Paranoia Strikes Deep...

into your life it will creep, it starts when you're always afraid...

Obama is to blame for all our problems...he's turning America into a socialist country...
taxes are too high..no, they aren't..they are simply not levied justly
we're losing our freedoms: I am free to do whatever I want if I follow a few basic common sense rules, so I don't know WTF they are talking about
government is in the pocket of unions..and unions represent the taxpaying working class!
swine flu: illegal alien curse
rocknroll: Eric Clapton and three members of Buffalo Springfield (Neil Young, Richie Furay and Jim Messina) are busted at Stephen Stills’ L.A. home for "being in a place where it is suspected marijuana was being used". Stills escapes the authorities by jumping out of a window
Greka Oil: DeVegvar also said the Company's security consultant, former FBI agent Tom Parker, is continuing his investigation of the sabotage that caused the Dec. 7 spill at the Bell-Palmer Road facility and the Jan. 5 spill at the Zaca-Davis facility. Parker is also expanding his investigation to look at previous incidents and determine if they were caused by sabotage as well.
Global Warming..then why the fuck is it so cold in Carp in May???
ACORN & Spongebob: they must be investigated beacuse there's so many black and gay people there: Before Obama, of course, the assertions were made that it was the enemies of the administration that were threatening the fabric of America. It's not enough to declare that you are against gay marriage: such relationships must represent an imminent danger to straight marriages. It's not enough to not believe in evolution yourself: the mere mention of it is turning children against God. Spongebob is gay. Liberals want the terrorists to succeed.
ACORN fills a vital role in this conservative sphere of constant, imminent destruction -- but not as real danger. Instead it is a catch-all bogeyman, an avatar representing an unseen and generic enemy. The reason it is "ACORN" that is going to surreptitiously disrupt conservative Tea Bag festivities is because "ACORN" is the only nefarious bogeyman most conservatives know. Nobody would seriously believe Muslims, homosexuals, or space aliens will interfere with the protests -- or maybe they would, considering the audience -- but it is a given that some group must stand in opposition, and ACORN is simply a convenient, predetermined name for that group. It could be any name, because the name is unimportant, only the narrative of all-powerful, omnipresent enemy. Before ACORN, it was the ACLU. Before the ACLU, it was McCarthy's invisible Communists.
AHEM...　
This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days. FDR

stoked...

and broke...

conservatives, who elected Arnold and got California into a big financial mess, are now supposed to solve our problems..by electing guys like Stoker?? Arnold failed because he couldn't cut waste or raise taxes when needed! How hard is it to raise taxes on wine or cigs or gamblers, or stop wasteful programs like the Channel Islands restoration scam... WE NEED TEDDY ROOSEVELT CONSERVATIVES, not these punks! The election is a long way off, still time for Stoker to start getting honest and start making sense, but he looks too much like a puppet for wealthy interests and trust fund babies..
making excuses
from Santa Maria Times:
Greka spokesman Mike Stoker said that he believes the Jan. 4 spill might have been the result of tampering from someone outside the company.
"Either there is a ghost out there, or someone is intentionally doing things to the equipment," he said.
Equipment failures aside, County Fire Department Capt. Eli Iskow said that regulations require that there be containment ponds or tanks in place to capture any spills. In this case, Stoker said, the pond put in place to capture a potential spill was full of rainwater.

from USA TODAY....
USA
Brooks Firestone, whose family leases land to Greka, was one of two members of the county Board of Supervisors who blocked an emergency hearing on Greka in December. He said the staff needed more time to prepare, and warned board members not to become hysterical.
"To me, a huge event involving oil was the Kuwaiti oil fields that were fired by the Iraqi army in the first Gulf War, the 1969 oil spill in the channel, the Valdez tanker and the Normandy tanker," Firestone said at the time. "What is the meaning of this incident?"
Days later, on Jan. 5, Greka spilled more than 190,000 gallons of oil and contaminated water on the land it leases from the Firestone estate. Since that spill, Firestone has withdrawn from deciding matters related to Greka.
Firestone, an heir to the tire fortune, said it would be too difficult to calculate how much income he receives from Greka. On political disclosure forms, he said he owns only 9 percent of the vineyard land on which the Greka installation sits. Officials have to own at least 10 percent of a business to disclose income from it.
A former county supervisor, Mike Stoker, has served as a Greka spokesman and said he was hired last year as a consultant to improve the company's relationship with local regulators and help Greka become a "better corporate citizen." He would not say what Greka pays him. Stoker is also the $60,720-a-year district representative for state Sen. Tom McClintock.
now really..how is this an improvement ??

Chicken Little Politics..

One day Chicken Little was walking in the woods when — KERPLUNK — an acorn fell on her head
"Oh my goodness!" said Chicken Little. "The sky is falling! I must go and tell the king."


chick
chick2

if you take a walk in Santa Barbara, you see the downtown area is vibrant, with folks milling about, shopping, eating and enjoying the atmosphere..the reports of gang violence and shuddered shops have been played up and exaggerated by the News-PRess for political purposes. The bottom line is the News-Press wants Santa Barbara to fail, just like Rush Limbaugh wants America to fail under Obama..the similarites are striking! Rush keeps babbling the same way Travis and Wendy keep babbling...very symptomatic of drug addicts...Rush with Oxycotin and the News-Press as we all know, are big boozers! See??
When I visited the SB College of Law where the News-Press trial is happening, I found Santa Barbara to be much like her old self..friendly and casual. Even with nitwits like the News-Press lawyers running through the streets, it was a fun day. I plan to attend more hearings next week...Wendy can't be left alone to continue breaking labor laws and cabal members just showing up at the hearings appears to rattle her law team..I hope the judge is noticing the sky is falling only on the News-Press...

Bikini Bandits

Call them the bikini bandits.

Surveillance cameras at a Lafayette, La., apartment complex captured two bikini-clad babes stealing items from several cars parked outside.

The klepto-chicks stole a GPS, a wallet and sunglasses, then and fled on foot.

America, A Nation Of Religious Illiterates

WHAT do President Obama and former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld have in common? Both were embroiled in religious controversy during the last few weeks.

Some were scandalized to see Obama honored by Notre Dame, a Catholic university, given his views on abortion. Meanwhile, some objected to Rumsfeld's apparent use of biblical references in daily military-intelligence briefings, as was detailed in an article in GQ magazine.

Beyond the particulars of those events is a broader issue: The great bulk of the American public lacks the religious literacy to put these and many other controversies into a meaningful context.

Recent surveys of religious knowledge by the Gallup Organization and others have found that barely 10 percent of US teenagers can name the five major religions. About one-half of adults can name just one of the four gospels.

Many students apparently think that Joan of Arc is the wife of Noah. Only one-third could identify Jesus as the person who delivered the Sermon on the Mount. George Gallup once rightfully called America "a nation of biblical illiterates."

Many issues have religious dimensions, including Gov. Paterson's proposal to allow same-sex marriages, Mayor Bloomberg's support for stem-cell research, the debate over whether Islam is a violent or peaceful religion, the fate of Jerusalem in Mideast talks, voucher initiatives to allow public funding of religious schools and so on.

Americans casually throw about such phrases as "the golden rule," "Good Samaritan," "Promised Land," "olive branch" and "an eye for an eye" with little, if any, understanding of their biblical context.

While many know that the US Constitution bans the government from establishing a religion, fewer know that it also guarantees the free exercise of religion. Hardly anyone knows that the phrase "separation of church and state" doesn't appear in the Constitution; it is from a private letter written by Thomas Jefferson.

The inclusion of religious references in public pronouncements isn't new. For example, 46 years ago in his "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. likened his presence in Birmingham to the Apostle Paul leaving Tarsus to preach "the gospel of Jesus Christ to the far corners of the Greco-Roman world."

Today, how many students understand the religious references in this seminal letter or appreciate the role of his faith in motivating his leadership of the civil-rights movement?

Just as E.D. Hirsch made the case in the '80s for a broader cultural literacy, one now can be made for taking steps to ensure a basic religious literacy, starting with our nation's schools. The outlines of what this religious literacy might look like are set forth in an interesting book by Boston University's Stephen Prothero, "Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know -- and Doesn't."

Contrary to what some educators believe, the US Constitution doesn't ban the teaching of religion in public schools. In fact, the US Supreme Court has upheld the teaching of the Bible and other religious texts as long as they aren't taught in a sectarian or devotional way. In colloquial terms: "Teach it, don't preach it."

School-district officials are understandably shy about entering a broader debate on religion. But we can no longer pretend that this conflict-avoidance stance comes without a steep price.

James Madison spoke of "an intelligent and educated citizenry" as the cornerstone of self-government. When it comes to religion, that's not what we have now.

At a recent conference, I set forth options for starting down the path toward religious literacy, including the broader teaching of languages that make religious texts more accessible (including Hebrew and Arabic); the balanced re-insertion of religion into instruction about world and American history, culture, literature, geography and the visual and performing arts; the creation of religious charter schools, and an expansion of school-choice measures like vouchers and education tax credits.

Reasonable people can disagree on where we draw the line on these options, but standing still amid widespread ignorance isn't a real choice.

Thomas W. Carroll is president of the Foundation for Education Reform & Accountability, NY Post, 5/28/09

More Season 8 Casting News...

Freddie Prinze Jr. taking role on "24"

By Nellie Andreeva Nellie Andreeva – Thu May 28, 12:44 am ET

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Freddie Prinze Jr. as Jack Bauer Jr.?

Sources said Prinze is joining the cast of the Fox series "24" as a regular, playing Davis Cole, a recently returned Marine who runs CTU Field Ops and wants to follow in the footsteps of Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland).

Prinze is one of several new cast members on the real-time drama, whose upcoming eighth season started production Wednesday. Anil Kapoor ("Slumdog Millionaire") plays a Middle East leader, Chris Diamantopoulos is the president's new chief of staff, and John Boyd is cast as a CTU systems analyst. All three are regulars, while Jennifer Westfeldt has come aboard in the recurring role of a journalist.

Also taking a recurring role on the series is Nazneen Contractor as Kapoor's daughter.

Prinze's many television credits include the 2005-2006 sitcom "Freddie," in which he starred.

Link: Yahoo News

can I get a witness...

you're gonna like the way you look....

from the moment I stepped into the proceedings room at 20 E Victoria for the New-Press hearings, Wendy's lawyer Barry Cappello began watching me like a movie, suspiciously, out of the corner of his eye. It was 11:00 am, I was in shorts with my camera bag over my shoulder, sitting in the back of the small room... I took a couple of pictures..I waited a bit..then Yolanda Apodaca, the News-Press Human Resources Director, took the witness stand...she's a pretty hot Latina babe...spoke quietly but couldn't remember a damn thing about 2006 and doesn't know a thing about Human Resources, either. Gee Yolanda, what about all the union busting (firing permanent employees and hiring temps) the News-Press was trying to do in 2006..she kept telling the NLRB lawyer "I don't remember, I don't know"....ok, so she's got ADD..slip some Ritalin in her water bottle. Now, about 15 minutes into the proceedings, Cappello, who was sitting in the back 3 chairs away from me, goes over to another NewsPRess lawyer and whispers something to him.....whispers ..then the assistant comes over to me and asks if I'm a witness or observer..I tell him observer..then he goes over to Cappello and tells him I'm an observer! Cappello nods his head. Apparently, there's a little hierarchy among NewsPress lawyers where the important ones get the 16 year old flunkies to ask questions to non-lawyers like me....I looked at him and laughed and shook my head....he kept looking at his notebook and leaving the room,coming back, leaving, coming back.. I think I was really getting under his skin for some reason..IT WAS HILARIOUS! and do all these guys shop at Men's Wearhouse??
Then, I take another picture of Yolanda who was still on the witness stand, preening. The same thing happens with the NP lawyers..there were six of them! Like little tattletails, they start whispering to each other, then interrupt the questioning and tell the judge.."someone in the audience is taking pictures of the witness"...the judge looks at me since I'm the only one there, (the lawyers never once looked back at me, only quick glances on the sly) and says: "you need to stop with the pictures of the witness".
I said: "ok, your Honor.. sorry, I didn't realize it wasn't allowed" Then he says "can you erase them?"..I said: "sure, I'll do it right now if you want"...he says: "no..that's ok, I'll trust you to do it later". Obviously this wasn't a big deal or they would have confiscated my camera. I think Capppello was just throwing a little beta-male temper tantrum...he was like a little monkey making faces at me!!!!

After the interruption I caused, the proceedings started again...Capppello was still darting in and out of the room, still giving me the evil eye...geez, Barry, you got a problem with me, come over and say it to my face...I'm right there in the same room, you little freak! Who do you think you are, Elvis Presley?
Well...I won't show Yolanda's picture ..I respect the judge and the system to a degree... but he didn't say anything about taking pictures of the lawyers! Lunch break at 12:30 pm so I went to check out City Hall..on my way out I'm walking down the sidewalk, I turn around and there's Barry and boys huddled together, staring at me. I stop and stand there with arms open to see of they wanted to rumble, to show off for the girls, but they turned and walked off...
City Hall Protest...
two Pressies showed up to protest the city's fire response...this "event" was advertised in the NewsPress Sunday letters/opinion section....instead of taking responsibility for their own lives, Pressies blame City Hall for all their problems...what do they want..Mayor Blum to take them home, tuck them into bed, and read them a bedtime story?

'24' Quote Of The Day

"We found the incubator with the virus in it in the room next door. If you don't tell me what I need to know, I'll put you in there and I'll open it up."

-Jack Bauer (to Michael Amador)

Season 3

4:00 am - 5:00 am

Sonia Sotomayor From The South Bronx to Supreme Court

President Obama made history yesterday when he nominated Bronx-born federal appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be the first Hispanic on the Supreme Court.

"What you've shown in your life is that it doesn't matter where you come from, what you look like or what challenges life throws your way," Obama said as Sotomayor, 54, stood at his side in the packed White House East Room.

The president called Sotomayor "an inspiring woman who I believe will make a great justice," and said his nominee had "an understanding of how the world works and how ordinary people live."

Fighting off nervousness, Sotomayor recalled getting a private White House tour 11 years ago.

"It was an overwhelming experience for a kid from the South Bronx," she said. "Yet, never in my wildest childhood imaginings did I ever envision that moment, let alone did I ever dream that I would live this moment."

Sotomayor is best known for her decision as a trial judge in 1995 to bar Major League Baseball from using replacement players, ending a nearly yearlong strike.

"Some say that Judge Sotomayor saved baseball," Obama said.

The announcement ended a guessing game that began May 1, when Justice David Souter announced he was retiring.

Obama aides said that the White House narrowed the list of possible successors to four people, all women: Sotomayor, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Solicitor General Elena Kagan and federal Judge Diane Wood.

Sotomayor, whose parents came to New York from Puerto Rico during World War II, was interviewed by Obama under high secrecy Thursday night.

She spent seven hours at the White House -- and one hour in the Oval Office with Obama -- without word slipping out. The president, who was said to be greatly impressed during the interview, offered her the post in a phone call at 9 p.m. Monday.

Sotomayor, who would be the third woman to serve on the high court, is expected to quickly begin making the rounds of senators who will be key in her confirmation fight.

Democrats are hoping for a vote before the Senate's August recess.

For the most part, Republicans held their fire yesterday, saying that her record would be thoroughly vetted during the confirmation process, although some charged that she was the most liberal of the four women on the short list. But Obama stressed she had been nominated to her first federal judgeship by a GOPer, President George H.W. Bush.

When President Bill Clinton nominated her to a higher court in 1997, Republicans dragged her confirmation out for a year -- partly out of fear that she was a natural for the high court.

Conservatives admitted yesterday that the solid Democratic Senate majority makes confirmation all but inevitable.

"I doubt that Sotomayor can be stopped. She should be," said radio host Rush Limbaugh, who added, "She is a horrible pick."

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said his colleagues will be fair, "but we will thoroughly examine her record to ensure that she understands that the role of a jurist . . . is to apply the law evenhandedly, despite their own feelings or personal or political preferences."

Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), the Judiciary Committee's top Republican, said he, too, had promised a fair shake.

"I'd like it to be a hearing that people can be proud of," he said.

Obama stressed Sotomayor's up-from-poverty life story -- how, after her father died when she was 9, "her mother worked six days a week as a nurse," how Sotomayor won scholarships to Princeton and Yale, and served as a Manhattan prosecutor under "the legendary Robert Morgenthau" before becoming a judge.

"Along the way, she's faced down barriers, overcome the odds, and lived out the American dream that brought her parents here so long ago," Obama said.

Sotomayor thanked her tearful mother, Celina, who was at the White House -- "I am only half the woman she is" -- and said, "I am an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences."

Sen. Charles Schumer, who is expected to play a key role in guiding the nomination through the Senate, called Sotomayor's biography "beyond compelling."

"It's a great New York story and a great American story," he said.

Mayor Bloomberg said he had pressed the case for Sotomayor when he met with Obama earlier this month.

"Judge Sotomayor was first recommended to the federal bench by Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, and, of all his great legacies, she may prove to be one of the most important," Bloomberg said.

Obama aides said Sotomayor had been fully vetted and had no problems that would complicate her confirmation. The White House even interviewed her doctor to verify that the Type 1 diabetes she's had since 8 is under control.

Andy Soltis, NY Post, 5/27/09

Give Up The Smokes, Bud

He must have thought a nylon stocking over his head wasn't manly enough.

Police in Nebraska are hunting for a man who stole cigarettes from a convenience store while wearing a Bud Light carton on his head.

The man made off with $50 worth of smokes, but dropped the box in the parking lot.

Officers dusted it for prints, but no match was found.

over under sideways down....

that's justice..

a slippery gal who seemingly has alot of time on her hands ....now, did you read those little words I just wrote? I could add on to them, include some gossip, put it on page 2 of the News-Press, and collect $75000 a year! $75000 a year..I said $75000 a year! that's what Richard Mineards made at the News-Press for his one-a-week column...according to Barney B and Craig S reports...
and the NewsPRess complains about a city professional making $90,000 per year? for actually doing something useful and necessary? Unbelievable...

well, the trial of the century is underway...the NLRB vs the NewsPress, which may be finished by the 22nd or 23rd century..Barry Acapella is Wendy's house lawyer..he is handing out autographed pictures of himself at local trials!
so I'll go downtown to check it out today along with the demonstration at City Hall by the Pressies against the firefighters..

Dr Laura gives up yacht racing for paddleboarding..and hurts herself!
After being busted for cheating at yacht races, Dr. Laura finds a new watersport...
here..Laura shows off her new handcuff jewelry!
from Dr Laura's Blog:
I have often told callers struggling with their fears (real or imagined or exaggerated) that next to character, I admire guts. Actually, having the fortitude to face the things we’re afraid of is a measure of character.
A few weeks ago, I was out for only the third time on my new paddleboard. I was balancing well, in spite of passing motorboats leaving scary wakes in my path. I was in choppy waters, which was not that smart at my level of experience, and feeling great about what I was doing, when-BAM-I hit the board full flat and hard on my left side and slid underwater. I was stunned, cold, and worried about becoming a shark snack. I swam quickly back to the board, pulled myself up, and lay there shaking with cold, shock, and fear. I pulled my knees under me, then got my feet down as I poised in a crouched position, and then stood straight up and paddled nervously for another fifteen minutes. The point of these actions was that I knew that if I just swam ashore, I might never get on the board again. My left ribs hurt tremendously, and I’m still healing. But for me, the main point was getting back up then and there, and scowling directly into the face of fear.

instant karma's gonna get you..

Season 8 Casting News...

Two clock in at '24'

Jennifer Westfeldt, John Boyd cast in real-time drama

By Nellie Andreeva

May 26, 2009, 11:00 PM ET

Jennifer Westfeldt and John Boyd have joined the cast of Fox's "24."

On the upcoming eighth season of the real-time drama, to be set in New York, "Kissing Jessica Stein" star Westfeldt will play the recurring role of Meredith Reed, an ambitious journalist with ties to Arman Hashemi (Anil Kapoor), a Middle East leader who comes to the U.S. on a peacemaking mission.

Boyd ("The Notorious Bettie Page") will be a regular on the 20th TV/Imagine series, playing CTU systems analyst Jonah Schwartz.

Westfeldt and Boyd join previously cast Kapoor and Chris Diamantopoulos as the "24" producers are filling nine major new roles for Season 8, slated to begin production today.

Westfeldt recently recurred on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" and launched a production company with "Mad Men" star Jon Hamm.

Link: The Hollywood Reporter

Episode 24 Recap & Comments

Season 7

Episode 24

7:00 am - 8:00 am

Episode Quotes:

“Please... as someone who was once your friend, let me die in peace. Don’t let them use me to kill innocent people.” – Jack Bauer (to Tony)

“I’m the one who saved lives today Jack, not you!” – Tony Almedia

“I’m sorry Daddy, but I’m not ready to let you go.” - Kim Bauer

Chloe and Janis are having trouble backtracing the laptop's signal to find Jack. Meanwhile, Jack tries to take refuge in a taxi garage. He closes the garage door, but Tony fires off some shots before the door closes, puncturing a taxi's gas tank. Tony begins to open the garage door with a fork lift. When he gets in, Jack is igniting a flare, intending to blow himself and Tony up. Tony overpowers him and drags Jack off.

Comment: Nice ‘Jack Bauer theme’ music as Jack stumbles into the garage.

Jack and Tony both have used heavy equipment this season. Jack using the bulldozer against Quinn earlier this season and now Tony uses a forklift to open the garage door.

At the White House, Ethan Kanin and Aaron Pierce confront Olivia with the recording of her conspiring to kill Jonas Hodges. This isn't about Ethan getting his job back. It's about the truth, even if it destroys the President's Administration. Ethan wants the President to decide what to do next -- prosecute or bury it. He'll let Olivia tell the President herself.

Comment: Now Ethan’s got Olivia. “But I was hoping I was wrong…” great delivery by Glen Moreshower.

Jack revives to find himself chained to a wall in an industrial space as Tony works intently. Jack begs Tony not to use him to kill innocent people. Tony reveals that everything he's done today, including the attack on Washington Square Station, was done in order to get access to Alan Wilson, the leader of the cabal that planned today's attacks. Wilson was also the man behind former President Charles Logan, who had ordered the hit on David Palmer and Tony's wife Michelle. Jack is disgusted that Tony has killed innocent people for revenge. He says that if Wilson dies, any chance of exposing the rest of the conspiracy dies with him. Tony doesn't plan on killing Wilson. He's going to have Jack do it.

Comment: Love this scene between Jack and Tony. We find out Tony’s true motivation for what he’s been doing… personal revenge.

Tony reveals what he's been working on: a belt of C-4 explosives, which he slips under Jack's shirt. Jack yells that Tony is not honoring Michelle's life, but reveling in her death instead. Michelle would despise him for this. Jack spits in Tony's face. Tony duct tapes Jack's mouth shut so that he can't warn Cara, who has arrived.

Wilson arrives with a motorcade. His men meet Tony and Cara in the parking lot and disarm them. Other men are sent to fetch Jack. As Jack is brought outside, an FBI helicopter bearing Agent Walker appears. A shootout begins, and everyone runs for cover. Jack frees himself from his captors and Renee finds him, disarming the detonator. Wilson and Cara run through the warehouse and find Tony. Cara's happy to see him. Yet Tony coldly shoots her point blank, then turns his gun on Wilson, telling him that he's responsible for the death of his wife and his son. Michelle was pregnant when she was killed. Just as he's about to pull the trigger, Tony is shot in the shoulder and drops his gun. Jack and Renee have arrived. Tony doggedly crawls towards his gun, ignoring Jack's entreaty to stop moving. Jack is forced to shoot him in the hand. As Tony is led away and Wilson is cuffed, he screams at Jack that these people think they can take everything away from them, and Jack is just running away. He's now one of them. "You're a coward, Jack," he says.

Comment: Jack looks so pitiful handcuffed to the fence & shaking as he waits to be brought to Wilson. I guess it’s the way Kiefer plays Jack, but you hate to see Jack in pain or vulnerable in any way. If it were possible, I would go through that TV screen and try and rescue him.

Alan Wilson is so creepy. Good job by the actor.

I like how the FBI comes in and the shootout. Jon Cassar directs these action scenes better than anyone on 24. Great stunt by Renee/Annie Wersching. I heard that she did actually perform that stunt herself.

Renee happens to know how to disarm the bomb that was strapped to Jack? That was a little weak but I know they had to move the story along.

Say goodbye Cara. That was cold Tony.

What great acting by Carlos Bernard in the scene where he confronts Wilson. Whoa, Michelle was pregnant when she was killed? That came out of nowhere.

Tony lost both his wife and unborn child. Same as what happened to Jack at the end of S1. I think it's interesting that both Jack and Tony both lost a wife and an unborn child and how they ended up dealing with it in different ways.

I really think Carlos deserves a supporting actor Emmy nomination this year. Whether you liked the “Tony turns bad” storyline or not, there’s no denying Carlos did a great job with this character turn.

Renee confronts Wilson and tells him he can avoid the death penalty if he cooperates. Wilson calmly claims he is innocent, and that she won't find a shred of evidence connecting him to any conspiracy. Jack is about to be taken to the hospital, and he and Renee have a moment alone. Jack asks why she didn't kill Wilson for his responsibility in Larry Moss's death. Renee says she doesn't really know what to do. Jack admits that he has been wrestling with this all his life. When he sees fifteen people being taken hostage on a bus, he knows in his head that the law is more important than those fifteen people. Yet he can't live with it. Renee asks if he regrets anything he did today. Jack says no, but he doesn't work for the FBI. He didn't take an oath to uphold the law. Tony managed to justify everything he did. When you cross the line, it always starts with a small step, but you eventually end up running full speed in the wrong direction. The only advice Jack can give is for Renee to make choices she can live with. Jack touches her face gently. Renee doesn't know what to say. "Then don't say anything," he says, as the med tech arrives to take him to the hospital.

Comment: I also loved the scene between Jack and Renee where she asks his advise on what to do about Wilson. I think Jack’s exposition summed up his whole character in one scene. Wonderfully written and acted scene.

Olivia confesses her role in Hodges's death to her disbelieving parents. The President is shocked when Henry advocates destroying the recording and covering up the murder. Henry, cruelly, says their family has already paid a steep enough price. He blames their son's death on her job as President, and he pleads with her that they've already lost one child. "Save what's left of our family," Henry asks. President Taylor is called away by Tim Woods to get good news from the FBI. Olivia breaks down crying, and Henry comforts her that they're going to figure this out. Later, in the Oval Office, a conflicted President Taylor sheds a tear as she looks at a photo of her family in happier days.

Comment: Nicely acted scene when Olivia confesses to her family about the Hodges hit. Henry wants the President to destroy the recording. Henry twists the knife by blaming her job for them losing their son, Roger.

As they get ready for Chloe to exit the office, Janis thanks her for all her help today. Chloe says, that considering what she has to work with, Janis does pretty well. Janis says she'll take that as a compliment. Chloe confirms that it was indeed meant as one. They both smile.

Comment: Nice short wrap-up scene between Janis & Chloe.

Jack lays dying at the hospital. Dr. Macer can give him morphine to ease him into a coma to avoid the pain, but Jack says not yet. He has a visitor. It is Gohar, Jibraan's Imam. Jack called for him. Jack says he has made so many mistakes, and he always thought he would have time to correct them. Gohar says he has the time, right now. Jack says he doesn't know what he has done, but Gohar says that they live in complex times. Nothing is black and white. "Let us both forgive ourselves for all the wrongs we have done," the Imam says. Jack thanks him. His breathing gets ragged. "It's time," says Jack.

Comment: This scene between Jack and the Imam has to be one of the most moving scenes I’ve ever seen on 24. First of all it was a surprise that he was the one Jack called. However, if you think about it, it’s not really. Jack was dying so I think he wanted to make peace with his Maker in some way so he remembered Gohar from earlier and called him to talk. I think that made sense. I have been reading some absurd interpretations of this scene that I will address further in my final comments.

“You don’t know what I’ve done.” – The way Kiefer delivers that line is heartbreaking.

The President returns to her family. She embraces them, then apologizes for never realizing how hard her job would be on them, or what sacrifices they would have to make. However, she has a sworn duty to protect the Constitution. She will do everything she can to support Olivia and help her through this. As President, this is what she has to do, no matter how much it breaks her heart. Aaron leads Olivia away to remand her to the Justice Department. The President turns to her husband, but he just glares and turns away.

Comment: Interesting way President Taylor comes to her family, she kisses them both then proceeds to have Olivia put into Federal custody. President Taylor believes her duty as President and to the Constitution come first. But now she’s lost another child and probably her husband. I felt really bad for President Taylor when she was in the hallway and spoke with Ethan. Wonderful acting by Cherry Jones.

Wilson, in shackles, is brought to a holding room at the FBI. Tim Woods is on his way to transfer him. Renee and Janis are in the observation room. Renee's face hardens, and she tells Janis to leave the room. Janis refuses. Renee pulls out her gun and forces Janis to cuff herself to the furniture. Janis begs her to stop because she is throwing away her career. Larry wouldn't have wanted this. Renee stares at her badge, remembering what Jack said. She then puts her badge down on a table and goes into the holding room. Wilson looks up as the door closes behind her.

Comment: Here’s where Renee completes her morphing into Jack. She seems to be willing to do whatever it takes to get Wilson to talk including securing Janis while she interrogates him. Janis brings up Larry to try and get her to stop, but this appears to make Renee more determined. Love the direction here where the door closes and it goes to black. The love the Renee Walker character. She is one of the best new characters 24 has introduced in a long time.

Kim arrives at the hospital to find that Jack has already been put into the morphine-induced coma. He won't be waking up again. Kim asks Dr. Macer if it is too late to try the experimental stem-cell treatment. Dr. Macer says no, but reminds her that the odds of success are low. Kim knows the risks, and though her father didn't want her to take them, it's now her choice. She has made up her mind. As Dr. Macer makes a phone call to prepare for the procedure, Kim goes to Jack's bedside and takes his hand. "I'm sorry, Daddy," she says. "But I'm not ready to let you go."

Comment: Love the way Kim looks at Gohar when she arrives at the hospital, like who in the world are you? Kim wants to do the stem cell therapy for Jack. No surprise there; that's how Jack will survive. Love the lighting of the final scene and what Kim says to Jack and Gohar standing the in the background through the window. Beautifully shot scene.

“I’m sorry Daddy, but I’m not ready to let you go.” I think Kim was speaking for the audience as well. None of us are ready to let Jack go yet. On to season 8!

Final Comments On Episode 24:

Hard to believe another season of 24 has come and gone. It went by so fast. Maybe because it was so good. A lot of people thought after season 6 '24' had lost it's way and "jumped the shark" but it has truly redeemed itself in season 7. It looks like the writer's strike turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it gave the writer's more time to go back and fine-tune scripts/storylines to make this season one of the best they have ever produced. The year long delay of season 7 was well worth the wait.

A lot has been made on the internet about the scene with Jack and the Imam in the hospital. It has been interesting to read comments on the message boards but I must say in my opinion, some of the commentary has been absurd.

Many have been saying that "Jack was converting to Islam" or "the show has gone PC with this, I'll never watch again"...blah, blah, blah. On the surface it may look that way but if one has a true sense of the history of the Jack Bauer character, this was one of the most brilliant scenes ever on '24'.

Jack believed he was dying, given the brief interaction with Gohar in an earlier episode, it made sense that Jack would want to speak with the only "spiritual man" that he would know of to call at the last minute. What made the scene so brilliant was that he was a Muslim. Given Jack's past history/job, it was ironic that he would want absolution and make peace with himself and his Maker through a Muslim Imam.

I just wanted to give my 2 cents on that given some of the commentary out there about this scene. I think sometimes people read way too much into things; especially a FICTIONAL television show. I just think within the context of this show and understanding the Jack Bauer character, it was a beautifully written and acted scene.

I believe the wrap-up of Tony's story was well-done too. I happened to have liked the turn Tony's character took this season and I was glad they didn't kill him off. I hope he returns in the future. I thought it was very believable that Tony would turn based out of personal revenge. Any other reason would have not made sense.

This season was one of the strongest years for the introduction of great new characters. I thought season 6 was weak in that area, but season 7 sure was a big improvement. There were really good, interesting villians this season in Dubaku and Hodges. The Alan Wilson character was a good villian too, but we did not get to see him nearly enough. Maybe we'll get to see him again in season 8.

I enjoyed all the FBI characters: Sean, Janis, Larry and especially Renee. I really wished they had not killed off Larry Moss however. I understand why for storyline purposes, but he was really a great character. Sad to see him go.

Speaking of sad good-byes, 24 fans lost a beloved character this year in Bill Buchanan. His send-off could not have been better. He truly went out a hero. This character will be greatly missed.

I have enjoyed Season 7 tremendously and I am anxiously awaiting January 17, 2010 for the premiere of Season 8. It can't come soon enough.

Until then I'll be re-watching Season 7 and past seasons on DVD to get through my '24' withdrawal.

Recap: FOX.com/24

Comments are mine: 24FanForever

first things first...

dear reader...

these are hard times...you probably lost a ton of dough in the Wall Street meltdown, high insurance premiums, 401K getting ripped off, etc..I feel for you..really I do. However, I provide a valuable service here and you need to send me some money..how else are you gonna find out how the candidates really feel, or if they have a sense of humor? who else is going to expose shady non-profits? where else are you going to see a psychological evaluation of the NewsPRess on a daily basis? NOWHERE MAN...so send me your donations and I'll help keep the private sector on the defense, scrambling for cash and at each others throats for years to come! plus, I need a new pair of shoes..
MVC

breaking news!!

News-Press shrinks from 13.5" wide to 12" wide!! Everyone appears skinnier!

News-Press gooses city council candidates!
the first question Travis asks these candidates is why anyone would want to run for city council? that is the dumbest question any inteviewer can ask a candidate!
AM1290 News-Press RADIO: Travis and Cathie McCammon hash it out...why does this old broad want to be on city council? she spoke in a world- weary monotone and complained that the present council is too mean!! She wants a council that won't make people feel bad, that tucks them in at night and reads them a bedtime story! WTF kinda people are living in Santa Brabara that they need a council to make them feel good?? That's not a city council's responsibility to make you feel good!! She complained about the meetings and comment period...and said people should be able to talk endlessly to the council! what about the people waitng in line? She said people don't have the opportunity to communicate with the council! Ever heard of email, Cathie? HONESTLY...YOU PEOPLE!

IF you want to change City Hall, you need to learn to communicate, instead of cry!
GEEZ..these people are annoying..OOH..and Cath is on the Citizens Planning Association...all these folks do is try to get private property owners to build what the CPA wants! NOTHING! Some of these folks on the CPA voted for desal and state water years ago, which opened the floodgates for building, and now they complain??

They tried to stop the Miramar project from going forward and got trounced...the NewsPress joined them in trying to paint Caruso as shady developer..even praising coke-head and former Miramar owner Ian Schrager!
These little interviews by Travis are nothing more than anti-city hall gabfests..perfectly fine..but it is so obviously exaggerated, from the "thousands of emails Travis receives from concerned citizens" to the anti-property rights stance the NewsPress has recently adopted..to the candidates who unwittingly fall for this stuff...never once does Travis go into any depth on any issue. Instead, he fixates on council members he doesn't like!
Cathie serves on Allied Neighborhoods AssociationSanta Barbara, California
check out their professional website!!
http://www.sb-allied.org/

Pressies...
demonstration times: Wednesday from 1:00pm to 3:00 pm at City Hall .. News-Press people, henceforth to be called "Pressies", will gather to protest poor government response to Jesusita fire, according to a letter in the News-Press from Morris Herman, an obvious Pressie...ok Morris....whatever... but before you guys make asses out of yourselves, normal people (non-Pressies) will be thanking the fire, police and safety folks who were heroes during the Jesuita fire...Tuesday from 4:00pm to 7:00..a Thank-You party downtown..be there!

NON- PROFITS CRY & BEG FOR MORE MONEY!!
ART

who are these financial geniuses that can't scrape up enough money to buy a computer?? this is all a bunch of anti-union anti- government and anti- worker nonsense from SBCTA...
Joe begs for your money to "watch" City Hall...wants $7000 for a new computer and website overhaul! Hey Joe, you can get a nice brand new Dell for under $600..with spreadsheets, word processor, DVD player and some fun games already installed!

this from SBCTA
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION
Post Office Box 21621, SB, CA 93121 / Tel: 805.684.0678 / sbcta@cox.net / www.sbcta.org
May 11, 2009
Friend,
I need to make an important request and I hope you will give it serious consideration.
I know times are tough for a lot of Americans due to the recession but I am asking for your
financial help to assist the Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association (SBCTA) in securing
some essential capital equipment and supplies.
This is only our second request for help purchasing needed office equipment and office related
supplies including software. And I am pleased to say you were very generous and your support
allowed us to purchase a new computer, a new printer, a copier and some essential software as
well as a new web site in 1999. But as you can imagine, office equipment doesn't last forever,
web sites need to be upgraded and modernized and software needs to be upgraded as well.
Today, we need a new computer, a new printer, a major over haul of our web site, to better utilize
web 2.0 communications technology, and the technological infrastructure to help us communicate
with our membership, policy leaders and the media.
Today, we have already utilized technology better than most local organizations do and with a
fraction of the money other organizations spend. We have been able to do this by relying on in
house staff (yours truly) to do it. But as the times change and the challenges on taxpayers
throughout our county, state and nation mount, it's time we once again change with the times and
reposition SBCTA for the next wave of grassroots advocacy.
Two major projects underway by SBCTA are "white papers" that will provide county taxpayers an
analysis of the county and city of Santa Barbara's budget and operational effectiveness. These
papers will scrutinize employee salaries, retirement benefits, various revenue sources and will
especially scrutinize all discretionary and non discretionary expenditures.
Our team of white paper authors will also look closely at the county's over promised and
underperforming retirement system. The information we will include will be a real eye opener for
the public while also providing a menu of options and solutions to help bring the retirement plan
into the black.
Our decision to pursue a capital campaign is directly tied to this effort. I can't stress enough how
important it is that we have the tools we need to do public these important white papers and
disseminate them throughout the community for maximum impact.
Based on the costs associated with the various capital items needed, we estimate we need to
raise approximately $7,500. This is a relatively modest goal to reach and we hope you will....(will what???)
Sincerely,
Joe Armendariz
Executive Director
Yes! I want to help SBCTA with their Capital Campaign
Enclosed is my check for: _X_$1,000,000 ___$750 ___$500 ___$250 ___$100 ___$50 ____ Other
Name: Wendy McCawlgirl
Company: NEWSPRESSELMEXICANO1290AMIMAGNINANDANYOTHERPROPERTYMY EXHUSBAND'SMONEYWILLBUYME!!
Email: WENDYSUXFORCASH@COX.NET
Please make checks payable to
SBCTA
PO Box 21621, Santa Barbara, CA 93121
SBCTA is a not for profit organization and tax-exempt under the IRS code section 501(c)4
the check's not in the mail!

Memorial Day...

To every thing there is a season...

and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work. I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

N. Korea Taunts Obama Test Fires Nuclear Bomb

North Korea claimed it carried out a powerful underground nuclear test Monday — much larger than one conducted in 2006 — in a major provocation in the escalating international standoff over its rogue nuclear and missile programs.

Pyongyang announced the test, and Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed an atomic explosion at 9:54 a.m. (0054 GMT) in northeastern North Korea, estimating the blast's yield at 10 to 20 kilotons — comparable to the bombs that flattened Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The regime also test-fired three short-range, ground-to-air missiles later Monday from the same northeastern site where it launched a rocket last month, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing unnamed sources. The rocket liftoff, widely believed to be a cover for a test of its long-range missile technology, drew censure from the U.N. Security Council.

North Korea, incensed by the condemnation of the April 5 rocket launch, had warned last month that it would restart its rogue nuclear program, conduct an atomic test and carry out long-range missile tests.

On Monday, the country's official Korean Central News Agency said the regime "successfully conducted one more underground nuclear test on May 25 as part of measures to bolster its nuclear deterrent for self-defense."

President Barack Obama said a nuclear test would constitute an act of "blatant defiance" of the U.N. Security Council and a violation of international law, and only further isolate North Korea.

North Korea's claims "are a matter of grave concern to all nations," he said, calling for international action in a statement from Washington. "North Korea's attempts to develop nuclear weapons, as well as its ballistic missile program, constitute a threat to international peace and security."

Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso said the U.N. Security Council will meet at 4:30 p.m. Monday in New York (2030 GMT).

"North Korea's nuclear test poses a grave challenge to nuclear nonproliferation and clearly violates U.N. Security Council resolutions," he said in Tokyo. "We are not tolerating this at all."

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown condemned the test as "erroneous, misguided and a danger to the world. This act will undermine prospects for peace on the Korean peninsula and will do nothing for North Korea's security," he said. "The international community will treat North Korea as a partner if it behaves responsibly. If it does not, then it can expect only

South Korea, meanwhile, was grappling with the suicide two days earlier of President Lee Myung-bak's liberal predecessor, Roh Moo-hyun, whose death drew condolences from North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. Kim held a 2007 summit in Pyongyang with Roh, who championed reconciliation with North Korea.

The rise in tensions over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs comes amid questions about who will succeed the authoritarian Kim, 67, who is believed to have suffered a stroke last August. North Korea also has custody of two American journalists — accused of entering the country illegally and engaging in "hostile acts" — who are set to stand trial June 4.

Monday's atomic test was conducted about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of the northern city of Kilju, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Alexander Drobyshevsky said, speaking on state-run Rossiya television.

Kilju, in the northeastern province of North Hamgyong, is where North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in October 2006 in a surprise move that angered even traditional ally China and drew wide-ranging sanctions from the Security Council.

An emergency siren sounded in the Chinese border city of Yanji, 130 miles (200 kilometers) to the northwest. A receptionist at Yanji's International Hotel said she and several hotel guests felt the ground tremble.

North Korea boasted that Monday's test was conducted "on a new higher level in terms of its explosive power and technology of its control" than in 2006.

Ten to 20 kilotons would be far more than North Korea managed in 2006. U.S. intelligence officials said the 2006 test measured less than a kiloton; 1 kiloton is equal to the force produced by 1,000 tons of TNT. However, Russia estimated the force of the 2006 blast at 5 to 15 kilotons, far higher than other estimates at the time.

Radiation levels in Russia's Primorye region, which shares a short border with North Korea, were normal Monday several hours after the blast, the state meteorological office said.

In Vladivostok, a city of 500,000 about 85 miles (140 kilometers) from the Russian-North Korean border, translator Alexei Sergeyev said he wasn't concerned about the test and doesn't fear North Korea.

"Their nuclear program does not have military aims — their only aim is to frighten the U.S. and receive more humanitarian aid as a result," said Sergeyev, 24.

The reported test-firing of short-range missiles took place at the Musudan-ri launchpad on North Korea's northeast coast, some 30 miles (50 kilometers) from the nuclear test site, Yonhap said. Unnamed sources described it as a ground-to-air missile with a range of 80 miles (130 kilometers).

Japan's coast guard had said Friday that North Korea warned ships to steer clear of waters off the coast near the launch site, suggesting Pyongyang was preparing for a missile test. Yonhap also had reported brisk activity along the northeast coast last week.

South Korean troops were on high alert but there was no sign North Korean soldiers were massing along the heavily fortified border dividing the two nations, according to an official at the Joint Chiefs of Staff headquarters in Seoul. He spoke on condition of anonymity, citing agency policy.

The two Koreas technically remain at war because their three-year conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, in 1953. Tensions have been high since conservative President Lee Myung-bak took office in Seoul in February 2008 saying Pyongyang must fulfill its promises to dismantle its nuclear program before it can expect aid.

North Korea is believed to have enough weaponized plutonium for at least a half-dozen atomic bombs. However, experts say scientists have not yet mastered the miniaturization needed to mount a nuclear device onto a long-range missile.

The 2006 test prompted North Korea's neighbors and the U.S. to push for a pact that would give Pyongyang 1 million tons of fuel oil in exchange for disabling its nuclear facilities.

North Korea signed the accord in February 2007 and began disabling its main nuclear reactor in Yongbyon that November. Pyongyang destroyed the Yongbyon cooling tower in June 2008 in dramatic show of its commitment to the process, but then abruptly halted the process weeks later over a dispute with Washington over how to verify its 18,000-page list of past atomic activities.

Talks hosted by Beijing in December failed to resolve the impasse, and North Korea abandoned the six-nation negotiations last month in anger over the U.N. condemnation of its rocket launch.

North Korea claims it launched the rocket to send a satellite into space; South Korea, Japan and other nations saw it as a way to test the technology used to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile, one capable of reaching the U.S.

The Security Council called the launch a violation of 2006 resolutions barring the regime from ballistic missile-related activity.

Fox News.5/25/09

Topless Coffee Shop

A waitress at a topless doughnut shop in Maine was spotted "in uniform" -- meaning out of her shirt -- away from the business, authorities said.

A state trooper was sent to the Grand View Topless Coffee Shop in Vassalboro after someone called in a complaint. No one was charged, but the matter has been turned over to the DA for review.

eyes without a face....

NewsPress Special Sunday Edition!!!

hires a new editor named Stupid...tackles important news..it's a news day baby..says Wendy..
hot headlines....

George Bush homeless...


shows up a Casa Esperanza in cowboy hat and tattered torn jeans!

him and her....Marci..if you're gonna report on a local brutal killing, show some respect for the dead and learn some grammar!

Alec Baldwin..

joins government workforce as as Arnold Schwarzenegger's food taster..

Death to Mick!

all I did was ask an online dating service if I could have sex with a chick from Islam..they sent me this pic!!

Sunday will never be the same!