Man Looks To Ban Divorce In Califonia

John Marcotte, a Sacramento, CA web designer, is attempting to put a measure on the ballot next year that would ban divorce in California. You read that correctl, although the effort is meant to be satirical. The married, heterosexual father of two said:

"Since California has decided to protect traditional marriage, I think it would be hypocritical of us not to sacrifice some of our own rights to protect traditional marriage even more."

The measure is meant as a sort of protest against Proposition 8, which in 2008 banned same-sex marriage in the state of California by amending the state constitution. Since the provision was intended, it was said, to protect traditional marriage, Marcotte sees no reason why his measure would not pass. Divorce rates nationwide hover around 50 percent.

Marcotte needs to collect 694,354 signatures by March 22nd if it measure is to reach the ballot. The initiative's Facebook fan list has reached more than 1,100 in number.

The California Family Council, which led a coalition of religious and conservative groups to qualify Proposition 8, showed it had no sense of humor. Ron Prentice, their executive director said that while everyone would like to see fewer divorces (except, perhaps for lawyers), making it illegal would be "impractical." No, really?

Romanian President Shown Slapping 10-year-old Boy In Video

A video has emerged showing Traian Basescu, the center-right president of Romania, hitting a 10-year-old boy in the face during a campaign rally in 2004. He was confronted by footage of the incident during an interview on Thursday night. Initially, he didn't deny that the incident happened, instead asserting there must have been a "good reason" for the act.

"I can assure you that I will look at it and give you an explanation. But does the child say anything in the film? Did he say something nasty? ... Perhaps he swore at me."

Since then, however, Basescu has recanted that statement, saying the video had been manipulated. Notably, the boy in question, Bogdan Istrotaiu, now 15, initially agreed that Basescu had indeed hit him in 2004, when he was mayor of Bucharest and running for the presidency for the first time. A day later Istrotaiu retracted the claim, saying he didn't want to be part of the growing controversy.

The run-off election, scheduled for Dec. 6th, is hotly contested. Something like this could swing the election. However, if you watch the video carefully, after the boy is hit, he seems to be smiling. Could it have been a "playful" swat for some reason? Readers, what do you think?

Rachel Uchitel Pictures Continue To Be Hot, As Woods Skips Interview Again

Facebook Photo

Admittedly, Rachel Uchitel is one hot woman, but if it weren't for the fact that she has been labeled the alleged Tiger Woods mistress, you probably wouldn't even know who she was. Searchers continue to look for Rachel Uchitel pictures, however, despite the fact that many have already been posted, in hopes of seeing, quite probably, more flesh than has previously been "exposed."

At any rate, the Florida Highway Patrol still awaits a conversation with Tiger Woods and his wife Elin Nordegren. They were scheduled to meet with them today, but once again the couple canceled their meeting. This is the third straight day that authorities have been denied access to the couple.

Uchitel continues to deny the affair, though that hasn't stopped searches for Rachel Uchitel pictures. She told the New York Post the New York Post that the rumors are "completely untrue."

Additionally, Rachel Uchitel denied the National Enquirer story that started everything as well. If fact, she stated to the New York Post in a Facebook message that she didn't even know Ashley Sampson (though she spelled it Simpson), the person who reported "outed" her relationship to the Enquirer.

However, the Enquirer says they have evidence that refutes her claims. One thing in particular is that the Enquirer reportedly has Ashley Sampson and Rachel Uchitel pictures (together). Oops.

It's hard to imagine this story going away anytime soon. It's also hard to imagine the "lust" for Rachel Uchitel pictures lessening soon either. See below for more Rachel Uchitel pictures, via a slideshow.



Also, listen below to the Tiger Woods 911 call, which was released by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) earlier.

Dog Shelter Named For Gingrich Opens, Via Strip Club's Donation

In early October, The Lodge, a Dallas strip club, was reported to have received an Entrepreneur award from Newt Gingrich's American Solutions for Winning the Future (ASWF) group, only to have it taken away. When one wins such an award, a $5,000 donation is necessary, and that was refunded, and the cash was redirected to a different cause: an animal shelter.

Dawn Rizos, owner of The Lodge, redirected the money to Animal Guardians of America's sanctuary for rescued dogs in Celina, about 35 miles north of Dallas. The new shelter, called “Newt’s Nook: A Home For Pit Bulls” is now open. For some reason, Gingrich didn't attend the opening of the shelter.

It's another example of poor vetting by Gingrich's organization. You'll recall that earlier ASWF informed Allison Vivas of Pink Visual that she had been chosen for a 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year award by his Business Defense and Advisory Council. Unfortunately, Pink Visual is an adult DVD superstore.

Who's Rachel Uchitel (Pics); What Is Her Role In The Tiger Woods Car Accident?

Facebook Photo

It seems as though celebrities, whether they are in sports, entertainment, or even politicians, are unable to keep from straying from their spouses, as groupies as well as travel give them the opportunity. Whether or not that's a key in this incident or not is still up in the air, but meanwhile, who is this woman and why is everyone searching for Rachel Uchitel pics?

Rachel Uchitel, 34, is a NYC events planner, and in the past has been linked to affairs with other celebrities. Earlier she was linked to an affair with David Boreanaz, former "Angel" and current "Bones" actors. She's obviously a beautiful woman, as demonstrated by some of the Rachel Uchitel pics above and below.

BlackBook.com had an article on the "prime mover," written in 2008. Rachel Uchitel was described as a 'Hamptons diva' who is the Director of VIP Services at Pink Elephant in Southampton, NY.

Whether or not you feel that the Rachel Uchitel pics give Elin Nordegren a reason to chase down Woods, as new reports indicate she was doing when he left their house early Friday morning, police are interested, though not in the alleged dalliance. They are scheduled to speak to Tiger Woods about his car accident today. The FHP has previously said "charges may be filed," but did not specify against whom.

Check out some of the Rachel Uchitel pics circulating around the Web, below:

"Indecent" Skirt Earns Sudanese Girl 50 Lashes

A 16-year-old Sudanese girl was subjected to 50 lashes after a judge ruled her skirt was indecent. This is the latest case to highlight the strictness of Sudan's Islamic law.

The 16-year-old, Silva Kashif, was arrested by a plain-clothed policeman in a Khartoum market last week. The skirt was slightly below the knee. She was convicted of offending public morality and received 50 lashes in the courtroom, allowing no time for an appeal

In a telephone interview with AP, Kashif said "I was treated like a criminal. I am confused what to wear. The trousers were an issue. My skirt was beneath the knee. What more can I do? I am Christian. My tribe and my customs permit me to dress like this."

The northern areas of Sudan have a strict Islamic code. This follows closely the case of Lubna Hussein, a woman journalist who was sentenced to 40 lashes for wearing "indecent" trousers. Hussein's sentence was frotunately reduced to a fine, but she is now campaigning for reformation.

Human rights lawyer Azhari al-Haj said a legal team plans to sue authorities. They will cite the fact that authorities gave Kashif the maximum sentence, ignoring the fact that she was bitg a minor and a Christian.

"The whole thing from her arrest to her flogging didn't take one hour and half. This is unprecedented. We want to question the police officers and the judge, to exonerate Silva and to campaign against these laws."

Palin Punk'd By Canadian Comedian Again

Sarah Palin has been tricked by a second Canadian comedian. Last year, she was "punk'd," made to think she was talking to French president Nicolas Sarkozy when in reality it was The Masked Avengers, a Quebec comedy duo. At a recent stop on her "Going Rogue" book tour, Sarah Palin told Canadian comedian Mary Walsh that Canada should get rid of its public health care system (which will go over poorly with Canadians; more on that later).

Walsh is the co-creator and star of This Hour Has 22 Minutes, similar to both The Daily Show and The Colber Report. She arrived in character, as the faux conservative Marg Delahunty, at the Columbus, OH Borders book store where Palin was signing books.

Delahunty said, although Palin was not allowed to answer:

"I just wanted to ask you if you have any words of encouragement for Canadian conservatives who have worked so hard to try to diminish the kind of socialized medicine we have up there."

However, later in the parking lot, Palin answered Delahunty by saying that she should "keep the faith because common sense conservatism can be plugged in there in Canada too. In fact, Canada needs to reform its health care system and let the private sector take over some of what the government has absorbed."

This would be a tough sell in Canada. A recent study (.PDF) found that 90 percent of Canadians support universal, single-payer health care. At the same time, a poll taken last summer shows 82 percent of Canadians believe their health care system to be better than the U.S. system. It's also true that Canada has a longer lifespan than the U.S., and lower infant mortality.

Watch the video:

Flatulent Pig Ignites Gas Scare

A flatulent pig ignited a gas scare in Australia, as a farmer thought the odor he smelled was really a gas pipe leak. It sparked an emergency call, and yes, firefighters responded.

Fifteen firefighters and two fire trucks were called responded to a call at a property at Axedale in central Victoria state. The reports were that there was a gas leak. However, when they got there, the crews discovered something smelled, all right.

Fire captain Peter Harkins aaid:

"When we got there, as we drove up the driveway, there was this huge sow, about a 120-odd kilo (265-pound) sow, and it was very obvious where the gas was coming from. We could not only smell it, but we heard it and it was quite funny."

It's strange that a farmer would not have had experience with such an event previously, and the sound alone should have alerted him.

Still, it gave the firefighters a bit of a laugh, and fortunately, the call did not result in them missing a different emergency call, which would have been tragic.

Dana Perino Forgets 9/11 Occurred Under Bush

As you may recall, former White House press secretary Dana Perino has a poor memory when it comes to history. For example, she had no knowledge of what the Cuban Missile Crisis was. She also apparently forgot about 9/11, perhaps conveniently.

Discussing the Fort Hood massacre during an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity Tuesday night, the onetime Bush press secretary attacked the Obama administration for not labeling the recent killings at Fort Hood a terrorist attack. She also added,

"We did not have a terrorist attack on our country during president Bush's term. I hope they're not looking at this politically. I do think that we owe it to the American people to call it what it is."

There's those devastating attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon that Perino is conveniently forgetting. It's hard to imagine such a faux pas madee accidentally.

Additionally, a July 4th, 2002 attack on an Israeli airline ticket counter was labeled as fitting "the definition of terrorism" by the FBI.

Katie Couric Dancing: Four Martini Minimum

These pictures, first discovered by Gawker, are from the after-party celebrating Katie Couric's debut as anchor of the "CBS Evening News." They were reportedly found in a Facebook album titled "Four Martini Minimum."

Those were the days, before CBS knew how bad Couric's reviews and ratings would be.

The montage of photos has been turned into a video on YouTube. It shows Couric in a way most of us don't know (and probably don't want to). Check it out.

Sully A Hero In The Bedroom, Too: Wife

Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the pilot who saved the passengers of Flight 1549, a US Airways plane, by safely landing the craft in the Hudson River did more than just that. He also gave his sex life a boost.

The statement came from his wife, Laurie Sullenberger, who told NBC's Matt Lauer, who was interviewing them for a Thanksgiving Day special, how the extra "celebrity" affected their relationship.

She said: "He doesn't know I'm gonna say this, but I had joked the other day that ... the hero sex really helps a 20-year-old marriage."

Meanwhile, Sully chimed in, calling it "Rock star sex." Certainly, this is probably "too much information" for most, but it's probably worth more to Sully than the easy access to reservations for dinner he can probably expect just about anywhere in the country.

BART Cop Caught on Tape Slamming Suspect Through Window

In what is bound to start debate about the BART Police and its role in policing the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, a new video has arisen showing yet another incident between BART police and a suspect, this one non-fatal, fortunately.

On New Year's Day, Johannes Meserle was caught on video shooting a suspect, Oscar Grant, in the back with his service weapon. He has said the incident was a mistake and that he was trying to use his Taser. The trial has been granted a change of venue to Los Angeles and is expected to take place late next year.

In this incident, both Michael Joseph Gibson and the officer involved were injured. Gibson has been charged with felony battery of a police officer, obstructing and resisting an officer, disorderly conduct and public intoxication. However, the officer, whose name has not been released, has been suspended pending an investigation.

The video, taken Saturday night shows Gibson standing in the aisle of a BART train, gesturing wildly at other passengers. He is then pulled out of the car by an unidentified officer and, as the other passengers applaud, the BART officer then can be seen pushing Gibson toward a wall at the West Oakland BART station.

The two both slam into the glass, which shatters and rains down on both of them. The BART officer suffered a concussion, and both he and Gibson were treated at Oakland hospitals for cuts and were later released.

Although BART made it clear it would investigate the case, BART police officers' union President Jesse Sekhon told the San Francisco Chronicle: "You saw the reaction from the patrons. They applauded the officer for doing his job."

Watch the video:

Man Discovers Charles Manson His Biological Father

How would you like to discover that one of the most infamous murderers and cult leaders of all time is your father? Just ask Matthew Roberts, a 41-year-old Los Angelese DJ.

Roberts grew up in Rockford, Illinois, but only discovered he was adopted when his sister told him at age 10. His adoptive father tole him "nothing good" would come of discovering who his real parents were, but Roberts pursued the issue, and used a social services agency to locate his mother, Terry.

At first, she refused to tell him the name of his father, although she told him his birth name was Lawrence Alexander. Eventually, she gave in and revealed his father was Charles Manson, who she claimed raped her in 1967 after she had become "trapped" in his cult. Worse, his mother told Roberts that "You look just like him."

While hearing that is bad enough, Roberts is afraid he may have inherited some of the characteristics of his father. Still, he says he is a gentle person, who would not even kill an insect. He has not spoken to his father, although he has corresponded with him and has a number for him at San Quentin prison.

"If I did talk to Charlie on the phone, I would say, 'I truly understand what it's like to be you, more than anyone could ever imagine on so many levels.' He's my biological father; I can't help but have some kind of emotional connection. That's the hardest thing of all, feeling love for a monster who raped my mother. I don't want to love him, but I don't want to hate him either."

French Hotel Lets Guests Live Like Hamsters

Hamster hotels, you might think, are hotels for real hamsters. In this case, however, they are hotels for people, but designed as though a hamster might live in it.

For 99 euros ($147) a night, visitors to the hotel in Nantes, France can eat hamster chow, run in a giant wheel and sleep in hay. They even dress up like hamsters. It's known as the "Hamster Villa".

Why would anyone want to live like a hamster, particularly at this price? Owner Yann Falquerho told Reuters, "The Hamster in the world of children is that little cuddly animal. Often, the adults who come here have wanted or did have hamsters when they were small."

Despite this, however, apparently the spartan hamster life is getting an upgrade. A the same time, the price will rise as they will be adding wi-fi and a giant TV screen.

Burglars Steal Baby’s Ashes

A family in Arizona was burglarized, but are willing to give the burglars everything if they can just get an old music box back. The reason: the box contains the ashes of their dead child.

The family returned to their Peoria, AZ home yesterday afternoon to find the garage door open and the house torn apart. The burglars stole electronics and a wooden music box. Inside the box, however, were the ashes of 5-month-old Tyler.

According to his mother, Lindsay Grannis, he died in 1996. She reportedly laid him down for a nap with his twin brother and "he just never woke up." While that sounds a lot like SIDS, in those days, people were not so aware of SIDS.

The family says the box has no monetary value and that they're willing to cut a deal with the burglars. The family said that if the ashes are returned to any Peoria or Phoenix fire station, the burglars can keep the rest of the stolen items, no questions asked.

It is believed that the burglars got opened the garage door using a universal garage door remote. Hopefully, they will read this, and have a heart.

Oprah To End Show in 2011

Oprah Winfrey will end her talk show when he contract expires in 2011. Tim Bennett, the president of her production company Harpo, said the following in a message to affiliates:

"Tomorrow, Oprah will announce live on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' that she has decided to end what is arguably one of the most popular, influential and enduring programs in television history. The sun will set on the Oprah show as its 25th season draws to a close on Sept. 9, 2011."

Why would Oprah quit? Poor ratings are not the reason. While her daily ratings are not as big as they used to be, with all the distractions of the Internet and hundreds of cable channels, it's unlikely that any new daytime talk show will be able to repeat the success of "Oprah" anytime soon.

No, it's because Oprah Winfrey wants to concentrate on her coming cable channel, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. OWN will premiere in January 2011, according to an anonymous source speaking with tne New York Times. OWN is a joint venture between her production company and the Discovery Networks.

The timing of the launch and the end of her contract is a positive for OWN. Though not said, Oprah Winfrey will obviously be able to promote OWN for the time before her contract ends.

Winfrey, 55, informed her talk show staff of her decision on Thursday afternoon. She had previously stated she would make a decision about whether she would extend her contract or sign a new one by the end of this year.

Fox News Uses Archival Footage, Makes Palin Book Tour Crowd Look Larger

Fox News, which was recently caught by Jon Stewart and "The Daily Show" for using footage of a Sept. 12 Tea Party rally in Washington evidently to make a Nov. 5 anti-health reform rally look bigger, has been caught again. This time, they used archival footage of a 2008 Palin campaign stop, making the crowed at a book tour event.

In the first case, Sean Hannity admitted that "The Daily Show" was correct. Fox News had used footage of a Sept. 12 Tea Party rally, already contentious because a Fox New producer coached the protesters and stage-managed them, evidently to make a Nov. 5 anti-health reform rally look bigger.

The latest Faux News gambit was to use archival footage of a Sarah Palin campaign rally from last year to purport a huge crowd at a book event. Media Matters confirmed this; the footage was shown on Fox's "Happening Now" on Wednesday. Obviously, it wasn't "Happening Then," but rather November 1, 2008.

The McCain - Palin shirts (see image above) should have been a clue.

Fox News tried to palm off the footage as an honest mistake, but was it? We'll never really know. Senior vice-president Michael Clemente told the Chicago Tribune's Swamp Politics blog that "This was a production error in which the copy editor changed a script and didn't alert the control room to update the video. There will be an on-air explanation during 'Happening Now' on Thursday."

Ten-Year-Old Tasered in Arkansas

Tasers are supposed to be used in place of lethal force when a criminal is uncooperative or combative. In this case, however, a ten-year-old was tasered when she was combative as an officer tried to get the girl into a patrol car to be taken to a youth shelter.

Ah, but it's all OK, right? According to authorities, the Tasering was "very, very short."

The incident occurred in Ozark, Arkansas. According to reports, officer Dustin Bradshaw went to the girl's home after her mother called police. According to a report filed by Bradshaw on Thursday, the officer found the girl on the floor of the house screaming and crying.

More fun facts: at this point, as the girl refused to follow her mother's instructions, the mother told Bradshaw to use his Taser. He didn't, but when trying to take her out of the house, the girl began kicking, and struck Bradshaw in the groin.

Bradshaw's report said he administered a "very, very brief" stun with his Taser. He then put the girl in handcuffs and carried her to his patrol car. She was taken to the Western Arkansas Youth Shelter in Cecil.

Poll: Two-Thirds Do Not Want Palin In 2012

A new CBS News poll (.PDF) shows Americans, by a 2/3 majority, do not want Sarah Palin to run for president in 2010. In fact, 38 percent of Americans have an unfavorable view of Sarah Palin, while only 23 percent of those surveyed think highly of the former VP candidate.

At the same time, 37 percent say they do not know enough to form an opinion. That's hard to believe, if you know that Palin was ignorant enough to believe Africa was a country and not a continent. It's also hard to believe, since there's been much publicity around Sarah Palin of late, with her new memoir, "Going Rogue," releasing today.

Among the GOP, only 52 percent give her high approval. That's somewhat surprising, but the number among Democrats is not: only four percent of Dems give her high marks.

Overall, two out of three people surveyed said they do not want her to run for the presidency during the 2012 election. In fact, a majority of the GOP, by a 48 - 44 percent majority, do not want a Palin candidacy in 2012.

Unsurprisingly, the survey revealed that Palin's greatest support appears to come from white evangelical Christians. Those would support a Palin 2012 presidential bid, but only by a slim majority, 48 - 42 percent.

Ten-year-old Won't Recite Pledge Until Gays Can Marry

Here's an act of defiance on the part of a ten-year-old that deserves some applause, rather than a sit-down in a corner. It all began when Will Phillips refused to say the Pledge of Allegiance in a West Fork, Arkansas elementary school.

Why did he do so? Not because it has the phrase "Under God" in it, which some have protested against. No, he did so because of the phrase "Liberty and Jutice for All" in it.

Speaking to CNN's John Roberts on CNN's American Morning on Monday, Will said he remained seated four straight days while his classmates repeated the words, "with liberty and justice for all."

Will, who wants to be a lawyer, said he was analyzing the meanings of the Pledge of Allegiance, the weekend before his protest. When asked what he found in the Pledge that caused him refusal, Will said:

"Well, I looked at the end and it said 'with liberty and justice for all.' And there isn't really liberty and justice for all. There's ... Gays and lesbians can't marry. There's still a lot of racism and sexism in the world. Um, yeah."

Roberts: "So you think then that the country isn't living up to the ideals of the Pledge, and you took it upon yourself to sit down, not recite the Pledge Allegiance until the country comes in line to embody the ideals that are embodied in the Pledge.

Will: "Yes."

When asked what he told his substitute teacher when he was given grief over the issue, Will said:

"I eventually, very solemnly -- with a little bit of malice in my voice -- said, 'Mam, with all due respect, you can go jump off a bridge.'"

While his father initially reacted as most parents might, which is with anger, once he spoke to Will and realized the reason for his stance, his tune changed, and he became supportive. Once again, when asked why he took the position he did, Will said:

"Because I have many -- I've grown up with a lot of people and good friends with a lot of people that are gay and I really -- I think they should have the rights all people should. And I'm not going to swear that they do."

This video is from CNN's American Morning, broadcast Nov. 16, 2009, via Raw Replay.

Current TV Labels Palin a TWILF, But Which One?

This is bound to raise hackles on the right. While the Current.com cartoon, "The Stupid Virus" or Fearus Ignoramus is obviously designed to show how unreasoning fear is used to frighten Americans into insane actions, it also called Sarah Palin "Gun-Ho" and a TWILF.

Now, I think most of us know what a MILF is based on the movie "American Pie," but a TWILF. According to the Urban Dictionary, that can mean one of the following:

• Acronym, stands for "Tweep I'd like to follow."
• One who farts in the bathtub and bites the bubbles.
• Same as MILF, but aimed at Girls in their 20s!

Personally, I think the TWILF comment is probably new, and probably meant TWitterer - ILF.

At any rate, while this is going to make some made, what's true is what FDR said in his first inaugural address:

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.

While the Current TV post is definitely snarky, it points out that Conservatives are using fear to push their agenda.

Oh, and for those of you looking, the Palin jibe is about 1/2 way through the video (below).

Universal Removes Black Couple From U.K. Movie Poster

In August, Microsoft had to apologize after it doctored a photo on a web page on their Polish website to remove a black man's image. Now, Universal Studios finds itself in the same boat.

The U.K. version of the "Couples Retreat" promotional poster not only removes a black couple from the poster, it removes the actors' names, Faizon Love and Kali Hawk, from the poster as well.

Above is the U.K. poster; click to see the U.S. poster.

The Mail reports:

A spokesman for makers Universal Pictures confirmed the poster had been changed to ‘simplify’ it for the UK and international market outside America. The studio said it regretted causing offence and has abandoned plans to use the revised poster in other countries.

Dick Cheney 2012: Liz Cheney

Liz Cheney, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, sat on Sunday’s Fox News Sunday panel. After the topic turned to President Obama's respectful bow before Japanese Emperor Akihito, Liz Cheney tried to make a case for her father, who deferred bowing to the Emperor in 2007, for a Presidential run in 2012.

LIZ CHENEY: You could also look at the comparison and think, Cheney 2012.

WALLACE: Really?! How far do you want to go with that?

KRISTOL: Let Liz make news. Cheney/Palin.

WALLACE: Or Palin/Cheney — don’t be sexist.

Of course, Dick Cheney would be 71 in 2012, and he already chose not to run in 2008 because of his admittedly fragile heart condition. McCain / Palin was already controversial because McCain was so old, and did you really want a person who didn't know Africa was a continent as President? Cheney / Palin would be the same thing. Palin / Cheney? Please. Watch it.

Interview Done To Bolster Couric's Self-Esteem: Palin

Ah, the joys of people reading early releases of upcoming books, and the joys of Sarah Palin's somewhat strange comments. As the release of her new memoir, "Going Rogue," approaches, we now know that Palin agreed to her famous interview with Katie Couric out of pity.

The interview with Couric became the stuff of legends, exposing Palin as someone totally unprepared for national office. The fact that some of her comments were able to be used, almost word-for-word by SNL to spoof her idiocy speaks for itself.

According to her new book, Sarah Palin was told by a top McCain aide that Couric had low self-esteem, prompting Palin to take pity on the CBS anchor and agree to an interview. Couric may have low ratings, but low self-esteem?

At any rate, a McCain adviser has adamantly denied the claim. As hard, as it is to believe anyone associated with politics on either side of the aisle, it's not hard to believe this one.

In fact, the adviser admitted what already known: that the McCain campaign tried to shield her from the media to hide her incompetence:

“She lacked the knowledge base to stand in front of the press corps that was traveling with her and answer questions.Because of the success of the convention speech, the feeling was that she should be exposed to as many people as possible directly, not through a media filter. The way to do that was to do interviews with the anchors.

“The truth is, she refused to prepare for the Katie Couric interview. She refused to engage in any preparation. And it was a disaster.”

A disaster for one campaign, and a gold mine for another. However, truthfully, would you rather that a prepared Palin would have been able to hide her faults, or would you prefer to see her as she truly was? I vote for the latter.

Happy California Cows Actually From New Zealand

You've probably seen those "Happy California Cows" ads from the California Milk Advisory Board. They advertise that better milk and cheese comes from happy cows, and happy cows come from California.

Thing is, those cows in those ads: they not from California, or at least they won't be soon. The Los Angeles Times reports that the California Milk Advisory Board has decided to outsource their ads, for cost reasons.

As the Times says, in perhaps the best bit of journalism in some time, "Local union officials were cheesed off to learn that the state milk board was farming out TV work to foreign locales."

The report goes on to state, however, that all post-production work will be done in California. One has to wonder if the substitute cow actors will appear as happy as real California cows.

Watch one of the old ads:

Carrie Prejean Nearly Walks Off "Larry King Live"

Carrie Prejean appeared on "Larry King Live" on Wednesday night. That's only part of the story, as she nearly walked off after King pressed her about the reasons she dropped her lawsuit against the Miss California pageant, which we all know is because they showed a "solo" sex tape of hers they had uncovered.

Prejean said she has been "Palinized." As she said, that means:

KING: You characterize yourself as being Palinized. What do you mean?

PREJEAN: Well, you look at Sarah Palin and Congresswoman, you know, Michele Bachmann, they are relentlessly, you know, torn down by the liberal media. I mean, they're wonderful women. They're intelligent. They're great mothers. They're brilliant. And yet there's this double standard that conservative women are fair game to be attacked. And it's not right. And it needs to stop.

Interesting comment on Bachmann and Palin being intelligent. Sarah Palin didn't even know Africa was a continent. Michele Bachmann has made some strange statements in the past, including contributing to the "death panel" craziness around health insurance reform.

Later in the show, after Prejean told him his questions about the settlement were inappropriate, Prejean removed her mike in what seemed to be preparation to walk orfstage. Here's the transcript:

KING: Did you hear the question, Carrie? Did she hear the question? Is she leaving because I asked what motivated the settlement?

PREJEAN: Excuse me?

KING: Did you hear the question?

PREJEAN: No, I can't hear you.

KING: You took the mike off. You put the mike on, you can hear.

PREJEAN: I think you're being extremely inappropriate right now. And I'm about to leave your show.

KING: Well, so I went to another area. I took a phone call. They asked a question of you. I left that subject. You feel it was inappropriate? I didn't mean to be inappropriate. I just thought it was a logical question. But you need to have a mike. Who are you talking to?

Hello? We'll be back right after these messages on LARRY KING LIVE.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: We're back with Carrie Prejean. I did not certainly mean to ask you a question -- you don't want to take phone calls, right?

PREJEAN: Yes, that was the agreement that you had with my publicist.

KING: No one told me. I didn't know we weren't supposed to take phone calls. And I meant nothing of the question.

Interesting that Prejean didn't want to take phone calls. Why not?

Also, more information has emerged about Prejean's sex tape. While she has tried to say it was done when she was 17, TMZ has spoken to her former boyfriend, and that the video in question was sent when she was 20. Additionally, he indicated she sent him numerous explicit videos.

Well, the good thing about all this is that Prejean is well along with the normal GOP sex scandals, if she wants to pursue a political career.

Watch Prejean on "LKL."

We Can't Kill All The Muslims: O'Reilly

Tuesday, following the Fort Hood memorial service, during an interview with Lt. Col Ralph Peters, Fox News host Bill O'Reilly stated flatly, "we can't kill all the Muslims," as the reason for why we try to reach out to moderates.

Peters said:

"It's clear that the problem is Islam. And the other thing that offended me in all the speeches at Fort Hood today, not one mention of terror, terrorist, terrorism. I didn't expect him to mention Islamist terrorism; that would be too far for Obama. But what does it take, what evidence does it take for our president to admit this was an act of terror?"

O'Reilly's response:

"It was an act of terror. Let me play devil's advocate here. Barack Obama wants to win hearts and minds in the Middle East, in the Muslim world, which is a good thing. And you know that. As a soldier, we can't kill all the Muslims. So we want to win the hearts and minds of as many good, moderate Muslims as we can.

"So he goes out of his way to avoid the Muslim terrorist label, which clearly applies to Hasan. But he doesn't do it (sic) because he wants to tamp down the anger in the Muslim world, rather than ratchet it up. So is that not a worthy strategy?"

While it sounds, at first glance, like a positive statement, because O'Reilly purports that "winning hearts and minds" of Muslims is a "good thing," it's interesting that neither of the two speak of the fact that there are non-Islamic terrorists. It also seems to posit that our outreach is simply because we can't "kill them all," which would be the favorable path, to O'Reilly.

Additionally, while being politically correct has perhaps gone overboard (and not just in the U.S.), it's also not true that being PC is exclusive to discussing terrorism.

Watch the video:

Prejean: Sextape "Biggest Mistake Of My Life"

Carrier Prejean's sextape, which effectively ended her lawsuit against the Miss California pageant, has been called the "biggest mistake of my life" by the former beauty queen. She appeared on Seah Hannity's Fox News show last night, discussing the issue, and stating the tape was made for her boyfriend at the time.

Wait, a Prejean sextape would intimate that the two were having pre-marital sex. Naughty, naughty, Miss Family Values.

Prejean dropped her lawsuit against the pageant after officials and lawyers brought out the tape and showed it to her, and to her mother, who happened to be in attendance.

Carrie Prejean's 85 minutes of fame began when she famously told Perez Hilton during the Miss USA pageant that she was against same-sex marriage. She didn't win, and accused judges of voting against her for that reason.

Then began a contentious relationship with the Miss California pageant as she openly attended anti-same-sex marriage events and filmed anti-same-sex marriage ads, as well as missing Miss California pageant authorized events. Semi-nude photos of her (with a slight Prejean nipple-slip) were also brought to light.

Prejean discussed the sextape on "The Today Show" today as well. On the show, she sandi news of the sextape is just another part of a seven-month-old "campaign to try and silence me."

When asked by host Meredith Vieira why she dropped her $1 million lawsuit against Miss California USA, she wouldn't elaborate, saying she's "not allowed" to discuss the particulars of the matter.

New Dollar Coins a Conspiracy: Palin

Sarah Palin's latest conspiracy theory involves currency. According to the former Alaskan mayor, the new dollar coins with "In God We Trust" printed on their edge rather on their face or back, are a conspiracy by ... guess who?

Of course, she had her facts wrong again.

Sarah Palin, who banned bring recording devices or cell phones at her speech last Friday night, offered a strange commentary on newly minted dollar coins:

Noting that there had been a lot of “change” of late, Palin recalled a recent conversation with a friend about how the phrase “In God We Trust” had been moved to the edge of the new coins.

“Who calls a shot like that?” she demanded. “Who makes a decision like that?”

She added: “It’s a disturbing trend.”

Thing is, it's not something that President Barack Obama had anything to do with. In fact, the decision was reversed in 2008. The coins were commissioned by the Republican-led Congress in 2005 and approved by President Bush.

"Anti-Consent, Pro-Rape" Facebook Page Shut Down After Criticism

A pro-rape Facebook page, set up by a group of past and present elite Australian college students, has been taken down, but still ran from early August until late October, authorities say. The page had been in the sports and recreation section on Facebook, describing members as "anti-consent."

The warden of St Paul's College, Dr. Canon Ivan Head, told the Sydney Morning Herald:

"The college holds all forms of sexual assault, rape or any proven incitement to rape to be abhorrent. It is not a college site, was not a college site and has no standing at all as a college document."

New South Wales Minister for Women Linda Burney told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC):

"Putting a page on Facebook encouraging rape is absolutely unacceptable and it does say to us that we have an awful long way to go."

The members of the "Define Statutory" group, which was open to all, had proudly displayed their membership on their personal Facebook pages.

Report: Prejean's Mother Viewed Sex Tape That Ended Lawsuit "Hopes"

Previously, I wrote that Carrie Prejean, the former Miss California and anti-same-sex marriage activist, dropped her lawsuit against the Miss California pageant. She dropped it after being shown (for reportedly 15 seconds) a XXX-rated solo sex tape featuring Prejean that had been obtained by the Miss C. pageant's lawyers.

It's now reported that not only did Carrie Prejean see that tape, her mother was in the room during the "viewing," and saw the tape as well. Previously, her mother, Francine Coppola, had been accused of having a lesbian relationship, so perhaps the viewing wasn't all that shocking, or hypocritical.

Despite her family values stance, some have called Prejean a hypocrite for getting a boob job and posing for semi-nude photos as well.

Lone GOP Rep. to Vote For Health Reform Says Was "A Decision Of Conscience"

The lone GOP House member to vote for the House health insurance reform bill on Saturday night admitted on Sunday that his vote was one of "conscience."

While Cao was the only member of the GOP to vote for the bill, thirty-nine Democrats voted against it. Cao voted for the bill because, as he put it,

"I had to make a decision of conscience based on the needs of the people in my district. I had to make a decision and I felt that last night's decision was the right decision for my district, even though it was not the popular decision for my party."

Cao's decision to vote his conscience is something not done much on either side of the aisle in recent years. Many vote alomng party lines no matter what, and no matter what the effect on their constituents.

It is interesting that, if you listen to the video below, you will also see Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) say that the bill is an affront to morality, because patients and doctors are not allowed to independently decide on their care.

This is again one of the talking points of the GOP, which is an obvious way to try to keep the insurance industry rolling in the dough. That's because, without this bill, insurance companies do what Price says the government will do. I would much rather put my life in the hands of some independent government agent than those of an underwriter who receives bonuses based on how many cases he / she denies.

If there is a lack of morality, ist is among those in the government, and yes, those Americans who would deny health care to those who are not insured. A Harvard study recently noted that more than 40,000 people die annually due to lack of insurance.

Let me ask a question for those on the right: who would Jesus insure?

Watch the video:

"Fat Defense" Murder Suspect Convicted

Edward Ates (ironic name, yes?), the man who used the "Fat Defense" in his murder trial, has been convicted by a New Jersey jury. Ates had argued he was too obese to commit the murder.

The eight men and four women did not agree. Ates' argument was that at his weight and age (62, 5'8" and 285 lbs. at the time of the murder), he didn't have the energy to accurately shoot Paul Duncsak, 40, from a location on the staircase at Duncsak's home in August 2006. Duncsak had been shot six times at his home in Ramsey, about 25 miles northwest of New York. Ates noted that his weight has led to several ailments, including asthma.

According to the prosecutors, Ates, whose daughter was involved in a custody dispute with Duncsak, drove from Florida to New Jersey, shot and killed Duncsak, then drove 21 hours to his mother's house in Louisiana, prosecutors said.

One piece of evidence against Ates was testimony from Ates' sister, Brenda, in which she admitted that she lied to authorities about when Edward Ates arrived in Louisiana, as he asked her to do. Brenda Ates has already pleaded guilty to hindering prosecution, but is not expected to get prison time when she is sentenced.

The judge in the case, State Superior Court Judge Harry G. Carroll, set sentencing for Dec. 17 and revoked Ates' bail.

Woman Reports Drunk Driver to 911: Herself

Mary Strey decided to be a good citizen and report a drunk driver, someone apparently weaving around on the roadway. The only strange part was that Mary Strey was reporting herself (call below).

Mary Strey, 49, of Granton, Wisc., called 9-11 and said: "Somebody's really drunk driving down Granton Road."

When questioned further about the drunk driver, and whether she was behind them, Strey added: "No. I am them."

The surprised dispatcher replied, "You am them?" The conversation continued:

Strey: Yes, I am them.

Dispatcher: OK, so you want to call and repor that you're driving drunk?

S: Yes.

D: OK, what's your name?

S: Mary.

D: OK, hold on one second, Mary, OK?

S: Yes.

D: Are you still driving right now?

S: Yes.

D: Do you want to stop driving before you get in an accident?

S: Yes, I will stop.

D: OK, you gonna stop right now?

S: Yes, I will stop right now.

D: OK, just hold on a second, OK.

S: OK, I'm stopping.

D: OK, just hang on the phone, OK?

At least Strey was sober enough to realize she was too drunk to drive. It's still hilarious that she reported herself.

Strey asked if many people reported themselves as drunk driving, to which the dispatcher laughed and said, "No."

Listen to the whole conversation below:

Adulterer Stoned to Death in Somalia

A Somalian man has been stoned to death after being convicted of adultery. His pregnant girlfriend has been spared. However, that mercy will only last until she gives birth.

Abas Hussein Abdirahman, 33, was stoned to death in front of a crowd of some 300 people in the Southern port town of Merka. Southern Somalia is mostly run by Islamist groups.

The stoning reportedly was conducted by the al-Shabab group. President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed accused al-Shabab of marring the image of Islam by killing people as well as their treatment of women.

"Their actions have nothing to do with Islam. They are forcing women to wear very heavy clothes, saying they want them to properly cover their bodies but we know they have economic interests behind - they sell these kinds of clothes and want to force people to buy them."

This isn't an unusual event in Somalis. A 13-year-old girl was stoned to death for adultery in the southern town of Kismayo last year. Last month, two men were stoned to death in the same town after being accused of spying.

U.S.S. New York Commissioning Complete, Ship with 9-11 Steel Enters U.S. Navy

The U.S.S. New York commissioning took place today. The U.S. Navy warship, built partially from steel from the World Trade Center, arrived in New York harbor earlier this week.

The U.S.S. New York's bow is built from 7.5 tons of World Trade Center steel. The ship docked at 9:59 AM Monday morning, when it moored to Pier 88. The official commissioning ceremony was scheduled for today.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave the keynote address. She noted the sacrifices made by Americans since 9-11, but included Fort Hood, which some may find contentious, as the anti-terrorist message of the U.S.S. New York is thus linked to a mass murder which may have been the result of one man's mental instability, not terrorism.

"The motto of the USS New York is 'Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget. By commissioning this ship today, we reaffirm the best and the worst of humanity, that we have seen from September 11th to Fort Hood."

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and New York governor David Paterson also attended the U.S.S. New York commissioning, as did former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Now that the U.S.S. New York commissioning is complete, the ship will be open to the public before leaving for its home port in Virginia on Thursday. The U.S.S. New York is the fifth in the line of San Antonio-class amphibious dock vessels. Four vessels in that class are already in service (the U.S.S. San Antonio, U.S.S. New Orleans, U.S.S. Mesa Verde and U.S.S. Green Bay). Four others are being built, of which two are also have been named in connection with the Sept. 11 attacks.

Those two are the U.S.S. Somerset, which is named after the county in Pennsylvania where United Airlines flight 93 crashed, and the U.S.S. Arlington, which is named to honor the Sept. 11 attack on the Pentagon.

Big Gulps of Wine Coming to 7-11

Don't laugh, at least not yet. There was a time when 7-11 coffee was looked down upon, but now, not so much. Let's not forget that McDonald's as well is making inroads into Starbucks' market share. So what's wrong with 7-11 wine?

I guess we'll be finding out soon. 7-11 is about to start selling its own brand of wine. The company is calling it its first entry into the value wine category, and is releasing the two low-priced ($3.99) proprietary wines in the U.S. and Japan.

The California wines, a chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, will retail for about $3.99. They will be sold under the Yosemite Road label.

7-11 already introduced Sonoma Crest and Thousand Oaks, which retail for about $10, this is their first foray into value wines, and it's the company's first global product launch, as well.

Obviously, in this time of recession, price means a lot. So a $3.99 wine might produce some sales for 7-11. We may soon see people going into the convenience chain and walking out with wine instead of beer.

The wines are being made by The Wine Group in California. In fact, the company is the third-largest wine producer in the world. It already has a number of inexpensive brands such as Glen Ellen. The company describes the chardonnay as "zesty with notes of apricot, peach and honey," and the cabernet sauvignon as "full-bodied with juicy plum overtones."

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished As PG&E Seeks Higher Rates for Frugal Customers

Energy-sipping customers of PG&E may face higher rates, if the California utility has its way. One might think it would be good if people cut down on their energy usage, but PG&E apparently doesn't agree.

PG&E, has filed documents with the state asking for a 5% rate increase for its most energy-efficient customers. The increase would allow PG&E to give price cuts of 2.5 to 5.7% to their largest customers. These are those who use between 131 and 300% of the monthly baseline average.

The document says:

PG&E proposes to increase Tier 1 and Tier 2 rates on all non-CARE residential rate schedules by 5.0 percent and to decrease non-CARE Tier 3, 4, and 5 rates commensurately.

CARE refers to a financial assistance program for low-income homes and housing facilities. So this would refer to those customers not in that program. The tiers are based on usage. Tiers 1 and 2 use the least. They are as follows:

Tier # Description
Tier 1 Up to the Baseline amount
Tier 2 Electricity usage from 101% to 130% of Baseline
Tier 3 Electricity usage from 131% to 200% of Baseline
Tier 4 Electricity usage from 201% to 300% of Baseline
Tier 5 Electricity usage in excess of 300% of Baseline

PG&E saw profits rise 4.6% in the third quarter of this year. This is reminiscent of what happened to East Bay Municipal Utility Customers earlier this year. After a year of drought-induced water rationing, EBMUD said customers were saving too much, and they were losing too much money. So not only did EBMUD remove rationing, they hiked rates.

Private Health Insurance the "Worst Product in American History": Former Industry Shill

He's not the first former health insurance company ex-employee to speak of the extent to which the health insurance industry will go to ensure its profits, but he's the latest. Andy Cobb, a former Blue Cross spokesman, is fed up and has teamed with Brave New Films for a new ad.

"I was a spokesman for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida. Call me a spokesjerk. We're people who make money for buying things you don't need. And we're telling you lies.

It's cheaper than your cell phone bill. Sure, if your cell phone bill is $400 a month. American health care is a mess, and everybody knows it. But no matter how bad it gets, insurance companies trot out their spokesjerks, to charm you into buying their insurance and avoid a public option.

"They, by which I mean I, make money by standing in the way of reform. It's time for change.

"That's why I'm calling on leaders from the spokesjerk industry. The freecreditreport.com guy. The Shamwow dude. And Senator Bill Nelson, recipient of big money from insurance companies -- to lead us. To walk away from their cash cows and tell American people the truth.

"And us spokesjerks, we'll be fine. There's plenty of room in entertainment for people who tried to sell you the worst product in American history. Private health insurance."

Many have wondered why we need insurance companies. And not just health insurance companies, but any insurance companies. As they are, by the very fact that they are corporations, driven to maximize profit for their shareholders, how can they do anything but try to reduce costs. And that means, denying care to those who most need it.

Watch the video:

ASA Chief Suspended Over Semenya Gender Row

You'll recall the story of Caster Semenya, world women's 800m champion from South Africa. She has both male and female organs, thus being a hermaphrodite. Today, the president of Athletics South Africa (ASA) has been suspended for lying about his involvement in the case.

In fact, South Africa's Olympic governing body, Sascoc, disciplined the entire board, and particularly Leonard Chuene, ASA chief.

Revelations came on Sept. 19th when, after weeks of denials, Chuene admitted at a press conference that he was fully aware there were questions over Semenya's gender.
He also admitted that he knew gender testing had been performed on Semenya on August 7th in Pretoria, which was a week before Semenya won gold in Berlin. Finally, he admitted that he was advised by team doctor Harold Adams to withdraw her from the 800m final.

Chuene later said he lied about his knowledge of the tests to protect Semenya's privacy.

The ASA issued a press release officially apologizing to Caster Semenya and her family:

"Athletics South Africa (ASA) has taken note of the African National Congress Caster Semenya Support Task Team media statement issued on 16 October relating to Caster Semenya and the gender verification tests conducted on her.

"ASA appreciates the ANC's position on this matter, fully welcomes and accepts without any reservations the findings and recommendations of the task team.

"Consequently, Athletics South Africa wishes to publicly and unconditionally apologise to Caster Semenya and her family, the President of South Africa as well as to all South Africans for the handling of her gender verification processes and the subsequent aftermath."

Carrie Prejean's Lawsuit Ended by Sex Tape

Earlier this week, former Miss California Carrie Prejean and the Miss California pageant ended their differences, settling their respective lawsuits. What's most interesting, however, is why Prejean agreed to settling: a sex tape showing the family values former Miss C. in compromising positions.

TMZ noted that it took Carrie Prejean about 15 seconds to agree to settle. In the settlement, her lawyers and publicist will receive $100,000; she will receive nothing.

TMZ also indicated they had received this same sex tape months ago, but thought it was too graphic, and thus decided not to post it. They did indicate Prejean has a promising "solo" career, so you can probably figure out what that means yourself.

Some have called Carrier Prejean both an opportunist and a hypocrite. While most runners-up in the Miss USA pageant disappear, she stayed on the radar, based on her anti same-sex marriage answer to Perez Hilton at the pageant.

It was also revealed that she had posed previously in semi-nude photos, which she should have noted on her pre-contest entry form. She also received breast implants gifted to her from the pageant.

We'll see where she goes with this now. Although they didn't indicate as such, perhaps TMZ can point Prejean to a Vivid Video rep, or something.

Bad Wedding Night: Woman Discovers She's Allergic to Husband's Sperm

An allergy to just about anything is possible. What if you discovered you were allergic to your husband's sperm? Worse, what if it happened on your wedding night?

In this case, it wasn't because the couple waited to have sex until their wedding night. However, they did wait to have unprotected sex until then. Mike and Julie Boyde married after a two year courtship, and Julie was in unbearable pain after their wedding night.

The pain continued, and sometimes included blisters. After numerous tests the couple were told that Julie suffers from seminal plasma hypersensitivity.

As described,

In a very small number of cases, people have experienced allergic reactions when they touched semen. This is called human seminal plasma hypersensitivity. The symptoms (signs of the medical problem) can either be near the part of the body which touched the semen, or all over the body. They may include itching of the vagina, redness, swelling or blisters within 30 minutes of contact. They may also include itching and hives (large, red, itchy patches) all over the body, and even difficulty breathing.

In reality, it doesn't sound any different than any other type of allergy. However, this one can prevent pregnancy, of course, and although it's possible to use IVF, in this case it appeared to fail. Mike and Julie Boyde are looking into adoption.

Sesame Street Becomes Conservatives' Newest Target

Sesame Street, which many consider one of the best shows ever for children, has no respect for Fox News, a conservative blogger says. We'll guess he's not going to be celebrating Sesame Street's anniversary or Big Bird's Birthday, anytime soon.

During a recent Sesame Street segment, Oscar the Grouch (on GNN, the Grouch News Network, I assume) interviews a celebrity. A viewer calls in to criticize Oscar him after one of his subjects begins kissing him.

“Hugging and kissing? That's it, I am changing the channel. From now on I am watching ‘Pox’ News. Now there is a trashy news show.”

Andrew Breitbart's blogger (Breitbart is well-known as a conservative) says:

"The message is clear. I can’t even sit my kids in front of 'Sesame Street' without having to worry about the Left attempting to undermine my authority. And don’t tell me, 'If you don’t like it change the channel.' There are no channels left! It’s everywhere. Just last week I had Obama’s service and volunteerism promoted on every single major network, including Disney and Nickelodeon."

Now we know where the message of indoctrination by Obama simply because he wanted to tell students to study hard comes from. It's because of this sort of opinion. It's a children's TV show. Does this person really think that children are going to get the nuances. And since when has a little mockery become indoctrination.

Watch the video and you decide:

Sesame Street to Celebrate 40 Years of Family TV

Google's Doodle today celebrates both the Sesame Street Anniversary which will occur on Nov. 10th, when its 40th season begins. It's also a celebration of Big Bird's birthday, although in terms of his Sesame Street age, he's effectively frozen at six years old.

Google marked the Sesame Street Anniversary and Big Bird's Birthday in its typical way. That is to say, it changed the Doodle (logo) on its home page to be representative of the event. Past such Doodles included celebrations of H.G. Wells' birthday (which was a rather mysterious series of Doodles).

While Big Bird's Birthday really means nothing, as he's frozen in age, the actor inside the costume is not so fortunate. Caroll Spinney has reached the ripe old age of 75, and others have been trained to take over as big bird later. For his Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch work, Spinney has received both a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1994) and the Library of Congress's Living Legend award (2000).

The November 10th season premiere will also be a Sesame Street anniversary show, with cameos from a number of people, including First Lady Michelle Obama. Expect a long parade of celebrity cameos on that episode.

Watch a vintage moment from Sesame Street as its anniversary approaches, Rubber Ducky:

Man Arrested for Hanging Girlfriend's Kitten

A 22-year-old upstate New York man has been accused of hanging his girlfriend's four-month-old kitten with a belt. Fortunately for prosecutors, he made a videotape of it.

Joanne Cichy told Syracuse police she couldn't find her kitten when she returned home after trick-or-treating with her children on Halloween night. WHat she did find, the next day, was a video on her digital camera showing the kitten hanging from the apartment door with a belt around its neck.

The video showed Cichy's live-in boyfriend, Rascell Williams, going in and out of the camera shot, as the kitten struggled and eventually went motionless. However, it did not die, and was later found alive under the porch.

Williams has been charged with unjustifiable animal cruelty. Is there such as thing as justifiable animal cruelty? Perhaps for Williams, there is.

SJPD To Be First In Nation With Uniform Cameras

Dashcam footage is something most people are aware of, due to the proliferation of reality TV shows with that sort of footage. Sometimes, however, the action drifts off camera, and this development, the first in the nation, aims to fix that.

The San Jose (CA) Police Department is becoming the first in the nation to try new uniform cameras. The cameras, developed by Taser International, are being provided free to the SJPD for the first year, for being part of the trial.

This sort of footage would have been particularly handy for the SJPD recently. Cellphone footage appears to show unnecessary beating of an unarmed suspect in a recent incident. The SJPD has said both that the video is too grainy, and that it does not show the "full story."

Axon, as it is called, runs in buffering mode, until a button is pressed. At that point, the last 30 seconds of footage is saved and the recording begins. 72 SJPD officers will be outfitted with the camera. The cameras will be deployed in the middle of November.

Watch a video report from late last month below:

Seventh-Grader Finds Barack Obama, All Presidents, Save One, Related

We already knew that President Barack Obama was distantly related to both former president George W. Bush and former Vice-President Dick Cheney. But did you know he was related to all other U.S. presidents, save one?

In fact, according to seventh-grader BridgeAnne d'Avignon, who attends Monte Vista Christian School in Watsonville, CA, they are all related to each other (save one). With the help of her 80-year-old genealogist grandfather, she determined that Obama and all other U.S. presidents, with the exception of Martin Van Buren, are related to John "Lackland" Plantagenet, a king of England and signer of the Magna Carta.

The two spent the past summer designing the first known family tree chart in history that shows the presidents' direct relationship. In fact, she also discovered that Obama is her own 11th cousin. BridgeAnne has written to Obama, in hopes that she will get a chance to present the president with the chart.

The U.S. Presidents Family Tree is set to be on display Oct. 28 at Monte Vista Christian School.

MLB Gets Its First Openly Gay Owner

The Chicago Cubs may not have won a World Series since 1907, but they accomplished a first when they completed the team's purchase by the Ricketts Family. That sale was finalized on Oct. 27th, and with that, the Cubs are the first Major League Baseball team to have an openly gay owner.

Among the purchasers is Laura Ricketts, an out lesbian who is also on the board of the gay rights organization Lambda Legal. She came out to her family in her 30s. The Ricketts family has 95 percent controlling interest in the team, Wrigley Field and 25 percent of Comcast Sports Net.

Of the Ricketts family, Pete, Todd, Tom and Laura make up the board of directors, with Tom as chairman. Ricketts said

"I think for a long time I wasn't really out to myself growing up in Omaha, Neb., to a Catholic conservative family. It took me a while to come out to myself and not long after that I came out to them. I think that it really couldn't of been a better experience. They were all immediately supportive. ... I have been really really fortunate in that regard."

Watch an introductory video for the new ownership:

Raped Constituent Confronts Vitter Over No Vote on Rape Amendment

Last month, Senator David Vitter (R-LA) was one of 30 Republicans who opposed a congressional measure to prohibit the government from working with contractors who deny victims of rape or assault the right to bring their cases to court.

At a town hall meeting last weekend, Vitter was confronted by a constituent who had been raped, and who had been able to take her case to court. She demanded to know why Vitter opposed Sen. Al Franken's (D-Minn) amendment.

Note that Vitter tried to deflect the argument toward Obama, but it should be noted that while the Obama Defense Department was concerned about the reach of the Franken legislation, the White House itself said it supported "the intent" and was working to make sure it was "enforceable."

Here's what was said. You can also watch the video below, but you must listen closely in parts due to low volume.

WOMAN: It meant everything to me that I was able to put the person who attacked me [behind bars]. And what allowed me to do that was our judicial process. I showed up in court every day to make sure that happened.

VITTER: And I'm absolutely supportive of any case like that being prosecuted criminally to the full extent of the law.

WOMAN: But there are rape victims who are being silenece. But how can you support a company that tells a rape victim that she does not have the right to defend herself?

VITTER: Ma'am, the language in question did not say that in any way shape or form.

WOMAN: But it is unconstitutional to have a law that says a woman does not have a right to defend herself.

VITTER: You realize Mr. Obama was against that amendment, that his administration was against that amendment

WOMAN: But I'm not asking Obama. I'm asking you.

VITTER: Do you think he's in favor in rape?

WOMAN: I am asking you, Senator. What if it was your daughter who was raped? Would you tell her to be quiet and take it? Would you tell your daughter to be silent?

This isn't the first such hot water David Vitter has been dipped into. Remember that he was one of the clients of the "DC Madam."

Nubs the Dog and His Marine Master Appear on the "Today Show"

We first wrote about "Nubs the dog" way back in February of 2008. This miracle pet appeared on the Today Show today, with his master, and rescuer, Maj. Brian Dennis.

The reason for the Today Show visit with Meredith Veiera is an obvious one. It's the publication of a book, titled “Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle,” which was just published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers .

Dennis first met Nubs the dog in Oct. 2007. The name came from the fact that his ears had been lopped off, a common practice in Iraq meant to give another dog less to grab onto in a fight and also to make the dogs "tougher."

One day Dennis found Nubs the dog with a puncture wound in his side. He nursed the dog back to health and later learned the injury had been inflicted by a screwdriver.

Finally, however, Dennis' unit was going to move 70 miles away, to a new location. They couldn't take the dog with them; it was against the rules. That final day, Nubs the dog trotted alongside the Humvees as they left camp, as he always did. Dennis thought it was the last he would see of the dog.

But two days later, Nubs showed up at their new camp. It would be difficult to imagine the travails Nubs the dog faced during his trek to find Dennis and his unit again.

Eventually, the brass caught on, and said they had to get rid of the dog. Shipping Nubs the dog to Dennis' home of San Diego was going to take a substantial sum of money: $5,000. However, after Dennis fired off an e-mail to some friends, one the story hit local TV and the Internet, and the offers of help came flooding in.

Nubs the dog was shuttled through Jordan (and a veterinarian), then to Chicago, and finally to San Diego, in March of 2008. A month later, Dennis followed Nubs home.

The story is a heartwarming one, and one that shows not just the bonds of dog to man, but of man to dog. Dennis told Vieira:

“A lot of soldiers and Marines end up connecting with dogs out there. I heard from a lot of people who’ve been in Vietnam and even World War II. I guess it’s an escape. People who are dog people, they just get it. The dog comes running up to you with his tail wagging. It was an escape from the drudgery, the mundane life out there, the bad things you see at times. It was an escape and now it’s a friend.”

Watch the Today Show interview.

U.S.S. New York Arrives in Namesake CIty

The U.S.S. New York, made with steel salvaged from the wreckage of the Twin Towers, arrived on Monday in New York City. A detail aboard the 684-foot, $1.2-billion amphibious assault vessel fired a 21-gun salute from the fantail of the ship as it paused for a moment in the waters off Ground Zero.

Families of 9/11 victims, first responders, as well as the general public gathered Monday at a waterfront viewing area. The vessel arrived in New York Harbor, right on time, Nov. 2nd.

The USS New York's bow is built from 7.5 tons of World Trade Center steel. The ship docked "at home" at 9:59 AM when it moored to Pier 88. An official commissioning ceremony is scheduled for Saturday.

The ship can carry as many as 800 Marines. Its flight deck can handle helicopters as well as the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.

The U.S.S. New York is the fifth in the line of San Antonio-class amphibious dock vessels. Four vessels in that class are already in service (the USS San Antonio, USS New Orleans, USS Mesa Verde and USS Green Bay). Four others are being built, of which two are also have been named in connection with the Sept. 11 attacks.

Those two are the USS Somerset, which is named after the county in Pennsylvania where United Airlines flight 93 crashed, and the USS Arlington, which is named to honor the Sept. 11 attack on the Pentagon.

After commissioning, the U.S.S. New York will be stationed at the Naval base in Norfolk, Virginia.

Chris Christie Accused of Stealing Monty Python Material for Ad

Chris Christie, 47, the GOP candidate for Governor of New Jersey in Tuesday's gubernatorial election, has used some Monty Python material without permission. The comedy troupe is none-to-happy.

Christie is a lawyer, and a former U.S. attorney. He was appointed by George W. Bush as a U.S. Attorney in 2001 on Karl Rove's recommendation. The campaign advertisement, titled "Deja Vu," attacked incumbent New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine. The problem is that is used scenes from a "Monty Python's Flying Circus" skit without permission. The ad, since removed, was on Christie's official YouTube campaign site, and already aired on national TV, which cannot be witdrawn.

Michael Palin, who appears in the skit use for the ad, was particularly upset that his image was by the Republican candidate without permission. He said, "I'm surprised that a former U.S. Attorney isn't aware of his copyright infringement when he uses our material without permission. He's clearly made a terrible mistake. It was the endorsement of Sarah Palin he was after, not that of Michael Palin."

Even when upset, Michael Palin is still the comedian.

Meanwhile, the group's Terry Jones said that they are strongly considering suing the Republican for his copyright infringement, saying "It is totally outrageous that a former US Attorney knows so little about the law that he thinks he can rip off people. On the other hand, another of Bush's legal appointees was Alberto Gonzales and he didn't seem to know much about the law either."

Christie and Corzine are in a hotly contested, and very close race for Governor of New Jersey. Normally a blue state, NJ is in play due to the dismal state of their economy.

It's not the first example of the GOP using copyrighted material without permission. During the 2008 Presidential campaign, John McCain ran afoul of copyright several times.

First Ever Bat Delay During NBA Game

Perhaps the first ever delay of game for a bat (the animal, not the baseball equipment) occurred on, ironically, Halloween night as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Sacramento Kings 113-94. In fact, the Spurs' Manu Ginobili showed his quick hands off, by capturing the bat.

The bat first appeared in the first quarter at San Antonio's AT&T Center. The bat left shortly after play was stopped, but returned. Ginobili performed a seemingly amazing trick, as he swatted the bat out of the air with a bare hand. He then carried the creature off the court as the crowd cheered.

Ginobili said, "When you can't dunk anymore, you have to find a way to make it into the news. So that's what I did. I grabbed a bat. I didn't think it was a big deal."

It's unclear what happened to the bat after it exited the court. Watch the video below:

Icelanders Make Run on McDonald's as Firm Leaves

Panic set in in Iceland this weekend. It was a run, but not a run on a bank. It was a run on McDonald's.

McDonald's is leaving Iceland, as they announced earlier. It's simply too expensive for the company to keep restaurants open in Iceland, where McDonald's has to import everything for its Icelandic restaurants. That includes packaging, meat, vegetables, cheese.

The island's economic collapse has made such imports prohibitively expensive, and as such, all three of the island's restaurant were set to close. Given that, Icelanders flooded the three branches of the fast-food restaurant in Reykjavik several hours before the outlets shut for the last time.

One can only hope the Icelanders weren't stocking up and saving the food to be eaten later.

The firm Lyst operates the Icelandic branches. At one point, there was even a shortage of the company's trademark Big Mac. The closure of the McDonald's restaurants in Iceland will make it one of the few Western nations without a the ubiquitous fast-food restaurant.

Lyst plans to remake the three outlets into restaurants with local food. They don't expect McDonald's to ever enter the nation again, however.