08)

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Both Photos From google.com Crucial Week 12, were virtual "Do or Die" Games are in store for a few teams. Here's James and I, with our IM discussion: BlazingTerror141 (12:57:18 PM): Aight, the three games of the week BlazingTerror141 (12:57:25 PM): Dolphins-Patriots BlazingTerror141 (12:57:48 PM): we both agree, the Dolphins to really end the pats season for good today jaeddy28 (12:57:56 PM): Yessir jaeddy28 (12:58:20 PM): Sorry New England fans, but they will bounce back next year jaeddy28 (12:58:34 PM): Just too much injuries to over come jaeddy28 (12:59:09 PM): Brady was the beginning, and now Seymour and Bruschi might not play jaeddy28 (12:59:18 PM): It is over BlazingTerror141 (12:59:43 PM): All over except Cheery Bill showing happiness in the press conference BlazingTerror141 (12:59:54 PM): Dolphins with the major cover here BlazingTerror141 (1:00:18 PM): Eagles-Ravens jaeddy28 (1:02:58 PM): Ravens-Eagles, something is telling me Eagles BlazingTerror141 (1:03:06 PM

11/22/08-TWD's Agenda For "Satur"Day: Obama's Big Stimulus Plan

From this morning, Barack Obama lays out his big stimulus plan in his now weekly Youtube address. Transcript here. The Agenda's P.S. for this "Satur"Day will be in the comments section. And as always, it's Saturday. Luda!!!!!!!!!!!!! Saturday (Oooh! Ooooh!) - Ludacris

Music Thread #1 for 11/21/08- The Flashback #1: Warren G feat Nate Dogg ("Regulate")

Take it back to that wonderful year of 1994, with the West Coast Classic from no, not Coolio like last week. But from Warren G, and Nate Dogg, with "Regulate". Part of this week's Flashback Friday videos.

The Cinema for 11/21/08: Bolt

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From Disney's movie Bolt, via mlive.com Good, positive reviews, if not of the spectacular level of Pixar's sole creations, for Disney's Bolt are in as the movie, including this one: hits theaters today : BOLT immediately establishes a tone of gentle jokiness -- in a frenetic opening chase that could have been designed for the sequel to THE INCREDIBLES -- and proceeds to build upon it by bringing in beautifully defined characters with strong, engaging personalities. There's no real villain in the story, which means the challenges Bolt and his friends face often involve overcoming their own mindsets and attitudes instead of fighting off an enemy. Bolt (voice provided by John Travolta) is both the prized pet and screen partner of young actress Penny (Miley Cyrus, whose slightly gruff line-readings give a potentially sticky-sweet character a hint of edginess); they co-star together in a TV series that looks like a mad mash-up of "Lassie" and "Mission: Impossi

11/21/08-TWD's Agenda For Friday: Cabinet Leaks, Leaks, Leaks; Inner Strength Gospel Concert

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Photo from the AP's Alexandre Meneghini Relief. Hillary Rodham Clinton has decided to give up her Senate seat and accept the position of secretary of state, making her the public face around the world for the administration of the man who beat her for the Democratic presidential nomination, two confidants said Friday. Mrs. Clinton came to her decision after additional discussion with President-elect Barack Obama about the nature of her role and his plans for foreign policy, said one of the confidants, who insisted on anonymity to discuss the situation. Mr. Obama’s office told reporters Thursday that the nomination is “on track” but Clinton associates only confirmed Friday afternoon that she has decided. “She’s ready,” said the confidant. Mrs. Clinton was reassured after talking again with Mr. Obama because their first meeting in Chicago last week “was so general,” the confidant said. The purpose of the follow-up talk, he added, was not to extract particular concessions but “just g

The Sleep Time and Rise "n" Shine Thread For 11/20-21/08: Is This Lady Real Or What?

For those of you who may not have seen this, add this as another highlight reel on the tape of the Alaskan Governor. In fact, this maybe is the biggest gaffe. World class at being careless is this lady. And she has clearly replaced John McCain as this year's Gift that keeps on giving, especially now that she is back to being on her own. The Democratic Party is certainly giving thanks a week before Thanksgiving.

Mukasey Collapse Sends Ripple Affects Throughout Traditional and News Media

The big breaking news story of the night that even overrode Barack Obama on the verge of offering Hilary Clinton the Secretary of State job was the stunningly collapse of Attorney General Michael Mukasey: ABC : Attorney General Michael Mukasey, the no-nonsense former federal judge who took over the Justice Department after Alberto Gonzales resigned in disgrace, collapsed during a speech Thursday night and lost consciousness. NBC/MSNBC: Mukasey's was noticeably shaking when he collapsed shortly before 10:20 p.m. EST. An FBI official said Mukasey got stuck on a word during his speech at the Marriott Hotel at Wardman Park in northwest Washington, repeated it several times and then "went down hard." His security detail called 911. Mukasey lay on the stage for 10 minutes being attended to by his FBI detail before medics arrived, according to a Justice Department official who was there. Talking Points Memo, as they updated some very positive news: The DOJ has now released a st

Apparently, It Seems Someone Told Youtube To Disable TWD's Account

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As some of you may have noticed, The Whole Delivery's Youtube page was taken off (or disabled) sometime tonight. In fact, I noticed this myself as the clock struck midnight that this had occurred. And frankly, and not surprisingly, I was not happy about it. In fact, I was not in a talkative mood at all. I don't know what lead to the whole entire account being disabled, but it shows once again how bullies are in the system, and how "fair use" is still not respected at all like it should be. Apparently, it may have been the "NFL Week 11" leading to the downfall, but to disable the entire account shows how ridiculous the system still is. Hopefully I will be able to place all of the site's videos back up, as soon as possible with the new Youtube page. Until then, thank you for viewing not only the Youtube page, but of course, the website itself. Sha-la!

The Read International for 11/20/08: China's Government Concerned As Job Losses Increase In The Far East

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Photo from BBC.com Definitely a story lost in amidst of our numerous problems here and our change in governmental leadership is what is taking place over in China. The BBC reports today that the Chinese government is very weary of the continued growth in unemployment taking afoot in their country. Chinese leaders are already warning that an economic downturn could lead to further protests by those facing financial hardships. It could also undermine the Chinese leadership, whose legitimacy has been built on improving living standards. Believe it or not, protests have become the norm. Meng Jianzhu, minister of public security, this week warned the police to be "fully aware of the challenges brought by the global financial crisis". He said officers should be careful about how they handle "mass incidents", Beijing's euphemism for protests by ordinary people. These protests are common in China, although they are often isolated incidents sparked by particular local g