10X and we ain't talking sugar . . .

The Tennessee Center for Policy Research, an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan research organization committed to achieving a freer, more prosperous Tennessee through free market policy solutions, issued a press release late Monday:Last night, Al Gore’s global-warming documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, collected an Oscar for best documentary feature, but the Tennessee Center for Policy Research has found that Gore deserves a gold statue for hypocrisy.

Gore’s mansion, [20-room, eight-bathroom] located in the posh Belle Meade area of Nashville, consumes more electricity every month than the average American household uses in an entire year, according to the Nashville Electric Service (NES). In his documentary, the former Vice President calls on Americans to conserve energy by reducing electricity consumption at home.The average household in America consumes 10,656 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, according to the Department of Energy. In 2006, Gore devoured nearly 221,000 kWh—more than 20 times the national average. Last August alone, Gore burned through 22,619 kWh—guzzling more than twice the electricity in one month than an average American family uses in an entire year. As a result of his energy consumption, Gore’s average monthly electric bill topped $1,359.

Since the release of An Inconvenient Truth, Gore’s energy consumption has increased from an average of 16,200 kWh per month in 2005, to 18,400 kWh per month in 2006. Gore’s extravagant energy use does not stop at his electric bill. Natural gas bills for Gore’s mansion and guest house averaged $1,080 per month last year. “As the spokesman of choice for the global warming movement, Al Gore has to be willing to walk to walk, not just talk the talk, when it comes to home energy use,” said Tennessee Center for Policy Research President Drew Johnson.

In total, Gore paid nearly $30,000 in combined electricity and natural gas bills for his Nashville estate in 2006.

DD Note - Oh, that's right, Big Al buys carbon offsets so that makes this all OK . . . horseshit!

Cool "tags"

Frankly Charolette, who gives a damn?!?

Mexico's Congress has condemned what it says is a border violation by US workers building a controversial barrier between the two countries.

Legislators say workers and equipment building a section of the barrier have gone 10 metres (yards) into Mexico.

The alleged border violation comes ahead of a high-level meeting in the Canadian capital Ottawa.

US, Mexican and Canadian foreign ministers are to discuss border security and trade issues.
Mexican legislators said they had photographs and video, taken on Monday, of the workers and heavy-duty construction equipment that showed them about 10 metres inside Mexico near the border city of Agua Prieta and the town of Douglas, Arizona.

The Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa said she had complained to the US authorities and that the men and equipment had been withdrawn.

Have some fun at Wal*Mart . . .

1. Get 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they aren't looking.

2. Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.

3. Make a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the restrooms.

4. Walk up to an employee and tell him/her in an official tone,"Code3" in housewares...and see what happens.

5. Go the Service Desk and ask to put a bag of M&M's on lay away.

6. Move a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.

7. Set up a tent in the camping department and tell other shoppers you'll invite them in if they bring pillows from the bedding department.

8. When a clerk asks if they can help you, begin to cry and ask, "Why can't you people just leave me alone?"

9. Look right into the security camera and use it as a mirror and pick your nose.

10. While handling guns in the hunting department, ask the clerk if he knows where the anti-depressants are.

11. Dart around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the theme from "Mission Impossible."

12. In the auto department, practice your "Madonna look" using different size funnels.

13. Hide in a clothing rack and when people browse through, say "PICK ME!" "PICK ME!"


14. When an announcement comes over the loud speaker, assume the fetal position and scream "NO! NO! It's those voices again!!!!"

15. Go into a fitting room, shut the door and wait a while and then yell loudly "There is no toilet paper in here!"

Says it all . . .

Ancient Libtard Gravesite Found . . .

Recently uncovered skeleton remains confirm the long held theory that our liberal retard friends have had their heads up their asses for generations! What a find!!! I'm disappointed though, it didn't make the AOL Welcome screen today.

Suuprise . . . suuprise . . . suuuprise

Amazing grace . . .

Another PC scam . . . damn if I'll pay to fart!

Enlightened individuals, those who stay awake at nights wondering what they can do to prevent the polar caps from melting, at least have a growing menu of choices.

Sydney-based Easy Being Green says it will mitigate your cat's flatulent contribution to global warming for A$8 ($6). The same company could also make your granny ``carbon-neutral'' at A$10 a year, according to a report in the Australian newspaper last weekend.

Then there's Carbon Planet Pty, another company cited in the article. If you are hopping on a short-haul flight between Sydney and Canberra, and feeling bad about the damage you are doing to the ecosystem, you can buy credits worth A$23, for which the Adelaide-based company will guarantee to keep 1 ton of carbon dioxide out of the air for 100 years.

DD note - WTF?!? Rrrrrrrrippppp! Migitate that you mother fuckers!!! Passive aggressive personality aside, I'll be adding chili to my diet with fatulent frequence in protest of yet another money scheming-policital correctness-gobal warming crazy society we're turning into!!! In my backyard . . . you're all welcome to fart as often as you like, your cats too!!! "Alcohol-neutral" therapy is unavailable, I serve only the finest ales!!!

Libtards . . .

libtard


(Lib-Tard) 1) Combination of the words Liberal and retard (see also: Libterd, libturd, libnerd, libsurd, libdiot, libored)

2) The result when a tree hugger successfully mates with a tree and the offspring is born with an extra chromosome.

3) Any helpless society that must always be liberated by the blood and sweat of others yet are too arrogant and stupid to realize that they owe their entire existance to others. (see also: French-tard, French-Tarded, Retarded-Frenchmen).

libtard

1) Hillary clinton and her husband, you know what's his face. You know that libtard that got impeached for going down on that fat chick in the beret that looked like Rosie Odonnel.

2) Look at that tall mongoloid with the vote Kerry T-shirt. Must be one of them libtards.

3) Screw you Frenchie! You freakin' libtard.

Kind of makes you wonder . . .

Our so-called media continues to validate, at least in my mind, their seemingly endless quest to erode the fabric and tradition of American culture, I guess I spend too much time on the road listening to talk radio - so maybe in the end, it's really all my fault, but I doubt it. Yesterday in particular - the constant push and shove broadcast of new about ANS's final disposition ruling, every bottom and top of the hours news report, any station you tuned to, we are treated to a Brooklyn-accented bawl baby judge reading his ruling. A) I don't give a rat's ass where the bimbo is buried, B) None or her so-called suitors really give a shit about anything other than the money that can be made off of her, even in death , and C) no wonder America is seen as the "great Satan" in some parts of the world. This is just fucking nuts!

Blah, blah, blah, blah . . . blah!!! Paris this and Brittany that! Who gives a rats ass! Muck and meaningless "news" 24-7 . . . anyone else sick of this shit!

This morning I sign on the AOL . . . their "Welcome Screen" is always a treat. Big story . . . chimps fashion weapons out of sticks and kill small animals in a recent study of primates. Maybe I've gone totally over the edge after a few years as a subscriber to AOL, but how is this story important?!? I'm sure animal rights wackos took notice and there are probably some liberals out there scheming to register these intelligent chimps to vote (right after they get human services benefits), and it wouldn't surprise me one bit to see "chimpanese" as a future menu choice on an ATM machine either! WTF?!? Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah!!!!

Drives me stupid . . .

Anybody give a rat's ass?

Britney Spears is back in rehab. Sources say the singer has checked into an in-patient facility in Los Angeles. The move came after family members, including her mom, pressed her to check in.

Those who race bait . . .

Some us live in a color blind world . . . and some other folks make a living out of making color distinctions, race baiting, and dealing race cards . . . I just think that's dead wrong!

Pandering again . . .

Clinton Objects to Confederate Flag

Feb 19 4:25 PM US/Eastern


By JIM DAVENPORT
Associated Press Writer


ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) -- Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday that South Carolina should remove the Confederate flag from its Statehouse grounds, in part because the nation should unite under one banner while at war.

"I think about how many South Carolinians have served in our military and who are serving today under our flag and I believe that we should have one flag that we all pay honor to, as I know that most people in South Carolina do every single day," Clinton told The Associated Press in an interview.

"I personally would like to see it removed from the Statehouse grounds," the New York senator said during her first trip to the early voting state since announcing her White House bid.

Other Democratic hopefuls, including Sens. Joe Biden and Chris Dodd, have said the flag should come down. The banner, which once flew over the Statehouse dome and now flies nearby, is the subject of an ongoing NAACP boycott.

Clinton is one of several Democrats to draw huge crowds during campaign stops in the state, but she said during the interview that her party will have a tough time winning in GOP-heavy South Carolina

"I think it's going to be hard for any Democrat to carry the state," she said. "The Republican Party is very strong here."

Earlier in the day, Clinton spoke to more than 1,500 people gathered at Allen University, a historically black college in Columbia.

The senator picked up key endorsements last week from two black state senators who helped deliver black voters to former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards in 2004. One of those politicians, state Sen. Darrell Jackson, whose media company also picked up a $10,000 consulting contract from Clinton's campaign, introduced her to the Allen University crowd.

During the AP interview, Clinton said her campaign struck no deal with Jackson. "Senator Jackson has worked in Clinton campaigns going back to 1992," she said.

DD Notes . . . For starters Hillary, how about Congress uniting behind our Commander and Chief during time of war?!? Of course, it's important to pander to the NAACP during a campaign . . . race baiting is part of the electioneering playbook. And lastly, anything that pisses you off is pleasing to those of us who see you for what you really are . . . symbolism over substance. This is one damn yankee who thinks the Rebel jack is fine where it is for now.

Driving to work this morning . . .

There's little doubt in my mind that just about everyone encounters at least one or two assholes on their daily commutes. Sharing the road with assholes is not one of my favorite moments in life. I can't begin to describe how many times I've re-invented my SUV in my mind, configuring it with all sorts of weapon systems with finger tip controls - the kind of stuff you'd like to have when some asshole cuts you off, or whose driving antics put you in unnecessary danger. I gotta believe I'm not alone, surely others share the same fantasy!

Second point, what are the odds that you will encounter over a dozen erratic drivers on a stretch of interstate highway at 4:30 a.m.? One right after another . . . almost like 7 truckers and 5 other good ole boys all closed a bar and hit the highway at the same time . . . say 4:20 a.m., taking different approach routes, but all merging onto the same interstate you happen to be traveling on this morning?

Third point, just like the planets aligning ever no and then, so it was with about dozen assholes this morning! The classic white knuckle moment - I'm doing 65 mph (posted limit), I have an 18 wheeler tailgating me, another one overtaking me, and an entrance ramp on my right with another 18 wheeler and 2 vehicles tailgating it as this nit wit surges forward in an attempt to get onto the interstate ahead of me and vehicles surrounding me! WTF?!? Yield signs must mean "go like hell an beat 'em" in some states. I can't help think that the bad reputation that some truckers have acquired is the results of asshole maneuvers sucj as this one!

Fourth point, my fist hurts like hell from pounding on the steering wheel.

Fifth point, if my SUV was "armed", I believe the road would be littered with smoking shredded metal and my blood pressure would be more like normal.

Sixth point, just when you think you've re-established a good space cushion between yourself and the rest of shit heads on the interstate, you know, that moment when you feel safe enough to raise the morning coffee mug from its holder and take a swig of Joe . . . another 18 wheeler, no lights on, parked on the shoulder of the road, decides to pull out into my lane, again - no lights on, no signal, no warning, and you do a quick evade to the left manuever to escape hitting them. WTF?!? Professional driver, my ass!

Seventh point, my chest burns from the coffee and my other fist hurts like hell. I may have hyper-extended my middle finger, too bad he couldn't see it the darkness.

Eight point, thank you Lord . . . for the guardian angel who rides along with me.

Nine point, .50 cal rounds with tracers would be pretty to watch as they seek their targets

Ten point, nah . . . missle systems would be far more effective!

Closing note . . . to all of you unkonown assholes I encountered this morning, ARGO (are go fuck yourselves)!

Cute . . .

We hold these truth to be self-evident . . .

These are the laws of the natural universe:

~ Law of Mechanical Repair: After your hands become
coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch.

~ Law of the Workshop: Any tool, when dropped,
will roll to the least accessible corner.

~ Law of the Telephone: When you dial a wrong number,
you never get a busy signal.

~ Law of the Alibi: If you tell the boss you were late for work
because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat
tire.

~ Variation Law: If you change lines or traffic lanes, the one you
were in will start to move faster than the one you are in now.

~ Bath Theorem: When the body is fully immersed in water,
the telephone rings.

~ Law of Lines: When you walk IN the grocery store, there's
never anyone in the checkout line.

~ Inverse Hair Dryer Law: You're sure you hear the phone
ringing in the background, until you turn the hair dryer off.

~ Law of Close Encounters: The probability of meeting someone
you know increases when you are with someone you don't
want to be seen with.

~ Law of the Result: When you try to prove to someone
that a machine won't work, it will.

~ Law of Bio mechanics: The severity of the itch is
inversely proportional to the reach.

~ Theater Law: At any event, the people whose seats
are farthest from the aisle arrive last.

~ Law of Coffee: As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot
coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will
last until the coffee is cold.

~ Murphy's Law of Lockers: If there are only two people
in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.

~ Law of Natural Attraction: If you and your date are the
only two on a five-mile stretch of beach, the family of five
will set up right next to you.

~ Law of Dirty Rugs/Carpets: The chances of an open-faced
jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor covering are
directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet/rug.

~ Law of Location: No matter where you go, there you are.

~ Law of Logical Argument: Anything is possible if you
don't know what you are talking about.

~ Law of the Last Word: "Hey, watch this!"

'Em boys in Texas got it right!

Dallas ATC: "Tower to Saudi Air 911--You are cleared to land eastbound on runway 9R."

Saudi Air: "Thank you Dallas ATC. Acknowledge cleared to land on infidel's runway 9R --Allah be Praised !!"

Dallas ATC: "Tower to Iran Air 711--You are cleared to land westbound on runway 9R."

Iran Air: "Thank you Dallas ATC. We are cleared to land on infidel's runway 9R.- -Allah is Great !!"

Pause: Static.............

Saudi Air: " DALLAS ATC ! DALLAS ATC !!! "

Dallas ATC: "Go ahead Saudi Air 911?"

Saudi Air: "YOU HAVE CLEARED BOTH OUR AIRCRAFT FOR THE SAME RUNWAY GOING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS !!! WE ARE ON A COLLISION COURSE !!! INSTRUCTIONS PLEASE!!!

Dallas ATC: "Well bless your hearts. Y'all be careful now and be tellin' Allah 'hey' for us -- ya hear?

Caption this one . . .

Promises, promises . . . blather, bather . . .

Click to enlage image . . . interesting read!

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

I think there were a few surprizes yesterday in the form of diamonds, roses, and warm fannel sheets!

Shameless, I stole this . . . it's great!

Maybe "Algore" would be funnier but this is priceless!

Excellent Trade!

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS

Last Tuesday, as President Bush got off the Helicopter in front of the White House, he was carrying a baby piglet under each arm.

The squared away Marine guard snaps to attention, salutes, and says: "Nice pigs, sir."

The President replies "These are not pigs these are authentic Arkansas Razorback Hogs. I got one for Senator Hillary Clinton and I got one for Speaker of The House Nancy Pelosi.

"The squared away Marine again snaps to attention, salutes, and says: "Excellent trade, sir."

About an hour from my house . . .

Sections of Pennsylvania's Interstate highways are in the news this week. I-78, near Fort Indiantown Gap to I-80 was the scene of a 50 mile gridlock that caused stranded motorists to remain in their vehicles for up to 24 hours. This morning, the blame game began. It amazes me how many self-righteous "experts" seem to crawl out from under their rocks and begin smugly pointing fingers.

It's been nearly 20 years, but I distinctly remember a similiar event on the same stretch of this road, ironically in mid-February. I was pulling a 3 week tour of duty with the National Guard at Indiontown Gap when the State got hammered with a huge snow and ice event, much like this one. Our regular mission scrubbed, we were mission to do search and recovery operations on 1-78 (which runs right past the Gap). We spent days shuttling people to barracks on post, feed them, provided free telephone use, entertained kids, provided medical support, and eventually shuttle them back to their vehicles. Military tank trucks provided mogas, wheeled recovery vehicles helped extract 18 wheel trucks, etc., etc., etc.

From what I understand, PA Emergency Management and the PA National Guard mobilized to assist in this recent event. What pisses me off is the fact that the so-called experts have no fucking clue that: A) the soldiers who respond in these situations return home to find that nobody took it upon themselves to shovel out the soldier's residence or dig out their mailboxes, B) the soldiers, in most instances, have to travel great distances (often on roads as bad or worse than the interstates) to get to duty stations in order to go out and help, and C) some fucking moron news reporter will put a camera in the face of minority person caught in this mess and the case will be made that this is just like Katrina, it's Bush's fault, the military sucks, etc.

To my brothers who answered this call . . . I applaud you! Thank God for citizen soldiers!

To the morons who criticize relief efforts, go fuck yourselves!

Just to set the record straight, I-78 is a major traffic corridor with intense tractor trailer activity on it every hour of the day. Add to this fact that this most of the countryside is wide open and prone to high winds and drifting snow, it's little wonder why Penn DOT snow crews are doomed to fall behind in a snow event like this one. It only takes one or 2 tractor trailers, or cars, to get hung up on a grade to trigger the nightmare traffic jams that almost always follow. Once gridlocked, even Humvees have a hell of time riding to the rescue! The latest word this morning is that most of the highways in the affected area are still ice packed and no word yet on when the roads may be reopened.

Cool site - discount stores of the 1960's

Check it out http://www.wtv-zone.com/dpjohnson/60sdiscountstores/index.html

I remember quite a few of them. Wow what a throwback of memories!

Snow Sucks!!!

Positively, absolutely, without any doubt . . . it just plain sucks!!! I was born to spend my days in the pursuit of the perfect BBQ, not shoveling this shit. There are no redeeming characteristics of snow, not one!

Colors of friendship and love . . .

Color means emotion and this Valentine's you can express every feeling in your heart with a presentation of roses in colors that say what's on your mind -- or what's in your heart!

Red -- The red rose tells your valentine without a doubt, "I love you." A vibrant and dramatic color, it stands for romance and passion. It's the perfect choice for your true love, the love of a lifetime or someone you want to get the message it's time to "get serious."

White -- Tells your angel of a valentine that they're simply "heavenly," and is a great color for the romantic in your life! White roses also stand for innocence, which makes it a perfect color choice for dads to give daughters.

Red & White Together -- By themselves these red and white roses are gorgeous, but together, they symbolize unity. What a great surprise for the newlywed valentine, loving partner or to send to your parents to say "Thanks for being such a great symbol of love through the years!"

Pink -- Send deep pink roses and you're telling that someone special you appreciate their sense of grace, style and their gentle nature. Send them light pink roses and you're saying "I really admire you!" This rose color is just the right pick to send to someone you want to become your special valentine and sign the card, "Love, your secret admirer."

Yellow -- Could there be any other color but bright, sunny yellow to symbolize friendship, affection and joy? Send your best friend a bunch of these stunning blooms with a card that says, "You'll be my best friend forever!"

Coral or Orange -- You caught their eye, they caught your eye. There's smoke, now there's a chance for fire. Send orange roses, the color of desire, and wait for passion to ignite.
Deep Burgundy -- Beautiful doesn't even begin to compare to your valentine, but they're unaware of how stunning they truly are. Burgundy roses, which mean "unconscious beauty," are the right choice for this shy valentine.

Red & Yellow Blends -- Red and yellow roses together symbolize joy, happiness and excitement! Gather these gorgeous blooms into one dozen or buy a single stem of each color and put in individual bud vases for a statement of love that your valentine will never forget!
Lavender -- It's love at first sight with this unique rose color. The moment you saw your valentine, your heart skipped a beat. Send a gorgeous array of lavender roses and tell your valentine once again, "I fall in love all over again every time I see you."

People wonder why I pay for AOL

Here's a shining example of AOL's dribble and desperation for something "newsworthy" to fill the intro screens for subscribers. At nine bucks a month to see all this moronic stuff, what's not to like or laugh about? I like #11 . . . sums it all up!


Richard Simmons' Package Gets a Special Delivery

Posted Feb 9th 2007 10:30AM by Meredith O'Donnell
Filed under: Caught on Tape, Television

Now this is, quite simply, just not good -- the 'Today' cameras catch Richard Simmons having a private moment as he sweats to the oldies backstage. Richard, Richard, Richard ... we hate to post this because you really seem like a really nice guy, but at the same time ... keep your hands out of your short-shorts!


Reader Comments

1. For pete's sake. The guy was alone in the back room. He was probably just "straightening things out" after jumping around. Do we really care? And WHY do all the networks have to show it all over and make such a bit deal of it? I'll bet every one of the giggly little men passing this shot around has had his hands in his pants.
Louise at 8:56PM on Feb 10th 2007

2. Leave the man alone. A lot of you guys do it in public even when you know people can see you. We women politely make believe we don't see it.
jane ferber at 9:32PM on Feb 10th 2007

3. What a FREAK!!!!!!!!
Dan at 9:43PM on Feb 10th 2007

4. I wake up with my hand in my pants. Don't really understand why, but am thankful the camera isn't on me :)
Don at 9:48PM on Feb 10th 2007

5. Look a little closer people! He doesn't reach far enough down to be adjusting his "package".
Karen at 9:51PM on Feb 10th 2007

6. Lets get real here,there was nothing wrong with what he was doing,I am a woman and after jumping around a couple of times I have to adjust my boobs back into place,stop wasting airtime.
Lisa at 9:56PM on Feb 10th 2007

7. Please he didn't know he was on camera. So many men adjust themselves in public and they are not on TV being humiliated. He is a good guy leave him alone or next time you see a guy in a suit walking down Wall St. ajusting put him on camera and show it nationwide.
Cathi at 9:56PM on Feb 10th 2007

8. You got to be kidding me, he wasnt adjusting his packagein his shorts becauswe of his jumping around, take a look how many of the people shown with him were boys, need I say more???????????
Rose L at 9:59PM on Feb 10th 2007

9. You are right Karen. His Hanes, Fruit of the Looms, or etc needed adjusting or pulled up.
Martin Bingham at 10:03PM on Feb 10th 2007

10. Meredith,how can you tell someone to keep there hands out of their shorts,when you guys publicly displayed this private moment of adjusting,why dont you tell your male friends to stop holding themselves in public.
Lisa at 10:13PM on Feb 10th 2007

11. The media should get a 'life'.
A at 10:19PM on Feb 10th 2007

12. Come on people just leave him alone. It's bad enough being a guy and having to adjust stuff down there, but being an older guy is probably tougher. Things aren't probably as big as they once was, looser skin and stuff, causing more room for movement, causing more room for odd tucking.
Lance at 10:20PM on Feb 10th 2007

13. He was probably making sure Michael Jacksons hand wasn't there! Jackson is back in the USA for his, RETURN TO KIDDIELAND TOUR!
Beeker D. at 10:20PM on Feb 10th 2007

14. Oh, PALLLLEEEZZZZ, Aol, should be ashamed for allowing this. WHATS THE BIG DEAL! Like we all have not done this????
Michelle at 10:24PM on Feb 10th 2007

15. Good grief, This world must be in a sad state of affairs when something like this makes news to the point of having to discuss it...

Sugar Bear

He's my early favorite

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) - Mitt Romney officially entered the 2008 presidential race Tuesday, a former one-term Republican governor of Massachusetts suggesting that his record of leadership inside and outside government uniquely positions him to tackle the country's challenges.

"I do not believe Washington can be transformed from within by lifetime politicians," Romney said, seeking to turn a potential liability, his limited political experience, into an asset. "There have been too many deals, too many favors, too many entanglements - and too little real world experience managing, guiding, leading."

Rednecks ain't stupid . . .

Fifty-one years ago, Herman James, a North Carolina mountain man, was drafted by the Army.

On his first day in basic training, the Army issued him a comb. That afternoon the Army barber sheared off all his hair.

On his second day, the Army issued Herman a toothbrush. That afternoon the Army dentist yanked seven of his teeth.

On the third day, the Army issued him a jock strap.

The Army has been looking for Herman for 51 years.

A redneck came to the big city to visit some friends. They went to an Applebee's restaurant for dinner. One of the items on the menu caught his eye: lobster tail and beer $40.

"Damn," he said: "My three favorite things! And $40 is such a reasonable price!"

Get a clue!

NEW YORK — In the sensitive post-wardrobe malfunction world, some are questioning whether a guitar was just a guitar during Prince's Super Bowl halftime show.

Prince's acclaimed performance included a guitar solo during the "Purple Rain" segment of his medley in which his shadow was projected onto a large, flowing beige sheet. As the 48-year-old rock star let rip, the silhouette cast by his figure and his guitar (shaped like the singer's symbol) had phallic connotations for some.

A number of bloggers have decried "Malfunction!" — including Sam Anderson at New York magazine's Daily Intelligencer. Daily News television critic David Bianculli called it "a rude-looking shadow show" that "looked embarrassingly rude, crude and unfortunately placed."

America's Top 50 Salaries

Meg Donohue, CareerBuilder.com writer

It's only natural that you're curious. Who doesn't want to sneak a peek at the paychecks of America's wealthiest workers?

In the spirit of disclosure, here's a look at the median salaries of America's 50 highest-paying jobs, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The list of America's top earners contains many expected results (chief executives and lawyers), as well as some that may come as a surprise (air traffic controllers, construction managers). And, of course, there's proof positive that it pays to have an MD: surgeons and physicians dominate the list.

1. Surgeons -- $177,690
2. Anesthesiologists -- $174,240
3. Obstetricians and Gynecologists -- $171,810
4. Orthodontists -- $163,410
5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons -- $160,660
6. Internists, General -- $156,550
7. Psychiatrists -- $146,150
8. Prosthodontists -- $146,080
9. Family and General Practitioners -- $140,370
10. Chief Executives -- $139,810
11. Pediatricians, General -- $139,230
12. Airline Pilots, Copilots and Flight Engineers -- $135,040
13. Dentists, General -- $133,680
14. Podiatrists -- $111,250
15. Lawyers -- $110,520
16. Air Traffic Controllers -- $105,820
17. Engineering Managers -- $105,470
18. Computer and Information Systems Managers -- $102,360
19. Marketing Managers -- $101,990
20. Astronomers -- $101,360
21. Natural Sciences Managers -- $99,140
22. Sales Managers -- $98,510
23. Petroleum Engineers -- $97,350
24. Financial Managers -- $96,620
25. Law Teachers, Postsecondary -- $95,570
26. Optometrists -- $95,500
27. General and Operations Managers -- $95,470
28. Computer and Information Scientists, Research -- $94,030
29. Judges, Magistrate Judges and Magistrates -- $91,500
30. Physicists -- $91,480
31. Actuaries -- $90,760
32. Nuclear Engineers -- $90,690
33. Industrial-Organizational Psychologists -- $89,980
34. Human Resources Managers -- $89,950
35. Pharmacists -- $88,650
36. Securities, Commodities and Financial Services Sales Agents -- $87,990
37. Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners -- $87,630
38. Computer Hardware Engineers -- $87,170
39. Public Relations Managers -- $85,820
40. Aerospace Engineers -- $85,450
41. Political Scientists -- $84,820
42. Physical Scientists -- $84,380
43. Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software -- $84,310
44. Personal Financial Advisors -- $82,970
45. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary -- $82,450
46. Chiropractors -- $82,060
47. Industrial Production Managers -- $81,960
48. Construction Managers -- $81,760
49. Purchasing Managers -- $81,440
50. Advertising and Promotions Managers -- $81,250

Copyright 2007 CareerBuilder.com.


DD Note . . . At first blush I was a bit disappointed to find that my annual salary fell short of the median salary for my occupation on this list. I've quickly sobered . . . it's better than the best salary I ever earned in my prior occupations (teacher and member of the Armed Forces), and who knows, if I get a "bonus" this year, I could get close to the median mark!

We call 'em "Dumbiches" around here!

This gal from the People's Republic of California has NO CLUE!!!

"It's obstructionism," said Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. "This is not tolerable in a situation where it's the number one topic in the nation, and the Republican party prevents the Senate of the United States from debating." But Arizona Sen. John McCain , the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said proponents of the nonbinding, bipartisan resolution were undermining national security. "This is a vote of no confidence in both the mission and the troops," he said. On the eve of a possible congressional showdown on Iraq strategy, both sides maneuvered to gain support from a handful of senators who will decide the fate of a resolution criticizing Bush's plan to send 21,500 more troops to Iraq.

Conflicting Predictions . . .

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) - A new pair of hands pulled Punxsutawney Phil from his stump this year, so it was only fitting that the groundhog offered a new prediction.

Phil did not see his shadow on Friday, which, according to German folklore, means folks can expect an early spring instead of six more weeks of winter.

Since 1886, Phil has seen his shadow 96 times, hasn't seen it 15 times and there are no records for nine years, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. The last time Phil failed to see his shadow was in 1999.

More than 15,000 revelers milled about in a misty snow waiting for the prediction, as fireworks exploded overhead and the "Pennsylvania Polka" and other music blared in the background.

EAST BERLIN, PA (DD News) - It took almost a full bag of kibbled dog food and 1/2 pint of Jameson Irish Whiskey to lure East Berlin Belch out of his den behind my garage this morning. I had a hell of a time rousting his fat furry ass out of the den. Since 1999, Belch has been wrong 100% of the time! He did see his shadow as a result of my trucks headlights! I guess we'll know in 6 weeks or so if the little shit gets it right this year!

Saw it . . loved it . . . stole it . . . enjoy it!

Make up and make overs . . .

Go Figure . . .

The office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pressing the Bush administration for routine access to military aircraft for domestic flights, such as trips back to her San Francisco district, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

The sources, who include those in Congress and in the administration, said the Democrat is seeking regular military flights not only for herself and her staff, but also for relatives and for other members of the California delegation. A knowledgeable source called the request "carte blanche for an aircraft any time."

"They are pressing the point of her succession and that the [Department of Defense] needs to play ball with the speaker's needs," one source said. The request originally went to the Pentagon, which then asked the White House to weigh in.

Mrs. Pelosi's request is not new for a speaker, who is second-in-line in presidential succession. A defense source said the speaker's regular access to a military plane began after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Rep. J. Dennis Hastert, Illinois Republican, who was speaker at the time, started using U.S. Air Force planes for domestic travel to and from his district for security reasons. A former Hastert aide said the congressman did not use military planes for political trips or regularly transport his family.

The defense source said Mr. Hastert requested a plane with good communications so he could conduct legislative business. The military flights increased to the point the speaker used a military plane for many, if not all, flights to his Illinois district, the former aide said. Sources said Mrs. Pelosi's request goes beyond what Mr. Hastert received. The speaker's legal counsel is spearheading the talks.

An aide to Mrs. Pelosi, who asked not to be named, confirmed yesterday that discussions are ongoing with the administration. "It would be done for security reasons," said the aide, adding that the speaker has used military aircraft for at least one trip back to San Francisco.

The aide asserted that the administration was using a Washington Times reporter, in effect, to negotiate with the speaker's office by leaking information about Mrs. Pelosi's request. Asked if the speaker was seeking increased access to military planes, the aide took the question, but did not call back.

A Pentagon spokesman referred questions to Mrs. Pelosi's office. A White House spokeswoman said last night she had no information on the request. The rules for congressional travel on military aircraft are contained in Defense Department Directive 4515.12.


Congressional access to military passenger jets is generally restricted to official trips abroad, or for domestic flights to military bases or events to which the Pentagon invited the lawmaker. Al Qaeda attacks on the U.S. changed the procedure in the case of the speaker.

U.S. Air Force travel for VIPs such as members of Congress is first-rate. The planes are staffed with stewards who serve meals and tend an open bar. Communications suites allow members to conduct business while traveling. Such flights are one of Congress' cherished perquisites, providing lawmakers a chance to visit foreign lands at government expense. Official duties are often mixed with sightseeing and fine dining.

But trips to war zones are not junkets. Since the September 11 attacks, the Air Force has flown hundreds of congressional delegations, or "co-dels," to various war theaters. Mrs. Pelosi just completed a fact-finding trip to Afghanistan and Iraq.

Upon her return, she repeated her demand that President Bush not send more troops to Iraq.