I really don't expect much to come from Special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald's CIA-leak inquiry, which appears to be wrapping things up. I heard on the Al Franken show today that there are reports of a 'major figure' giving information to the Special Prosecutor on just what may have been going on behind White House doors.

If top officials are indicted, I don't believe that any of them will end up serving time. While Karl Rove may find himself out of a job, VP Dick Cheney is probably invulnerable and I can't see him resigning no matter what comes out of the grand jury. All types of 'executive privilege' or even pardons would possibly keep the Veep from doing hard time. You definitely won't see Congress looking into anything, at least not until after the '06 elections take place.

If either IS forced out they certainly both have enough influence & connections to simply walk away into the private sector for large paychecks. They will just be doing it a few years earlier then they had expected.

On the other hand, G.W. isn't quite as invincible as he was even a few months ago. The death toll in Iraq continues to approach the two thousand mark and the botched job after Hurricane Katrina hasn't helped matters. Some Republicans (at least in Congress, if not among the party loyalists according to some polls) appear to be trying to put a bit of distance between themselves and the Administration. Next year's Senate & House elections will be especially nasty from all accounts, but it will be interesting to see if His Smugness finds himself dis-invited from fund raisers as time goes by.

As tempting as it is to make jokes about needing an arc or the like, I'm not. Just wondering out loud how folks are dealing with all this. The subway (knock on wood!) hasn't been as bad as it could have been the past few days, but I'm not holding out much hope about tomorrow. The trains are generally messed up on Saturday to begin with and I'm certainly not expecting that to change.

The only problem we have had at the house is some leaks around the airconditioning unit in my mother-in-law's bedroom. When the wind is 'just right' water coming from the next door neighbor's drain sprays over and gets through the window guard. Towels seem to be keeping anything from being damaged.

Having lost one car myself due to stupidly trying to drive through three & a half feet of water, I have sympathy for those poor bastards you see on television in just that situation. Donna and the rest of the family always bring my 'accident' up whenever possible, so I've learned to find the humor in it after a few years. Just a word of warning to you drivers out there: "It really is deeper than you think!"

Okay, I'm not going to go so far as to say the word 'conspiracy' but it does strike one (well, at least me!) that the subway terror threat coincided with the 1st NYC Mayoral debate. The same debate in Harlem that Mayor Bloomberg refused to attend. Now, of course, the debate is shoved to the middle pages, while Mikey gets the headlines.

Also, I'd like to know exactly how many New Yorkers out there have seen these random bag searches after the first week or so they were announced. Personally, at my local stop in Brooklyn we have never had one and I have only seen one police officer in the past month at my stop.

Last night, returning home to Brooklyn I never saw a police officer on either the "R" or "N" trains I took. This included a train change at 34th St in Manhattan. What I did see was the first Guardian Angel I've seen on a subway train in over a year. Yeah, I feel safer already!

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush rejected critics demanding a U.S. pullout from Iraq and warned on Thursday of more sacrifice ahead to stop Islamic militants from gaining a foothold for a sweeping radical empire.
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When His Smugness says something like that you know damned well that he's not talking about any personal sacrifice in his part. Nor on the part of his cronies in industry, which is doing quite well thank you!

Sadly, the sacrifice is the life and future of the thousands of American men & women who are in uniform. As a click on link over on the Left will show you we all too rapidly coming up on the two thousandth American military death in Iraq. Counting those who have given their lives in Afghanistan it has already gone over that number.

According to what I've read this morning, President Bush has nominated White House counsel Harriet Miers for the position on the Supreme Court to be vacated by Justice Sandra O'Connor.

I'm sure that in the coming days and weeks we'll be hearing plenty of pro & con arguments about Ms. Miers. However, as I'm more then willing to pre-judge her (pardon the expression), I have a bad feeling about G.W. putting on the Court someone who at some point may have to hear a case involving him and his administration. As WH Counsel I think she knows where too many skeletons are buried for my taste.

Forgot to mention it the other day, but I have been interviewed by a writer for an upcoming article in LIBRARY JOURNAL. It deals with how reference work is changing for neighborhood libraries as we shift from print to electronic resources. I'm hoping that I don't come across as overly negative and I did have to change some of what I wrote in an e-mail follow up, since I may have gone out on a limb criticizing the administration here in Queens. I do need the paycheck!

Grabbed my copy of METRO this morning (one of the two morning free papers available here in NYC, the other being AM) and was pleasantly surprised. Under the headline "Hey, Mr. Fantasy" there was a picture of Neil Gaiman on the top of the front page. Inside was a short interview/article on Gaiman's latest project the fantasy film "MirrorMask". Done with his sometime artist/collaborator Dave McKean, this is a CGI filled movie from the Jim Henson Studio. Also was mentioned Gaiman's scripting chores for the recently announced adaptation of BEOWULF with Angelina Jolie, Anthony Hopkins & John Malkovich. An interesting cast but since I love the original tale I have to wonder what Gaiman and director Robert Zemeckis have in mind.

My mother always told me that it was wrong to take delight in the misfortunes of others. However....

I can't help but be at least amused by the news that Rep. Tom Delay has already decided to step down as Majority Leader. You can never safely assume that guys like him won't find a way to get away with everything, but it is nice to see that he is not totally above the law.

The less said about the testimony of former FEMA head Brown yesterday the better. It just wasn't his fault, okay! Get off his back so he can investigate just who is to blame for embarrassing G.W.

Belated condolences to the family and friends of Don Adams, who passed away yesterday. I didn't hear about this until lunch time, while listening to the news on WCBS. Adams found his niche as Agent Maxwell Smart and will be remembered for that character for years to come. He also voiced Tennessee Tuxedo (a cartoon you can still see on occasion) as well as Inspector Gadget (which probably brought him almost as much money and fame as Max ever did).

Our heartfelt wishes go to all those who 'knew' Adams as whatever character, and to those lucky enough to know him in person.

So far we c an be thankful that Hurricane Rita is weaker than feared. Still there are going to be a lot of folks left homeless, but some lessons (at least superfically) appear to have been learned from Hurricane Katrina. Sadly, New Orleans appears to be taking another hit, although not as bad and mostly from renewed flooding.

Amusing to see that the Bush folks decided that they would 'be in the way' since that is what they are good at, and little else. Maybe they should all just pack up and stay in Colorado Springs.

From AP: Senate Judiciary Committee votes 13-to-5 to send nomination of John Roberts for chief justice to full Senate.

Well, I'm not shocked but I am appalled by the spineless seat-fillers called Democrats. At least a few have the balls to stand for some type of convictions. Might be time to look into getting 'real' progressives and not Republican wannabes in those Senate & Congressional seats.

It's never too early to consider remaking the Democratic Party into what it once was. Then again it might be time to let the party die a natural death and create something new from the ashes.

Sadly it took the fiasco that was the Hurricane Kitrina recovery to get FEMA, Homeland Security and other federal agenices to work together. We can only hope that they truly have learned something and those affected by Hurricane Rita will not be caught up in the same kind of in-fighting and 'politics as usual.'

Naturally, I'm seeing that the residents of Galvaston appear white and better off then the folks in New Orleans, and of course Texas (as was Florida, in 2004) has connections to the Bush administration which will help matters. I know I sound like a Left-wing conspiracy nut here, but I can't help it, since I HAVE been one one for 30+ years.

Also, it was good to see that a possible disaster was averted by a good pilot and careful planning last night. The safe landing of the Jet Blue flight at LAX was one of those events that television does seem to bring us all too seldom, as these things to often end in tragedy. Congrats to the pilot and his crew for bringing the passengers and themselves down safely.

Fingers crossed that landfall this coming Saturday (or late Friday evening) does not bring about the deaths of anyone which could have been prevented. There are still those folks who refuse to leave (one guy last night saying his neighbors were caught up in "Katrina Fever", as an explanation of his own decision to stay), but we wish them a safe outcome nonetheless.

It's a shame to hear that Cindy Sheehan was unwelcome in Union Square. Seems members of the New York Police Department moved into the crowd of about 150 people, who were there to hear her speak and yanked away the microphone. Mrs. Sheehan was 'jostled' a bit, but not arrested. No doubt Mayor Mike will find a reason to defend the cops for doing this in his usual whiney fashion.

According to Reuters: "President George W. Bush's advisers said on Friday billions of dollars needed to rebuild New Orleans and the Gulf Coast will be borrowed and will raise the deficit but Bush still wants to extend tax cuts."

Thank the gods! We just got a 1% raise here at the library and I was worried about how the hurricane recovery would effect me. Looks like my capital gains and stock dividends are still safe.

It is an embarrassment to watch any of the Congressional hearing on John Roberts. Could the Democrats be more spineless or the Republicans less toady and suck up? What a worthless group of seat-fillers the American people have elected. Would the Founding Fathers even recognize this as what they had in mind, or would it remind them of the rubber stamp parliament which followed the lead of King George? I think I can hazard a guess.

I'm kind of glad to be working this evening, since I'll likely still be on the subway when His Smugness addresses the nation.

Look, the President said that mistakes were made on 'all levels'. He's taken responsibility, so all you progressives and liberals get off his back!!

Poor George! He finally has to admit to actually making a mistake after his mother showed just how out of touch the whole damn family is from the majority of Americans. I guess this is a step up, since during the campaign last year he couldn't name a single mistake he had ever made.

I mean it's working out okay for those poor folks who left New Orleans for Houston, right? That is what Barbara seems to feel anyway.

Let's all forgive and forget, okay? The President is trying and all this finger pointing sure as hell isn't helping. He's got a Supreme Court to stack with neo-Cons and you're all ruining a darned good time.

Figured it was about time to weed out some of the links I've had over on The Left. Not that these are still valid, nor does my removing them an indication that I no longer agree with the sites. I simply found that I had way too many and in some cases haven't gone to check these sites since originally posting them. If I'm not that interested, why should any of you take the time?

On the political front, I'm going to vote this afternoon in the Democratic primary in New York City. I live in Brooklyn and there are a few folks who'll be getting my vote. I am most certainly NOT voting for the endorsed candidate of my (for lack of the better term) Union. Apparently somebody is looking for a position in the next Bloomberg administration so Those In Power have thrown DC 37 behind Mayor Mike.

Not that I've NEVER voted for a Republican but I'm certainly not going to vote for someone for whom I have not a bit of respect. I keep hearing how popular he is and frankly, among the folks I speak to, none of them seems happy with him. I'm not talking about fellow Liberal/Progressives here, but some conservative and independent voters as well. I some how get the feeling that many folks seem to feel that they owe Bloomberg their vote by the reason that he happened to be the mayor as we moved past 9/11. While we're on the subject, we should also remember that in all probability he would not have won that initial election if he did not stand in the shadow of Rudi at the time. Bloomberg likes to remind us about 9/11, although he isn't disgusting enough to show photos of the site as the Presidential candidate he endorsed last year felt obliged to.

Just my two cents, of course!

According to an article from Reuters this morning the President has signed an 'executive order' which would allow federal contractors to pay below standard wages to workers involved in the Katrina cleanup and recovery. Looks like some bad poll numbers and embarrasing revelations about the padded resume of the head of FEMA have NOT changed Standard Operating Procedure at the White House.

Sad that it has taken the deaths of hundreds (if not thousands) of Americans and the almost total destruction of several cities and towns to give the Democratic politicians some backbone.

On a personal note, someone very close to me may have to undergo an operation. I just want to take this moment to remind woman and men not to forego regular doctor's appointments and examinations. Also, don't forget that breast self-exams are an important step in discovering possible problems before they become more serious.

Originally, I was going to go on a rant about religion and the use of the term 'miracle' by lots of folks. Those of you who are familiar with my "beliefs" know that I have problems with all that. However, given the current situation and how faith does seem to help so many folks, I'm going to keep my big mouth shut for the time being.

Unless something major comes up later today, I just want to wish you all a safe weekend!

A co-worker's son is a member of the New York City Fire Department, and is one of those who went down to New Orleans about a week ago.

He has reported back that they have releaved some of the city's own so they can take a break. They have been working 17+ hour days and haven't had hot food for the past few. They were hoping to actually get some cooked food last night as a change from sandwiches. He has also said that television can not give you a true feeling for what it is like for the people remaining there. The number of fires and the smell is unbelievable.

We can only send our best wishes and hope that he and the men & women like him remain safe as they perform their jobs. They expect no reward and it is likely they will get little fan fare when they return. These are the same folks who put their lives on the line on 9/11, but they keep doing their jobs.

George Bush and his ilk don't deserve to be in the same room, let alone some photo op, with these folks and never will.

At some point, probably in 2007 and well after the next round of Congressional elections, we will get some kind of report telling us that nobody is to blame for what happened following Hurricane Katrina. The state and local politicians will try to cover their own butts, but anyone in the current administration can count on their sympathizers to cover any tracks and forestall any investigation which would prove embarrassing. I'm also willing to bet that a few folks at FEMA and/or Homeland Security will be up for some medals for their brilliant planning.

You really didn't know if you wanted to laugh or cry this past weekend as all the news channels covered what is about the biggest demonstration of FUBAR that I have ever seen. It goes way beyond SNAFU, if you now what I mean and I'm sure you do. It would be nice to think that heads will role, but we know from past experience that is not going to happen.
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This from AP: "The results are not acceptable," President Bush says of Hurricane Katrina disaster relief efforts.

Well, damn it! As a wealthy Republican and the son of a former President, surely Mr. Bush can call upon the current President and demand.... Oh..that's right. Never mind!

It's in times like this when I always hear from my old friend S. H. Otis. The scenes from New Orleans and reports from around that entire area have him spewing his usual right-wing nonsense. I'm not sure if turning New Orleans into the real life image of John Carpenter's ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK is the correct thing to do, but it just might be what is happening whether we like it or not.

The U.S., considering the delayed response of just about every Federal and state agency, is not helping the situation and it's certainly angering a lot of decent folks around the country. Seems only the talking heads on the G.O.P./Fox News service are keeping their mouths shut about His Smugness. People like Paula Zahn, Anderson Cooper and a couple of other hosts on CNN are actually coming out and saying what it obvious. Where is everybody? Anderson and one of his reporters were correct in saying in effect, "We were able to get here. Why can't the government and rescue workers?"

Unless the White House does a really good job of sheltering G. W. I think he's going to hear a lot of things he isn't going to like. Not that he cares, of course, but it won't look good on television to see the Secret Service taking down old men and women as they bad mouth the Prez.

Rachel Maddow, over on Air America Radio, has been doing a nice job of bringing to light articles from the New Orleans Times-Picayune. This paper (which I doubt is part of the Liberal Media cabal) has been publishing a number of articles over the past few years on how the federal government has been cutting the budget of the Army Corps of Engineers. These are the funds which would have been used to plan and build improvements in the levee system in New Orleans. Maddow and others have also brought up a study from early 2001 (prior to 9/11) which said that a major hurricane and flooding such as we are now seeing would be one of the top three economic catastrophes which would effect the United States. (The other two would be a 'terrorist attack on New York City' *ahem* and a major earthquake in San Francisco.)

This Friday, His Smugness will come down from on high (or 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, if you prefer) and walk among the common folk bestowing his platitudes. He shall appear before them dressed in jeans and denim shirt, with his sleeves rolled up so that he may truly be seen as ‘one of them.’ He shall ask them to pause with him in prayer, and as he bows his head will probably wonder which one of his aides will be assigned to get all this “damn mud & sh*t’ off my boots.” Then he will pass among them (well protected by armed men) and hand out some water or other necessities which he, of course, has never done without.

As progressive folks have been saying over the past couple of days, while you can’t blame G.W. or his administration for the disaster, you can certainly hold them accountable for cutting the funding which might have prevented some of the destruction. You can also blame them for putting the majority of the National Guard & Reserve of the three states, who would normally be mobilized at this time, over in Iraq to fight in a war we can not win and which will suck the money needed for the reconstruction of three states.

This is from the AP wire: "President Bush will cut short his vacation to return to Washington on Wednesday, two days earlier than planned, to help monitor federal efforts to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina, the White House said Tuesday."

Whoa! This must be one of those sacrifices he spoke about the other week.

If I was President I don't know if I would consider the disruption of the lives of millions of Americans worth 48 hours of down time. It must suck to be him, huh?

While the devastation in New Orleans was not as bad as some predicted, still way too many folks were killed, hurt or left homeless. This thanks in part to the state and federal government ignoring scientific evidence that the levis around the city should have been built up. Also, as was the case in Florida, business folks will build anywhere safe or not and then leave the people in those structures to fend for themselves. We can but hope that some of the profiteering and outright theft which was reported in Florida after Hurricane Andrew will not be repeated.

Mississippi seems to have been the most severely hit, with a report earlier today saying that at least eighty people may have been killed in one small town. The count will sadly be going higher as we learn more and relief workers are able to get into rural areas.

My cousin, Maryrose was scheduled to attend a convention in New Orleans in a few weeks. She believes that it will be cancelled, unless the organizers can find another location. The whole family is happy that it wasn't scheduled for this past week.

Again, my hopes and wishes for a safe outcome for all those affected.

My sympathies and sincere hopes for a safe outcome for all those folks in the path of Hurricane Katrina. While not quite as powerful as at first feared, there is nothing predictable about a Category Four storm.

My family suffered damage to their home during several floods when I was a child, back in Norwich, Connecticut. Twice most of our furniture was a total loss. We were only a few hundred feet from the Shetucket River which had a tendency to flood every few years, especially where we were since it joined with the Quinnipiac River to become the Thames a few miles further south.

While serving in the U.S. Navy I had the opportunity to be stationed in several southern cities. I spent about half a year in Mobile, AL in 1985 –’86 and found the city was to be lovely and the people, for the most part, couldn’t have been nicer to this Yankee boy. The images I’ve seen of the storm so far have me hoping for the best.

I also spent a couple of months in Meridian, MS, so I’m also keeping my fingers crossed for those folks, as well as all those in New Orleans and the surrounding area. I had the chance to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras and had hoped to return one day. Let’s hope that the damage I’ve heard of isn’t as bad as the TV talking heads would have us believe.

I know this is going to get me labeled a sexist or something, but hasn't the day of the belly shirt come and gone? I thought I read somewhere where that this fashion had begun to be phased out, along with the low-riding jeans. I'm still seeing an awful lot of belly buttons and backside tattoos on the subway each day.

While we're on the subject, are these tummy revealing shirts also known as 'wife beaters?' I keep reading and hearing that term and find I'm a tad confused. Enquiring minds and all that.

Yeah, chalk it up to dirty old man syndrome, if you will.

I'm going to take a wild guess here, but I'm getting the feeling that the 'sacrifices' that G.W. is calling for Americans to make don't include corporations making money in Iraq or anyone in his administration. I am also going to go out on a limb and guess that one of those sacrifices is NOT cutting a month long vacation short. Am I off the mark here?

With the death toll of American forces approaching the two thousand mark (probably well before Thanksgiving, sadly) is it any wonder that Bush's approval ratings are starting to resemble Nixon's in his last days? Not that the spineless in Congress (and this includes those disguised as Democrats) will do anything about it.

Have a good weekend. G.W. will!

Let's see if I have this straight.

The Prez is on a 'working vacation' but takes time away from the ranch to vacation elsewhere. Meanwhile, dozens of U.S. service men & women are billing killed and wounded in Iraq. We may be secretly pulling some troops from that country in the spring, but will be sending around 1,500 more to help with possible elections there (just in case there is a constitution to vote on & under) in October. Plus, if the election is held the Shiites may boycott them.

Oh, and Pat Robinson really didn't say what they think he said, but was misinterpreted. Wait...he did say it, but really didn't mean it and wants to apologize if somebody (like the man whose assassination he called for) took offense. He was just carried away, you see! Ha, ha..pretty funny or at least the good Rev seems to find it so.

Meanwhile, that confused woman who lost her son is just making it difficult for us and would she please go away? We're trying to win a war against terrorists like those in Iraq who really were involved and planned 9/11; besides they were stockpiling Weapons of Mass Destruction, which we are going to find one of these days and then won't you be surprised and sorry!!

Does that just about cover it, or am I missing something?

As I’ve mentioned before I’m a big fan of Court TV and will generally watch it when I have the morning off. One of the cases currently being televised is Montana vs. Beiber, in which a day care center employee is accused of causing the death of a child by giving him an over-the-counter cold medication. Apparently, at least according to the Prosecutor this was S.O.P. for this place in order to get the children to take naps if they weren’t inclined to do so on their own.

Anyway, the Defense has learned that someone involved in the case (possibly as a witness) may be blogging about the case. There has been a discussion by the various segment hosts and their guests on whether or not this borders on the illegal, coming under any type of ‘gag order’ the judge may have imposed. Generally, as I understand it (and Bob Ingersoll isn’t around to say different) a gag order would only cover the principles in the case anyway. I always find it interesting when the blogoverse comes under discussion out beyond our little world, which we seem to more and more.

Boy, just when you think that the folks over at the 700 Club have gotten the good reverend back on medication he gets in front of the camera again. Pat Robertson's call for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, probably goes up there with the other stupid things he's said although it crosses a new line.

According to reports I've heard & read the Venezuelan Vice President Vicente Rangel has called Robertson's comments 'criminal.' If nothing else it might make already strained U.S. Venezuelan relations a bit more so, since Robertson's known ties to the GOP and the administration are well known.

I know it's about Free speech and all, but can you imagine if someone like Jessie Jackson or Al Sharpton called for the U.S. to assassinate a right-wing dictator? Whew! Fox News and the White House would be all over their ass!

Whoa! How could I have missed the news last Friday that they may have clue to the disappearance of Judge Crater? He might have been buried under the boardwalk at Coney Island and actually was dug up years ago. Seems that when they were building the Aquarium human bones were found but not identified. Now a woman has come forward to say her late husband, a police officer at the time of the Judge's disappearance may have done away with him in some kind of political murder. How cool is that?

Sad that nothing else has really caught my attention this weekend. There were somethings which came up which I can't talk about, but we'll deal with things as they arise.

On the political front, it looks as if even members of the GOP (those looking forward to 2006 and further down the line) may be trying to distance themselves from G.W.'s increasingly unpopular Iraq policy. Too little, too late in my book! Still it should make things interesting as the wagons have to be drawn in tighter at the White House.

Several years ago, back when I was working for the University of New Haven, I twice took part in a research project. Sadly, no super-powers developed and my hair still hasn’t grown back.

Seriously, the research had to do with memory or rather what triggered memories. Each of the volunteers was given a journal and for one month we would record those moments when we had memories of either the recent or distant the past. In the journals, using a series of shorthand notations, we would try to note what might have triggered the event (taste, sound, something we had read or seen, etc.). I have to admit that it was pretty fascinating and personally brought back even more memories as the journal writing itself would trigger further events.

Even though I no longer keep a journal, I do find that when certain memories spring to mind I try to decipher exactly what it was that led to that moment. Today on the subway, for instance, I was reading a review (a graphic novel in which trolls appear) which reminded me of an e-mail exchange I once had with Neil Gaiman (of all people) involving childhood fears (ask Elayne about “Three Billy Goats Gruff”). This in turn brought back a frightening reminder of a reoccurring nightmare I had for years as a teenager, involving an abandoned well, a girl living there and decay. Brrrr!!!

I realize this has nothing to do with Iraq, Israel or anything political which is triggering posts in the Blogoverse, but I just wanted to get that out there while it was fresh in my mind.

Well the heat here in New York has apparently broken, at least for the time being. It's still a tad too humid for my taste, but I can live with it. The hotter than normal days have been replaced with a forecast calling for showers & thunder showers for the rest of the week, with more 'seasonable' temps. Fingers crossed!

Donna and I didn't accomplish a whole heck of a lot this weekend, but did spend some time with friends. Visited our friend Bella in the hospital and then went out to dinner with Donna's best friend, Frances. Actually got out last evening, when the temps fell a bit, and threw some hotdogs on the barbecue. I think I'm really getting the hang of not burning everything.

It continues to amaze me how upset the right-wing is over the anger and grief of a mother who lost her son in Iraq. Heard that somebody actually fired off a shotgun and then laughed it off when confronted. "That's the way we are in Texas." or some such thing like that was his response. Just a good ol' boy, like G.W. down the road!

It's rather sad when you discover that Library Administration has lost track of where you are currently assigned. I received an e-mail earlier this morning requesting me to do something at a branch I haven't been at for close to six months. I suppose I should be happy that my check is automatically deposited and I'm not waiting for it here every other week.

Oh, and before I forget...."It's not the heat, it's the humidity!"

Good to hear that "Mr. Compassion" (aka President Bush) sympathized with Cindy Sheehan. I'm certain that that will make her and the thousands of other mothers, fathers, husbands, wives and children feel a whole lot better about the deaths of their loved ones. According to what I've heard (second & third hand of course, since I don't listen or watch Fox News nor various radio right-wing hosts) Mrs. Sheehan is doing little but disgracing her son Casey's actions in Iraq. How can she sleep at night?

Seriously, I don't think any of us should be surprised either at the callousness of the talking-heads or of El Presidente. For them to do anything otherwise they would have to admit mistakes, which of course they could never do.

Spent most of yesterday trying to get myself on a Jury here in Brooklyn. I'm guessing that I don't qualify to sit in judgement of the accused. Actually, I think it was because I was a victim of a crime years ago and had to identify the two men responsible. Seems that the 'accused' in this particular trial was also picked out in a lineup, so his Defense attorney probably didn't want someone who thought that type of thing works.

The fine folks over at Air America Radio (link over on the Left) would invited one & all to sign their petition to have Karl Rove fired. While it might be fun pretending that the White House cares about what citizens think I'm past the point of kidding myself.

I've been the kind of progressive who has been signing petitions, writing letters to the editor, donating time & money to various causes and groups since the late 1960s. After all this time I have come to the realization that I am way out of touch with my fellow Americans and am pretty much fed up with all of them. You do in fact get the type of government you deserve and we're living it now. We are not going to change it and it is going to get progressively (I can't help but smile when I use that expression in this case) worse.

Live the best life you can under the circumstances, but don't expect things to get any better.

Have a good weekend!

Granted, it may have had something to do with the Rum & Cokes I'd been drinking for the past few hours, or the beers i just had. However, I'd like to think that it had more to do with being surrounded with my family.

Saturday night found Donna and I attending a surprise 50th b-day bash for my brother-in-law Teddy back in Connecticut. I was up on the dance floor with three of my female cousins, a floor we shared a trio of ladies who were apparently sent over from Central Casting to appear as Dykes on Bikes in a drive-in flick. The club, which my sister rented for the night, certainly had its share of characters in the adjoining bar/pool hall. Around midnight some of those folks drifted in to the party and joined the festivities. I was having a great time!

The flash came when I realized how different my life might have been had I not joined the Navy after high school, or even if I had stayed in my hometown after my enlistment was up. I would probably have married one of the girls I dated back then (wherever Diane or Martha may be?) and could have easily ended up a member of something like the American-Polish Club or something along those lines.

Family is a wonderful thing and I really do believe that you can go home again. At least for a weekend and a few drinks.

Here's a toast (another Barcadi & coke over here, please) to my sisters Pam & Sue, both Teddys, Charlie, Sandy and the rest of the Papineau(my mom's relatives) side of the Chaput family!

Hey! Was there any woman there that Bob didn't put the moves on?

Looks like good ol' Gary Trudeau is in trouble again, at least with some newspapers. Apparently the term "Turd Blossom" isn't suitable for some tender readers to encounter in the funny pages. I think Bush using it as the new nickname for a certain White House staffe is pretty cute, myself.

I heard the news about the bombing incident in London before heading off to work today. Another unfortunate situation and I’m glad that only one person seems to have been injured. Apparently, according to early reports, the only one hurt was one of the bombers who was surprised by an early detonation. What a shame!

I find myself in agreement with some of the British journalists who believe this is probably the work of ‘copycats’ rather than the same group responsible for the 7/7 attacks. This group seems, fortunately for those involved, a bit more amateur than those who carried out the very deadly bombings of two weeks ago.

Fingers crossed that things have not gotten worse since I last heard the news. Also, I hope they capture those responsible for all the deaths and injuries in both incidents.

Also, since everybody else has chimed in on the topic. Who would have thought that the perfect Supreme Court candidate would be a conservative White man in his fifties? Obviously the President and his cronies searched far & wide for someone like John Roberts in order to fill the slot vacated by the first woman to sit on the court. Do you think the odds are good that he might be a Republican?

I'm not in San Diego this year, obviously, but we'll see about 2006. Donna had initially wanted me to plan my vacation to coincide with the convention, but I think we both needed the earlier time off.

Now that I'm not actively involved in fandom or a member of Friends of Lulu, I'm just one of the nameless fanboys who would drift around. I'm not even reading any comics regularly so I'd probably be hitting the various panels rather than haunting the dealer's room.

If anybody reading this is out in San Diego, I hope you enjoy yourselves and find whatever it is for which you're searching. Also, don't miss the costume contest if you can help it! If you happen to be a member of Capa-Alpha (the oldest continuing comics apa) toast all of those who couldn't make it this year.

If you aren't going, word is that New York City will finally get a major comics convention again in 2006. While Big Apple is fine it will be nice to see a really major event in the city which is still home for a good part of the industry.

I don't want to get myself in trouble, but I have to say that it ticks me off that the Queens Library (and apparently the other library systems in New York) are allowing Scholastic to set ridiculous rules regarding the new HARRY POTTER book.

We actually have to lock the books in the Branch Manager's office upon receipt. The book cannot be linked to the library until just prior to the opening on Saturday (or whatever the first day after 7/16 the library opens). A memo was sent out all but threatening staff should they do anything with the book before the branch actually opens to the public.

The library, like book stores, receive many new books prior to the publication date and we DO NOT release them until then. We have had to lock books away, sealed in plastic, until a set time.

I'm half way tempted to stand out front of the branch at 10:01 am (just after we open) and read the last chapter of the book to anyone interested.

Don't get me wrong! I really enjoy the Harry Potter series and have been looking forward to this latest installment. On the other hand, I think the publisher is being a bit high-handed about all this. We're talking about a children's fantasy book, people!!

Well, just to keep you updated I've been out sick and really haven't felt like posting. Heck, I've barely been keeping up with my e-mail.

While I certainly don't want to make light of the tragic bombings this morning, it was certainly fortunate that those responsible didn't take advantage of the celebrations in Britain last evening. The throngs of folks out celebrating the awarding of the 2012 Olympics to London would have been a prime target for such a group. My guess is that they already had plans in place for today's action and could not change them suddenly.

Naturally the press had their reporters aiming cameras and microphones at New Yorkers trying to go about their daily transit. Again, the folks going in to the MTA stations said they could not and would not change their plans. Donna actually wanted to drive me to work today, I told her not to bother, but I did promise to call as soon as I got to the library.

Frankly, the MTA itself is the biggest threat to my daily commute! The daily trip to Forest Hills should usually take me about an hour & fifteen minutes, but has taken me over two hours the last few days. It always seems to be "signal problems". Maybe they should just have a few guys with red & green flags waving from each station.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown - I’m not going to do a complete review of this book, since it has been on the New York Times bestseller list for over a year. In all likelihood, if you haven’t read it as yet you probably haven’t much interest, or are waiting for the paperback edition due later this year. Plus, there have been television network specials on some of the theories and ideas expressed. On top of that, once the trailers for the film version of the book (starring Tom Hanks) begin to appear the morning talk-shows and other media outlets will be filled with even more information.

In Brown’s novel, Professor Robert Langdon (introduced in the earlier novel, ANGELS & DEMONS) is in Paris to lecture on religious symbolism. On leave from his teaching chores at Harvard, Langdon has been contacted by Jacques Sauneire the curator of the Louvre Museum. When Sauneire is murdered the French police bring Langdon in for questioning, since he had been scheduled to meet with the curator earlier in the evening. This is the beginning of a series of mysteries which involve Langdon and Sauneire’s granddaughter in a search for what just might be The Holy Grail. Brown does an excellent job of balancing actual historic facts with an exciting chase, as Langdon tries to discover why he has possibly framed for the murder. He also must try to keep ahead of both police and others who are searching for the Grail. Even without the theory which is getting so much publicity the novel itself is a very good thriller, and will keep the reader second guessing.

Brown has filled the book with so much information that it is impossible not to be drawn into the idea of a conspiracy. While he admits that some liberties were taken for effect, it is also evident that he has done an enormous amount of research. In fact, there are currently at least half dozen books which examine the facts which Brown uses as starting point. A quick Internet search will also spotlight a number of sites dedicated to either backing up or denouncing the ideas expressed by Langdon. Heck, you can even check out Brown’s own website at http://www.danbrown.com/ and find all sorts of interesting material.

As with all books of this type, how much you get out of it will depend on what you’re looking for. If nothing else it has interested me in picking up some of Brown’s other books, which I guess is all a writer can ask.

Good morning, patriots!

Just a quick wish for everyone to have a safe and joyous Fourth of July. Stay clear of the fireworks, but if you must fool around with loaded ordinance, try not to be drinking at the same time, huh?

Oh, and congrats to NASA for being able to hit a huge chunk of ice millions of miles away, while not being able to ensure the safety of the astronauts they strap into the shuttle. Way to spend the budget, guys!!

Be safe and kind to each other!

First the Supreme Court opinion allowing the display of the Ten Commandments and now today's announcement that Sandra Day O'Connor is resigning. Since we can also expect that the Chief Justice will do likewise (within the next few months, is my bet) those of us who believe in the seperation of church & state and other Constitutional issues should begin to worry. We should also start to organize and let our voices be heard by the spineless seat-fillers in Congress.

I'm placing a link to the organization Americans United for Separation of Church and State over on the Left. It was there, just a few minutes ago in fact, where I first read of O'Connor's announcement.

Both progressives and true Conservatives should be concerned about the tilt of the next Court.

Interesting that only one of the major networks felt inclined to cover the Presidential speech last evening. Everyone else went with the usual, including reruns over on CBS. Not sure what that means, if anything.

It appears that everything is going smoothly and the media just isn't telling us that, the liberal bastards that they are! Apparently those in the military (Generals can be very short-sighted)who seem to feel that there are problems are ignoring the good things going on there.

The Prez wants all Americans to show the flag next Monday to demonstrate support for 'our troops.' Of course, there are millions of citizens who put out the flag on national holidays anyway. This was something my own father used to do and I've taken up that habit here in Brooklyn. Now, sadly, the administration and it's supporters will broadcast pictures of this and twist it into a demonstration of support for G.W.'s policies. I'm almost tempted NOT to put out the flag this weekend.

On the local front the MTA, who can't seem to repair much or get what is running to do so on time, are going to begin cracking down on us slobs who are eating and drinking on the subway. Those of us with the nasty habit of not taking the limo in will have to forego our morning cup of coffee. Since I have no plans on doing that we'll have to see when I get that first summons.

Just wanted to express my condolences to the family, friends and many fans of Paul Winchell, among the last I certainly consider myself. I was catching up on my blog reading this morning and caught Mark Evanier's comments on his death.

I fondly recall sitting around as a kid watching Winchell and his wooden friends, Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead Smiff. He really did make you forget what a great ventriloquist he was since Jerry & Knucklehead seemed almost alive and separate individuals. later you seemed to hear Winchell's voice on literally hundreds of cartoons (probably best known as the voice of Tigger in the Winnie the Pooh features & shorts) and commercials (he did the voice of the Scrubbing Bubbles for years, as I recall). I also remember seeing him on a handful of shows in the 1960s(Perry Mason, for instance) demonstrating that he was also a versatile actor.

Farewell to a truly gifted man!

"If you have a weak candidate and a weak platform, wrap yourself up in the American flag."-- Matt Quay, 1886

Well, as the blog-o-sphere seems to be taking this on I figured I'd toss in a few greenish pennies of my own.

I spent a little less than a decade in the U.S. Navy, most of that on active duty. This began while the Vietnam War was still quite active and protests were going on around the world. I don't think I'd ever considered that somebody might think that burning the flag would get so many folks all bent out of shape. Sure, growing up in the fifties I did my share of standing for the Pledge of allegiance, but I knew that it was the idea behind the symbol rather than the flag itself (a piece of cloth, after all) that was important.

Seems every few years this whole anti-flag burning thing comes up again and we all have to join ranks on one side or the other. Aren't there really more important matters which should have the attention of those buffoons in D.C.?

If somebody tried to take a sledge hammer to the Lincoln Memorial I'd be the first one to call for this guy to be handcuffed. But there is only ONE such memorial. Flags are manufactured in factories, generally in some third-world country by folks barely getting by on minimal pay. That should get folks upset and not some anarchist or other fringe type taking a match to a $10 red, white & blue table cloth.

That's just me, okay?

Okay, maybe it's just me, but is there something disquieting about your Urologist making Michael Jackson jokes during your prostate exam?

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The two recent helicopter accidents here in have convinced me that my distrust of them is rational. To be honest, I'm nervous enough flying in a regular airplane, but helicopters have always scared me. I had to get ride one once, while I was in the Navy, and that once will do me for the rest of my life.

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We were discussing the conviction yesterday of the former Tyco executives and the outcome of the Michael Jackson trial. Someone pointed out, and I think correctly, that since one involved money and the other child molestation the government feels the first is more important. Witness the conviction of Martha Stewart for trying to save a few bucks, compared to O.J. and Robert Blake killing their wives. And this was from someone who works in law enforcement!

As hard as it is to believe, Michael Jackson has been acquited on all charges. This sucker is going to be debated endlessly.

You have to wonder how these jurors will feel when this type of thing happens again (and you know it will, since the King of Pop will see this as a free pass to continue) in a few years.

For the past few weeks, beginning before our California adventure, I've been re-listening to some old audiotapes I have.

Taking a break from the usual Old Time Radio or Books on Tape, I have been going through tapes on political conspiracy produced by Dave Emory. Emory has been doing this type of thing for over twenty years beginning with shows broadcast from several non-commercial & college stations in California and then picked up by others. By the mid-late '80s his show, HARD RAIN was available on several Pacifica stations including WBAI, here in NYC. That's where I began taping and then purchasing some of his programs.

Emory dealt with the widely known stuff on the JFK, RFK & MLK assassinations, but really his his stride with covering the little known history of the early support (financial & political) of Hitler and the Nazi Party by American industry. A quick search of the 'net will bring you to several sites which offer his programs and include transcripts of some material. Since he doesn't appear to have his own site I'm not going to link to anyone of them. Just a heads up to those, like myself, who are fascinated by this material.

I am, on the other hand, going to put up a link to Conspiracy Planet where you won't find Dave Emory, but you will find plenty of other things which will give you pause.

Since this stuff really fascinates me I'm probably going to add some similar sites over the next week or so.

Sadly, after enjoying a very nice week in California we returned to Brooklyn and found ourselves dealing with 'real life.'

One of Donna's very close friends Bella was diagnosed with cancer and this past Monday had to undergo a hysterectomy. They were unable to remove all of the cancer and she will soon begin a six-week chemotherapy treatment. Donna and I have both spent time with her in the hospital, visiting and also trying to cheer up her husband,Pete.

Having lost both of my parents to cancer it is one of those diseases which I have come to dread in my own life. When someone like Bella, only a year in age different from me, contracts such a serious form it once again reminds me of my own mortality. Also, the fact that I may indeed by genetically predisposed to it.

I have only yesterday made an appointment with my doctor for a regular check up and prostate exam. Men over forty years of age and women, as well should not take their health for granted. You only get one chance here on Mother Earth, so try and stick around as long as you can!

I meant to mention this last time out, but it slipped my mind.

The theatre in which we caught both REVENGE OF THE SITH & MADAGASCAR was the Edwards Stadium Cinema in Aliso Viejo. We had been there during our Christmas trip and found the place just as clean and friendly as we did then. It's one of those places with dozens of screens and multiple showings of the major releases.

They are really gearing up for the up-coming FANTASTIC FOUR feature in July. For the four days leading up to the film and they are running what they have dubbed MARVEL MANIA WEEK. Each night at 9:00pm they will be showing a movie based on a Marvel comic. Starting with the two SPIDER-MAN films, followed by DAREDEVIL, then X-MEN. Finally, on the last night the 9:00pm showing of X-MEN II will be followed by the midnight premiere of FF. Pretty cool, huh?

I don't know if they'll be doing anything else to tie-in with the event, but if you're in the Orange County area you might see if other Edwards Cinemas are having something like that.

Oh, and they had trailers for both BATMAN BEGINS & FANTASTIC FOUR at the screening of REVENGE OF THE SITH, so this fanboy really was in a good mood.

Well, except for a bit of turbulance both ways our trip to California was pretty good. To be honest, we discovered that it was actually a bit warmer here in NYC than out west. We hit what is known (at least out there) as the June Gloom, so every morning started out overcast, but would generally burn off by around 1:00pm.

Donna had a chance to spend time with her daughter, Kristina and we all had a good time the first Saturday night at a party that Michael (Kristina's dad) and she threw. Must have been around thirty people at Michael's place coming and going until almost 2:00am. I think he was smart to just get take out from several places instead of trying to put it together himself.

During our stay we had a chance to catch both REVENGE OF THE SITH & MADAGASCAR, (I'll have brief comments on both over at Shot's Shack in a day or two) plus Donna & I went to San Juan Capistrano, which I'd never seen before.

We did get some anxious phone calls during the week when Donna's mother thought we might have been in Laguna Beach, where a number of homes were destroyed in a landslide. Fortunately, nobody we knew was involved, although Michael's sister and several friends do live in that area.

Whenever we visit California we find it hard to get back on the returning flight. Both of us love southern California and hope to eventually settle there, when family responsibilities allow. It does rain there, by the way!

Historically, as everyone knows, when a blogger or other site owner plans on going on hiatus she or he usually posts a photo of a can of Campbell's Mushroom Soup. Sadly, this blogger hasn't figured out how to post pics yet so you will have to make do with a link to my destination.

If you click over here http://www.myoc.com/ you can at least see how the weather & traffic is out in the Laguna Niguel vicinity. We plan on hitting the beach, trying to do the tourist thing in Capistrano and swing by El Polo Loco or In & Out Burger a few times for lunch. If we have a free weekend we also want to help out poor George Lucas by donating twenty bucks or so to catch the "last" STAR WARS movie. May the Schwartz be with you!!

Actually, Donna and I are heading out to spend some time with The Child (as she is known here at Chez Chaput). Kristina, and her father Michael, have a party planned for our arrival so if you happen to catch an episode of COPS in the near future, you may just see us enjoying ourselves. The consumption of mass quantities is in order!

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend and a Happy Fleet Week to my fellow New Yorkers!

I don't know if I'll have a chance to post out there so I'll probably catch you in a week or so.

May 25, 1787, The Constitutional Convention opened in Philadelphia with George Washington presiding. Just a reminder that not everyone with the initials G.W. is necessarily evil.

Also, the current G.W. would probably gladly oversee another Constitutional Convention which would probably gut or narrow the focus of several of those pesky amendments. Who needs something like Freedom of Speech & Assembly when Fox News will give us the "fair & balanced" views of those in power?

Hey, if Bush II didn't know what was good for us he wouldn't be President, right?

Creatures of the Night (Dark Horse Books; Hardcover) - I just want to quickly recommend this book for any fans of Neil Gaiman out there (and I know there are a few), or of artist Michael Zulli. The book is available at your local Barnes & Noble, some comic shops and possibly (at least here in Queens) at your neighborhood library.

Gaiman, know for his work on SANDMAN, AMERICAN GODS and the cult favorite NEVERWHERE, is good form. In the first story, THE PRICE, we learn of a writer and his family who have adopted a number of cats. One in particular, the black cat, mysteriously appears one day and turns out to be something much more than what he appears. The story is touching and any cat fancier will absolutely love it. Zulli, whose work I first encountered back in the 1980s with PUMA BLUES (recommended for fans of fantasy, human interest and works dealing with the environment & nature in a spiritual way), does some wonderful painted work, giving the writer and the cats their own personalities.

The second tale, THE DAUGHTER OF OWLS, reads as if it was an adaptation of a traditional fairy tale or myth. The young baby is found abandoned, holding in her hand the droppings of an owl. Seen as an omen by the women of the village, they demand the infant be killed. Cooler heads prevail and the child is left in the care of an old nun. Years later, the child has become a beautiful woman and the men of the town have become very interested in her. A haunting tale and certainly in keeping with Gaiman's own interest in such legends and stories. Either is certainly worthwhile and more than reason to check out the book if you get the chance.

I'm in agreement with Jerry Springer today (as appalling as that once would have been for me to admit), as I don't see any benefit to what the Democrats did yesterday. Senator Joe Lieberman, founding member of H.A.D. (Hardly A Democrat), states that the political center has held. With three ultra-conservative judges approved and the 'nuclear option' still available the first time the Dems show any backbone, what did "we" win?

The Administration and its allies will use this to move the judiciary further to the Right and you can bet that Roe v. Wade (amongst other issues) will be turned back, if not immediately within the year once a new Chief Justice steps over the body of the current one.

On an lighter note, why does it seem that every time I'm preparing for a flight anywhere there seems to be at least one airplane crash. The past few days we have witnessed two such events, and although they involved small craft it still makes me nervous. I think as I grow older my belief that man should fly becomes less sure. Back in my Navy days I didn't think twice about flying and actually enjoyed it. Perhaps it's that sense of my own mortality (or mistrust of the aviation industry) that has me giving second thoughts to the whole thing.

By the way, are fellow CSI:Miami fans as curious about last night's season finale as I am. We've seen the death of one cast member and the possible resignation of Calleigh. Is Emily Proctor returning next season? Hate to see the NRA's fave cover girl out of the picture, since she was really one of the more intriguing characters on the show. Along the same lines, I'm wondering which character will be written out of NAVY NCIS in tonight's that season ender. Sadly, my money is on Sean Murray (Agent Timothy McGee) as the team member likely to buy it. I'd hate to see it, but I think fan outrage would negate the other choices. Of course, the actor/actress could want out, so who really knows?

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Frank Gorshin earlier. Of course, in my mind he'll always be remembered for his brilliant portrayal of the Riddler in the old BATMAN television series. As he played the character Gorshin made him far scarier then the Joker, even though in the comics it was the Clown Prince of Crime who was far more off the deep end. I think it was the way that Gorshin really put himself into the character, leaping about the set with that maniacal laugh.

Gorshin was also good in straight dramatic roles, as well as being one of the best in the original STAR TREK episode "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" with Gorshin as the half white/half black Commissioner Bele pursuing his prey even beyond the death of their planet. He also appeared in any number of other televisions shows, often as the heavy. You can get some idea of how varied the man's career was over at the Internet Movie Database site.

It would be easy to end with the over used "Goodnight, funny man" phrase, but Gorshin was more than that. Condolences to his family and many friends.

Far be it for me to get all conspiratorial, but this current brouhaha over the NEWSWEEK article certainly couldn't come at a better time for the Administration. Things are going badly in Iraq, but the demonstrations and deaths caused by the anti-American riots are what is getting coverage.

Of course, over on Fox and in certain circles, all blame is because of reporters and the 'Liberal media'. The actions of this administration and the bad feelings that many in Islamic countries have for us are apparaently the fault of a single article in an American newsweekly that most of those involved in the riots have never heard of. They will ignore the fact that there have been similar reports about the treatment (or rather mistreatment) of Muslims held in confinement since those have generally appeared in the alternative press, in foreign papers or in blogs. If not for irresponsible journalists everything would be just peachy and we'd be beloved as is our right as the One & Only Superpower.

I think we can pretty much lay bets that Republicans in Congress will be holding hearings and trying to pass legislation to curtail the press. For our and their own good, of course!

Donna and I attended a wedding for one of her cousins this past weekend. It got me to thinking about the receptions usually held after the ceremony.

Having gone through three ceremonies myself, I don't think the proceedings tell as much about family dynamics and such as the reception. Even the casual observer at such events can usually tell by just the seating arrangements how things are in the family. Also, it's really interesting to check out the wedding party and notice how the various brides maids & ushers relate. It is easy to tell who genuinely likes each other and who was put together by the whim of the couple.

I think when it comes down to it the wedding reception always appears to be a compromise between what the couple wants and what they feel their family would enjoy. That's not necessarily wrong, but you have to wonder if it bodes well for what is in store down the road.

Just another post since this caught my attention.

From what I've been reading today Pope Benedict XVI has announced or at least indicated that he will be placing the late Pope John Paul II on the 'fast track' to sainthood. Who knew that you could do something like that? Apparently when you have a direct pipeline to the Almighty as the Pope does it doesn't take years of miracles to make the big time (religion wise, that is!).

Seriously, if I remember my childhood catechism correctly you have to have so many miracles performed in your name to get moved up the sacred ladder. Wasn't it three? Somebody would be healed or something after praying to you, then after it was 'officially' investigated and proclaimed valid by the Vatican you'd move one step closer to sainthood. Am I off base here?

Call me cynical, but should popularity be the criteria for this?

Since we're on the subject of cynicism I'm going to add yet another link over on the Left. This is for www.skeptic.com which is the official website for The Skeptics Society and their magazine, appropriately called SKEPTIC. Along with essays by James Randi (you'll find his official site via another link over on the side), you can read articles, book reviews and find information on events in your area. If you're really into it you can join the Skeptic Ring!

Unless something of major import happens later today I only have a few quick comments.

With the infrastructure of New York seeming to self-destruct of late (i.e. the crumbling of a restraining wall on the Westside Highway stopping traffic yesterday) I think the city should worry about other things besides the Olympics and a new stadium for a second-rate football team. Okay, the last comment was a cheap shot from a Patriots fan. Sorry about that!

Also, this being an election year we should remember that apparently none of this is Mayor Mike's fault. Of course, it also wasn't Rudy's fault, because you don't want to criticize "America's Mayor." It must be Dave Dinkens...yeah, that's the ticket!

People keep reminding me that today is Friday the 13th. Besides being a fan of the movie series I can't say that the whole bad luck thing bothers me. Perhaps having been born on Dec. 13th (on a Wednesday, however) I've never found my luck changing for the worst just because of the calendar date.

Even though I have been running my comics reviews over on SHOT'S SHACK recently, I decided that I'd post one here. Since Parting Shots was created to allow me to post this type of thing to begin with I figured I'd go back and forth. Annoying, huh?
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RED SONJA #0 published by Dynamite Entertainment was a twenty-five cent promotion for the up-coming regular series from that company. According to online sources, this particular item garnered sales of around 200,000 copies which were higher than many Marvel & DC titles solicited at the same time. Personally, I think the price tag and the possible future collectable status of the book pushed up the figures beyond what you’d normally see. While there is a core fan base for the character I don’t know that all of that audience will be able to locate this item in some stores. I’m sure we’ll be seeing it showing up (if not already) on eBay.

If it wasn’t for the metal bikini/stripper outfit for which she has become famous, I think I’d have an easier time accepting this character. I just find it impossible to believe that a woman-warrior (preceding a certain warrior-princess by a couple of decades or so) would purposely run around in such an outfit. First off, it offers no protection from the weapons of her opponents, and secondly, all but begs for the leers and low opinions of the type of men she generally encounters. I don’t see it screaming “Hey, barbarian, respect me!”

As far as I know it was only in her initial appearances in the pages of Marvel’s CONAN title, as written by Roy Thomas and drawn by Barry Windsor-Smith, that she wore anything remotely comfortable or suitable for her profession (which was more thief than warrior back then). I believe it was artist Frank Thorne who first put the lady in the metal coin peekaboo, which led to her becoming the highlight of many a comic book convention costume contest. (I remember seeing the pre-Elfquest Wendi Pini winning one such contest in San Diego back in the mid-1970s.)

Having said all that, I can certainly say that Red Sonja, as she appears in this preview, seems suited for those fanboys who like to ogle. The story is written by Michael Oeming and Mike Carey, who present a done-in-one tale of Sonja seemingly falling into a pretty obvious trap and then turning the tables on her attackers. There's nothing new here and not one of Oeming’s better efforts (since he is given joint credit I really don’t know how much to blame him), but it is not something to be ashamed of either.

The art is by Mel Rubi, with coloring by Ceasar Rodriguez and Richard Isanove. Rubi does a nice John Buscema riff, solid work but nothing we haven’t seen in hundreds of other barbarian titles. I will give Rubi credit for not filling each panel with a lot of T&A, even though he doesn’t shy away from showing Red Sonja’s physical attritutes to their fullest. Fans of this type of thing won’t be disappointed. By the way, the cover of this preview is by Greg Land.

Obviously, I’m not the intended audience for this type of thing. However, it you are you’ll probably already be picking up the regular series. Two stars out of four for effort.

Does there really seem to be an unusual number of horrible stories hitting the news of late? It appears that a day doesn't go by without at least one more news report of a crime against children making headlines. I guess it's easy to get viewers attention with such things and I don't put it past the folks responsible for the 27/7 news networks to go in search of such stories. It allows them to bury political and economic events which are more difficult to explain in a sound bite and don't offer dramatic video of distraught family members.

I think the news worthiness of the Jackson trial is starting to drag and the nightly news shows need something. Besides, we're all growing bored with Iraq and the mid-east anyway.

Since I was able to hit Jim Hanley's Universe this past Saturday, I picked up a few freebies as part of the Free Comics Day promotion. I'll be reviewing them over at Shot's Shack for the next week or so, along with some stuff for which I actually paid. These include some promotional issues which went for $.25-$.50 and caught my eye.

Today I start with the SF tale, RUNNERS, which should appeal to the STAR WARS fans and others. It has a bit of the humor and adventure of the original SW film. I haven't wasn't disappointed at all and will be looking for the TPB which collects the first six issues of the series.

Hope folks enjoyed their weekend and had a chance to call or visit with their moms or mom-in-laws. Sadly, my own mom passed away just about three years ago and I miss her very much. Be sure to show your mom's that you appreciate what they have done for you. Even if you didn't get along with them or feel you've drifted apart over the years, you can never go back for one more hug once they have gone.

Well, it seems that the British people are a forgiving lot, or else the opposition is so bad that Blair & Co. still look pretty good. Not a mandate, but then that hasn't stopped G.W. from pushing his own agenda. Apparently there are enough folks on both sides of the pond who seem to believe that things are going along just peachy keen.

Now far be it from me to criticize the security in place in at the British consulate in New York.

But since it was the day of the elections over there and there are a number of folks less than happy with Britain's place in the Coalition of the Senseless, wouldn't you think that the NYPD, the FBI and even Homeland Security might have put at least a couple of extra folks around the site to keep an eye out. Fingers crossed for apparently hap-hazard security camera film isn't something to make the rest of us feel safe.

Of course, the major story in the U.S. remains the possibility that AMERICAN IDOLATRY might be rigged to some degree. Shameful!!

Have a nice weekend and Happy Mother's Day to Kristina's mom!

I'm behind in just about everything lately, so haven't had a chance to post much. Anyway, the big thing this past weekend was America's love affair with Laura Bush. Apparently she's everything that Hillary wasn't and the entire nation can be glad that she is there beside her husband (or rather a step or two behind, unlike that B* Hillary, who doesn't know her place!!).

Wow, the woman can read a script, including getting up at a planned (and no doubt rehearsed moment) to interrupt G.W. during his attempt to make a joke. What a swell gal! The ladies here at work were all gushing over her, which is amusing since they haven't said a single positive thing about her husband since I got here. *shrug*

Caught one of our favorite shows on Sunday night, namely CBS' COLD CASE. I've raved about the show before and continue to find it one of the better offerings from the networks. This time it was a nice tribute (or inside joke, for those who weren't in on it) to the ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW.

For those unfamiliar with COLD CASE, the show deals with a squad of detectives who deal in unsolved murder cases (Cold Cases) from the past. They use new information (informants, old witnesses, etc.) and new DNA/forensic techniques to solve the killings. This time the murder of a young man who may have been the first victim of a serial killer, about to be released from prison. The murder takes place after the performance of ROCKY HORROR and the serial killer is portrayed by Barry Bostwick (who played Brad Majors in the cult classic). COLD CASE always uses music from the era to help with the mood, and this time all the music is from the cast recording (at least it sounds it to me). They also have plenty of clips from the film, as some scenes take place during the midnight showings.

I was actually surprised to discover that Donna has never seen ROCKY HORROR, even on video. It's something we'll have to get around to one of these days. As usual, in those situations where my past comes back to haunt me, Donna gives me the strangest looks. Maybe singing along with the soundtrack wasn't very subtle though.

Oh, and as my ex will attest, I never attended a showing myself, but was introduced to RHPC on VHS when we were dating.

I've been having trouble trying to post the past week, so I apologize for not being here.

It's been a fairly productive week here at Chez Chaput. We broke down and bought a new propane grill, so we can get rid of the old rusted charcoal one in the back. If you happen to hear of a major fire in the Dyker Heights area of Brooklyn this summer, look for my name in the police report.

Discovered recently that I have a ganglion cyst on my right ring finger. Doctors tell me that it may go away on it's own, but could then come back periodically. I'd be better off, they say, to have it removed surgically. The hand specialist said it had to be done in the hospital, a simple procedure but my finger would be wrapped up for up to ten days. Hard to get much typing done, I guess. So I've decided to hold off until Donna and I get back from our California adventure in June. I think I can survive until then. :-)

I was listening to CBS TV on my Walkman and heard that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany has juat been elected the newest Pope today by the College of Cardinals. He has chosen the name Benedict XVI, which will, I'm sure, be debated and discussed quite a bit.

Apparently he was close to the late John Paul II, so his choice was not totally unexpected. I don't forsee any drastic change in the Roman Catholic church's policies in the near future, but rather an re-entrenchment to very conservative values.

Not being a practicing Catholic any longer this doesn't have an immediate effect on me one way or the other. It will be fascinating to learn more about this man in the next few days & weeks.

I joked with my wife that this particular Cardinal will probably go the Sgt. Schultz route over questions about what he did during WWII. "I knew nothing! I saw nothing!"

Yeah, that's probably not very nice, but that's why we have blogs, right?

It appears to be a battle between bird lovers (re: dirty disgusting birds, I might add) and cat lovers in Wisconsin. Whose side is PETA on this time? :-)

Apparently residents in that state are being asked to allow 'licensed kill...um, hunters' to shoot cats in order to cut down on the population.

Seriously, I can't believe that there are ...okay, I take that back...I'm NOT surprised that there are actually people out there who would like to have open season on kitty cats. The answer, in my humble opinion, is to spade or neuter the animals (capturing them when you can and releasing if necessary, although adoption would be preferable) thereby keeping the future feline population under control.

I think allowing folks to shoot the animals opens up all sorts of horrific possibilities. The murder of household pets, to name just one.

I normally don't post the same item on both this blog and over on SHOT'S SHACK, but decided to make an exception today.

This is from internal e-mail sent to all staff at the Queens Library:
Tuesday, April 12, is NATIONAL LIBRARY WORKERS DAY, as designated by the American Library Association, and timed to occur during National Library Week. It is intended to recognize nearly 400,000 special people whose efforts in libraries across the U.S. serve the public’s need for information and literacy.

Hat's off to my fellow Librarians, the clerical staff, pages and volunteers who serve the public here in New York and around the nation. We don't get nearly enough pay, but we do our job for millions of American each day.

Had a very relaxing weekend, even if I did have to spend part of Saturday working. We went out to Staten Island to return some gifts and I picked up a new jacket. Donna broke down and let me buy her the new Catherine Crier book on the Scott/Laci Peterson trial.

We decided to have some harmless entertainment last night, so we watched SUPERVOLCANO on the Discovery Channel. The premise was an eruption at Yellowstone Park, which some scientists have predicted is very possible in our lifetimes. It was followed by a report on that very issue hosted by Tom Brokaw. Actually both were pretty interesting, if the movie very predictable. The Science Channel is running another show on the Yellowstone volcano later this week.

Oh, it was funny to learn of the arrest of THE APPRENTICE cast member Chris Shelton, known for his temper. Word is that he freaked out at the Hard Rock in Tampa, Florida over the cover charge. Apparently he felt he should have the $20 waived. Think he'll be "FIRED"?

I was sorry to read of the passing of Dale Messick today, at the age of 98. Her long-running comic strip "Brenda Starr, Reporter" was once published in over 200 daily newspapers. When she began working in the 1930s the field was pretty much a male world has died at age 98. "Brenda Starr" began as a Sunday only strip, and later became a daily. The strip is now produced by writer June Brigman and artist Mary Schmich. Ms. Messick both wrote and drew the strip for decades, until she gave the job over to Ramona Fradon and Linda Sutter in 1980.

I had a chance to see Ms. Messick at a San Diego comic convention in the mid-1970s. She appeared on a panel dedicated to Milton Caniff, but spoke of her own early experiences in the industry. I remember her as very entertaining and obviously enjoying the attention and affection of her many fans.

Condolences to her family on this sad occasion.

Rob Kall over at OpEdNews.Com (link on the Left) has some interesting opinion pieces regarding Pope John Paul II. The comments of Prof. Matthew Fox point out some of the things which the media has not mentioned, or mentioned only in passing the past week, despite giving hours and hours of coverage to the Pontiff's dying days and funeral arrangements.

I have to admit to mixed feelings about the whole thing myself. There is no denying the charisma the man had, nor the hardships he had to overcome throughout his life. He also inspired a great many folks to think about things like Iraq, the death penalty, etc. which they might have not considered before. On the other hand, the media is all to willing to forget some of the other things the pontiff proclaimed and pushed ahead in the quarter of a century as the leader of the Catholic Church.

The essays over on OpEdNews remind us of the conservative and sometimes backwards leaning ideas that the late John Paul promoted. As with all things it never hurts to remember the flaws along with the good things as we mourn his passing. Like all of us, the Pope was a human being capable of mistakes.

I spent a great part of the past weekend glued to the set watching coverage of Pope John Paul II. Among the hours of sameness there were some bright spots. I was fascinated to learn something of the younger priests inspired by the Pope, especially those American students in the Vatican seminary. They are far more conservative than one might think, holding to the beliefs and teachings of John Paul rather than the more liberal leanings of many U.S. Catholics.
It will be interesting to see how evangelical they are in the coming years and if they are able to maintain the discipline they seem to have at this point.

It was also interesting to hear and see reports on some of the possible successors to the Pope. Although many of the priests and theologians interviewed warned that you can never really be sure who the Cardinals would choose. Many feel that they would go with some one older, to ensure that the reign would be relatively short, giving the Holy See a chance to see how things settle. John Paul II was such a charismatic individual that it is not likely that next Pope could equal his personal appeal.

Certainly interesting times to be a Catholic, even a lapsed one!

I could not help thinking as I watched the televised 'death watch' from the Vatican, of my own mother's passing. Her last few days were spent in the home of my younger sister, with the aid of a hospice care giver. The priest from her parish came to give her the Prayer for the Sick (which we used to call last rites in the Catholic faith), and even though she had been waking only occassionally she did respond with an amen a couple of times, before going back to sleep.

I'm what is commonly called a 'lapsed Catholic' attending mass only for funerals and weddings. I've never been terribly religious, even as a teenager, despite years of attending mass with my parents and my mother's best efforts. Still I can't help but feel touched by the outpouring of genuine sorrow.

This is so different from the political posturing we witnessed during the period when Terri Schiavo lay in her hospital bed.

From New York Newsday.com:

"Terri Schiavo dies after 14 days without feeding tube. Theresa Marie Schindler Schiavo died today, ending an agonizing 15-year odyssey that divided a family and a nation over her right to die. She was 41. "

Our condolences, of course, go out to her husband and her parents, as well as the rest of her family. We can only hope that both sides of the battle can now put their differences aside and quietly mourn her passing. She is at peace now and her suffering over.

Let us also hope that those extremists who actually threatened violence against legislators and judges during this tragic series of events will be brought to justice. We are very lucky that it went no further than threats, and that wiser heads prevailed.

Can Congress and the President now go on to issues that truly effect the American people?

It appears that a federal court is opening the Schiavo case once again. At least allowing the parents to file another appeal, but not stating that they will hear the case any time soon.

I was surprised to see the New York Post come out editorially and say that it time for the family to allow Terri to 'die with dignity'. Hasn't this been the entire arguement from the start?

Re: Johnny Cochran - like lots of others I made jokes and rude comments about the man's defense of O.J. He was however known prior to that time, and after that case, for his defense of people's civil liberties. He did his share of good for a number of folks and those who begrudge O.J. his own defense should keep that in mind. Sympathy of course goes out to the Cochran family.

The Terri Schiavo situation appears to be winding down, at least on the legal front. Now the news media is getting folks worked up about a difference of opinion on the funeral and whether Terri shall be buried or cremated. Once again, sadly, her parents and her husband differ on what shall be done.

Interesting stories coming out reminding folks (or letting them know for the first time) that George Bush seemed to have a different opinion on prolonging life when he was Governor of Texas. Just last week the life sustaining machinery for an infant were shut off despite the protests of the mother. This thanks to some cost cutting legislation signed into law by the life loving George II.

Regarding the folks outside the hospice in Pinellas Park. Given their love of humanity, wouldn't it be nice if they considered the fact that there are other patients at this facility, who would also like to live their last days with a bit of peace and quiet. I have heard on one incident (I heard this second hand, so take it for what it's worth) where a woman was unable to be at her father's deathbed, since it took her so long to get through the cordon of protesters and security.

It was also fascinating to hear this morning that Michael Jackson has compared himself (not in so many words of course) to Nelson Mandela. According to the "King of Pop" in an interview with Jessie Jackson, he is being persecuted simply because he is a celebrity. Damn us all for tormenting this poor soul!

I don't know how it is where you are but here in the American media center, the three daily tabloids all dedicated their front pages to the Terri Schiavo story. Naturally, each took their own distinctive run at the story.

Newsday was the least offense going with "Their Hope is Dimming", with a photo of the parents. The New York Daily News goes with the more dramatic, but a bit more offense "Death Watch". Finally, the ever delightful New York Post features a calendar on the front page, with the days crossed off and a picture of Terri; the headline "Terri's Doomed." My commute in on the subway allows me to read these over and over again as my fellow passengers read each paper.

The outcome, barring Jeb Bush running in to personally carry Terri out, seems a foregone conclusion at this point. My heart goes out to her family, by which I mean all of her family no matter on which side they find themselves. I'm sure that they all have her best interest at heart, and I am disgusted that individuals (of the religious and political stripe) have jumped on their tragedy as the latest bandwagon to arrive in town.

I'm know I'm not the first to bring this up, but you can be sure that some of these same folks will use her death just as greedily as they have used the legal process for their own purposes. You can bet that their will be hundreds, if not thousands of 'mourners' at her funeral even if the family requests their privacy. Hey, never let personal tragedy get in the way of a good photo op!

According to what I've just read over on the CNN website the U.S. Supreme Court refused to intervene in Terri Schiavo case. This will mean that a lower court decision to remove feeding tube stands, at least until we see what outcome of the latest attempt by Jeb Bush turns out to be.

It will be interesting to see what this action does for Bush in his apparent bid for the '08 GOP nomination. It could come back to blow up in his face, but the base constituency he & his brother aim for may still support him.

Air America has been having some wonderful guests of late, talking about this issue and reminding us that there are OTHER things our government might want to work on. I mean, apparently they are bored with steroids in baseball.

Before he took up weapons and took human life, Jeff Weise created a violent animated short entitled "Target Practice". If you go over to www.thesmokinggun.com you'll be able to view this work. Weise posted this on the Internet and it demonstrates that thoughts of death and revenge were already filling his imagination.

I want to warn you that this is a disturbing piece of work, but it sadly shows that this young man was talented. It is unfortunate that he could not have channeled the anger in less violent areas.

I realize that I made light of the shooting incident yesterday, but the more I read about Jeff Weise, the shooter, the more my heart goes out to him. There is no apology for what he did, but I can't begin to imagine what this poor kid must have been going through. His father committed suicide, his mother in a nursing home and being raised by his grandfather. He was picked on in school and apparently became fascinated with both Hitler and death. How sad is that?

I suppose we should be grateful, considering the ease with which kids can get their hands on lethal weapons, that this type of thing is not even more common. The high school near my home had an incident yesterday where a kid accidentally shot himself in the leg with a gun he had smuggled into school. What's that about?

It's probably not really "dating myself" but rather showing my state of mind, that the first thing I thought of yesterday (upon hearing of the school shootings) was "I don't like Mondays!"

Yeah, it's not really PC of me, is it?

On her show on Air America Radio yesterday, Randi Rhodes did a nice job of going over the time-line and major events in the Terri Schiavo case. As a former resident of Florida, Rhodes is very familiar with the case, before it became a national soap-opera. She reminds her audience (or tells them for the first time, if they were unaware) that in almost every case in which an unbiased judge or arbitrator looked into the case, it was decided in favor of Terri's husband. When various 'religious' & 'ethical' groups became involved this personal tragedy became a political football.

I'm guessing that the GOP and the administration were surprised that the judge yesterday decided in favor, once again, of removing the feeding tube. It is also interesting to see how Tom DeLay is using this situation for his own purposes. Trying to deflect attention from his own political trouble, DeLay and his supporters are using a family misfortune to their own advantage. Does this administration have no shame whatsoever?

Even some folks who believe that Terri's parents are in the right, should take a close look at some of the politicians on 'their side' of the issue. I think they would be sadly surprised. It was Terri's mother who said just the other day that she did not want this turned into something political. Anyone in the White House listening?

While Donna and I don't agree on everything (Surprise, surprise!), we both feel that Congress has more important matters to deal with than the life of a single woman. Terri Schiavo's struggle is between her parents and her husband. Rightly or wrongly they disagree on what would be in her best interest. It is a family matter which should be handled in that fashion.

The part that really sickens me is that a majority of the members of Congress would happily condemn to death a mentally-handicapped teenager, without thinking twice. The only reason they have signed on to this legislation is for an easy election issue. Millions of Americans are injured or killed each year in accidents caused by industry and commercial products, but our esteemed representatives can't seem to do anything about that.

Each and every member of Congress, who can not honestly say that they believe in Terri Schiavo's rights is a fraud and should be held accountable come November '06, or sooner.

The less said about the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave the better. That man could not care less about this family or for anybody else unless they, like him, are multi-millionaires.

Apparently lying to the American people and Congress, as long as you keep the President's back gets you promoted. I see where Paul Wolfowitz is King George's nominee to head the World Bank. I mean he and his fellow neo-cons did such a good job for planning post-invasion Iraq, that, like Condi Rice, he deserves a promotion.

Apparently some writers, here in the Blogverse and in the mainstream press, have nothing better to write about than speculation on the next Presidential campaign. Can anybody seriously consider Condi as a viable nominee?

It appears to me that some Republicans want to push her into the limelight, so they have a female to run against Hillary. I can't even see her constituency would be? Considering her politics and the fact that she is so identified with Bush's Iraq policy, that in itself would be major strikes against her.

Besides, isn't Jeb the heir apparent?

Had a bit of trouble posting yesterday, so I didn't have a chance to mention the departure of Dan Rather. I got home just in time to catch his closing remarks and sign off.

I don't know when I first became aware of television news, probably while watching it with my parents. My father, in particular, was a news junky, reading two newspapers everyday (the NY Daily News & the local paper, the Norwich Bulletin) and a third paper on Sunday (Boston Herald). He pretty much read the entire thing, not just the headlines & sports scores. He also was a fan of the all-news radio stations out of New York. He'd probably love the chance to watch a multitude of cable news stations.

Anyway, the first time that television news really made an impact on me was during the days following the assassination of JFK. The three major networks pretty much dropped all programming and stayed focused on the events of that weekend. That was probably also the first time that I ever saw Dan Rather over on CBS, although it's possible that I had seen him earlier.

Rather and his predecessor, Walter Cronkite, seemed to always have been there. The major events which shaped the national consciousness were all reported by these two gentlemen, either in person (both having traveled to Vietnam and other places), or turning the story over to some other CBS correspondent. It will seem strange not to see Rather each evening, although I suppose his glory days are over.

I'm afraid that we've probably seeing the last of the reporters like Rather and his ilk. The networks and especially the cable news stations will probably go for safer anchors who won't immediately anger anyone.

Courage, indeed!

Since it was announced that Gary Trudeau had hurt his drawing hand, I was wondering how long it would be before he began doing new material. This week's strip has answered my question.

I'm not sure where Trudeau is going with Duke, but I hope that he doesn't pull the plug on a character, inspired by Hunter Thompson. I am sure that some folks will think that he may have crossed a line with today's strip. I don't know how I feel about it, myself.

Apparently the Republican controlled Senate is going to sell the middle-class down the river again. The bankruptcy bill will pass without doubt to the cheers of Wall Street. We've also heard how a raise in the minimum wage will destroy those small businesses King George II praises so highly. Not, of course, that he has ever had to play on the same field that those small business owners. Daddy and Daddy's pals have always been there to help poor George out of his own ineptitude.

If only those soreheads in the unions and folks barely making ends meet would just shut up, things would be just fine.

Our lives are shaped by those around us. Whether for good or bad, the lives of those closest to us change us. What we once were, we no longer are or can be.

Well, Martha Stewart is out of prison and under house arrest (or mansion arrest, in her case). Like the folks over at Air America, I'm not sure how I should feel about the whole thing. Personally, I don't think she did anything overly horrible, but rather stupid. Trying to stonewall the feds did more harm in the long run than fessing up and paying a ridiculously small fine. I think her fame and persona did her in.

I remember when I was living in Westport, CT that Ms. Stewart did not have a good reputation with some folks in the community. Never dealing with her myself I couldn't say if the rumors of her stiffing folks for work done had any truth or not.

I'm not a fan myself, but she is admired by many people and millions use her products even after all the bad publicity. I think she'll bounce back from all this, with a few books, a Barbara Walters/Larry King interview or two and her new 'reality show' of course. She'll be just fine, I'm sure. :-)

Meant to say something yesterday, but I'm temporarily assigned to another branch and spent a good part of the day learning my way around. We open up late today, so I thought I'd take a few minutes during my break.

I had never seen NYPD BLUE until I started dating Donna back in '99. She was a fan of that and ER, another show which I'd never seen on a regular basis. At least with ER, I'd had a chance to catch the pilot, which I had to review for the old Joe Bob Briggs print newsletter. I didn't know a lot of the back story for either show, but reruns and Donna got me up to speed enough to begin enjoying both.

Once we got Court TV on our cable system in Connecticut, we started watching the past seasons of BLUE every night, plus occasional 'marathons' on the weekend or holidays. It wasn't hard to become addicted to the show.

I glad we caught the final episode, even though we'd gotten out of the BLUE habit the past couple of seasons. We've begun watching other things and BLUE fell off our regular viewing schedule. I think they ended the show on a good note, leaving the team together, allowing for any future reunions or one-shot movies.

Dennis Franz, as Det. Andy Sipowicz has become a classic TV character. Franz is a under rated actor and it will be interesting to see where he goes from here.

LOST was very good last night. Finally we get the back story about Hurley (Jorge Garcia ), who has become a fan favorite. Seems that he had his own personal reasons for going to Australia and remains haunted by some events. It was also nice to see Mira Furlan back for few scenes. There remains enough mystery in her character, but I'm hoping that we will see a bit more of her in future episodes.

Next week they'll be going back to reruns for a bit. My guess it that the season finale will feature the birth of Claire's child. If there are spoilers out there about what will happen I don't think I want to know, since I love being surprised each and every week.

Since the show is one of ABC's few hits, especially with NYPD BLUE leaving, I'm sure the show will be picked up for another season. Fingers crossed they don't 'jump the shark' next year.