Don't know that I love the dress itself (it looks a bit stiff - like it's holding her up in a way), but adore the color. http://tinyurl.com/36sct5l

The question is what is the first lady of Mexico wearing? A horror! I like Michelle's dress, the glittery look is in. Her hair looks great too.

FLOTUS looks v. elegant. But dress cut too high under the arms. The little bubble spilling over distracts the overall look. I would have sent it back for alterations.

State dinner chef tweets about 'day of creation' By DARLENE SUPERVILLE and NANCY BENAC (AP) � 16 hours ago WASHINGTON � "Got my fingers crossed there are no hitches." And with that tweet, Rick Bayless, a Chicago chef adored by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama for his way with Mexican food, dashed to the White House to finish preparations for Wednesday's state dinner for Mexican President Felipe Calderon and his wife, Margarita Zavala. The same could be said for the entire White House staff � anxious to pull off a flawless event after Obama's first state dinner six months ago was overshadowed by an uninvited husband-and-wife couple who somehow slipped through security. As guests streamed in, Mrs. Obama and the president greeted the Mexican first couple on the North Portico of the White House. Mrs. Obama wore a one-shoulder, shimmery, royal blue floor-length gown, with a wide silver belt and dangling silvery earrings, while Margarita Zavala arrived in a plum-colored gown with a squarish neckline bordered in blue. About 200 guests had coveted invitations for the four-course dinner in the East Room, complete with a celebrity contingent that included Whoopi Goldberg, Eva Longoria Parker, George Lopez and Olympic speedskater Shani Davis. Goldberg said it felt like she was "coming home after a long drought." She explained she'd been a frequent visitor during the Clinton years, but during the eight years of George W. Bush's presidency, "I wasn't here." Lopez proudly announced he'd been told he was sitting with the president. "They didn't tell me which one," he joked. Longoria Parker talked policy, saying it was an important time to be holding such a dinner with Mexican leaders, given the hot temperatures over immigration right now. "You can't have these states doing their own punitive laws," she insisted, referring to the tough immigration law approved in Arizona. A larger group of guests was arriving later in the evening for dessert and after-dinner entertainment inside a big white tent on the South Lawn, where Grammy Award winner Beyonce and the Mexican singing duo of Rodrigo y Gabriela were set to perform. The dinner was a coming-out party of sorts for new White House social secretary Julianna Smoot, who gave a quick wave and sprinted away when reporters called out for her to stop and chat. Smoot's predecessor, Desiree Rogers, resigned earlier this year; she'd been criticized for her high-profile approach to the job. After the gate-crashing incident, the White House promised tighter security this time around � and they delivered. One woman was turned away because she didn't have proper ID, but she and her husband returned about an hour later and got in. Kathryne Mudge said her husband, Arturo Valenzuela, an assistant secretary of state, was supposed to bring the necessary identification. "We tried to be extra careful, but my husband is the absent-minded professor," she said. Bayless, guest chef for the dinner at the invitation of Mrs. Obama, arrived in Washington two days early to start getting ready. Dinner opened with a salad of jicama with oranges, grapefruit and pineapple, followed by herb green seviche of Hawaiian opah. The main course of Oregon wagyu beef came with a Oaxacan black mole sauce that Bayless says uses more than 20 ingredients and takes days to come together. Grilled green beans and black bean tamalon will accompany the main course. Chocolate cajeta tart with toasted homemade marshmallows was on the dessert menu, along with a graham cracker crumble made with honey from the White House beehive and goat cheese ice cream. Herbs, radishes and lettuces from Mrs. Obama's garden on the South Lawn were used for the meal. The two presidents and their wives were sitting at a rectangular head table, with guests at a mix of rectangular and round tables draped in three shades of Mayan blue to simulate rippling water. Bouquets of fuchsia flowers, including roses and orchids, and prickly pear cactus were made into centerpieces. Guests will eat off from the Clinton china. Another 104 guests were joining the party for after-dinner entertainment in a tent decked out with tiered seating and a dance floor. Guests walking into the room will get the feel of Monarch butterflies in flight. The White House said that decor was chosen to honor Calderon's birthplace of Michoacan, Mexico, where the butterfly's annual migration from Canada ends each spring. "GR8 cooking w WH staff yesterday," Bayless tweeted early Wednesday. "Remarkable their organization, knowledge of protocol." That protocol, by the way, includes no tweets from the White House kitchen. The duo of Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero formed in Mexico City but moved to Dublin after becoming frustrated with the late '90s Mexican music scene. They are known for dueling acoustic guitar instrumentals that blend heavy metal sounds with Latin rhythms. The Obamas' first state dinner, for India's prime minister last November, was notable for its size � more than 300 guests dining underneath a large tent on the South Lawn � and Mrs. Obama's shimmery strapless evening gown. But it's also remembered for the security breach that allowed a northern Virginia couple who weren't on the guest list to slip into the White House and shake hands with the president. The White House reviewed its procedures afterward and decided to position White House staff at security checkpoints along with the Secret Service to help resolve any questions about the guest list for future dinners. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iC_elJ9H-i3kcjESzk2ZZMwhWXiAD9FQ7GI83

Zero menu, IMO I don't like Black Mole sauce, Black Beans ,marshmallows,honey or chocolate.

You don't like marshmallows? Or chocolate??? Oh my.

Except for toffee or with a cup of tea. But never at the end of a heavy meal. The whole menu sounded like a "Tagamet" fest anyway.

After 40 years??? Who does that? (Reuters) - Former Vice President Al Gore and his wife, Tipper, have decided to separate after 40 years of marriage, they announced on Tuesday. The Gores, in an e-mail message confirmed by their office, said the decision was made "after a great deal of thought and discussion." "This is very much a mutual and mutually supportive decision that we have made together following a process of long and careful consideration," they said. "We ask for respect for our privacy and that of our family, and we do not intend to comment further." Al Gore, a Democrat, who was Bill Clinton's vice president for eight years, narrowly lost the presidency to Republican George W. Bush in 2000 and won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his work against global climate change. During the Democratic National Convention in 2000, the Gores exchanged a long, passionate kiss on stage that became famous.

Anyone going to watch Fergie on Oprah tonight? (is it tonight)? Apparently she blames her wheeler dealing of access to her Ex, on the booze. Yeah, right. I have no sympathy.

make that booze.

After 40 years??? Who does that? And they just bought that gazillion dollar house in Santa Barbara? Maybe she got tired of "yawning";-) The guy is borrrring. I've always liked Tipper. Poor Fergie.The tabloids will crucify her.

(Evelyn)Poor Fergie.The tabloids will crucify her. Yeah, but she brought it upon herself, what ever possessed her, desperation I guess. I can't feel sorry for her.

(Evelyn) Poor Fergie.The tabloids will crucify her. "Poor" being the operative word, eh? In a bit of a money crunch I guess. But my first thought to your tabloids comment was Sue's exactly, she's done it to herself. And I agree, the Booze Defense is laughable. I don't have anything at all against her, but it was a ridiculously stupid move.

It *was* stupid....but I repeat: Poor Fergie. For thinking she could get away with such esp since she's a celebrity. And the press seems to salivate for anything derogatory they can write about her;she never had a chance. I am sure people get away with this all the time. Perhaps not for cash, but for football tickets to the Superball, resort vacations, blah, blah. And they don't get caught. It's not like she stole the money. I won't join the madding crowd hurling stones at her. Embarassiing for her girls though.

(Evelyn) Embarassiing for her girls though. I completely agree with this. And the press seems to salivate for anything derogatory they can write about her;she never had a chance. I don't see why she deserves one after doing something so stupid, esp as you say, she's a celebrity. A massive lapse in judgement (and apparently desperation) that I see no reason to get a pass from anyone (tabloids or otherswise) for. The best she can do is own up and move on.

Fergie, should have been a good little wife to the prince and not incite princess Di to party in discos, etc. She should be ashamed of herself. I say lock her up. And after 40 years they break up? I bet Al met some blond in CA. Stinks of midlife crisis to me.

Im telling ya', this is a tough crowd;-))))

Fergie, should have been a good little wife to the prince and not incite princess Di to party in discos, etc. She should be ashamed of herself. I say lock her up. Well now, Moon, LOL!! They were very young and thrown into very highly warped lifestyle from what they were used to. I can't fault either one of them there for the most part. They had a serious learning curve to overcome. It's a different story now, though locking her up might be a tad harsh. ;-) I actually was wondering which of them (Al or Tipper) was having the "crisis", though in a rather sexist way I was leaning toward Al.

And that story that the $$ was for a friend....pfft!!

(Evelyn)And the press seems to salivate for anything derogatory they can write about her;she never had a chance. But no one forced a gun to her head. She has always been known to live life to the excess, at last that's her public persona. As Dorine said,her Celebrity status is all the more reason to keep her nose clean. There must have been other ways to raise the cash. She is not alone with being cash strapped during these difficult times, and a lot of people do not have her advantageous connections. I'm saving my pity for her girls. I'm not a Royalist devotee, Fergie obviously didn't give it a second thought as to how her actions would impact on Andrew's role as Special Trade Ambassador. It might not just be those close to her she has damaged. I do agree though, the Royal's perhaps should have paid her off better in a divorce settlement, if nothing else, to keep her quiet. (Evelyn)Im telling ya', this is a tough crowd;-)))) LOL, ;-)

I agree Fergie was stupid and reckless beyond belief, but I don't like the fact that she was entrapped. Why did this tabloid have to run a sting operation on her, and lure her into it? Re: the Gores. I feel sad for them, as I like them both. They were together since they were 16. Once the kids are grown and on their own, some long-term couples find they no longer have much in common.

(Mari)Why did this tabloid have to run a sting operation on her, and lure her into it? That's the 'Screws of the world' for ya ;-)

Horrifying, shocking news from Cumbria today. I hope no one here is caught up in this. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/10216589.stm

There's no safe place anymore...Cumbria isn't exactly an inner city. Once the kids are grown and on their own, some long-term couples find they no longer have much in common. Like starting all over again. Takes work. Some people aren't willing to do that. We're a disposable society; marriage included.

(Mari) Once the kids are grown and on their own, some long-term couples find they no longer have much in common. It could be they wanted to split many years ago, but stayed together for the politics and the kids.

Sickening news from Cumbria. The death toll has now risen to 12.

and 3 critical. I have heard some of the eye witness accounts, absolutely awful. What with the bad coach crash the other week and now this, Cumbria can't cut a break.

Re: Cumbria, terrible tragedy, was the gunman a local or foreigner? (Dorine), They were very young and thrown into very highly warped lifestyle from what they were used to. I can't fault either one of them there for the most part. Di was young not Fergie. Di knew her place, she was the future Queen, she had been put through training before her marriage, she grew up in the beautiful Spencer estate, she knew what was at stake. Fergie's father worked for the Queen, Fergie was not new to that world. Who can forget those photos of her getting her toes licked, and she was topless too. She had no respect for her husband and her daughters then, she gets no pity from me. Rabble is as rabble does.

A local cab driver, Moon. According to press reports he was a loner. After his shooting spree he returned home and shot his Mother.

I saw in some of the reports that the cab driver had an argument with several others the night before add they've interviewed the drivers, yet haven't said what the argument was all about.

Poor Tipper, how embarassing. Now it's on the ABC News site.

oops...forgot the link http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/al-gore-sex-abuse-case-reopened-portland/story?id=11059203

FRom Daily Mail: Chelsea Clinton set to be married on historic Astor estate with Barack Obama as a guest - but Al Gore will NOT attend This is cute: "Speaking at a summit in Washington Bill Clinton recently said: 'She told me the other day, she said, 'Dad the only thing you gotta do is walk me down the aisle and you need to look good.' 'So I said 'Well, what's your definition?' 'And she said: 'Oh, about 15 pounds.' So I'm halfway home.' " http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1291515/Barack-Obama-attend-Chelsea-Clintons-wedding--scandal-plagued-Al-Gore-not.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

I thought this was an interesting perspective on blogging vs. traditional media, especially considering some of our discussions here and the viewpoints of blogging as unreliable vs. seeing the traditional media "on a pedestal." (At the risk of seemingly hitting people over the head with a hammer, the second paragraph is total sarcasm/snark.) http://www.salon.com/news/opinion/glenn_greenwald/2010/07/24/anonymity/index.html

Did you see the list of blogs this guy reads ? Dios mio!

Um, yeah...so?

Um, yeah,so.... who has this kind of time? I barely get my newspapers & Drool read.

So of all the things you took time to actually read, you scrolled down to see what his reading list was..listed at least halfway down the page on the opposite side of the article?? LOL.

Yeah...and *along* with the article , the list wasn't worth it either;-)

But if you didn't have time to read it, how would you know?? ;-)

Question.... Does anyone think BP has done all they could to stop/clean up the oil spill as well as help those affected?? Someone said that in a FB conversation I had the other day and was just curious if that's a general consensus.

One of the player's in the Iranian Women's soccer team lost her scarf during a game, and panic ensued on the field. Her team menbers rushed to her and help her get the scarf back on her head. I am rotally disgusted. Those poor girls play like this in those dessert conditions: What was worse was watching the panic and fear in their faces as they rushed to her their team mate with her scarf. I feel for those women. :-( I hope that poor girl will not get stoned for it.

Ah, typing too fast, excuse the errors.

I'm in amazement they're allowed to play at all, scarves or not.

Glass half full logic. ;-)

From Today: The Corriere della Sera:(I put it through google translation): Rosy Bindi (ed note: who is a senator from the left) : the dignity of humiliated Italian women Gaddafi show in Rome with the hostess , "Islam should be the religion of Europe" Five models recruited by an agency for the lesson on the Koran three convert ROME - "Islam should become the religion of all Europe . " Thus, the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi on Sunday afternoon in Rome apostrophized the almost 500 girls convened for a lesson on the Koran. The Libyan leader arrived in the morning in the capital to celebrate the second anniversary of the signing of the treaty of friendship between Italy and Libya , has distributed copies of the Koran to 487 girls ( there were 47 children , but for them there was no time ) , who met with divided in two groups . Three girls, two Italian and one Spanish , were presented with the veil because they converted to Islam , a decision that Gaddafi has sealed a "rite fast , " a small ceremony of initiation. The three outputs are converted , including the latest , all together, without any declaration . All wore the traditional Muslim chador , which, however, came from his hair. A few minutes later , a fourth girl came out again with a completely black Muslim veil . According to a hostess present for the meeting , however, this would not be converted to view the arrival of Gaddafi, but had long since embraced the Islamic religion . Gaddafi has linked the idea of a Europe of Turkey's Islamic European Union, and spoke to Muhammad, "last prophet " , while Jesus is the penultimate . The girls were able to make some questions , however, banned the political or ' uncomfortable '(read the report of the day in the story of a ' infiltrated 'between the hostess). The rest of the long article is here: http://www.corriere.it/cronache/10_agosto_29/gheddafi-roma-cavalli-amazzoni-tenda-beduina_fed80874-b344-11df-ac3b-00144f02aabe.shtml

In AOL news: Iran Calls French First Lady a 'Prostitute' Over Stoning Issue http://www.aolnews.com/world/article/iran-state-media-call-french-first-lady-carla-bruni-sarkozy-a-prostitute/19613627 They're very good at demeaning women, those schmucks. A pox on them.

I would think she could care less what Iran calls her and wouldn't see fit to even acknowledge it.

OMG, this is so adorable!! I wonder if he/it works on children as well. :-D http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCnAjel02lM

Royal wedding: 50 things you may not know about Kate Middleton and Prince William: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8139417/Royal-wedding-50-things-you-may-not-know-about-Kate-Middleton-and-Prince-William.html Janet, I am baffled that you don't think Charles was highly educated. He's been rigurously educated since he was 7. http://www.britainexpress.com/royals/charles2.htm

Well, he may have attended the best schools etc, but does that mean that he is highly educated? He strikes me as being a bit thick, lol!

We'll agree to disagree. His opinions on architecture and his organic farming makes him very forward thinking, IMO. I also think he would be a good king.

Back to Prince William. I love that he said he hauled the engagement ring in a rucksack with him around Kenya just before he Proposed. He said he was a little worried as he would have been in a lot of trouble if he had lost it.

Some interesting facts in the Royal wedding: 50 things. Thanks for posting it, Moon. So, Kate is a sea goat too.

Three in a row, but here goes. Just been reported on the news Prince Charles has admitted for the first time that Camilla could become Queen when he takes the throne. At the time of his marriage he maintained she would keep the title of Princess Consort. A man whom can't keep his word. Just another reason why I believe Prince Charles would not make a good King.

And she's allergic to horses?! That must be hard. ;-)

Sue, don't fret it. The Camilla issue is not decided. The public opinion will have much to say.

He knew the British public wouldn't accept Queen Camilla at the time of his marriage-He's a bit naive to think we would now. He should allow the throne to pass to William on his mother's death. The monarchy would be devalued, even more than it has been already, otherwise.

I agree, Janet.

(Moon) I am baffled that you don't think Charles was highly educated. He's been rigurously educated since he was 7. (Janet) Well, he may have attended the best schools etc, but does that mean that he is highly educated? Technically he might be highly educated, but that doesn't equate to intelligence. I think Prince Charles has earned the throne. He's probably done more public service than anyone else his age. In marrying Diana, he was attempting to do what was right for the family, which didn't work out in this day and age. As for how history will treat him, I suspect he might come off better than, say, another Bertie, a king-in-training for a ridiculously long time (his mother being Victoria), Edward VII. He led a fairly dissolute life. One of his mistresses was the great great grandmother of Camilla. ;-)

For you fans of Charles, he's interviewed tonight by Brian Williams on Dateline NBC.

Curiously enough I watched a programme about Charlie boy tonight which has deepended my opinion. I would have thought Princess Anne is equal to Charles with regards to puclic duties.Pity his duty to his Diana fell so woefully short.He could have picked a better match.IMO he picked a bride whom he hoped would turn a blind eye to his daliances with Camilla. I would much prefer to see William as King,whom,if the interview I saw the other day is anything to go by, will be more in touch with the people.

Ha! Mari, I believe thats the interview in which he mentioned the Queen Camilla thing, which, for the record,Clarence House have denied saying it still stands she will remain Princess Consort.

No matter what Clarence House says now, she has the legal right to be Queen Consort, and I believe Charles will push for that when the time comes. -Big mistake!!

Loved this-but if you're a Royalist and easily offended, perhaps you shouldn't look, lol! http://www.eclectech.co.uk/camillaqueen.php

LOL, that is too cruel,Janet, but funny.

Queen Camila will not matter. It's King Charles who will and should inherit. Diana was chosen for Charles and he agreed to the match. Wrong as it was. I am not a Diana fan, I am not a Camila fan. I have my King and he's Juan Carlos of Spain. I don't think William is ready to be King.

(Moon) It's King Charles who will and should inherit. That brings up an interesting point. He's so well-known all over the world as Charles, but would he want to be Charles III? The Charleses don't exactly have a great reputation.

I thought I read somewhere years ago that he might go for another George? It will be interesting to see.

The Son Also Rises: Should William be king? By GREGORY KATZ, Associated Press � 51 mins ago LONDON � King Charles or King William? Royal wedding bells have reignited the debate over whether Prince Charles should step aside to let his more popular son William be king. Many are pushing the idea as the nation buzzes over the announcement of William's engagement to longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton. They argue that Charles' standing suffered irreparable harm when his marriage to Princess Diana fell apart and seamy details of his affair with Camilla Parker Bowles went public. Others say he is, at 62, simply too old to start an effective reign after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, dies. It's more than an academic question: the queen is 84 years old, albeit in seemingly excellent health. There's little question who'd win a popularity contest between the aging prince, who has alienated many Britons, and the charismatic young man who reminds many of his late mother, Diana. And Camilla, whom Charles married eight years after Diana's death, is not loved by the public, while William's fiancee, Kate Middleton, is cresting in popularity. So perhaps it's surprising that many Britons seem to prefer to leave the line of succession as it stands. "Why change the rules now?" said Henrietta Jones, 64, a retiree. "William has to wait his turn just like everyone before him. I think Charles really does have what it takes to be king and I think he honestly deserves it." But she admitted a certain ambivalence about Charles and his prospects as monarch: "Honestly, he is who he is and we have to deal with that." The support for leaving the established order in place reflects a go-slow approach to change and modernization in Britain, where reforms of traditional institutions like the House of Lords have proceeded slowly. Centuries of tradition suggest Charles should be next on the throne and his would-be subjects seem unwilling to challenge that despite his marital misadventures. The public is less forgiving in its attitude toward Camilla. She is still seen by some as the "other woman" in the ill-fated Charles and Diana fairy tale. Charles' suggestion, made in a U.S. television interview broadcast Friday, that she might one day take the title of queen � something many in Britain oppose � was front page news in the British tabloids Saturday. Constitutional experts like professor and author Vernon Bogdanor point out that even if Charles were extremely unpopular there is no easy way to alter the line of succession, which is not designed to bend to public opinion or respond to the whims of tabloid newspaper editors. There is no precedent in modern British history of a would-be king stepping down or being passed over so his son could accede to the throne. "People often talk about that possibility, but we live in a parliamentary monarchy and any arrangement to change the succession has to go through Parliament, not just in Britain, but in other parliaments, including Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica and others," he said. "You can't just decide to skip a generation, it's not going to happen." He said altering the succession would undermine the principle of constitutional monarchy, which is based on the concept that determining who ascends to the throne is not a matter of individual choice. "It would raise the argument of who is best suited to be head of state, which having a constitutional monarchy avoids," he said, pointing out that when King Edward VIII abdicated in 1936 so that he could marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee, that decision required the approval of Parliament. Current rules of succession are based on a series of constitutional developments in the 17th and 18th centuries, including the 1689 Bill of Rights and the 1701 Act of Settlement that, among other things, confirms Parliament's role in setting succession policy. There is little doubt that Britain's unruly tabloid newspaper editors would prefer to have a young king with a chic, photogenic queen, but the decision is not in their hands, even if they can produce unscientific call-in surveys suggesting that William is "the peoples' choice." If the queen wanted the throne to go straight to her grandson rather than her son � and there has been no indication whatsoever that this is the case � succession rules mean that she would not have the power to make that happen unilaterally. Such a decision would also involve British "realms" � places as diverse as Canada and the Tuvalu islands in the Pacific � where the queen is the nominal head of state. Any change in the succession procedures would have a direct impact on those realms because it would mean that William, not Charles, would next assume that role. Still, some Britons believe the monarchy would be reinvigorated by having a youthful king untarnished by scandal when the queen's reign is over. "William would make a much better king," said social worker Kayla Healey, 25, from Brighton on Britain's south coast. "I understand that the rule of succession is a long-standing tradition in our monarchy, but these are modern times and it makes more sense to have a modern succession." Like many, she feels Charles' personal life has sullied his reputation and raised questions about his fitness to be king. "Charles had messed up so many times," she said. "I mean, look at poor Diana. I just don't think his head is in the right place." Gillian Smith in London contributed to this report. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/eu_britain_king_william;_ylt=AhUO0Lxe8qFeTArSlW6yUoms0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNyaTU5aGNnBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAxMTIwL2V1X2JyaXRhaW5fa2luZ193aWxsaWFtBGNjb2RlA21vc3Rwb3B1bGFyBGNwb3MDNgRwb3MDMwRwdANob21lX2Nva2UEc2VjA3luX2hlYWRsaW5lX2xpc3QEc2xrA3RoZXNvbmFsc29yaQ--

He could chose any of his given names, which if I remember, are Charles Philip Arthur George.

"William would make a much better king," said social worker Kayla Healey, 25, from Brighton on Britain's south coast. "I understand that the rule of succession is a long-standing tradition in our monarchy, but these are modern times and it makes more sense to have a modern succession." Is there anything logical--or that makes sense--in this response? *snort* (Janet) which if I remember, are Charles Philip Arthur George LOL! Yes, who could forget that string of names from Diana's flubbing them during her vows.

the charismatic young man who reminds many of his late mother, Diana. Ugh, that is reason enough for me to delay his taking the throne. I've never been a Diana fan. I'm happy it would take so much to break from tradition.

Take that Evolutionist: NASA research finds a life form that on the molecular level is unlike all others on Earth. The bacterium, found in a lake in California, is strong evidence that life may not have evolved from a single common ancestor. http://link.email.washingtonpost.com/r/C7I8XW/5C2URD/D4QOBJ/IGY8HC/69NTN/B7/h

Moon, do you have vacation plans to Kentucky anytime?? ;-)

This woman is a case study in poor lending, like the mortgage one: http://finance.yahoo.com/college-education/article/111460/is-the-college-debt-bubble-ready-to-explode I also skimmed over the first page of comments and have to agree that: (1) Study abroad? (2) $50K/year for a sociology degree that won't provide the annual income necessary to pay it off (3) Can't afford, go to a cheaper school

I have two in college and one in Law school, depressing article, Karen. :-( Dorine, I'll be in Kentucky if: 1. I'm invited by George Clooney to his parent's house. 2. I have a horse running in the Derby.

Sending love to Julian Assange. May he have a back up plan because this "Stalinist Style" hunt against him is massive. Long live WikiLeaks!

Hear! hear!

And oh my gosh, poor Elizabeth Edwards just passed away. They said yesterday it was weeks. Sad.

She faced a great deal of adversity with such grace.

I strongly suspect Julian Assange will be Time's Man of the Year. Or would be if they likely would succumb to US govt pressure not to, or the thought of govt pressure. And they'd be as cowardly as the rest of the people cutting off Wikileaks (like PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, all the hosting sites, etc) if they didn't do it should they be inclined to. Of course we'd probably never know one way or the other if they had chosen him, but didn't run with it.

LOL, about a minute after I wrote above I ran across something that said Mr. Assange is leading the Time mag poll asking for votes for candidates for Person of the Year. I had no idea. Just a logical leap for me to assume he would/could be.

From the Guardian blog ....What delicious irony (hypocrisy?). The comment at the end is theirs not mine, but it was exactly what I thought. 5.30pm: With perfect timing an email arrives from Philip Crowley at the state department: The United States is pleased to announce that it will host Unesco's World Press Freedom Day event in 2011, from 1-3 May in Washington, DC. Ironic? Read the next paragraph from the press release: The theme for next year's commemoration will be 21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers. The United States places technology and innovation at the forefront of its diplomatic and development efforts. New media has empowered citizens around the world to report on their circumstances, express opinions on world events, and exchange information in environments sometimes hostile to such exercises of individuals' right to freedom of expression. At the same time, we are concerned about the determination of some governments to censor and silence individuals, and to restrict the free flow of information. We mark events such as World Press Freedom Day in the context of our enduring commitment to support and expand press freedom and the free flow of information in this digital age. Shameless. You really could not make it up. http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/blog/2010/dec/07/wikileaks-us-embassy-cables-live-updates/print

Moon)Sending love to Julian Assange. May he have a back up plan because this "Stalinist Style" hunt against him is massive. Long live WikiLeaks! (Dorine)Hear! hear! I feel sorry for Hillary and our President. She has worked so hard. Put on such a brave face, but you could see the humiliation.

I was very glad to read some and/or about some of those cables. I was glad to know the tack that Obama took with regards to Iran in actuality vs. what was being said. So...... she worked hard trying by giving directions to spy on UN personnel, against the law. Can't say I feel particularly sympathetic on that. I haven't read anything that makes me feel particular sympathy for her at all, not that I wouldn't if I see something. I haven't read it all.

So...... she worked hard trying by giving directions to spy on UN personnel, against the law. But then again, they probably all do it (all countries I mean).

That's what diplomats do. Still....it makes it for difficult for her to gain the confidence of foreign heads of state if they know what they tell her will be spilled all over the front pages world wide. IMHO she is doing her best for the country in difficult times. My hat is off to her.

This is an interesting article if the info is accurate regarding the charges against Assange. I don't see how even coercion applies here. If anything, the women are/were attemtping to coerce him into having an STD test (which I don't blame them for wanting testing). This is total ridiculousness. The investigation was dropped the first time around. http://www.reuters.com/article/comments/idUSTRE6B669H20101207

Charles and Camilla under attack. So Mr Firth, do you approve of breaking the law now! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/8192767/Tuition-fees-protesters-attack-car-carrying-Prince-Charles-and-the-Duchess-of-Cornwall.html

I should explain, which is pretty much what TPS was endorsing!

Following on from my post on Colin Firth...Treasury office and Supreme Court badly vandalised (windows smashed, graffiti) phone boxes smashed, bricks, snooker balls, golf balls, all manner of missiles thrown at the police. Protesters then went down Oxford Street and trashed shop windows. Charles and Camilla's car got caught up in the riots. Just seen video footage on the news, its quite shocking. The whole protest is an absolute disgrace.

Horrible behavior. I'm surprised by the lack of security for the Prince, Sue! A big crowd is hard to miss. I do know that the tuition in the UK is nothing compared to the US. :-( Students just take it here. I'd love to see some peaceful demonstrations here. In Milan, student protesters attacked patrons at the opening night of La Scala two days ago. They were protesting changes in the education system. Maybe the Brits got the idea from them?

Horrible behavior. I'm surprised by the lack of security for the Prince, Sue! Exactly, Moon! Someone's head will roll for that one. I'm sure Liz won't be amused. Can you believe one of the back windows of the car was open about a good inch. They showed footage of 4 riot vans waiting outside the venue which apparently Camilla and Charles left in at least one of those. Windows blackened out. The riots were shocking to watch. I guess from my personal viewpoint, at least they are leaving the bankers alone whilst they have a go at the politicians ;-) At least Ant should move offices early next year and not be working in such a high public profile building, it can't come a moment too soon. But, as Janet said, the riots are shadowing more important issues.

As I head up to Bedfordshire, here are some images of Westminster under seige today. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1337088/TUITION-FEES-VOTE-PROTEST-Charles-Camillas-car-attacked-thousands-students-descend-Parliament.html and some video footage. Apparently an eye witness reported their car became detached from their security outriders and the security car following them. I would say the Prince and Camilla can count themselves lucky coming out of that with no more than a battered car. http://news.yahoo.com/video/world-15749633/23431085 http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3268159/Charles-Camillas-car-is-attacked-in-London-as-students-protest.html

Sorry for another post, but here is a better video of the incident. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-11954333

(Moon)Maybe the Brits got the idea from them? The Lib Dem leader is under fire for his complete turnaround re student fees since the General Election. Amazing how a taste of power can turn your head:-( -I expect him to do a Winston Churchill and jump ship soon;-)

At least nine police officers were seriously injured as mask-wearing anarchists hijacked the final tuition fees protest and turned yet another peaceful demonstration into chaos. I have read reports that police cutbacks have resulted in less manpower to monitor the activities of the anarchists planned actions.