As it turns out, the Bush Book photo probably has been photoshoped.

So here is one that has not been.

      your note []

What happens when you decide to do your first triathlon, a half ironman, in an alcohol induced daze?

"Somehow this ridiculous idea had hatched in the pub last Christmas. In a stupor of alcohol, and in a pathetic attempt to make good at least one of the things that I'd said I would do before I turned 30, I had agreed to enter the UK Half-Ironman. This despite the fact that I had never done a triathlon before, didn't own a bike and could barely swim. Some decisions should never be left to the alcohol fairies. Nine months later and the morning of Sunday September 8th found me quietly praying, wishing I had done more swimming and biking and wondering how I ever thought this was a good idea."

A very amusing account of Rob Wilby's first race. The story covers the standard 6:00 am smearing of Vaseline and spraying of Pam as you get into your wetsuit, the craving bacon sandwiches-or some favorite food, hoping for flats, the realization that you may be walking instead of running and after finishing the miserable race the promise to never do it again.

This story illustrates why my sport of choice is the greatest. Well, maybe the greatest for anal compulsives.

      your note []

Sometimes it is a good idea to "just say no."

An Athens' man was asked by Arizona state police if it was all right if they searched his car during a traffic violation stop. He gave permission. The police found 40 pounds of marijuana in the trunk. What was he thinking? Was he on drugs?

Police they asked permission because the man, an Athens' bar owner, was acting suspiciously. Perhaps he was eyeing the officer's donuts a bit too much?

      your note []

A stripper, a thong, a helmet, a fire truck and a Rolling Stones' concert. Just another night!

Except the firemen are probably not supposed to take a ladder truck to a Stones' concert when not there in official capacity, and be photographed taking photographs of a stripper in a thong wearing a helmet posing on the truck.

I don't see her running into a burning building wearing those heels.

Kudos to The Raven for spotting these pictures, not that he notices this kind of thing often.

What leads a woman to marry a convicted murderer who is in prison for life?

Knowing he'll never be unfaithful with another woman?

Knowing he'll never kill his parents again?

Not having to use the ol' headache excuse?

Knowing he can't use the ol' headache excuse?

Won't make messes and leave his laundry laying around the house, or ever even be at the house?

Tammi, the woman who married parent killer Erik Menendez while he was in jail on life with no parole, said Erik's kindness and sensitivity had drawn her to him.

"He's always there for me."

Well, he's not going anywhere. She intelligently adds,

"I just am really attracted to this person. And it's not a good thing, because he's incarcerated."

Another intelligent quote was thrown in by Erik when he said,

"It would change my life, if I could just hear my mother say, 'It's alright, I love you.'"

What a shame he killed her. Now he will never hear her say that.

      your note []

Critical Mass to celebrate 10 years of defiance

Civil disobedience on wheels will role this Friday in San Francisco celebrating 10 years of rides. While many motorists still get upset over bikes on the road, and about this monthly event, it has helped make many positive changes in the area. Bike lanes have been built and San Francisco has become more bike and pedestrian friendly.

      your note []

Keith Olbermann wants to know why the sports media is shocked by violent fans.

Well, yes I want to know why they are shocked also. Not for the lame reason's Olbermann gives, however. We frequently see star athletes assault wives, fans and coaches without any consequence. They are rarely held accountable for their actions and laugh at the justice system. Shouldn't we expect fans to emulate their favorite players? Shouldn't they expect the same treatment even if they are not stars? Aren't all people supposed to be equal in America?

Randy Moss, the $75 million dollar idiot, pushed a city traffic official down the street with his car. After half a block he accelerated and knocked her down. Anybody else does this they are looking at serious legal troubles. Randy waltzes out of jail whistling, berates a female reporter, and then complains about his ride not being there. He will not miss a game, and have to pay only a 'pocket change' fine. Why should anybody else now expect anything different. Disclaimer here: Your results may vary if you are not a 'star!'

County prosecutor Amy Klobuchar said Randy got the lesser charges because they could to prove that Moss intended to hurt the traffic official. When you drive your car into anybody, no matter the speed, could that not be considered 'trying to hurt them?'

Now when fans leave a game, and do not want to follow the directions given by the traffic officials, do not be surprised if they 'gently push' the person down the street.

Pop Quiz

Which activity is considered more egregious in Atlanta?

(a) Spousal abuse / simple battery during a domestic dispute.

(b) Verbally insulting somebody.

The answer? Well you figure it out. Bobby Cox was charged with simple battery after a dispute with his wife. Nothing has ever really been said about it since, and Bobby is considered a hero. John Rocker ran his mouth, and was later run out of Atlanta, and is considered a villain. Are you thinking the answer should be (a).

      your note []

A great picture of Miss America from Salon.com

This is what I think is a great picture of Miss America. In it she looks like the cutest Miss America they have ever crowned. A nice change form all the make-up and glamour normally associated with pageants. According to the stories I have read, she is the smartest and most poised Miss America ever. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, I was one of the 225+ million Americans who did not bother to watch the show.

      your note []

Amid corruption and mismanagement, Atlanta's Empowerment Zone empowers little.

Hailed as a golden opportunity for Atlanta, the Empowerment Zone was an opportunity that was wasted. The purpose was to spur business growth in 30 low-income neighborhoods. $100 million in funds, and $150 in tax abatements were squandered do to political infighting, corruption and the normal City of Atlanta stupidity.

The remarks have change from,

"This has got to be the best day in Atlanta history, as far as neighborhoods are concerned,"

by State Rep. Doug Dean (D-Atlanta), when Atlanta was awarded the funds, to,

"the biggest missed opportunity for economic development for poor and working class people,"

by former Atlanta City Council member Mable Thomas, quoted recently.

Now, the Empowerment Zone is being dismantled, funds are being shifted to another program, and the city is hoping that it will quietly die. No need for further embarrassment.

Don't we all miss kickball?

As schools replace kickball with less competitive and more aerobic challenging recess sports, adult leagues are sprouting all over the country. A kickball renaissance is happening. Basically you can be out of shape, drink beer and socialized while having a blast!

I am still waiting for dodge ball leagues!

      your note []

We have been laughing are butts off over this. Just too funny! Bush holding his book! No wonder he cannot keep up!

 

Thanks to the link from T Bogg.

      your note []

An article on Bush's extremist judicial nominees by The Nation.

During the 2000 Presidential elections, my biggest fear about Bush being elected was the judicial nominees. I voiced that concern frequently. I knew our system of government usually formed law towards a moderate position. A judicial system that was filled with right wing conservatives, however, could cause some serious damage to freedoms many Americans hold dear. Abortion, discrimination, worker rights and privacy could suffer severe setbacks with conservative judges dominating the court system.

Jack Newfield wrote a scathing article on the right wing's assault on our judicial system. He covers why Bush is nominating extremists, why he is championing Miguel Estrada, and what Bush and Rove are hoping to accomplish. He covers what right wing conservatives are doing to influence our government.

The most important points Newfield seems to make, in my opinion, is what Congress historically has done when denying or accepting nominees, what they can do during the process, and what they need to do. Congress is not a rubber stamp for nominees. Their job is to keep extremists off the bench, and be a moderating force. Extremists, of any political party, need to be kept off the bench so they cannot legislate from the bench.

A must read article for everyone. Please read it.

Gore finally shows some fortitude

Could Democrats actually start speaking up? Yesterday I wrote about this, referencing Cynthia Tucker's opinion piece. Gore now stand up and takes the lead in criticizing Bush's antics. Can Congress be likely to follow? It would be nice if they started listening to their constituent's views, and perhaps following their own opinions. Zell Miller, and others, seem only willing to rubber stamp Bush.

Salon published an excellent article on this by Edward Lempinen, as a Salon Premium Exclusive. Cough up the dough and read it if you are not already a member.

      your note []

The City of Atlanta shows us how not to implement a new computer system

The memo that sums up how the city first screwed up reads:

"The technical team will focus on fitting the software into the city of Atlanta processes."

The city has dumped $10 million dollars into a system that originally would have cost a little over $3 million, if it had been installed correctly. Rather than properly train the city workers to use an outstanding software package, the city decides to alter the software to fit into the inefficient and problematic system the package was supposed to correct.

Could the city get any system there to correct the problems? Is it the mechanisms being used, or the employees of the city, that are jamming up the works? System reviews of the city have long noted:

"a serious lack of training and skills in the information systems bureau."

Sam Barber, president of the company that installed the system following the city's orders, also knocked the city's employees:

"The problem is, they couldn't learn the system. No matter what kind of system they [end] up [with] in there, they are going to have the same problem."

The City will now just walk away from the expensive software package and outsource to people who can do the job. Will the people who are unable to operate the system keep their high paying city jobs? It is conceivable that they will be shuffled around the cavernous city hall, and placed in other jobs with few responsibilities they cannot do.

Shirley Franklin cannot be blamed for this fiasco. She is doing everything she can to find and fix the problems. She is part of the solution. However, she can be blamed if she does not start getting rid of employees that cannot, or do not, serve the city in a manner commensurable with their salary.

Cynthia Tucker bashes her fellow Democrats in her Sunday Opinion piece.

She makes the valid point that Democrats are more concerned about reelection, than about following their convictions and doing what is right for the country. I am very happy that she nails Democrat Zell Miller, of Georgia, for publishing an essay stating that his constituents question Bush's stance, yet he still plans to support Bush, regardless of what they think.

A very good read!

      your note []

How screwed up are the Russian's?

Our economy is bad, and many businesses are hurting, but I have never seen a U. S. company painting advertisements on stray dogs.

I feel pangs of guilt whenever I see stray dogs. Both of my dogs are rescues, one off the street and one from a county rescue organization. So reading this just pains me. I can see the humor in it, and understand starving people may not have the same priorities as I do, but this really bothers me.

I hope they at least feed them some.

      your note []

New voting machines for Florida!

One proposed by the Democrats, for a fair election:

 

And one proposed by Republicans, for a fair election:

 

From Cut on the Bias and South Knox Bubba.

      your note []