Ha, I found a reference to it in a quote from the NYT found on Daily Kos (knew I wasn't nuts). The Daily News or AP had the same story. But now, all the articles, including the NYT have been altered because the article at the link given doesn't have this wording. The original story saying she was withdrawing for "personal reasons" was posted on DK at 4:19 and updated sometime before I got home, but it doesn't specify when. "On Wednesday she called the governor, David Paterson, who is making the selection of who should succeed Senator Hillary Clinton. Her concerns about Senator Edward M. Kennedy�s deteriorating health (he was hospitalized after a seizure during the inaugural lunch on Tuesday ) prompted her decision to withdraw, this person said. Coping with the health issues of her uncle, with whom she enjoys an extraordinarily close bond, was her most important priority; a situation not conducive to starting a high profile public job. She was planning to issue a statement on Wednesday evening." http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/1/21/19113/8479/194/687292

Well, all I can say about Caroline Kennedy is she, like Sarah Palin for VP, was obviously unqualified for the job, woman or not. And I had to laugh as I'd seen before about Mrs. Palin voicing her opinion on the treatment of Caroline Kennedy and realized she had no freakin' idea what she was talking about (again). As the article states, Caroline got a once and twice over by the press here, which brought to the forefront that she was not in anyway qualified for the job (except maybe her name). Period.

(Karen) Not a new article, but am amazed but how little support there is for his comments. Actually, no I shouldn't be surprised. I found most people's comments there sensible and logical. What are you surprised (or not surprised) about? It was a stupid piece.

(Dorine)And I had to laugh as I'd seen before about Mrs. Palin voicing her opinion on the treatment of Caroline Kennedy and realized she had no freakin' idea what she was talking about (again). *shrugging and rolling eyes* Why am I not suprised, LOL

My own theory on Caroline Kennedy is that she couldn't stand the heat. She's a Kennedy...royalty! How dare the media question her credibility, her background ("my family...you know...her finances! And she knew it wouldn't let up.. No sir, you'd never find her going on SNL. All so beneath her.

Caroline: Taxes, Nanny...Marriage.... http://www.nypost.com/seven/01222009/news/politics/carolines_kaput_151351.htm Like I said: Couldn't take the hot seat.

"In recent weeks, the media gossip Web site Gawker and Vanity Fair have published rumors that Kennedy's marriage was in trouble." Your "Vanity Fair", Dorine...so it must be true;-)) http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090123/ap_on_re_us/caroline_kennedy Rumors...but I can't seem to find it....is that she was having an affair with Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. .

I thought it was known that Caroline was separated from her husband? Andrew Cuomo would be my choice from NY. Re: the new administration: Oath of office - poorly executed Parade - late & in the dark Biden - inappropriate remarks Madame Secretary - priceless I'm not happy about Guantanamo closing. Perfect place to keep terrorists. Did you know that their own countries don't want them back? I'm with you Evelyn, send them to Vermont (as much as I love that state), waving to Howard Dean.;-)

Old news. I thought they split up long ago, unless they got back together at some point. I don't recall seeing anything about an affair, but I wasn't following stuff about her either. (Evelyn) My own theory on Caroline Kennedy is that she couldn't stand the heat. That's true, she didn't want her finances and other business made public, but also she also came across quite badly when she finally was interviewed. She had the majority of the public's support until that point, then it was downhill from there. I thought Cuomo wanted to run for Governor so was a bit surprised to see his hat in the ring. There are still 2 other women candidates that have support.

If your current Gov has plan to run, he would want Cuomo out of the way. ;-)

(Evelyn) No sir, you'd never find her going on SNL. All so beneath her. Well, maybe being a Kennedy she would have the class to at least not whine later about the people benefitting from getting popular at her expense when she was a participant.

And I was wondering if Aretha Franklin was really going to sing or lip synch. Famed quartet played inauguration to taped music Washington � Millions of viewers heard a recording of the dulcet tones played by a celebrated quartet of musicians at President Barack Obama's inauguration rather than the notes the group actually played. Carole Florman, a spokeswoman for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, says the weather was too cold for the instruments to stay in tune. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Izhak Perlman, pianist Gabriella Montero and clarinetist Anthony McGill made the decision on Inauguration Day Tuesday to use an audio tape of their performance that they had laid down two days earlier. Florman says the musicians "very insistant on playing live until it became clear that it would be too cold," making it impossible for the instruments to hold tune. People sitting near them could hear the musicians play, but their instruments were not amplified. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090123/ap_on_go_pr_wh/inauguration_recorded_music

Since we were just talking about Castro... http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090123/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cb_cuba_fidel_castro

I started to post earlier that I was very surprised when it first came out that Kennedy was looking for the Senate seat as she's always been known as an extremely private and shy person. I thought that maybe she was being pushed, but was curious by whom andabout what was said that finally pushed her over the edge to do it. I still don't know, but I'm curious. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/01/22/2009-01-22_senate_bid_by_caroline_kennedy_started_p-2.html

says the weather was too cold for the instruments to stay in tune. I was wondering about this, am not surprised at all. It's a wonder their fingers could operate, too.

Well, it's Gillibrand for Hillary's seat. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/01/22/2009-01-22_who_is_kirsten_gillibrand_new_york_congr.html

(Sue) It's a wonder their fingers could operate, too. I was in pain watching their unexposed fingers. I think my fingers are much more sensitive to extreme cold than they used to be. I just discovered in our recent frigid snap they can't be out of gloves nearly that long without gloves or being covered by pockets or something.

(Moon)I'm not happy about Guantanamo closing. Perfect place to keep terrorists. Report: Ex-Gitmo detainee joins al-Qaida in Yemen By MAGGIE MICHAEL, Associated Press Writer Maggie Michael, Associated Press Writer 1 hr 9 mins ago CAIRO, Egypt � A Saudi man who was released from Guantanamo after spending six years inside the U.S. prison camp has joined al-Qaida's branch in Yemen and is now the terror group's No. 2 in the country, according to a purported Internet statement from al-Qaida. The announcement, made this week on a Web site commonly used by militants, came as President Barack Obama ordered the detention facility closed within a year. The Yemen branch � known as "al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula" � said the man, identified as Said Ali al-Shihri, returned to his home in Saudi Arabia after his release from Guantanamo about a year ago and from there went to Yemen. The Internet statement, which could not immediately be verified, said al-Shihri was the group's second-in-command in Yemen and his prisoner number at Guantanamo was 372. "He managed to leave the land of the two shrines (Saudi Arabia) and join his brothers in al-Qaida," the statement said. Documents released by the U.S. Defense Department show that al-Shihri was released from the facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in November 2007 and transferred to his homeland. The documents confirmed his prisoner number was 372. Saudi Arabian authorities would not immediately comment on the statement. A Yemeni counterterrorism official would only say that Saudi Arabia had asked Yemen to turn over a number of wanted Saudi suspects who fled the kingdom last year for Yemen, and a man with the same name was among those wanted. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak to the press and would not provide more details. Al-Shihri was stopped at a Pakistani border crossing in December 2001 with injuries from an airstrike and recuperated at a hospital in Quetta for a month and a half, according to the Defense Department. Within days of his release, he became one of the first detainees sent to Guantanamo. Al-Shihri allegedly traveled to Afghanistan two weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks, provided money to other fighters and trained at an urban warfare at a camp north of Kabul, according to a summary of the evidence against him from U.S. military review panels at Guantanamo Bay. An alleged travel coordinator for al-Qaida, he was also accused of meeting extremists in Mashad, Iran and briefing them on how to enter Afghanistan, according to the Defense Department documents. Al-Shihri, however, said he traveled to Iran to buy carpets for his store in Riyadh. He said he felt Osama bin Laden had no business representing Islam, denied any links to terrorism and expressed interest in rejoining his family in Saudi Arabia. ____ Associated Press Writer Ahmed al-Haj in San'a, Yemen, contributed to this report. WSJ had an editorial...."It's must easier fighting terrorism when your a candidate" ....and you don't have 300 million people to protect.

((Dorine)Well, maybe being a Kennedy she would have the class to at least not whine later So far I haven't seen any indication of class....but we shall see.

Well, strangely I was thinking the same thing as I wrote it last night. ;-) Wishful thinking.

Details on the inaugural ball attire: WSJ: Style section ...Mr Obama opted for American-made evening attire, with a classic tuxedo by Chicago suit maker Hart Schaffner Marx. "Mrs Obama does no make her style choices alone. She appears to rely heavily on Ikram Goldman, the owner of the high -end Ikram boutique in Chicago to steer her toward designers and runway looks that would work for her. " The sparkle on her gown were Swarovski crystal flowers for a "dream like' effect.

Apparently there's quite the brouhaha about ticket holders who couldn't get access to the Inauguration. The Inauguration committee and Dianne Feinstein are working on compensation of some type and an investigation of what happened, but people are not happy with the "compensation", esp as it's inaugural items they already got with the packets their tix came in. Boy am I glad I didn't go.

Russian Tycoon Lebedev Buys London's Evening Standard "On Wednesday, the Evening Standard said Lebedev fell "in love" with the paper when he was working as a spy at the embassy in London, where he studied British newspapers. " http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/21/AR2009012103651.html With luck perhaps one of our Muslim detainees , who is sprung from Guantanamo, might buy the New York Times.

I have no objection to locking up legitimate prisoners somewhere else, but Guantanamo came to represent an America I have been embarrassed by and not been proud of, like Abu Gharib, and I'll be glad to see it gone.

Uh oh....she's in trouble already... DAVE PICKS GILLIBRAND AS LIBERAL DEMS HOWL http://www.nypost.com/seven/01232009/news/politics/dave_picks_gillibrand_as_liberal_dems_ho_151502.htm She's prettier than Hill or Caroline though...like her hair:-))))

(Dorine)I have no objection to locking up legitimate prisoners somewhere else, but Guantanamo came to represent an America I have been embarrassed by and not been proud of, like Abu Gharib, and I'll be glad to see it gone. So....it's not the substance you object to...just the geographical symbolism. Interesting.

It's been a blight on our reputation for a number of reasons. As I said, I have no objection to locking up *legitimate* terrorist prisoners, which some of them haven't been. I also don't agree with basically throwing them in there without charges or trying them for years at a time. We're the first to bitch about other countries doing that around the world, like China, yet we've been doing it. Makes us no better than them.

with a classic tuxedo by Chicago suit maker Hart Schaffner Marx Oh gosh, are they still around? I'm pretty sure its building was turned into loft space ages ago. She appears to rely heavily on Ikram Goldman, the owner of the high -end Ikram boutique Hmmm, not in their beloved Hyde Park. In the Gold Coast, right off Michigan Ave, on Chicago Ave and Rush. List of designers: http://ikram.com/About/Designers/tabid/42/Default.aspx http://www.thestyleinsider.com/nwcn/2009/01/take-a-peek-inside-ikram-a-michelle-obama-favorite

I don't have strong feelings one way or the other about who is the next Senator from NY, as I don't live there, but I've been appalled at how Gov. Patterson has handled it. First, he had "anonymous" aides of his leaking stuff about taxes and nannies (with no substantiation), and then later in the afternoon saying "he wasn't going to pick her anyway." You don't handle things that way during a vetting process! No class whatsoever. Mayor Bloomberg was right when he urged all a halt to Patterson's circus weeks ago. Just get on with it. Patterson doesn't strike me as the sharpest tool in the box and this confirmed it. As for Caroline, I was surprised at the attacks from Sarah Palin. Caroline came under close scrutiny in the media, I thought, with the mocking of her verbal ticks and criticism of how unprepared she seemed to answer questions. I'm not saying those weren't valid criticisms, but for Palin to deny they even occurred citing Caroline as liberal royalty is absurd, and seems unkind and churlish. Furthermore, if she did come under less scrutiny than Palin did, well no kidding, the two situations are not comparable. Palin was running for the 2nd highest office in the land, with the American people having the task of deciding on her candidacy. Caroline put her hat in the ring for a Senate job, one that would be decided not by the voters, but by one person, the governor.

The Yemen branch � known as "al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula" � said the man, identified as Said Ali al-Shihri, returned to his home in Saudi Arabia after his release from Guantanamo about a year ago So he got out on Bush's watch? I don't understand the point here, as it seems the existence of Gitmo wasn't enough to keep him off the streets so to speak. So who exactly is Gitmo holding, if not this guy who seems like a very dangerous character? Personally, I wouldn't have closed Gitmo And I certainly wouldn't have signed an order to close until I knew how many of the prisoners Europe was willing to take (yeah, I won't hold my breath;-). A few said they'll step up, like Switzerland, but elsewhere there's been back-pedaling aplenty. Ok, Sarkozy, Merkel, Berlusconi, put up or shut up.

(Mari) Mayor Bloomberg was right when he urged all a halt to Patterson's circus weeks ago. He's just pissed off because it was his campaign team working with her and pushing her for the job, then she didn't get it. But I agree, I had the same attitude awhile back...just pick someone. I don't want to hear the Gov made his choice, then didn't, then did but isn't telling...yada, yada.

Well, it's not like Gitmo's closing tomorrow. The order gives them a year to figure all this out and they've already been looking.

(Mari) So he got out on Bush's watch? LOL! It has to close, as mainly a symbol of change. There will be other means to ensure those taken into custody aren't subject to methods and practices that embarass this country anymore.

(Karen)There will be other means to ensure those taken into custody aren't subject to methods and practices that embarass this country anymore. Like saying "please" and "thank you"..reading them the Miranda rights on the battle field? Good luck I bet Israel would take them.

Why? To show their appreciation for the US-backed openly democratic elections that installed and legitimized Hamas? I doubt it.

BTW, saying please and thank you isn't the issue. Should I go find a website with pics from Abu Gharib?

Oh, why bother. Bring back the firing squad. I'm for no tolerance. They blew up and kill too many innocent people to worry about the rights of a few terrorists. I'm very Jewish in this: eye for an eye. Condoleezza Rice Signs with William Morris Agency NEW YORK � Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has made a key step in her post-Bush administration career: The William Morris Agency announced Wednesday that it has signed her as a client. The former professor and Stanford University provost was in the Bush administration since its beginning, first as national security adviser and then as secretary of state. Her appointment ended Tuesday afternoon, after Barack Obama was sworn in as president. Although most other members of the Bush administration, save Karl Rove, might have trouble finding such a wide-ranging deal, Rice found a strong market among talent agencies. "It was certainly a competitive situation," said Jim Wiatt, chairman and CEO of William Morris. "She was very thorough about the process and who she would feel most comfortable with and who would be speaking on her behalf." It's unlikely that Rice will turn up as a talking head on television, however. The deal includes William Morris representation for books, lecture appearances, and philanthropic initiatives, as well as business initiatives in media, sports, and communications. Wayne Kabak, co-chief operating officer of William Morris, said Rice's well-rounded resume appealed to the agency. In addition to her political career, Rice is an accomplished concert pianist ,as well as a big-time National Football League fan. "It's more than just books, it's much more than just lectures," Kaback said. "We're here to help her create and enhance an agenda that is very important to her in her post-government career." That agenda will include philanthropic efforts involving classical music and college educations for disadvantaged students, as well as initiatives to help U.S. children become global citizens. In support of those efforts, Rice might appear on camera, but she won't be traveling the well-worn path as a news or policy analyst. "She's not interested in being a shadow secretary of state," Kabeck said. "It's not her goal to go on morning talk shows the day after something happens. That's not what she wants to do." Reuters/Hollywood Reporter � Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved

Europe slow to offer new home to Gitmo inmates . . . Diplomatic and security officials across Europe acknowledge that in the Obama era their nations risk exposure of double standards � complaining of American injustice, but presuming that ex-Guantanamo prisoners are too hot to handle themselves. . . . http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i3x2Wp33GZKiqg8Y7aJxUQzS2oAwD95T0IK86

"Obama era"? Not like Kumbaja diplomacy?? That carpet dealer turned terrorist leader in Yemen is one of the detainees that had no *proven* background of being a terrorist and therefore could not be detained.(Which Dorine refered to) There are three classes of prisoners there. I think he would have been in Class 1 and therefore elegible to be released. Considered dangerous, but cannot be proven. Stay tuned.

Diplomatic and security officials across Europe acknowledge that in the Obama era their nations risk exposure of double standards � complaining of American injustice, but presuming that ex-Guantanamo prisoners are too hot to handle themselves. Ha! You see the difference between the "old way" and the "smart way" to deal with issues.

I only hope that this makes the West really come together and agree to give those terrorists no tolerance period. A rethinking is in order. (Evelyn), Not like Kumbaja diplomacy?? Yeah! You're quoting me! Sending you big love.

Unfortunately, it's likely that some became radicalized as a result of their imprisonment.

(Evelyn) Not like Kumbaja diplomacy?? It's gotta be better than the Bush "diplomacy". ;-)

(Evelyn) it's not the substance you object to...just the geographical symbolism I think I answered this sufficiently?....not just geographical.

I am hoping Prez O will seek a middle ground and not be guided by the left-wing of his party. These are dangerous enemy combatants. (Dorine)Unfortunately, it's likely that some became radicalized as a result of their imprisonment. That's "The Nation's" chant. And perhaps that could be: I can't prove the opposite overtly \and either can you. But in all probability they wouldn't have been taken prisoners if they hadn't been deemed dangerous. Bringing in hard evidence could compromise underground sources. And if the latter are revealed...who is going to want to cooperate with our intelligence. It's not a black/white issue; intelligence seldom is.

(Evelyn)It's not a black/white issue; intelligence seldom is. I agree with you, and that's what makes these problems so dicey. I am hoping Prez O will seek a middle ground and not be guided by the left-wing of his party. I think he is more centrist than not. And he won't be afraid to act, as he apparently just authorized missile strikes agaisnt al-Qaeda in Pakistan. tp://www.abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6718124&page=1

Sorry, don't know why it cut off: http://www.abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6718124&page=1

Obama has always talked about Pakistan as a problem. Now that's he's Pres he has access to what's going on and he's reacting. (Dorine)Unfortunately, it's likely that some became radicalized as a result of their imprisonment. No more excuses please.

(Evelyn) It's not a black/white issue; intelligence seldom is. Absolutely. About released prisoners from Gitmo: http://mediamatters.org/items/200901230002

You know, it will be interesting to see what kind of info comes out of State and the Pentagon (and govt in general) in the future. We've been lied to so much over the past several years about everything from Iraqi troop strength ready to take over to WMD's, that it's hard to tell what's good info or not anymore. And refresh my memory.....how many times have we killed Al-Qaeda's #2 in Iraq? ;-) Hee.... http://mediamatters.org/items/200901230012?f=i_latest

I'm in the middle of reading something I may post later, but it's begging the question from me that if people are saying that Bush's policies, whether one believes they have infringed on our civil rights and eroded Constitutional protections or not, have.....made us safer, kept us safe, etc......how can you be so sure? How do you know they just haven't tried again yet here? How do you know they aren't regrouping/training elsewhere and when they're ready they'll try something again? If so, Bush's policies could have had nothing to do with it. The one tenet of Al Qaeda known long ago is they learn from previous experiences and look for another way to acheive their goal. How can you be so sure that anything or much of anything they've put into place has made a difference other than to increase the ability to use surveillance to further their own means against people they see as their enemies here (such as the media). I'm just saying that as I have always found it a very specious argument as it took Al Qaeda 8 years to strike back at the WTC after the first time and it's not like they didn't know something was coming then without all the new infringing policies. Certainly I'm glad nothing has happened, but I don't see how that means that anything that's been implemented has made any difference for most people other than to make it a pain in the ass to travel by plane. And for a while, it was a pain in the ass to get into a theater as they searched everyone's bags (which they generally don't do anymore except to keep you from bringing in your own snacks and water bottles ;-)).

(Karen)There will be other means to ensure those taken into custody aren't subject to methods and practices that embarass this country anymore. (Evelyn) Like saying "please" and "thank you"..reading them the Miranda rights on the battle field? Good luck I missed addressing this.... the Geneva Convention. While technically the prisoners are not representing a country (and I'm not completely sure they have to or it's some vague loophole or reasoning the Bush Admin used not to apply it), there's no reason the principals couldn't apply. And funny, reading that piece that I was talking about posting, Scarborough used practically this exact phrase...reading them the Miranda rights on the battle field?. Is that some Republican talking point I missed somehow?

Even the Secretary of Defense has thought Gitmo should close... http://mediamatters.org/items/200901230005?f=h_latest

Dorine....if I see "mediamatters" or "Dailykos"or any other pol blog...I don't even bother to click on it. At best they are inflamatory and serves the audience who reads them well, because that is what the audience likes. But not me. I'm not going to retaliate either , by quoting some conservative blog... I consider them all a waste of my time which is precious to me. So I don't get your point and can't comment.

the Geneva Convention. That was war. What is going on now with the terrorist that blow themselves up in markets or by schools, etc. that's different. The game has changed, the world should understand this.

The point............................ Also, The Wall Street Journal noted in a December 3, 2008, article that Gates "was one of the first senior members of the Bush cabinet to push publicly for the Guantanamo prison's closure, but his calls largely fell on deaf ears." Similarly, in a December 17, 2008, interview with PBS' Charlie Rose, highlighted by Think Progress, Gates said of Guant�namo, "I would like to see it closed. And I think it will be a high priority for the new administration." You're always quoting items from both of these places, neither of them *blogs*, so I thought they might be acceptable. Even if those passages were pointed out on one of *those blogs*. Otherwise, I have been rendered speechless by your response for the time being. Please.....talk amongst yourselves.

Like I've said before, I only read mainstream media. But FYI, I've *heard* Robert Gates , Colin Powell, several retired gnerals, etc on CR and Sunday morning talk shows say the same. And while I maintain their right to say so, I don't have to agree. .

(Moon)Now that's he's Pres he has access to what's going on and he's reacting. Exactly, now he's getting the highest level of intel reports. He knows what could befall the country; it must be daunting to know that he has to protect 300 million people. Not just jump to the guidelines from The Nation, moveon.org, Dailykos, and the other George Soros' groups from the far left. Hey, if someplace happens, it's not their ass that would be on the line. He really has my sympathy...and prayers.

(Dorine) I have always found it a very specious argument Precisely. Lacks foundation and logic. The equivalent of cause and no effect. ;-) (Evelyn) And while I maintain their right to say so, I don't have to agree. Of course you don't....but it does beg the question of why you're shooting the messenger.

(Evelyn) And while I maintain their right to say so, I don't have to agree. (Karen)Of course you don't....but it does beg the question of why you're shooting the messenger. Moi??? Who am I shooting? I'm even for gun control;-)

The messenger, i.e., the media or websites providing info. If you reserve the right to disagree--which everyone does--with "nonleftist" sites/news sources, then why even bother to (a) put them forward for any purpose and (b) knock the others as not worth your time. Seems to me that all messengers are DOA in your book. ;-)

I repeat: I only read mainstream media....incl. far lefty ones ("The Nation"). I do not have to agree with everything I read: left, right or centrist. I make up my own mind...like many people I'm a hybrid (ie :some from Column A....some from Column B) I repeat: I do not read blogs. (Karen)Seems to me that all messengers are DOA in your book. ;-) They are not DOA, because all of them never get there;-)

Uh oh...Joe won't like this... "Mr. Emanuel is arguably the second most powerful man in the country and, just a few days into his tenure, already one of the highest-profile chiefs of staff in recent memory" From New York Times, (not a blog);-) http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/us/politics/25emanuel.html?_r=2&hp

Two ex-Guantanamo inmates appear in Al-Qaeda video From Google... http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hZfIcWnHqBz4kQR90lC_pXaHeW4Q Hey, 11% isn't bad;-)

My aunt just brought up an interesting point. Caroline Kennedy has been known as Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg for however long she's been married. But with all the press about the Senate vacancy, she was only known as Caroline Kennedy again. Schumer the unseen hand in NY Senate choice By MICHAEL GORMLEY, Associated Press Writer � 52 mins ago ALBANY, N.Y. � Democratic insiders say the selection of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand to fill New York's vacant U.S. Senate seat showed the pivotal influence of senior Sen. Charles Schumer. Gov. David Paterson selected the little-known congresswoman over candidates Caroline Kennedy, backed by President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Andrew Cuomo, backed by Hillary Rodham Clinton and former President Bill Clinton. But at the news conference introducing Paterson's choice Friday, one big smile gave it all away, and it was on the Schumer's face. "Schumer was pushing her, he was really pushing," said a Democrat on Saturday who was told by Paterson that Schumer favored Gillibrand. The Democrat was familiar with the inner workings of Paterson's selection but spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak publicly about the process. Schumer insisted he was neutral in the seven weeks since the Senate seat was opened by Hillary Clinton's secretary of state nomination. "Each one of them would make an excellent senator," Schumer said in December, declaring he would not back any individual. Publicly, Paterson's process was, by all accounts, moving toward a coronation for Kennedy, daughter of slain President John F. Kennedy. She was praised by Bloomberg and by Obama, whom she had given an early and critical endorsement in last year's presidential primaries. But internally, Paterson always had Gillibrand high on his list. And by the time he attended Tuesday's inauguration of Obama, Paterson started to focus on her, according to the Democrat who spoke Saturday. She had been inspired by Hillary Clinton, worked on the former first lady's 2000 Senate campaign, and has many of the same qualities: Unflappable, a bright and focused attorney, a work horse in devouring information on issues, and well-schooled in the retail politics that gets New Yorkers elected. Then came Wednesday. Back in New York, a chaotic few hours began in the afternoon with Kennedy's viability as the front-runner questioned, then dashed. Kennedy told Paterson she was rethinking her interest in the seat. She mentioned a new and pressing personal issue. Meanwhile, Paterson had dinner with his closest advisers to try to finish the job by his self-imposed deadline of Saturday after a process that was becoming increasingly criticized as out of control. Paterson was sending mixed signals, even though he supposedly had already settled on Kennedy. As Paterson dined in a Manhattan restaurant, Gillibrand's chances grew. For Paterson, she started to seem much like Schumer was before he was a star, when he toppled Republican Sen. Alfonse D'Amato in 1998. Gillibrand is also young for the job at 42. Back at their offices, phone lines and Blackberries were burning up between Paterson and Kennedy camps. Shortly after midnight, after bouncing between rethinking her commitment and saying she was still in, Kennedy transmitted her shocking withdrawal, an e-mail to Paterson and reporters that said she was leaving for personal reasons. By Thursday morning, all the public attention shifted to Cuomo, who Paterson � true to a secretive process that drew criticism � didn't even confirm was under consideration until Tuesday. Appointing Cuomo, however, would require naming a new attorney general. And besides, Paterson has said he wanted to appoint a woman. The other women in contention were all from New York City. And Gillibrand, from Columbia County south of Albany, was the upstate woman who would fix Paterson's New York City-centric, all-male 2010 ticket. Paterson placed a midday call to Gillibrand on Thursday, told her she was the likely choice, but he still wanted to check with others one last time. The last call, by this time just before 2 a.m. Friday, was to Gillibrand. She would be New York's next senator. After she screamed in excitement loud enough to be heard over the phone by others in the room, she thanked him and accepted. Schumer ran the Senate Democrats' national campaign efforts in two successful elections, and he says Gillibrand has the qualities of a winner. "I found women candidates run better and win more easily," he said Friday at Gillibrand's news conference. "But above all, talent, ability, work ethic are the most important attributes for the U.S. Senate, and Kirsten Gillibrand fits that bill. "She's a go-to person," Schumer said. "She will get it done." Two years ago, she took on entrenched incumbent Republican Rep. John Sweeney, who had deep ties to the GOP in New York. She upset him in a brawl considered one of the nastiest campaigns in the country. Last fall, she faced the millionaire former chairman of the state Republican party, Sandy Treadwell, and beat him badly in the Republican district. It was reminiscent of the 1998 campaign in which Schumer, then a congressman, toppled D'Amato in what is still considered one of the nastiest Senate campaigns ever. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090125/ap_on_re_us/ny_senate_seat

Slideshow of "behind the Scenes" photos of the Obamas on Inauguration Day. Love them. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/24/new-private-obama-picture_n_160570.html And of the kids on that day. Love how Malia loves to document so much with her camera. They are just beyond cute. What a great family. And LOL GW Bush all up in Sasha's face! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/20/sasha-and-malia-obama-ina_n_159499.html

I thought this was a pretty funny take on the Inauguration from the Guardian. I don't know what end of the spectrum the Guardian falls on, so I guess read it....or don't. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jan/26/charlie-brooker-obama-inauguration

As I believe I said before, print subscriptions and print ads are declining, but doesn't mean they're losing all of their audience... According to Nielsen, 40 million people in the United States visited at least one of the top 10 newspaper sites in December, a 16 percent increase over the previous year. The New York Times remains the top newspaper site, with 18 million unique visitors in December, an increase of 6 percent. USA Today and The Washington Post follow. http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090127/ap_on_hi_te/tec_techbit_newspaper_sites

"The New York Times remains the top newspaper site, with 18 million unique visitors in December, an increase of 6 percent. Pssst...it's free;-D (won't help that $400M debt)

This is free speech??? Democrats Launch Petition Against Rush Limbaugh Tuesday, January 27, 2009 By Melanie Hunter-Omar (Updates with Limbaugh's response; more from DCCC.) (CNSNews.com) � The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has launched an online petition for readers to express their outrage at conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh for saying last week that he wanted President Barack Obama to fail. The petition includes a 19-second sound byte of Limbaugh, saying, �If I wanted Obama to succeed, I�d be happy the Republicans have laid down. I don�t want this to work. So I�m thinking of replying to this guy, say �okay, I�ll send you a response, but I don�t need 400 words, I need four: I hope he fails.�� On Tuesday, in a note at the top of his Web site , Limbaugh responded to the Democrats' petition: "I am greatly puzzled. Why would the Democrats petition against me if I am doing such terrible damage to the GOP? " Last Friday, Obama advised Republicans to stop listening to Limbaugh if they wanted to get along with Democrats and the administration. �You can�t just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done,� Obama said to Republican leaders who met with the president to talk about the stimulus package. On his radio program, Limbaugh noted that just as he wants Obama to fail, Obama wants Limbaugh to fail. DCCC Executive Director Brian Wolff, blogging on the DCCC Web site, said Limbaugh has given Democrats "a preview of the outrageous Republican attacks that are on the way against President Obama and every Democrat working for change." According to Wolff, "Limbaugh's cheap shot at President Obama might be the first by the Republican attack machine this year but we know that it won't be the last. We need every grassroots Democrat to show Rush Limbaugh and all of the Republicans what they're up against if they start attacking President Obama and Democrats who are working to end the failed GOP policies of the last eight years. "Tell Rush what you think of his attacks on President Obama. We'll send him your comments," Wolff wrote. �Creating real change requires every American stand strong against Rush Limbaugh's attacks -- and all of the other partisan attacks from desperate Republicans that are on the way. Let's start right here and now.� As CNSNews.com has reported, some Democrats are talking about reinstating the Fairness Doctrine, a federal regulation that required equal time for the expression of different political views on the public airwaves. Critics of the move, including many Republicans, say Democrats want to re-impose the Fairness Doctrine to force an end to conservative talk radio. http://cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=42616 That's what Hugo Chavez does in Venezuela.

Gaaaaaagh..... From Tulsa World: Fallin files bill to keep Gitmo detainees out of Oklahoma By JIM MYERS World Washington Bureau Published: 1/27/2009 6:14 PM Last Modified: 1/27/2009 6:14 PM WASHINGTON � U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin introduced a bill Tuesday designed to bar the transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees to Oklahoma, and Sen. Jim Inhofe revealed plans to lead a fact-finding trip to the facility in Cuba next week. Fallin filed her bill in response to President Obama�s order to shut down the detention center within a year. A list put together two years ago of potential transfer sites for those now being held at Guantanamo included Fort Sill. Critics of Obama�s decision fear that 2007 list could be revived. (my bolds) �Guantanamo Bay holds some of world�s most dangerous criminals, including Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks,�� said Fallin, R-Okla., adding that holding such terrorists in a secure offshore location makes good sense. �Granting mass murderers the kind of rights they would be afforded on American soil is as wrongheaded as it is dangerous, and I will continue to oppose any plans to move these men into the United States.� She said her legislation would bar use of federal funds to transfer detainees to Oklahoma. Her legislation is co-sponsored by the other four Oklahomans in the House: Republican Reps. John Sullivan, Frank Lucas and Tom Cole and Democratic Rep. Dan Boren. Inhofe raised the Guantanamo issue Tuesday during a hearing with Defense Secretary Robert Gates, telling Gates that he and other opponents of Obama�s decision want to be heard. Inhofe aide Matt Dempsey later said the senator plans to visit the facility Monday. http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=298&articleid=20090127_298_0_WASHIN40148 NIMBY!!!

(Evelyn) Pssst...it's free;-D So? You said (or insinuated) they were losing readers. I might cancel my subscription, but I'll still read it online. Unless they changed it when I wasn't looking, it wasn't all free. You needed to pay for online access for some areas like Op-Ed stuff, just like the WSJ, some of which must be paid for, unless they changed that, too ($99/yr is the offer I get in the mail all the time). The NYT is selling their stake in the Red Sox I see today, too. They're going to have a tag sale next. ;-) I don't understand what makes it such a big deal where those detainees are held, at least anymore than any other prisoners. Do you think they have some special powers that they may get out easier than other prisoners? Is it fear that some terrorist friends of theirs are going to come try to break them out? I'm not trying to be snarky, I'm just trying to figure out why it really matters where they go as long as they're locked up. If a prison, say a max security prison in another state was closed down for whatever reason and they had to transfer those prisoners somewhere, and some came to Ft. Sill or some other place near you, would that be a problem as well? What if they did it without announcing it? Would you even know the difference? I used to listen to Rush years ago. I ignore what he says. He's a waste of air.

I used to listen to Rush years ago. I ignore what he says. He's a waste of air. You are missing the point. I don't listen to talk radio, nor to Olberman, but I defend their right to voice their opinions. And I wish the President hadn't taken him on by name...it so diminishes his stature. I don't want my president telling me not to listen to his oppositon. Terrorists are not the same as ordinary 'run-of- the- mill" prisoners. IMO All of the scenarios that you concocted are plausible. FYI Ft. Sill does not have a prison. I say re-activate Alcatraz. Besides that's in Nancy Pelosi's district:-)))

So? You said (or insinuated) they were losing readers. I might cancel my subscription, but I'll still read it online. LOL. So do I. WSJ :that $99. is just for newbie subscription. I now pay $299. Worth every penny Right before my TIME subscription expired they were offering it to me for $12..... 52 weeks! Sad. I still cancelled:-))))

I enjoyed this snarkiness (snarkyness?)... http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/18053.html

(evelyn) WSJ :that $99. is just for newbie subscription. I now pay $299. *whispers* Pssst, I'll tell you a secret....if you cancel, in a short amount of time, they'll send you an offer for $99 to rejoin. ;-) I've never paid more than that for it.

I've never paid more than that for it. I did too...but that was before new boss... Rupert Murdoch. Now one has to wait six months before re-subscribing and ...it's gone up to $119. Can't wait that long. Amazon has re-subscription for $249.

What;s so snarky about Roger Simon? (he's one of Chris Matthew's faves) Has he looked at that stimulus package? Know the percentage of job recovery in it?

On his radio program, Limbaugh noted that just as he wants Obama to fail, Obama wants Limbaugh to fail. The ramifications for Obama failing are enormous; for Limbaugh failing, they're non-existent. This hyper-partisan stuff has to stop. It serves no one except the media whores who fan the flames to boost their audience numbers or sell their books. In my opinion, the worst of it all started with Limbaugh and talk radio, and was then followed by the 24-hour "news" stations, in particular Fox News, and now some of the blogs. Now the other "side" is copying their tactics, though talk radio remains largely conservative. We used to have civil, intelligent political discourse. Now, it's who can shout the loudest, dig their heels in the most, and spout the most strident rhetoric. They whip people up, beyond the point of ever hoping to find common ground. I think people are sick of it. I am.

(Dorine) I don't know what end of the spectrum the Guardian falls on Have you forgotten that Colin used to do its crosswords? ;-) (Evelyn) This is free speech??? Yes, as a matter of fact it is. People sign petitions everyday for a wide range of subject matter. No one has booted him off the air. No one has organized a boycott (very free market tactic BTW) against his advertisers.

What;s so snarky about Roger Simon? I don't know his stuff well as I only read it periodically, so I don't know if this is his style, but this piece was full of snark and very amusing.

It would be great to have a healthy discourse, but it has to start with our leaders. To have an opposition is healthy and democratic. I have not forgotten that Obama threw 2 newspapers off his plane because they were not sucking up to him. There is a precedence, be ready for more. Gitmo should not close, but the move.on org people would hit the streets if O did not do it. Dorine, you really are into the Obama family? I puke at the love.

I missed this post... (Evelyn) FYI Ft. Sill does not have a prison. Well, I'd imagine they'd build one vs. letting them run amok. ;-) I don't listen to talk radio, nor to Olberman, but I defend their right to voice their opinions. I don't either (partially because I'm not in a car more than 2 or 3 times a month now and Air America's changed all the shows I liked) and I defend it as well, but is it really all that different than large special interest groups (or just large groups of the public at large) protesting/boycotting someone's show to get them fired because they were offended by or simply didn't like something that was said?

(Mari)though talk radio remains largely conservative. Libs have tried, but Sirius failed. And the media is non-partisan? This hyper-partisan stuff has to stop c' mon...this is a talk show, fergawdsake... His audience is miniscule. He only represents himself...not the whole party. Why doesn't anybody ever say anything about the MSNBC crowd: Matthews, Olberman, and of late Maddow...and all the slobbering underlings that appear nightly to demonize any Republican legislator who dares to disagree with their ideology. The media somehow keeps quiet about them. by the 24-hour "news" stations, in particular Fox News, And MSNBC is lily-white non-partisan? Well, you know my feelings on blogs....on either side. We used to have civil, intelligent political discourse. Historically, I don't think there has been. But I do think in this media-centric society it's worse. OKay....anybody else?....;-)

(Moon) Dorine, you really are into the Obama family? ???? Oh! The pictures? I enjoy seeing obviously happy families esp on an exciting day. To have an opposition is healthy and democratic. Funny, didn't seem that Bush and his cabal saw it that way at all. I struggle to think Obama is cut from the same cloth. But time will tell.

OKay....anybody else?....;-) Well, I'm off to Speed the Plow again (if I don't fall on my behind on ice), so I'll be takin' a break.....so to speak. ;-)

PS During the primaries FOX NEWS was the only channel that was fair to Hillary; by her own admission . Somehow, no one complained about them then.

You're right, Evelyn. Fox News was the only one I watched. I never would have imagined that Fox would be the fairest one. I also like Bill O' "pin head" segment. For women and Hillary supporters: http://www.nolimits.org/?sc=e.20090128&utm_source=e.20090128&utm_medium=e Dorine, the inauguration was over kill kumbaya. Why would I want to see even more pictures?

Because you're not the only one here? ;-)

Please, by all means, make life easier and discourage kids from working and studying harder.... http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20090128/us_time/08599187426600

Wait that's my school system and I can defend it. In schools around the US an A = 90 to 100, in Fairfax County an A = 94 to 100. When the GPA's are defined the kids in VA are in a disadvantage. All we want to do is equal the field. As it is, the Board of Education will not change the grading system, it will only allow one point more for AP courses and some Honors. The Fairfax County school system is one of the best and toughest in the US. My son attends Langley HS, yes, that Langley. And I've been part of the Fairgrade change group.

My school district here grades the same as yours, A=94. B = 86 to 93. That's fairly common here. Nobody complains. Too much emphasis on grades, IMO, and on whether or not Junior will get into Harvard.

c' mon...this is a talk show, fergawdsake... His audience is miniscule. So why is he a household name and why do his pronouncements make the national news if he's just a poor l'il guy. Why doesn't anybody ever say anything about the MSNBC crowd You can't mean me, because I've been critical of MSNBC, including Matthews and especially Olbermann during the primaries. On the other hand, I don't recall your ever being critical of a conservative media outlet, figure, or even point of view, lol, but maybe I'm wrong. I try to be fair and balanced.;-) But I do think in this media-centric society it's worse. I agree, and the 24-hour news stations started it. They don't have enough real "news" to fill 24/7--or at least the type of news that keeps viewers watching. So we get news mixed in with talking heads, and "facts" have morphed into opinion. Reporters, real journalists, have been replaced by personalities. And the more you shout the bigger your ratings. During the primaries FOX NEWS was the only channel that was fair to Hillary Doesn't sway me, or change my opionion of Fox as very biased. And if they gave Hill a break it was because they correctly recognized Obama as the real threat in the general election.

(me)Too much emphasis on grades, IMO, and on whether or not Junior will get into Harvard. Moon, I didn't mean to sound disdainful of your concerns. I do understand that the parents are responding to what they feel is an unfair situation; I wanted to point out that a lot of school districts are in the same boat. I seem to recall that the college apps allow for differences in high school GPA measurements, though. And I still think there's too much emphasis on grades. However, once the balance of power shifts--and there are fewer students competing for more open slots, instead of many students competing for few slots--and this will happen in this awful economy--then the colleges can go suck it.;-)

You know many colleges stopped using SAT or ACT's as admission criteria, so if they don't use grades, what do they use? How can they be evaluated? Even I get points for my yearly work evaluation. There has to be some scale of some sort.

(Evelyn) c' mon...this is a talk show, fergawdsake... His audience is miniscule. LOL, perhaps you minimize his influence a bit too much. Just grabbed this comment off someone's Facebook page. They were talking about the House passing the stimulus plan, and no Rep voting for it....hee. "....there's no upside to voting for the plan. If it doesn't work, they can say "I told you so." If it does, no one will care how they voted on it. And this way, they escape the wrath of the Republic party leadership, i.e., Rush Limbaugh."

(Dorine)many colleges stopped using SAT or ACT's as admission criteria The overwhelming majority require SAT or ACT scores. Those aren't going away.

True they aren't going away, but there are a good amount that don't require it, or only require for certain reasons such as from being out of state, not making a certain GPA, scholarships. http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional Also now the College Board is allowing students to send only their best scores over time. http://thenews.choate.edu/2009/01/23/Features/New_SAT_Score_Policy_for_2.php Still stressful. But again I ask, what are the options for grading and admission criteria without grades and SAT's?

(Mari)So why is he a household name and why do his pronouncements make the national news if he's just a poor l'il guy He is *now*. His pronouncements made national news because the President brought it up. Only raises his viewership....and puts the president in the "whiners" column:-( Which I don't like; I want him to stay presidential, which I know he is. Next he'll be telling me not to read the WSJ because their lead editorial dissected the stimulus package as to the small % going to job creation. The guy [Rush] is all over the tube even the busines channels; which is the only daytime tv I look at. (Dorine)Just grabbed this comment off someone's Facebook page. ROTF...so now we not only have *blogs* quoted on this topic, but *Facebook* Too?? Dios mio!;-)