Friday Blog and News Round Up from Siberia....

I was going to post New Snow photos...But they are TOO white...so this is actually from earlier in the month...and 3 feet of snow earlier ( apparently this is the Snowiest January in Ctown...ever, gee I am shocked)....Below is a round up done late last night....I will be back later today....Scroll down there is plenty below on earlier posts this week....Have good Friday...
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WHY I think it is fair to say that we all feel raped and pillaged by Bush and his Criminal Oily Cronies.....

1.3 Million are are left without power, heat, and water in Middle America.....due to a Winter Storm. And the Repugs have the NERVE to ask WHY we need work on Infratstructure ?

Lee Stranahan wrote a great post over at Huffpost about about ALL the Layoffs, he raises some good questions and some important issues......

Do go see Skippy and learn all about Blogroll Amnesty Day that starts on Saturday.....it's a wonderful thing....enjoy....

Fallenmonk is doing a great job following the Peanut Butter Fiasco....

Wonkette really pays tribute to Blago nicely.....hehe...

Annette really gives Kantor some Well Deserved attention this week. I have been very torn WHO is the Bigger Asswipe of the Week- Kantor or Boehner..I remain conflicted.....

David Corn has a great post up about Obama's Stimulus Package and how the GOP is reacting to it....

And because I have been cursing the GOP Rethug Asswipes ALL week....Here is George Carlin's SEVEN words....just cuz..... ( and if you need more george- I linked a favorite to the title).
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Okay I confess....I am having train urges...Get out of Dodge urges...so here is Pat Methany" Last Train Home"....the joke is where Would I go ? Where would you take a train ?

New Music...." Home" by a band I stumbled on called Blue Rain- very very good...

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Friday Wisdom Eeyore grumbling to Pooh:
"It's snowing still," said Eeyore gloomily.
"So it is."
"And freezing."
"Is it?"
"Yes," said Eeyore. "However," he said, brightening up a little, "we haven't had an earthquake lately."
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9 PM FRIDAY EVE UPDATE.......
Obame declared 8 Counties Disaster Areas that can NOW apply for AID....something Bush NEVER did.... I blogged the NW Floods in great detail earlier this month from 1.7.09 to 1.10.09, you can review more here....

We See Obama's Righteous Anger.....Good.... Damnit...No More Bush Crap....

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Depression Era Wisdom....Worth the Read...

All of us had relatives that used to share their Depression Era Stories...we should share those stories and that wisdom...we need to ..to help take care of each other...Learn how to be Frugal together...and survive. There is nothing wrong with yardsaling, and "Curb Shopping", and Good Will Stores, and Having a Garden and shopping at the Dollar Store....we should be emboldened and proud of "smarts" and share the wisdom....

FBI SAW THE MORTGAGE CRIMES BACK IN 2001, AND YET THEY WERE TOLD TO FOCUS ON "TERRA" NOT THE CRIMES AT HOME....

This Seattle PI article really highlights What many of us suspected, that the Local Authorities should have zeroed on these Financial Crimes that led to the Housing Mess that we are witnessing now, FBI instead of being allowed to pursue this mess, were chasing ghosts and terra......And now we have millions that are suffering, the FBI could have set the investigations in motion to stop some of this Downturn, and prevented millions from being caught in this criminal demise....The terrorists must be ironically satisfied watching our financial throes....

More from the Seattle PI article:::
"Nevertheless, high FBI and Bush administration officials knew a potentially devastating problem was on the horizon and failed to stop it."It was a sleight of hand because the public thought the administration was resourcing counterterrorism when in fact they were forcing cannibalization of the criminal program," the retired FBI official said. "Now the chickens have come home to roost."

New MS Research has Very Promising Results.....click the title

Now an Ohio family is a Murder Suicide...due to financial hardship....

I just saw this this am...I will post more when I learn more...worrisome...( like the Lupoe family out of California...)

WOW....A WHOLE Warehouse of Maddoff Documents....imagine that..

I am shocked..I tell ya...just shocked...Hey has anyone thought to talk to Rudy about this dude, or maybe Chertoff, or hmmm, Mukasey ? gee Bernie Kerick.....boy I bet NO ONE knew a thing.....Even the Big Legal Cheeses ? really???
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( gee , my first thought when I saw this article is WOW the Warehouse will have The Missing Billions ?)

Has anyone noticed the MSM barely covered or covers this Swindler ? He deserves much more airtime....

Peanut Butter Update...Rising to Criminal Level...Worst Recall in History...

There is More and More on this...Fallenmonk has been keeping track really well...( in China these Execs would face the death penalty for knowingly shipping out the Peanut Butter....)How many of the 500 afflicted were merely school children ? The Media has done a terrible job covering this story....How many Hospitals, Institutions and Schools were sold this contaminated peanut butter ???

A Letter to the GOP Nincompoops and Media Punditheads that insist on giving coverage to their Tantrums and Snitfits.....

Have you not noticed that this Country is in Serious Trouble ? We the People are in a Deep Recession that at this point is daily producing MORE and More Job Losses...and Families Struggling...Families are STRUGGLING trying to juggle FOOD versus FUEL versus MEDS.....People are Hurting....I often think watching the Talking Heads and the Repug Leaders, ARE YOU CLUELESS ??? Have you seen people counting change to buy Food ? Have you seen people buy firewood, so that they can turn their heat off ? Have you seen old women buy gloves to wear INSIDE their homes ? I am sick of Watching RICH White Men in $2000 Dollar Suits WHINE on my TV....Get off MY TV and Get to work damnit....People are Starving and out of Work....and HURTING.....

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Repugs YOU LOST in November,and we have a NEW President and New Administration that are trying to Clean UP the Titannical MESS Bush and his Corrupt Criminal Cronies have done to this Country....It's time for YOU to listen to the New President and FOLLOW the NEW Leader... Did you hear Obama explain today that WE Don't have a MOMENT to Spare ? Did you see his face ? He was deadly serious .....Time is of the Essence.....There is Money in this Package for Jobs, for Students to continue their education, and yes, for Healthcare, for MediCaid for States that are running out, for Mass Transit Repair and Buildups ( that are sorely needed ).......We The People do not have Time for YOUR Snitfits in Swanky Suits....and we Sent DC a Message on November 4th Loud and Clear.....

And to the Media, WHY are you giving them ALL of this AIRTIME ? and Interviews ? Did you bother to interview Democratic Leaders about Economic Mess and Agony last year ? NO. Did You cover ANY of the Criminal Corruption that led to this Mess ? Did you INVESTIGATE Any of the Swindling or Lack of Oversight that led to this MESS ? No. Do we need to send ALL of you to Journalism School to Cover this Economic Crisis ? You are as inept at covering this as you were at Covering the Rest of the Bush Crimes and Misdemeanors and Even the WMD Lies and the Iraq War....You are damn Lucky that Bloggers Read and Write and Research Incessantly ( and yeah that Whack is specifically for Chris Matthews....) And since when is Boehner an Economic Expert ? He does NOT even realize HOW much his OWN state of Ohio is in Economic Agony because he is too busy redoing his damn tan and listening to himself preach.....He and Kantor are Out of touch with HOW much their own people are suffering. 100,000 people have been pink slipped this week, and yeah some are in Ohio and Virginia.Holy hell , some are probally even Republican.

And to the Media, do read about the Lupoe Family in California and how Financial Agony made this family that lost BOTH jobs decided that Death was their ONLY option ....Only Solution.....THAT is HOW Bad things are.....Reality is Hitting Families in this Country.....We Need the Media to WAKE up, the Bush Propaganda Era to End....We are no Longer in a Recession, we are in a Damn Depression...Manmade by the Previous Administration, Stop Enabling the Thugs....We have TOO Much Work to do...and Things to Fix...We are Out of Time.
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In November George was sent packing, BUT so was the Rethug Machine...( video thank you annette).."Hit the Road Jack"...we can ALWAYS send MORE Repugs packing...No problem....we don't need More Obstructionists....or Criminals....at this point we all have been Katrinaed...that's a fact.

For the Media THIS Message from Aretha...."THINK" ( from 1990 interview with Dave Letterman)

My apologies dear gentle readers....I am home sick with another cold ( and 18 inches of fresh snow)....watching too much cable...and fed up....Do read the article linked to the title...it is more succinct...the tragic story about the Lupoe Family and WHY their murder suicide was finance/job related is in the post below...

8 PM Update in the eve....Chairman Obey Kicks Some Rethug Ass- well deserved and beautifully done....

So today we watched the Repugs Shit on all of us and also on President Obama, ALL of the House Repugs....without Shame or Any Conscience....I am tired of the Repthugs getting their way for 8 very long excrutiating years....and Chairman Obey says what needs to be said, call his office and offer support...and do call Cantor and Boehner and let your thoughts be heard as well- their Addresses will be in Comments Section.....and now listen to the Chairman....( click the title to watch more about the video)....

( Interesting if Cantor or Boehner had bothered to read the Package they would have seen there is PLENTY there for their own people....)
And Ponder this...President Obama plays Chess and Poker....we have seen Cool, Calm and very collected....and now let's see what is really on His Mind, Let's See Some Chi-town Obama....Because the Americans that just got shit on are pissed..we are done watching the Repugs treat ALL of us like 2nd Class Citizens....DONE.

And hey Dear Rethugs....We KNOW that you are used to having your Way under the Titannical Bush Regime...BUT guess what- we are OUT of Deck Chairs to Rearrange......

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Scroll down...plenty there...The ACTUAL Package...Economic Crimes and Facts...and more....Please Do Read My Letter to the Rethugs and to the Damned Media down below....

The Actual Stimulus Plan- Give it a Read 647 Pages....Click the title

This article highlights MORE of what it offers and WHY it is needed, especially as more and more face Un-Employment....
Voice of America has more....
and Boston Globe has more about Repug Obstruction Efforts.....
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President Obama spoke to Economic and Business Leaders today about the Plan...

House Repugs Causing More Trouble about the Digital TV....Obama wanted a Delay...For good Reasons....

Here in Ohio most stores are out of the Converter Boxes and have been for weeks...an elderly neighbor asked me something really wise " IS this Conversion really about getting ALL of us old folks to go buy NEW TV's ? If not then why have the stores here been out of boxes for weeks ? " I have many families and older folks on my street that will be cut off from the world now...The Extension would have protected these that are already suffering economic hardship from suffering more.....Now they are cut off from News and Events....This is Un American....Call your reps...

Will there be a Vegetable Garden at the White House by Spring ? Read this article, and I bet there will be .....

The Obamas are bringing a very interesting Chef to the White House...really interesting article, please click the title and read...I think the Idea of Tuesday Soup...Community Soup Nights is a great idea....I think I am going to start doing it at work with Crock Pot..( too many people I work with are not eating well....and are skipping meals...)

Job Losses are Still Piling up, 71,000 on Bloody Monday and 10,000 more announced today....

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So today there are More Planned Layoffs announced, 10,000 for today from range of companies.... I am starting to wonder if this is going to be a daily occurrance...hearing of more and more layoffs....I worry about the morale of everyone effected....The spirits of towns, communities effected by these widespread losses....I don't know which states have not felt the pinch, most states are feeling it by now...I went to Home Depot today, there was a hushed silence...I have gone to funerals that were more boisterous...there were more employees walking the floors than customers.....it was sad....Worrisome.

Yesterday, Bloody Monday the total added up to a total of 71,400 announced job cuts......That covered a wide range of Employees from Microsoft to Caterpillar to Home Depot...We need to see Infratstructure Plans in the new Stimulus Bill and see how the JOBS part is set up, we need a Recovery Plan that addresses these losses that are rolling in...there are people needing Real Work, Real Jobs...

Here is a heartwarming story of how resturante workers try to give back and help their boss and each other......

{{ This Story about 2 Med Techs fired from Kaiser Permente, in LA is beyond tragic.....and should not have happened. }}
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Be good to those around you...people are worried...hurting...This "Red Rain" song is about when it pours....it's pouring folks....it really is, offer comfort , be a listening ear....Song: REM, Peter Gabriel, and Natalie Merchant....

And then there is Tracy Chapman " New Beginning"...because she tells it like it is..

6:30PM Update::::
So now finally there may be some relief coming for homeowners, with Feds finally becoming involved in the program to help homeowners facing forclosure, they have been hanging in the wind until now.....
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Wednesday Update ::
Boeing has been announcing layoffs today, 6 % of the workforce , 10,000 Jobs. Target and Starbucks also are announcing layoffs.


More about the Lupoe Family Murder Suicide in California, This is the FIFTH incident in 10 monthes in California alone of such financial devastation leading to death.... ( the Lupoes were both XRay Techs at Kaiser Permaente, there should be some questions asked of this Hospital WHY both were laid off).

The PHOTO.....Inauguration....An Amazing Photo that can be explored and enjoyed from many angles...

CitiGroup has to ditch their Plane Plans- Ahhhh too bad ( Obama officials said No Dice)

Look at ALL the Luxory will have to be sacrificed by the Citi Group Execs.....oh boohoo...

Another Money Swindler on the Lamb gets nabbed by the FBI

So this swindler with Scoop Management tried to hide in Tampa ( he lives in Sarasota), needless to say his flight plan did not work out so well, I hope that more and more of these crooks get caught. I really do worry about how many older folks have lost Live Savings....

Monday Thoughts......Safe Passage to a Better Future....

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As I sat last night drinking coffee, I imagined if we were sitting drinking coffee what we would talk about....and what are we thinking about....I have thought alot about the last few weeks....watching all of us come together...be Connected...and how that is History....How just a week ago, Our New President rode a train and looked out the windows at the people...US....and he witnessed We The People, he looked out those windows and saw people shivering in thin coats, and houses that need more than paint.....he saw people that need work, medicine and better food and better jobs.We saw a plane crash, steered with care into the water and then the people help each other to safety with calm hands even on Cold Icey Waters of the Hudson. The Pilot was a Hero, but so were the People that helped with the rescue...
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We are all on a New Journey Together...and it is up to each of us to find ways to help each other on this New Journey....How to be calm and how to adapt and work together....and take care of each other....connecting and reaching out. We will not get through the Rough Times alone...it is time to explore the depthes of Out Compassion and Empathy.We need to be able to connect and keep talking.... and Obama will need Our help, Our Creativity, and Our Resourcefulness....He got elected because we all found ways to work together....we are on this Road Together, never underesitmate the Strength of that.

We all have been watching Obama as Our New President act swiftly on multiple issues,and has been working to remedy some of Bush's more egregious Policies....it has been heartwarming and thrilling to see such action, he is a Man of the Law, he taught Constitutional Law....He is attempting to Bring Back and Honor Our Constitution and Rule of Law....I do think we need to be patient, but also nurture our own faith, he is starting to keep Promises within 3 Days....because we have no idea of the Extent of the Level of the Mess that he has been handed on so many fronts, we only have a small glimpse into the horror of it. In the Post below...I have some articles worth reading...and some blogs worth reading....Scroll down there is plenty from this month.
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About being able to Breath Again..Song is " Breathing Air Again" Robbie Seay Band

( another song about hope is linked to the title, the song gets a bit religous at the end...but in a nice way...the rest
of the video montage is beautiful.....I just like the messege that we can all breathe again...on this "drive" together...)

Then it was Sunday......10.25.09

President Obama working...in the Oval Office...

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"The Only Way is Up" by Yazz ( I am going through a Brit band thing...it is a great song...)

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Sunday Round Up:::
News:
People have said well Obama needs to Close Gitmo faster....BUT it turns out that Bush might have indeed sabotaged those efforts as he slid out the door, read more here about how the GITMO Files are ALL in dissarray.....Shocking right ??? Not...

College Tuition posting Huge Challenges for families this year.

Obama on his Financial Aid Package on WHO it would Aid, and how it would help.

Abour fighting Foreclosure , there are legal options, JackB sent this over, give a it a read, it is full of wisdom....

Anchorage, Alaska had a 6.1 Shaker....but no Tsunami or damages reported....

Al Jezeera had increased US viewership during the Gaza Bloodbath,because Our Media sucks...
BLOG ROUND UP::
Maui has this amazing video, " We've Come a Long Way" is the name of the post.....enjoy...
And then there is Distributor Cap, he always has the most amazing posts, be sure read all about the Beatles...
So also go see Annette, her blog is full of wonders, including a great piece about Gitmo and the support Obama has as he moves to close it.
And for the VERY Best Blog Round Ups EVER, there can only be the Omnipotent Poobah....he has a Great Round Up that will make you think laugh, plenty there.....
And Do Watch Obama's First Presidential Address on Youtube....down below...

Obama's First Presidential Address.....1.24.09

He lays it out pretty clearly WHERE we are and how and what we need to DO....I think the Media Punditheads should watch it, maybe even sit down with their Repug Buddies and Really LISTEN to Obama...we are OUT of time to pamper the Repugs who are going through Bush Withdrawl, and the Media needs to start THINKING and asking Questions About WHAT will Help Americans - NOT what will sooth the Repuglets....Like Boehner....It's Time to see there is a NEW Sheriff in town...period.

( Sorry I did not post sooner....)

Anthony Bourdain NO RESERVATIONS goes to DC....( part One) Click the Title...

This Show about DC...and special spots in DC is wonderful...if you click the title it goes to Part I, and is 5 parts)....Tonight is the episode on the Azores on Travel Channel.

So What did Bush say in His Note that he Left Obama?

So 43 left an envelope with a messege on the Desk, this is supposedly tradition...I wonder what Bush wrote Obama....This is What is Should have said.....

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What do you think it said ?
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( And I hope that Obama had this song on his Ipod as he read it...."Hit the Road Jack" Ray Charles....)

Some Amazing Photos of Inauguration Day from many perspectives...Click the Title...

Millions watched the Inauguration....in person and at home...this photo almost captures What the Obamas saw as they looked out......a sea of people...Jack ( and Kelly) sent us this Great Link....Thank you...

Blago or Baretta You make the Call...or Robert Blake...???

So I came home watched the Blago Presser of today....and am stunned Again...Cowboys ? But I looked up some old Baretta clips ( click title) and then I found this Old Robert Blake ad...Where does Blago get is material ? What is Wrong with him ??.....

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Blago" talking about Cowboys"???? What the Hell???

It's Friday and there are More Good Things Going on in "O"Land...

I don't know about you....but I have been waking up smiling and wow, sleeping through the night....It's a whole different world....Can you say "President Obama" without smiling? I bet not......I almost feel like dancing....enjoy the video....and then read the News Round Up or Scroll Down to the News of the week below...

( click the title if you want to learn more about this video....Dancing at the Liverpool Station at 11AM on 1.15.09..
ask yourself, would you have danced or watched and smiled ? Life is for sharing.... )
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Friday Morning News Round Up....
And there is this news about how the Statue of Liberty 's Crown is going to reopen-finally. The Statue of Liberty has been basically closed and shut off from the public since 911, but it's a part of our Culture and should be open to the public...it is a 354 step Climb that is beautiful....Ken Salazar the New Interior Secretary will visit there today.....( I hope this is a sign that Our National Parks will be something to Enjoy and share again...)

Jay Rockefeller is concerned that Russell Tice's Allegations on the Extent of the Illegal Spying on Citizens might be true. ( Raw story is doing a good Job following this situation.) NOW the question is How Do We Get an Investigation and get these Orders and laws Changed- or as we speak are we still being spied on ?

And for a chuckle, I know you all have wondered about Sarah Pee's Clothes ? Where did the $180,000 wardrobe end up ? Apparently sitting in Trash bags at the RNC headquarters...

A New Pill may work for MS, looks very promising.

Obama is reversing Another Bush Law, this one on Federally funded abortions... And he did this on the anniversary of Roe V.Wade....Timely and poignant....And more about the Gag order issue ,and how Obama eased the rules today.

( In the Comments there is some controversy about the accuracy of this article, it looks like it pertains to Foreign Abortions, but I will research when I get back later to clear up confusion..)

Last but not least, It's Birthday time for us APPLE folks, yup MacIntosh turns 25 this week....and if you remember the 80's Macs....well....you know it was always a great computer... And maybe you remember their First Orwellian Really Creepy TV ad....Luckily I remember the much Cooler Steve Jobs' Ad where he looks like a college kid with a new toy...

And finally some Bush GoodBye Jokes and Humor....

Obama Signs the Orders Regarding GITMO, Harsh Interrogations and Secret prisons....

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This Morning, in the past hour President Obama signed The Orders that state that GITMO and other Secret Prisons ( black prisons) will close within the year. The orders also END harsh Interrogation Techniques and restore and acknowledge the Geneva Conventions ( In the Post below I have linked the draft, and I will also link it to the title here). In the Draft it reinstitutes proper trials and Habeus Corpus. I will post more as it becomes available.
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More Articles on GITMO Closure::::
Read the DRAFT Document here about GITMO Closure, Please note that it acknowledges the Geneva Conventions...and yes, it RESTORES Habeus Corpus...really. 5 Pages.
How BBC reported it.
AP reports World Reaction and UN Reaction.
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6PM update:::
It is interesting in Foreign papers they are mentioning that CIA Black Prisons will be shuttered as well, the Guardian explores this issue closer.
UPDATE 1.23.09:::
This morning's NYT had about Reversing Bush's orders....
More reaction this am video:

McClatchy Newspapers has been doing a series on on how Gitmo and other prisons have held the WRONG men.....

More in Gitmo post below....

NSA Whistleblower on Countdown, ALL Communication was Monitored by Bush Regime

1.22.09 Update:::
TONIGHT:::: Important :::2nd Part of Countdown Russell Tice
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Russell Tice came on Countdown tonight and explained that Massive quanities of data, Communication was mined, all communication was targeted and Monitored ( Especially Journalists, hmm, I can not help but wonder if that includes Bloggers ? and Internet "journalists", but I also wonder were Democrats, "liberals', and Activists targeted ?Anti War Folks ? I bet it is a lengthy list.....) On another note, let's remember that Cheney and Rummy BOTH worked for Nixon- has anyone considered that Nixon had Enemy Lists and Lists of MANY that he spied on....Gee, anyone else think that is a HUGE coincidence ?

In the end, I suspect ALL of us were being "monitored", and Bush said it was Only people with TERRA Contacts....he LIED...
I suspect that NSA needs Overhaul and also lets review the Patriot Act....and the Constitution ?

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

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OLBERMANN:
Let's start with the review. We heard the remarks from Mr. Bush in 2005, that only Americans who would have been eavesdropped on without a warrant were those who were talking to terrorists overseas. Based on what you know, what you have seen firsthand and what you have encountered in your experience, how much of that statement was true?
TICE:
Well, I don't know what our former president knew or didn't know. I'm sort of down in the weeds. But the National Security Agency had access to all Americans' communications, faxes, phone calls, and their computer communications. And that doesn't -- it didn't matter whether you were in Kansas, you know, in the middle of the country, and you never made a communication -- foreign communications at all. THEY MONITORED ALL COMMUNICATIONS.
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Update 1.22.09 ...
My Thoughts:
Thousands of Americans ended up on "Terror" Lists, and No Fly Lists these past 8 years, the Terror List alone is OVER One Million.NO FLY LIST is over 87,000, HOW did the Bush Regime FIND All of these "suspect" people ? Was it because they were ILLEGALLY Spying on us- ALL of us....and were People just added Indescriminantly placed on THE Lists ? OR was if because of their Alliances ? Credit Reports ? Phone Calls ? Emails ? Mail ? And so their" lives "are Monitored and they are "Tagged"....What does it matter you ask ? It Makes their lives Difficult, they can not travel, it is hard to get jobs, or even apply, or go to school or rent, or LIVE.....Is it Fair that people's Lives were Ruined because Our President was Paranoid ? WHO was kept safe and from What ?

And the Bigger Question, the Ugly Question.....is it Legal for the Government to Spy on Citizens, Our Government to Spy on Us, and LIE about it over and over ?

BREAKING NEWS Regarding GITMO, Obama has Verbally Ordered ALL Prosecutions Suspended at this point

At 11:29 PM 1.20.09 ( First Posted at 11:29 PM 1.20.09)
On CNN it said on the ticker that Obama was suspending prosecutions of GITMO Detainees at this time. So I went and looked it up, it has not officially hit the airwaves. IF this is true as of 11:29 Tonight, this shows he is keeping his promises and honoring our Constitution....Please stay posted on this issue and email me if you find more...( Sadly there was not much yet on the Internet, but I will keep searching...
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CNN:::
January 20, 2009
Obama orders suspension of prosecution at Gitmo
Posted: 11:55 PM ET::
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (CNN) — In one of his first acts in office, President Obama has ordered the U.S. government to suspend prosecutions of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay for 120 days, a military spokesman said Tuesday.
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1.21.09 Updates::::
Voice of America has more.....
McClatchey has more emerging details.
Read the DRAFT Document here about GITMO Closure, Please note that it acknowledges the Geneva Conventions...and yes, it RESTORES Habeus Corpus...really. 5 Pages of WOW.
IMPORTANT, THE ORDERS WILL NOT JUST BE GITMO, BUT ALSO FOREIGN PRISONS see the NYT article....
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1.22.09
This Reuters article gives more insight how ex -Detainees feel abroad.
1.22.09 Executive Orders Signed in the Past Hour regarding GITMO, Secret Prisons, and Harsh Interrogation.

Jobless Numbers go even Higher....

These numbers have risen drastically in the past month....higher than expected. Daily President Obama is going to recieve Financial Briefings on Jobs issue, Financial and Banking Issues, and Housing Issues. ( I watched Robert Gibbs give a press conference and did not realize that MrBush was NOT already doing this ? ). Mr.Gibbs explained that this is to monitor ALL aspects of Our Financial Emergergency. ( and today I watched him school the Press on WHY that is needed- and really odd that they had to Question WHAT is so needed ?) And amazing that Bush NEVER had briefings that examined Housing Issues related to Jobless Issues.....Click Title to read full MSNBC update...
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Actual Numbers:::
"The Labor Department reported Thursday that initial jobless benefit claims rose to a seasonally adjusted 589,000 in the week ending Jan. 17, from an upwardly revised figure of 527,000 the previous week. The latest tally was well above Wall Street economists' expectations of 540,000 new claims.

The total matches a 26-year high reached four weeks ago. The last time claims were higher was in November 1982, when the economy was emerging from a steep recession, though the work force has grown by about half since then."
"Emergency extension::
The Labor Department report showed that the number of people continuing to seek jobless benefits rose by 97,000 to 4.6 million. That was above analysts' expectations of 4.55 million and up substantially from a year ago, when 2.7 million people were continuing to receive unemployment checks."
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Meanwhile the House voted to reject giving Obama access to the rest of the Bailout Funds, Someone needs to explain to the Repug Reps that the Homelessness and Job numbers are Dire....

The Turd Blossum Writes Fantasy Fiction.....

The Turd Blossum really needs to let go of his Bush Crush....I spewed coffee when I saw this this am.....OMG...Laughed my ass off at this Deluded article.....WSJ needs to wake up...

About The War Criminals...and What they are Facing....Worldwide Scrutiny...

First From the UN This Rapporteur has Bush and Rummy in his sights.... Rapportateurs investigate....The U.S. can investigate and prosecute, but also there are other Venues that can pursue War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity. ( I am confused why Cheney is not on the list...)
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Meanwhile there is More, from within our borders , about an International Law violation that occurred in Texas.

Obama's First Day Press Conference and Staff Meeting...and First Executive Orders

On Ethics, New Rules about Lobbying in DC, Staff pay freeze, and FOIA laws....ALL good...

IT'S A NEW DAY IN AMERICA....Our America

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Scroll down, there is plenty below, from GITMO Changes to Bush Booing Videos to beautiful videos of the Obama's on Inauguration Day and evening to Other Changes already happening....Welcome back to Our America......
( scroll even further down for the Whistle Stop O'Train videos and photos...)
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Day One Summary::::
More about Obama's First day: First Staff Conference and redoing the Oath, Ethics, Lobbying Issues, and Pay Freezes and swearing in of Staff. I will post the link to the CSPAN Video, as it is not on his website yet. A Gitmo Closue Doc is circulating ( Link is below to this, on my Gitmo Post), and Executive Order will be signed tomorrow, today he signed orders about the Ethics Changes. ( Today he also went to Prayer Meeting in am and then met in afternoon with Military Leaders and Economic Leaders. ( This is more than Bush could do in a Month ?)

Click the title to see the First Presidential Press Conference and Staff Conference, it is 13 Minutes on Ethics and HOW Government Should be, bringing back FOIA Laws, and ending the Lobbying Regime Era....

Favorite Moments of Inauguration Day, Michelle and Barack Get Out and Walk the Route

Awesome and Beautiful.....7 Minutes of Wonderful....CBS lets you listen to the Crowd...and watch....

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And then Tonight....Dancing to Beyonce...singing " At Last"....It was the perfect song....for this moment in time.

(( Click the title...The Stevie Wonder InaugBall Version of Signed,Sealed, Delivered.....really nice to see them dancing together ))
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And yes, the Swearing in Moment....this CNN video also shows Millions of people rejoicing at the same time....but as soon as he put his hand on Lincoln's Bible...I felt like we could Breath again...That Our Country was in his strong capable hands....

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Even though 6-6 and I did not get to DC....These moments I watched with wonder, pride and hope.I could finally take a deep breath and feel that we are a Real Country again...People allowed to stand on the streets and cheer their president and he is able and willing to wave back with his wife by his side.....and watching him take the Oath, how he was gracious, and humble when Roberts mangled it, and how he embraced the moment with his hand on Lincoln's Bible.But how through it all he was still a Husband and a Dad, the little girls had a platform to stand on so they could see him sworn in, and how he hugged them right away.

Another favorite part of the day, was watching Barack and Michelle stand and watch the Parade, every last bit of it, together in the Viewing Box. They were the Last Ones there, and even though it did look warm, they STOOD the entire time, waving and acknowledging each and every Band and float.....Grambling Band from LA.,Lawn Rangers to the Gay Band from NYC, to Peace Corp Group, to the Carnivale group from Texas, to 8 Different Indian Nation Marchers and Riders and Drummers, they were more than gracious, they were excited, enthusiastic and Welcoming.

Watching ALL of the people being allowed to be a part of the Moment, cheering and joyful....In my lifetime I have never seen such massive Joy, Relief and. Pride....Love shared between millions...and yes, even though these are very Hard Times....Hope.
And in many ways it was not just Obama's Inauguration, it was OUR Inauguration.....WE THE PEOPLE have OUR Country back....
It's a New Day....

CHANGE has come, The NEW White House Website was up and running as of 12 Noon 1.20.09

It's an amazing website, full of plans, details and information....go ahead and spend some time there...Click The Title...( those Community Organizers....always so organized....)

And as part of his first orders and work, Obama declared January 20th a Day of Renewal and Reconciliation and also put a Freeze on all of Bush's Pending laws and orders until they can be reviewed ..... His Cabinets and Teams were quietly working all afternoon getting the Wheels of Change in motion. Do read below about Gitmo......

Bush Boo'ed LOUDLY..( cspan edited this later...so enjoy)

Bush walks out and gets BOO"d very loudly...and they even cue the Band to Play LOUDLY so that they attempt to drown it out, but they also sang NA-NA-NA-NA-HEY-HEY-HEY-GooodBYE....Watch the MSNBC 1 minute video ( CSPAN edited it later but it could be seen and heard LIVE). Also watch the Video beneath- as it is LIVE from the crowds on the Mall and actually the BOOing was VERY loud, louder than we knew at home. I hope the rest of the world saw him Boo'd by 2 million people.

NOW Live out in the Crowds on the Mall.

And even even more Booing on the Mall, and in this clip the Booing Drowns out the Band.....
And shame on me, I missed the Clip of the BOOIng that occurred when the Bushes left the Whitehouse- here it is with Mr.Potter heaved into the Limo, and then the Chopper leaving and the SINGING and BOOING can be clearly heard...even with Peggy Noonan waxing on and rambling insipidly about Previous Tender Presidential Goodbyes...thanks C&L for finding this...

Al Jeezeera in 4 Minutes of video shown around the world capture the Moments of the day beautifullly.....

Inauguration Satellite Image From Space....Millions as seen from Above

I like to think this is what Martin Luther King and Coretta saw from the heavens....

1.20.09 INAUGURATION ::::LIVEBLOGGING ....all day...feel free to drop by anytime...

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"Never doubt that a small group of people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~Margaret Mead
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Millions filling DC Mall at Daybreak 1.20.09
Crowd Estimate from Sattelite Images, over 2 Million filling 2 square miles
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We Are One People....
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I will be here all day with 6-6...watching with all of you....stop on by...LIVESTREAM LINKS BELOW.....We made it folks...we really made it...Thank you ...all of you ....for Everything you did...We are One People Again...
The Inauguration and Speech ( 21 minutes CSPAN)

And Lisa had the Poignant song at her place...."Better Days" Goo Goo Dolls...

"I can See Clearly Now"... Johnny Nash

And Finally the YES WE CAN song..that Gryphen sent me last winter..it had been on Youtube mere hours...and viewed only 200 times...NOW 15,000,000 views later....it gave the Movement a hymn.....based on the Speech in New Hampshire

LIVE STREAM THE INAUGURATION....

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Not Everyone Can watch the Inauguration on TV....So here are some LIVESTREAM Choices...Most are starting to Stream at 9 AM East Coast Time....the Actual Swearing in, Hand on the Bible is at 12 Noon East Coast...
(1) First there is HULU TV
(2) Then there is MLB at 11:30 AM on will livestream
(3) Also YouTube with Obama, has a Channel to livestream
(4) Of course there is CSPAN
(5) And there is MSNBC Has an Inauguration Page with Livestream ,they also are livestreaming it to Theaters and Starbucks around the Country, in 21 cities.
(6) BBC is Livestreaming it on BBC One.
(7) And there is Always SKY NEWS that is available anywhere Worldwide...
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Midnight Awesome Video.....

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LIVEBLOGGING Today on post below....drop by anytime...

Liveblogging the Inauguration Tomorrow.......10 Hours to go Folks...

Okay....So here is the thing, 6-6 and I have been so in flux about driving down to DC...It is supposed to go back down to Zero tonight,...and we still have a boatload of Snow and Ice and Ice Sicles, and for the first time this month, our little road did get plowed...and I work until late and would have to drive all night...but I am game ( or foolish enough, BUT it is History and it is Obama...) ....So I went and cleaned the Weekend Snow off my car....and decided maybe I should move it to a Better Snow location...but what I learned is that the 4 Wheel Drive is NOT working right....So Folks...That means that 6-6 and I will be right here...Watching it at home...on MSNBC and CSPAN...and yes, I will LiveBlogg it...as I sit with my box of Kleenex and candles and yes, Kellybelle- I am dressing up for sure....So Come back tomorrow...

Scroll Down there is Plenty, MLK Tribute, and the Lincoln Memorial Videos, Weekend Speeches and yes the "O" Train and Plenty of Music...
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"One Voice "

And one more little gift, The Eagle Challenger visits The Lincoln Memorial yesterday....stunning...

( and yeah HBO nailed me on the damn JT song...so I found cellphone version of it...linked to the top from a DC friend..)
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MN:::
Home from work...and the Inauguration Day is HERE......

Honoring Martin Luther King, Honoring The Dream....We are the Ones We have been Waiting for...

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"History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people."
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I thought about MLK alot yesterday watching the Tribute at the Lincoln Memorial....that he was smiling down from above...watching all those people..swaying to the music, united in what brought them to this place in time...This Fierce Urgency of Now and a New President.... That Change was Gonna Come.....That we would and could come Together...As One People.
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"Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals."
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SPEECHES...
1.Click the Title to see the Entire 17 Minute Video...."I Have a Dream"
2.Also his Speeches against War and Vietnam are amazing and on Youtube, this the shorter 2.30 minute one.)))
2. The Grammy Winning 22 Minute Full 1967 Speech is here and really is a Must Hear.
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"We are the Ones We have been waiting for "...Prayer by Hopi Elders....
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Obama understood about Honoring the Fierce Urgency of Now, and Our History, and Our Heroes....It is what makes him a Great Leader....Our President.....
( this is how Our New President Elect spent MLK day....
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Scroll down plenty from the weekend at the Lincoln Memorial and the "O" Train....

Obama Countdown ::19 Hours and 43 Minutes..... Martin Luther King Day....

{{{ This is just a 4 AM-Can Not Sleep Post...my MLK post will be up later today....and there is plenty down below...this is just some Hopemongering Music...}}}
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So I had to go to work yesterday afternoon, and this was the last song I heard and watched from the Lincoln Memorial Event was " Shower the People" sung by James Taylor and John Legend and others.....This Song has been my song since I was 15, it is the one song that says all that I believe in ....and I have sung and lived it through thick and thin...and some Very Bad Times....It is my Anchor ...That showering people with Love Makes Us Stronger...always... I have lullabyed my son to it, sung it to sick PEDS and NICU babes,hummed it to dying AIDS patients and friends, and danced at weddings to it and driven across this Country seeing Our Country in the background....I Know it is what keeps Us Together....( and HBO can kiss my ass I am posting THIS song...watch the people swaying together by the thousands....so moving....)

Video Below is Highlights of Obama Speaking (2004) at the Convention.(My story.... I have blogged before how I was living in a rooming house on the California Coast , in one room that summer with my teenage son, having lost Everything as a Witness and Whistleblower on a Huge Federal Criminal Environmental Case that Bush's People shut down....Covered Up....Hope was beyond Fragile...and 6-6 made me Stop and Listen to This Man Talking about E.Pluribus Unum....We The People, We are ONE People....and 6-6 said "He will be President One Day"....and I thought hmm, yeah...One Day...NOW we KNOW that ONE DAY IS HERE....and I am beyond grateful that this One Man Planted a Seed of Hope with Us and Millions of Others....)

New Song, called "I have seen tomorrow" by Craig Parsons, song by Josie Aiello,Amazing Lyrics in the Comments,

4 AM thoughts..."Right Here, Right Now"......(again I will put the lyrics in the Comments).Because this song still keeps beating along how CLOSE we are .....small wonder I can not sleep ?.....

( Martin Luther King Post will be up later today....before I go to work....scroll down there is plenty from the WhistleStop Tour and video and photos from the Weekend....)

Lincoln Memorial Concert is On TV NOW ( also on the web) 33 Hours to go.....

FREE ON HBO AND ALSO ON NEON CHANNEL 23 IN OHIO....CLICK THE TITLE AND LINK TO LIVE WEBCAST.
ALSO on Posts below scroll down I have added Links so that you can tune or go to Webcast...the mall in front of Lincoln Memorial are full...beautiful aerials, I will post more later photos and videos ( I have to go to work but I promise it will be up later)....It is also Historical, with Readings and Video...
Bruce..."The Rising"....
MJ Blige "Lean on Me"....
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Betty Levatte Singing "Change Gonna Come" with BonJovi....wow...
( WOW...I found it on Youtube at 4am...wow..)

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I had to go to work..but when I got home the HBO links are not working right, and I am not sure if it is Still FREE tonight- it is supposed to be RE- Broadcast at 11:30PM.....Here is the Speech Obama gave at the Lincoln Memorial .....

AP Footage shows The Crowds at the Lincoln Memorial....

Obama Countdown:::48 Hours to go Folks...People Get Ready...

The Song For the Day::: "People Get Ready " by Curtis Mayfield...Listen to this song about "Getting On The Train" and then scroll down and look at all the "O" Train photos, the Lyrics are posted in the Comments....it will move you....This is OUR Moment Folks....The Obamas are in DC....Our President has arrived In Our Capital.

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Waving Goodbye from Baltimore before getting back on the train to go to DC
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After Arriving in DC Union Station ,The Obamas heading to Blair House- Note LIMO with "44" on Plates..
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( Scroll Down for The "O" Train Whistle Stop Tour Updates and More Photos and Video both posts below....)
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Also Don't Forget the Lincoln Memorial Concert and Event is Today::::
On another Musical Note::: FREE * FREE*FREE* *FREE**
Sunday, January 18th:::
"We Are One": The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial, free, live broadcast on HBO -- At 2:30 p.m. EST, HBO will offer a free nationwide broadcast of the We Are One concert featuring Bono, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend and more. Check your local listings to find out where you can watch the FREE HBO broadcast. Read ALL about it here.
FREE WEBCAST HOOK UP TO CONCERT go to this site and you can watch the Webcast and also scroll down and there is NPR.
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Great Post, a MUST READ over at Fran's about the Ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial today.....and the Spiritual side of Events....and then go see Distributor Cap for Some Humor....

Must See Post at Distributor Cap...His take on Bush's So Long Farewell....

Photos from The "O"Train Whistle Stop Tour.......

( Note the Black Outlined photos are from Inside the Train....)
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And Video.....AP.....