Tom Ridge Backpedals, Changes Story

5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. There it is.

Tom Ridge, under no pressure from absolutely no one, suddenly and for no reason other than his own determination, suffering no influence from anyone, changed his story about being pressured by Bush administration colleagues to raise the terror level during the 2004 campaign or any other time.

Yes, it seems it is still in print that that is what he said a few weeks ago, and meant to say. But now he realizes, no, nothing of the sort occurred.

We'll post details if we find them, of his thinking process. Because we are absolutely sure that there has been no outside influence on this decision to revisit his thoughts and re-remember them differently. As far as any pressure, again, we can lay all that to rest. It didn't happen. It's not happening now. It will not happen in the future.

I Find Dick Cheney Offensive

Where is that hallowed hiding place this criminal spent the last eight years? Can we broaden the perks of the ex-vice presidency to allow him to go there again, burrow in, and never reappear. I'll chip in 20 bucks if Dick Cheney will go there and leave us alone.

This criminal is always popping up his head, trying to tamp down any investigations of his criminal past, of engaging in torture, crimes against humanity.

Now they're doing the least little investigation -- nothing like the full blown no holds barred baring of the truth that we need -- and here he is again, slithered forth from his hole, to object once again.

Cheney says any investigation "offends the hell out of me." You know what, most criminals would probably just as soon no one investigated them. I really would guess that the guy who knocks off a liquor store hopes he'll get away and no one will pursue him.

Come to think of it, I would guess the prisons are full of people who would've liked it if no one pursued and caught them. They probably would've liked it later if they would've dropped all the charges and let them go free. I suppose that's true.

I don't expect Cheney to go to prison -- which is what he likely deserves -- because he's a big time criminal, the kind we can't usually touch. So he's free to get on TV and spout about it. But he ought to at least have the decency to shut his mouth. But of course if he had any decency in the first place he wouldn't be in this predicament.

You know, for a guy who about died of a heart attack in 1999, this guy must've had some great healthcare. We need him as a poster child for healthcare reform. I want whatever healthcare it is that's kept Dick Cheney kicking and doing evil all these years. Still evil after all these years!

Sheriff Admits Doing Bad Job In Dugard Case

Sheriff Admits Doing Bad Job In Dugard Case. Duh, ya think?

The sheriff is Warren E. Rupf, out in California, around Antioch.

They actually had a 911 call in 2006 in which it was reported that Phillip Garrido was a psychotic sex addict who was housing children in tents in his backyard. They didn't adequately investigate a report like that?! What would it take to get these clowns' attention, free donuts at the Quickie Mart?

"Uh, all units ... we have a report of a psychotic sex addict ... yeah, uh, says he's housing children in tents in his backyard ... I know it sounds crazy ... Hey, while you're in the area, pick us up some donuts."

Then in 2008, there was an unannounced visit, during which some investigators were checking on sexual predators, but they didn't notice the weird backyard activities, all the business going on behind an eight foot fence.

"Nothing to see here, men, and remember, the more you see, the more paperwork there'll be. [Wink, wink]. Have a great weekend!"

Sheriff Rupf said, “Organizationally, we should have been more inquisitive or curious and turned over a rock or two ... We should have had a better result.”

"Antioch -- A great place to live -- Low crime, at least we haven't noticed any!"

Dump Chuck!

"Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) wants (you guessed it) yet more time to reach a health care compromise on the Senate Finance Committee."

What - in - the - world - do - we - care - what - Chuck - Grassley - wants?

Is there any human way to get something done in the Senate without this guy as a roadblock? How is it that when the Democrats won big in 2008 that Chuck Grassley became all powerful?

Could we please have some action from Harry Reid and the Democrats that resembles something that would show that we indeed won the election?

When I heard about our side bringing a gun to a knife fight, I thought that meant we were ready to rumble. Not ready to capitulate every day of the week.

Now Grassley doesn't think we can get healthcare in September ... probably said in his stupidest lumbering voice ... And I could guess October is off the table, and don't expect much in November, and December is definitely out ...

Dump Chuck Grassley! The idea that this clown has a veto over the will of the people is a joke that's gone on long enough.

Harry Reid and The Senate

Healthcare reform is dragging on. It seems a long time ago that they were trying to get a bill before August. Now it's maybe before Christmas.

But it sounds like Harry Reid is still putting the threat of reconciliation out there:

Discussing health care, Reid told the crowd of several hundred that he would prefer bipartisan legislation on health care reform rather than a bill with only Democratic support. Reid said he planned to "work for a couple of weeks" at giving bipartisan efforts a chance when Congress reconvenes in early September. If Democrats' olive branches fail with Republicans, though, then Senate Democrats will go ahead with a reconciliation process that requires just 51 votes rather than a filibuster-proof 60 votes, Reid said. The move would allow Democrats to pass a bill without any Republican votes.

I would guess about the middle of September, the Republicans will ask for "an extension," will propose a "back to the drawing board" kind of thing with "pledges of bipartisanship." Reid will accept this as a good faith gesture. The actual goal of getting anything done will be extended virtually indefinitely, till after the first of the year, then perhaps March, or July at the latest. By then Reid will finally notice the Republicans' scheme. Of course they will have been undermining the efforts continuously throughout this whole time, obvious to all but Harry.

Then when August of 2010 rolls around, we'll be in the full swing of the midterm election and it will be too late. Then the Republicans will suggest we wait till January when the new senators and representatives are seated. And you get the idea ...

Does the Senate ever get anything accomplished? I suppose I could look it up. But have they done anything in the last two months besides vote on Sonia Sotomayor?

The Blue Dogs Don't Represent Us

Nice article about a sickening subject. The selling out of our "representatives" to the big money interests, in this case the pharmaceutical industry, big hospitals, the very people who have a vested interest in keeping their thumb on us.

The Blue Dog so-called Democrats are bringing in tons of money from these crooks. And sucking it up willingly, then screwing us over, denying what we voted for in the last election.

If there's any greater sign that we need reform, I don't know what it'd be. These crooks are in this simply for what they can get. And every time they raise our rates and say you can't do anything about it, or deny coverage, we know who we have to thank for it. Their representatives, bought and paid for. The Republicans and these traitorous Blue Dog "Democrats."

Another Deathapalooza

I'm not in the mood for another famous death with all the trimmings, this time with Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

I liked him fine and wish we had 99 more senators just like him. But I won't be watching all the crap that's very likely to be shown on TV the next couple of days.

Especially from any of the totally worthless Republican party who will probably be out shedding a few crocodile tears to great public display.

As for Senator Kennedy, I liked him and all the Kennedys. But I never got over Chappaquiddick. It was always in the back of my mind -- and not very far back -- when it came to Teddy. It was a painful thing, because I always figured he had his political viability at heart in the aftermath. That was a downer.

Still, he's passed on now. So we can get someone else in there to carry on the good work. And get healthcare reform passed once and for all.

The GOP -- The Unserious Party

When it comes to responsible governing, the GOP can't do it when they're in power. And when they're out of power, they don't want anyone else to do it.

Now that health care issues are on the table, you'd think this would be the time for some serious debate and discussion, maybe some reasonable perspective from the loyal opposition. O that we had one!

Instead the Republicans are irresponsible misfits, vandals.

The Republicans hate Medicare. Always have, always will. But now they're even posing as Medicare's defenders. Their lying and hypocrisy have no bounds. They're making it up as they go along, anything to stick it to Obama, and by extension, the rest of us.

Fortunately, a lot of people have the GOP's number. According to the Wall Street Journal, the AARP welcomed the Republicans' commitment to protect medicare, but dismissed their statement on the subject as misleading and alarmist.

John Rother, their executive vice president, said "the proposed Medicare savings do not limit benefits, they do not impose rationing and they do not put the government between patients and their doctors." So there! There's a disconnect between what the Republicans say and what is the reality.

Mr. Rother said that AARP was frustrated by the lack of concrete proposals being put forward on the Republican side of the debate. "The debate as I see it doesn't even focus on health care," Mr. Rother said. "It is all about the role of government and the importance of the federal deficit."

The Journal article notes the great irony in all this, that Medicare is the government's largest health care program and those lining up to "defend" Medicare are against government's involvement in health care.

Reconciliation

I'm not up on the procedures of the Senate, but they say there's a procedure called "Reconcilation" by which we can get healthcare reform.

If so, do it. Whatever it takes. And, good grief, stop talking about it and do it.

It looks, though, like the Democrats want to wait till the middle of September for some reason. Perhaps to give the Republicans more time to lie through their teeth about everything under the sun. For supposedly being so "moral," the Republicans do a lot of lying.

Apparently however this procedure works, the Republicans used it themselves for the tax cuts of Bush's years. So they haven't got anything to squawk about, which of course won't stop them.

I don't really see any reason to wait till September. They're not going to come around. They're just looking for any way -- by hook or crook -- to kill healthcare reform and keep us in the back pocket of the insurance industry. (We know who Congress, a large part of it, represents. Crooks.)

Get it done. We've gone from "Yes We Can" to "Get It Done."

Rolling Stone Jonas Brothers Edition

I was at the store and saw a Rolling Stone commemorative Jonas Brothers collectible edition. And I thought, What?

I thought Rolling Stone was a little more high brow rock than that. But I haven't really been keeping up as well as I used to. So maybe things have changed.

There were the usual "16" types of magazines as well -- I didn't really see them but I figure they were there since they usually are. And Rolling Stone. Hmm.

Do I like the Jonas Brothers? Yes, I do. Although all I have by them is one album, the one before last, the one that has "Burnin' Up" and several other great songs. I listened to it non-stop for a few weeks. It was great. And I know Rolling Stone gave it a very good review.

I'm not someone who likes them to the point of buying the magazines, etc. Those days are gone for me. It would take the reincarnation of Elvis Presley to do it for me, which almost happened with Adam Lambert, at least in part. I did buy the Rolling Stone with Adam on it and also Lady Gaga.

But this Jonas edition is not the regular magazine but a special edition, like the whole thing is dedicated to all things Jonas. I just glanced through it so I didn't pick up any great trivia.

Is this really what's happening with Rolling Stone? Or is this just a cash-in thing?

The Zonks of Hope, Arkansas

Zonksmania is hitting Dairy Queens everywhere. There they are! It's always 1967 and they're always standing on the wildest DQ truck I've ever seen. With a great looking drum that has two arrows that remind me of The Who's one arrow.

They've been performing at the DQ in Hope, Arkansas. And that's all we know about them.

I looked them up several months ago, probably over a year ago by now, and didn't find anything. But I tried again today and got a link to one of them, Buzz Andrews. Buzz says he's the one in the prison pants.

I have played music for 46 years. Played my first paid gig in 1963. I started playing with a garage band named the ZONKS out of Hope, Arkansas. We stayed together all the way through college and played high school and college parties and dances. We got hooked up with Dairy Queen in 1968 and played some stuff for them and the picture of the ZONKS can be seen in all the new Dairy Queens across the country. I'm the one in the prison pants. I moved on from that band and joined a bluegrass band, The Bluegrass Express.

Now he's performing as BUZZ ANDREWS, One Man Band.

I love the Zonks' picture, but it would seem that's all there is to it. Which is sad. Because what's more romantic than a band roaming the countryside waiting for a rock 'n' roll musical to break out? Screaming girls chasing behind. Boys crazy with the excitement of being the next big thing.

I want to hear tapes from their gigs. Demos. Or know they exist. Was there a 45? See whatever posters they had. See their business card. Publicity that says, "THIS SATURDAY AT DAIRY QUEEN" or whatever. Memorabilia. Newspaper clippings. Other photos. I want to know all about it. Come on, Buzz, identify the other guys and what they're doing now. Give us something!

Does it bug anyone else that we don't know more about The ZONKS?

Until we get more, all we have is this one single beautiful picture at Dairy Queen.

Went For A Major Bike Ride

I haven't been on my bike too many times this year, a few times. Like on the 4th of July, a few times to the post office, over to see some friends across town once, then today.

We went for a major bike ride around, over by a camping area, cruising through there, maybe five or six miles today.

It was fun. I'm very relaxed on a bike, my senses fairly alert to stuff going on around me. It's like being a kid again, seeing everything from that angle.

I Lost My Glasses -- Also Found Them

Good grief, kick me sideways. I lost my stupid glasses.

One day about three weeks ago it was my car keys. And I had to look all around frantically, without any idea where they were. Oh, it's such a waste of time and so mind numbing.

I'm thinking, Where could they be? They're nowhere I normally put them. What if someone wants me to go somewhere with them? I'll be like, Wait for an indeterminate amount of time till I find my glasses. Making it sound like a flimsy excuse.

I had been moving some stuff around, trying for the millioneth time to tackle a room and clean it up. I didn't succeed. I had my candles, which I thought were hermetically sealed since that time I had the olfactory hallucinations real bad back in October. I was going to take them outside and open them to see how many demons came streaming out. Then I looked closely at it and it wasn't hermetically sealed at all, but it was a plastic box that has a little slot where air can get in and out.

That's all beside the point really, because I'm not going to go outside till I find my glasses. So I'm upstairs, I'm downstairs, I'm looking in the same stinking places. I'm looking in places where I wasn't even at, weird places. I think they're in a place, they're not. I'm getting hyper. My dog knows there's something terribly wrong. She's not following me even though I'm not a mean person. I'm not taking it out on anyone.

Could they be in the garage? That's where my keys had ended up. But no, even though I was in the garage, I didn't stop for anything long enough to take my glasses off. Are they on the bookcase? They're nowhere. It's crazy. They might be on the floor. I might be stepping on them.

I remembered I took a nap but I was already in my bedroom three times looking in the usual places.

As it turned out I went into my bedroom one more time ... and thankfully, there they were in a slightly different place than I normally put them, but nowhere out of sight, nowhere I shouldn't have noticed them in the first place. But I was impatient, feeling frantic, like this might go on for days.

So now I know where my glasses are. Also my phone. Also my car keys. Also my house keys. My checkbook is setting here. My wallet is on the table. The dog's at my side. As of this very moment, insofar as I know, there is nothing lost.

My Gigantic Bible

I bought a gigantic Bible at a thrift store.

There's no doubt I didn't need it. But there it was, looking very cool and enormous. And there I was. So I got it.

It's an 1874 family Bible with some dates, the certificate of marriage filled in, etc. And it's big. The cover alone, I'm just estimating, has to be a pound or two.

What I'm going to do with it except read from it once in a while, I don't know. I keep thinking, Why buy more stuff? What am I going to do with so much stuff?

But it's too late now because I already have it.