Merry Christmas!

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

PRETTY in PINK!

Okay, okay all you ladies who loved the 80's romantic comedy starring Molly Ringwald...

I am getting swamped with feedback from many of you who took issue with my calling it a "bad" movie on the air today - particularly from my colleagues Courtney Friel and Laura Ingle!

So without further adieu... I'm SORRY!! I take it back! I heretofore forever promise NEVER to slander it again!

Even our own Jonathan Hoenig wouldn't "go there" and bash it for me here in the greenroom!

I'm BAAAACCCCKKKK!!!

Remember the “Alan Keyes is Making Sense” show on MSNBC?

Ever wonder what happened to him?

Perhaps the only surprise in this afternoon’s Des Moines Register GOP debate among the candidates is that ALAN KEYES SHOWED UP on the stage!

Who knew? How did that happen?!

I was stunned to see him show up – after all, he did come in third in the Republican IA Caucuses in 2000 but has been pretty much persona-non-grata after getting destroyed in the IL senate race by Obama in 2004.

Wait a minute… You didn’t even know there was a debate this afternoon?

Yep. And it was painfully boring. So you didn’t miss anything… But at least now you know what Alan Keyes is up to these days.

In Memory of Peter Davi

It’s a somber beginning to the Maverick’s Surf Contest Season as one of the local legends of Big Wave surfing drowned at a nearby surf spot last Tuesday.

Peter Davi was among the best of the big wave pioneers and according to a witness, the wave he took off on was upwards of 60 feet. He was a husband and a father, but his love and passion for surfing unthinkable waves brought him back to the high seas, cold water, jagged rocks and sharks every year.

I would recommend to even non-surfing enthusiasts to keep an eye out for the Maverick’s contest this year because the swells have been big and there should be some emphasis on surfing in Davi’s memory.

If you want to check out more – go to www.maverickssurf.com. The season began Friday and lasts until March 31, 2008 in hopes of that “perfect swell.” Once it arrives (that’s determined by contest Godfather Jeff Clark) surfers will have 24 hours to report to the lineup… then the run is ON.

I will dutifully alert all of you when I see that the Green Light has been given!

A Charlie Brown Christmas

There are some lessons in life that cannot be taught too often. And we are fortunate that there are and were people like Charles M. Schulz who understood this concept and gave us A Charlie Brown Christmas in 1965.

I don’t care who you are, how old you are or how busy your life is… or if you happen to be an aspiring cable news kid from Memphis that burns the candle at both ends trying to make it in the big city: Sit down and watch that great television classic this year as I did the other night with my daughter.

It was my daughter’s first time to see it and perhaps my 20th. Yet it was even more magical and full of meaning for me this year as it was the first time I watched it with my parents lo those many years ago.

I have fond memories of having a “Charlie Brown” Christmas tree many times as a child and I suspect we may be putting one in our daughter’s room this year.

And so to get you in the spirit, let me leave you with my favorite scene when Charlie Brown has brought this poor little tree to the ridicule of his nemesis Lucy. A frustrated Charlie Brown cries out:

“Isn't there anyone out there who can tell me what Christmas is all about? “

And Linus responds:

Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you. Lights, please.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the lord shone round about them, and they were afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men'". That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie brown.

You’re a good man, Charlie Brown!

The Legacy of the Surge?

At Thursday’s Pentagon Blogger’s Roundtable, I heard some profoundly optimistic and potentially remarkable news coming from the deputy commander of the Multinational Division North (MND-North), Army Brigadier General James Boozer, Sr.

Gen. Boozer’s A/O begins in the Diyala province on the northern outskirts of Baghdad and runs all the way to the northern border of Iraq. Undeniably, there have been numerous accounts of success stories of driving Al Qaeda out and actually keeping them out thanks to the local populations.

But I haven’t heard anything resembling this statement come from the mouths of generals since the surge began – or really in the last few years for that matter.

“This is a turning point… I think in the next 12-15 months, we’re going to make history… we’re going to allow the nation of Iraq to build itself.”

That was his answer to my challenging him on being too “optimistic” in his statements that we were at some “turning point” to the political reconciliation end goal of the surge.

Gen. Boozer also shared with me a story from this past weekend – a meeting he attended in Diyala, a former AQI stronghold.

“The meeting brought together all interested parties – Iraqi security forces, Iraqi Army leaders, Iraqi Police, representatives from the Central Govt, the National Security Director, Sunni Sheiks and Shia Sheiks… all discussing reconciliation.”

If Boozer is correct and this security situation holds that is allowing the necessary breathing room for the political strengthening… we could be seeing the very first indications of the legacy of the surge: One Unified Iraq.

Though I am realist – and know the incredible fragility of this situation. Look no further to the incredible damage the bombing of a mosque in Samarra had on the situation two years ago.

However, it is a remarkable thing to hear a general suggesting that we may actually see “success” where others like retired General Ricardo Sanchez sees “a nightmare with no end in sight.”

And one last thing… Gen. Boozer will promote his own son in Iraq on December 1st to the rank of Sergeant. Here were his words of advice that he offered upon finding out that his own son would soon share the battlefield with him:

“Stay true to yourself and know the work you will do is probably the most important work you’ll ever do… and write your mother every day.”

Bush Bashing Bridge Babes

If you haven’t already seen this photo – it is the winning women of the U.S. Bridge Team displaying their disapproval of their President at the World Bridge Championship in Shanghai.

The sign reads: WE DID NOT VOTE FOR BUSH.

I’m not sure what to make of this spontaneous protest moment but it has apparently caused an uproar in the Bridge World – as many professional players in the federation were offended and now want an apology – or even some action taken against these women.

Their team captain called it a “moment of levity” and said the intention was in response to “a lot of Anti-Bush feeling” by players from other countries upset about torture claims and the war in Iraq.

My favorite part of this story from the NY Times today is that the French wasted no time offering their solidarity – to the Bush Bashing Bridge Babes.

“You were doing only what women of the world have always tried to do when opposing the folly of men who have lost their perspective of reality,” the French team wrote in an email. (Look out, Sarkozy!)

Now I am of the school of thought that whenever we fine Americans travel abroad, we have a responsibility to put our best face forward. This sort of idiocy is not that face. But we are also a nation of free speech, so I guess if they really felt that strongly about it – so be it.

And if I were Hillary Clinton… I’d be brushing up on my Bridge.

The Real "Rudy" in the Race

He’s currently the driving force behind the movement – perhaps even the ONLY force at the moment, but a Congressional one none-the-less – to IMPEACH DICK CHENEY…

He recently admitted to SEEING A UFO on Shirley MacLaine’s balcony back in the 80’s…

And if elected President, he wants to establish the DEPT OF PEACE to end all wars…

But for anyone who’s ever seen the movie “Rudy,” you just can't count Dennis Kucinich OUT after seeing his latest campaign material.

It is a collector’s card, much like a baseball card, with this photo on the front. On the back, it reads:

“At 4’9, 97lbs, Dennis Kucinich, #26, was a third-string varsity quarterback for the 1960 St. John Cantius Jayhawks. He spent a lot of time eating turf.”

Followed by this commentary:

Courage is not simply a single act. It is a lifetime of practice, Of learning early on to fight the odds, to win unwinnable battles, to reach goals some might think impossible. Be strong today, and soon victory will be yours.

Then this tagline at the bottom:

Kucinich for President. Strength through Peace.

Give 'em Hell, #26!!

When Cows Fly... or Attempt to Do So!

My friend and producer extraordinaire Holly Cerelli sent me this true story off the wires...

She thinks someone was trying to recreate the John Cleese Castle Scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

I think it was a defiant cow refusing to accept it couldn't fly.

What do you think?

Cow Falls Off Cliff, Crashes Onto Van on Highway
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
MANSON, Wash. — Charles and Linda Everson were driving back to their hotel when their minivan was struck by a falling object — a 600-pound cow.

The Eversons were unhurt but the cow, which had fallen off a cliff, had to be euthanized.

The year-old cow fell about 200 feet from the cliff and landed on the hood of the couple's minivan, causing heavy damage.

A Chelan County fire chief, Arnold Baker, said the couple missed being killed by a matter of inches in the accident Sunday on a highway near Manson. The Eversons, visiting the area from their home in Westland, Mich., to celebrate their first wedding anniversary, were checked at Lake Chelan Community Hospital as a precaution.
Everson, 49, said he didn't see the cow falling and didn't know what happened until afterward. He said he kept repeating: "I don't believe this. I don't believe this."

2155 Somewhere on a dark road near Meridian, MS

I've gone on an important mission which naturally I cannot reveal at this time...

But suffice it to say, it's not Bigfoot hunting.

We drove deep into the Mississippi Delta this afternoon and blew a cute Beaver's Dam 200 feet into the sky.

Tomorrow at dawn... I'll be catfish fishing... then taking a look at it's DNA...

More to come...

Rooting for Failure

On Wednesday, Maj. Gen. Richard Sherlock said this at a press briefing:

“In Al Anbar province, last week we had no casualties, killed or wounded in action. And that’s the first time in recent memory that I can be able to say that.”

Wait – hold on there for a second? Did you read that?!

NO CASUALTIES, killed or wounded.

I spent the month of November in Fallujah (heart of Anbar) last year. My nickname given to me by the Alpha Company of the 1/24 Marines was “whoosh-bang.” I got that name because it was the sound the RPG made when Al Qaeda fired it at my Humvee on my first day in Fallujah.

And now? No casualties or even injuries… I’m not an accomplished editor of any major news outlet… BUT THAT IS MAJOR NEWS.

After an extensive search of Lexis-Nexis, it appears that only FOX News’ Jennifer Griffin and Bill O’Reilly bothered to mention that statement. No major newspapers, no evening newscasts.

And you wonder why real Americans across this great nation go around asking those of us in the press: Are you guys rooting against success in Iraq?

That is pathetic.

Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week

It’s happening on college campuses all across America this week and it’s sparking both student protests and outrage.

Ahmadinejad is back again, you say?

Quite the contrary. According to Conservative Author David Horowitz, this week is being officially dubbed “Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week,” with over 60 speakers on over 100 campuses nationwide.

Horowitz launched a movement that he hopes will catch on beyond this week intended to make students more aware (in his own words) of who “the real enemy” is that faces our future. That enemy is radical Islam and it’s Horowitz’s belief too many people on the left make excuses for confronting groups like Al Qaeda, the Taliban, Hamas, and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Horowitz’s theme of IFAW is focused on the oppression of Muslim women in the Islamic world. And he says that the term “Islamo-fascism” - while appearing racist or offensive to some - actually comes from Muslims in Algeria in the 1990s.

Interestingly too but not surprising, many campuses so far have been less welcoming of Mr. Horowitz when compared to Columbia’s President and Mr. Ahmadinejad.

Nevertheless, Horowitz culminates his weeklong tour with a speech at Columbia University this Friday.

I will be interviewing Mr. Horowitz on Thursday and will dutifully report here how the controversial campus movement is being received. Mr. Horowitz says on his blog today(www.frontpagemag.com) that it’s “already a success.”

Beer for Breakfast

I am usually the first to rise in our household unless it’s a weekend and I had to work late the night before… which is why I was so puzzled to see my wife bound out of bed at O’dark thirty and mumble something about being very thirsty as she wandered out of the bedroom.

Now, let me pause for a moment to say something here about my wife’s Diet Coke addiction – it’s bad. She is a wonderful and gorgeous woman of great intelligence and compassion, but if you had to find one vice of hers… it’d be that silver, black, and red can of sugar-free cola.

And if you think of it, there are certainly worse things one could begin their morning with that would be much worse – a martini? a cigarette?

But this morning was different from other thirsty mornings for her.

“Did you buy beer in a can last night?” my wife asked a little later in the morning.

“Why, yes, dear. I did,” I told her a bit confused.

[Disclaimer: I am a beer snob and recently discovered a fantastic Colorado brew called “Dale’s Pale Ale” in a can.]

“Thanks a lot – I just reached in the fridge to my Diet Coke shelf in the dark, grabbed one and chugged it,” she said. “Now I have a headache.”

[Note: she has HER OWN shelf for Diet Coke – I told you there was an addiction here.]

Twenty-five or so years ago… I once told a childhood friend’s parents that my mom drank Jack Daniel’s in the bathtub. I have no idea where I got that – but it was pretty funny, or so I thought at the time. Now when I teach our daughters to tell their parents’ friends that “mommy drinks beer for breakfast,” there will be some modicum of truth.

Cheers!

World War III?

President Bush caught the WH Press Corps, as well as many Americans, off guard yesterday at a news conference when responding to a question about Iran and nukes by FOX’s WH Chief Correspondent Bret Baier.

“We’ve got a leader in Iran who has announced that he wants to destroy Israel. So I’ve told people that, if you’re interested in avoiding World War III, it seems like you ought to be interested in preventing them (Iran) from having the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon.”

Today at the Pentagon Blogger’s Roundtable, I had the opportunity to ask the new Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughead for some clarity on Pres. Bush’s WWIII comments and find out how the Navy is planning to contend with the threat of a nuclear Iran.

Here’s what Adm. Roughead had to say:

“I would say that the diplomatic efforts that are on going with regards to Iran is a path we must be on. As far as our Navy is concerned, our Navy is globally deployed, it is a well-trained, well-prepared, well-equipped and my responsibilities is to be able to ensure the Navy remains that way and can be used in ways that the commander-in-chief dictates.”

Later in the day, Def. Sec. Robert Gates was asked about the WWIII comments as well and he spoke to the concern of a “nuclear arms race in the Middle east” should Iran be able to acquire them.

So the question begs:

IF Iran is able to go nuclear, will this administration – or even GOP Presidential candidates for that matter – be able to overcome cries for diplomacy from the Democrats?

Life is a State of Mind

I am a chronic optimist – I find it is the most fulfilling way to lead your life. But I have been dying to write this particular blog post for many years… so I beg your forgiveness – in advance – for those who might disagree.

There is a crisp coolness to the air in the nation’s Capital these days. The leaves are changing from green to a beautiful autumn mosaic of amber colors. The days are getting shorter and the onset of fall is ever-present as each sunset hangs dimmer until alas the first snow will arrive.

So what’s the problem with this Norman Rockwell portrait?

I hate the Seasons.

Seriously. Ever think of why the colors are changing? It’s because the plants are DYING. That’s not very exciting. I think it would be pretty if flowers bloomed ALL YEAR long. Why must everything drop dead in the cold bitter winter and then come back in the spring when we’re all exhausted from frigid temps? It’s like Mother Nature decided to apply the Soviet-method of Appreciation – take everything away and replace it with harshness.

In full disclosure, this seasonal anxiety of mine may be brought on by my knowledge that soon I will no longer surf the warm waters of the East Coast – but have to don a thick wetsuit in howling winds to surf with frozen blocks of ice for feet. Two of my fingers suffer from permanent frostbite, so I am an 8-fingered wonder from November to April.

And the other thing – you know what the message of the annual seasons are?

YOU ARE GETTING OLDER.

Ever consider that one?

I actually sympathize with people who claim to love the dead of winter – at least they know what they want – even it seems depressing to me.

I had this conversation with one of my friends at work, Linda, who told me that her kids come visit every year from San Diego and always comment on how beautiful the seasons are here in DC. And I told her: her children need to visit in February more often.

For all who have seen “Being There,” one of the most memorable scenes is when “Chauncey Gardiner (Chance the Gardener)” is explaining the seasons to “the Old Man.”

“In the garden, growth has its seasons. First comes spring and summer, then you have fall and winter. And then we get spring and summer again.”

It is with these simple words that a mundane gardener becomes the likely candidate for President of the United States.

So the seasons are important? Wrong.

In the closing scene of the film, as Chauncey is walking on water over the pond, we hear the voice of the wealthy king maker – “the Old Man” who has passed away – saying “Life is a state of mind.”

Want to know what my Farmer’s Almanac says this year?

Sunny and 70 degrees – all year long.

Operation Marne Torch II

The most frequently asked question I get lately from friends is: What is really going on in Iraq?

It’s easy to see how and why people are so confused too – on one hand, you have retired General Ricardo Sanchez, who ran the war in Iraq during the tumultuous Abu Ghraib scandal, saying that the “surge” is not working and that the war in Iraq is a “nightmare with no end in sight.”

On the other hand, you have the Washington Post reporting on its front page that the US Military has dealt “a devastating blow to Al Qaeda” – which would lead one to believe that the “surge” is clearly achieving its goal.

So at today’s Pentagon Blogger’s Roundtable, I had the opportunity to pose that question to Col. Terry Ferrell, Commander 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd ID, MND-C.

Col. Ferrell’s area of operation is the heavily Sunni-dominated area of Arab Jabour - south of Baghdad and mostly rural landscape. It has been a “sanctuary” for Al Qaeda in Iraq and his Operation Marne Torch II (which just completed) was aimed specifically at reducing AQI’s stranglehold as part of the larger “surge” that began several months ago.

So how are we doing?

“I can only speak for my area of operation… but Al Qaeda has been significantly reduced within our battle space,” Ferrell said.

Col. Ferrell reminded me that there is always concern for Al Qaeda to regroup and rebuild, but that he has had a lot of success in identifying the AQI members, finding their weapons caches and locating and destroying their IED factories – and in large part BECAUSE of the “Concerned Citizen Groups” of local Sunnis who assist our troops in the fight. These CCGs, in Ferrell’s eyes, have been the key instrument into establishing the first hope for real Iraqi governance to catch on in a relatively ungoverned region.

During Marne Torch II, Col. Ferrell reports that about 150 key AQI members – from foot soldiers to mid level operators and above were taken out of the fight – 3 significant members in the leadership structure were even killed in the last 30 days.

In his closing remarks on our conference call from Iraq, Col. Ferrell called the performance of his soldiers “truly phenomenal” to watch them engaging the enemy one moment and then working hand-in-hand with local Iraqis the next moment to build a better country.

Let’s hope their hard work and successes aren’t overlooked.

The Tooth Monster

Ever wonder why there aren’t more dental blogs?

Maybe it’s because everyone HATES GOING TO THE DENTIST (yours truly certainly included). It’s no fun sitting in that chair getting picked at and drilled on and basically yearning for the minutes and seconds to pass as fast as possible… Show me someone who says they enjoy going to the dentist and I’ll show you an individual with SERIOUS issues.

Perhaps you have guessed by now that I had to go to the dentist this morning? I plead guilty. And it wasn’t THAT bad – I got a great hygienist who was a pleasure to talk with and things were going pretty well right up until the end – when the dentist walked in and issued orders to the hygienist, “okay we need to re-drill and do replacement fillings on 28, 29, 30 and 31. Also, let’s crown 30.”

WHAT??!!

My survival instincts immediately engaged as I began to fumble about with any stall tactic I could think of, nearly resulting in my begging for mercy, but to no avail. Now I am riddled with anxiety about Thursday, Nov 1st at 2pm.

And while I would prefer to Katy-bar my office door and put a sign outside that reads: “You’ll never get 28, 29, 30 and 31 ALIVE!” – I also realize that this is for my own good and dental health.

No wonder dentists have high suicide rates – they have a tough job in that no one ever wants to see them. For comparison, I am on radio and television – and if people dreaded seeing me as much as they did seeing their dentist, then I’d be out of a job. So I guess (and I cannot believe I am actually going to write these words) dentists are really heroes in doing a job that comes with no gratitude or appreciation.

[Note: I read that one California dentist was accused of fondling women’s breast as “treatment for TMJ.” He is NOT among my aforementioned heroes.]

I also read on a dental blog today that some Brits are being forced to actually PULLING their own teeth because the NHS system in England is THAT bad – so just when you thought it couldn’t get worse…

So stop re-scheduling that visit (I NEVER DO THIS) to the dentist – they’ll give you something to SMILE about.

Saving the World AGAIN

Al Gore won the Nobel Peace Prize today for his tireless campaign against global warming. He successfully transitioned from a failed Presidential candidate to an environment darling in Hollywood for his movie “An Inconvenient Truth.” And he won an Emmy for launching a bizarre cable television channel geared towards young people with ADD.

I can only imagine how pleased the Polar Bears must be today. However, when you think about it – despite Al Gore’s strange personality, you have to give the guy credit because a large group of very serious-minded scientists actually came together to agree that Gore was the man to get the Laureate. So while there’ll be no shortage of late-night one-liners, maybe he did deserve the thing? After all, most Americans either agree or concede that we are experiencing a warming trend that threatens our planetary livelihood – whether it’s caused by man or not.

And now, consider this: you are reading this because YOU IS ON THE INTERNETS!

Oh – now you see where I’m going with this?

Perhaps you forgot… It’s was one Al Gore who “during my time in Congress, took the initiative in creating the Internet.”

Holy Dot Com, Batman! Can you imagine what our lives would be had Gore not created the web?

In fact, I am pretty sure that the world would cease to exist if suddenly we couldn’t “log on” and get our email!

So the question begs: What award can we offer Mr. Gore for your being able to read this blog?

Shoot me an email at griffsnotes@foxnews.com - I’m wide open for suggestions… and we need to act fast before it turns into a planetary emergency.

True Warriors

I ran the Army Ten Miler yesterday in absolute awe of some the toughest warriors America’s ever known.

And the "Missing Parts in Action" team - about 28 of them in all – were the stuff goose bumps are made of. Their team leader, Major David Rozelle, told me that he hoped the entire world was watching their feat because it sends the message:

“You can knock an American down, but you can’t keep us down.”

And just to give some perspective on how rough it was out there in the heat and humidity, a runner from VA - a civilian - died after collapsing just 200 yards from the finish line... that’s the kind of incredible courage and strength that these guys demonstrated.

I ran the entire race with a handheld camera because their message is one that everyone needs to hear:

Don’t feel sorry for us – we were trained soldiers sent into battle who got hurt – and in this new chapter of our lives, we are the same warriors we were before – and still strong as ever.

It was something to witness as almost every runner who passed them, gave them a pat on the back and said things like: “You’re My Hero “ and “Way to Go Warrior!”

And for the record, I ran the ten miles in 92 minutes… a full 2 minutes BEHIND Maj. David Rozelle, America’s first amputee sent back to command troops on the battlefield in Iraq.

Missing Parts in Action

At today’s “Blogger’s Roundtable” (the Pentagon’s effort to bring bloggers into the fold with the latest on military issues), I had the high honor of speaking directly with a real American Hero… and now, I am shaking in my proverbial Nikes.

Want to know what a real American Hero is?

It’s Maj. David Rozelle, the Administrator for the Amputee Care Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Maj. Rozelle was leading a convoy in Hit, Iraq, west of Baghdad on 21 June 2003 when a landmine claimed his right foot. By June of 2004, just one year later, Rozelle became the first amputee in history to redeploy to the battlefield in Iraq to command troops again.

Maj. Rozelle is also the Team Captain of the “Missing Parts in Action” (Yes, he certainly hasn’t lost his sense of humor) running team for the Army Ten Miler here in Washington on Sunday. Rozelle started the team four years ago with 6 guys who wanted to overcome incredible odds – this year there are 30 team members. And I am going to attempt to keep up with them.

When I asked Rozelle what the significance of the race was for him, here’s what he told me:

“It’s a message to the enemy: I’M STILL STRONGER THAN YOU. I’M NOT BEAT.”

Want to know Rozelle’s favorite statistic?

“O – that’s the number of amputees who have committed suicide since 9/12/01.”

If “Inspiration” had a picture next to its definition in the dictionary, you’d see the one I’ve posted above.

If you want to know more about Maj. Rozelle’s amazing story, check out his book “Back in Action.”

And by the way, when I asked Rozelle how fast he plans to run the Ten Miler (in hopes of hearing some encouragement for my two-footed effort), he simply said:

“You better bring your running shoes, pal!”

Ruling the World with Starbursts

In the age-old query put to kids in school, my daughter (a First-grader this year) was given the simple task of making three wishes.

“I want to rule the world (1) with an endless supply of Starbursts (2) and be rich (3),” she answered at the total surprise of both her teacher and her parents.

This morning, when I asked the same six-year old what she wanted to get her mother for her birthday this weekend, she said nonchalantly, “a new car.”

A NEW CAR?! We just got mom a new car a few years ago!

Being the responsible parent fully aware of life’s challenges – particularly of the financial order: mortgages, taxes, school, health care – the birthday answer immediately caused me significant angst and pessimism. But as my wife thankfully corrected me, the comment is actually quite funny and should be celebrated as such.

Something happens along the way in the journey of life and we eventually lose our ability to think and dream BIG – not by desire, but by sheer instinct. And as my wife also reminds me, this kid is always making outrageous suggestions for our birthdays or Christmases… because that’s what kids do.

We are incredibly lucky to have a typical kid with a great imagination who simply wants to see her sister and her parents happy… and rule the world with an endless supply of Starbursts.

Maybe adults could learn a thing or two from what comes out of the mouths of kids.

I have just returned from a few days surfing in Mexico to learn:

1. Britney Spears has lost custody of her kids to “responsible” parent K-Fed.
2. The Senate has taken up the very important issue of attacking Rush Limbaugh.
3. The Cleveland Browns have become the team in the NFL to beat.

What the heck is going on?

I think if you connect some dots here, it would appear that: parenting in Hollywood, legislating in Washington, and competing in the NFL have all found new lows.

It’s always a bit overwhelming coming back to the world of news after being detached for a brief time – but gauging from the headlines that I have come back to, there is certainly hope for the week’s end.

Therefore I promise to find important and relevant issues to comment on – but apparently it’s going to take some heavy lifting. Thank goodness I didn’t take the entire week off!

A Question for Mr. Ahmadinejad

I attended President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s press conference at the National Press Club yesterday. I arrived early and sat in the front row in an attempt to submit a question to the moderator, Buffalo News’ Jerry Zremski, who accepted potential questions on note cards. Sadly, my question didn’t make the cut.

My question was: What’s being done to locate missing American Robert Levinson who was last seen March 8th, 2007 on Kish Island off the southern coast of Iran?

Mr. Levinson’s wife, Christine, has been petitioning the Iranian govt thru our State Dept’s diplomatic channels for assistance or information regarding the whereabouts of the father of seven. So far, little has been done to help her cause and Mr. Ahmadinejad was unwilling to meet with her in New York to discuss this important case.

But here’s an interesting thing – Mr. Ahmadinejad was the first ever “video conference” guest in the National Press Club’s 100-year history. And while there has been much hoopla over Columbia University’s controversial invitation to allow Ahmadinejad to speak there, at least Columbia President Lee Bollinger was willing to call the “petty and cruel dictator” for what he truly is.

So I have to wonder why NPC chose to accommodate Mr. Ahmadinejad as their first video conference guest – and then treated him with far kinder handling than the reception he got from Bollinger?

Perhaps, we in the media could stand to be a little more courageous in challenging the preposterous statements and facts of Mr. Ahmadinejad’s rule.

No Justice

There really is no justice in the $54 Million Pants Nightmare.

As we learned this week, the owners of Custom Dry Cleaners who were sued by Judge Roy Pearson for losing a pair of his pants, have sold their once profitable business citing emotional and financial toil as the reason for folding tent. The Chungs will maintain their other dry cleaning business across town, but for this case, they simply decided that they had had enough despite winning the case against him. Pearson’s appeal to the DC Appeals Court will finally be heard sometime in 2008.

So I felt compelled to confront Judge Pearson once again last night, chasing him without comment up to his apartment where he expectedly slammed the door in my face. Although, this time, he actually called the POLICE on me. So I didn’t stick around for long.

But just to get a snap shot of what Pearson is really like, one of his immediate neighbors told me that when they moved in, Pearson harassed them over “trash can lid compliance” with DC codes.

So it’s fair to say that this is a guy who simply relishes in tormenting others unreasonably. And the real travesty here is that he is STILL EMPLOYED as a DC Administrative Judge – performing non-judicial tasks, but collecting a $100,000 paycheck nonetheless.

The panel that employs Pearson has sent him a letter that they are not likely to re-appoint him – but I really think in the name of justice, DC should fire him immediately.

Give a Book a Home

A word about the importance of books...

Today I had the task of what to do with hundreds of books from my previous life as Tony Snow's Radio Show producer. Here at FOX News Radio Washington, we are expanding our operation and growing by the day. And so space needs to be made for future operations.

But what is one to do with hundreds of books? I figured eventually I will donate what isn't being used to a military hospital or charity; but I also wanted to see if anyone still reads books in this electronic age where virtually anything can be viewed or read on the Internets.

I put out a simple email that asked my fellow co-workers to "Give a Book a Home." After all, they aren't puppies, kittens or orphans. They don't require walking, feeding or baby-sitting. And they won't poop on your floor.

I was pleasantly surprised to have a packed office all day with almost all of my colleagues taking the majority of the books home for their own edification - or perhaps gift giving.

Regardless of the intent, it is very reassuring that people still want books around. They are, after all, a written history of our time - fact or fiction. So next time you're about to toss a book out to make space for that new lamp at home - think twice - and give a book a home.

Here We Go Again...

Move over Britney, the OJ Show just came back to town… or at least Las Vegas!

Here’s what’s being reported:

OJ was in Vegas for a friend’s wedding. He met some guys at a cocktail party, somehow he has learned that an auction dealer has several items of his personal sports memorabilia at a Casino Hotel – and the next thing you know, he’s being questioned by the Las Vegas cops for breaking into a hotel room and “taking back” these items. A witness claims the Juice did so at gunpoint.

Simpson told the AP that it wasn’t a robbery, that no guns were involved, and that he was simply conducting his own personal “sting” operation.

Here are a few quotes the Juice gave to the AP:

“Everybody knows this is stolen stuff.” / “No one got roughed up” / “We walked into the room… I’m the last one to go in and when they see me, it’s all ‘Oh God.’”

Bottom Line: the police are investigating the incident because it was called in as an alleged armed robbery and Simpson was implicated.

Ironically, Simpson’s controversial unpublished book “If I did it” was published yesterday under the new title “If I did it: Confessions of the Killer” by the Goldman family who had been granted the book’s rights by a bankruptcy judge.

I’ll never forget watching that low-speed white Bronco chase on a Friday night much like this one thirteen years ago. But who knew there was another chapter left in this low-life’s saga?

Quote of the day from OJ Day One:

“The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is very committed and very focused on conducting a thorough, biased, and competent investigation.” – Capt. James Dillon

BIASED?

A Great Loss

America lost one of her greatest allies in the fight against Al Qaeda in Iraq with the news today that Sheik Abdul Sattar Abu Risha was killed by a bomb near his home in Ramadi, the capital of the Anbar province.

Sheik Abdul Sattar was a Sunni Tribal leader who has been credited with establishing the Anbar Salvation Council – a movement also known as “The Awakening” – which sought to partner Sunni leaders with US allies to drive Al Qaeda from the province.

The White House issued this statement this morning:

“We condemn today’s assassination of Sheik Abdul Sattar. His efforts, and those of his fellow tribal sheiks, to take the fight to Al Qaeda and bring peace and security to Anbar and other regions of Iraq exemplify the courage and determination of the Iraqi people. The President recognized this courage in his recent meeting in Anbar with Sheik Sattar and other leaders.”

Pentagon Spokesman Geoff Morrell, who has met Sheik Sattar, had this to say about the tragic loss:

“When many Sheiks under the rule of Al Qaeda in Anbar fled to Jordan and Syria, he (Sattar) stuck around at great personal peril. He lost many members of his family, 3 of his brothers were killed at the hands of Al Qaeda and yet he decided enough was enough. He was going to stand up to end Al Qaeda’s murderous ways in Anbar. He sought out Marines there and went knocking on their doors to ask what he could do to help combat this. This began the relationship between the Marines and Sheik Sattar.”

One of those relationships was with Army Captain Travis Patriquin who was killed last year in Ramadi. Sheik Sattar and his tribal leaders made a very bold statement by attending the memorial service for Patriquin in Iraq.

Travis’ father, Gary Patriquin, shared his thoughts on the Sheik’s death with FOX News Radio’s Mike Majchrowitz in an exclusive interview.

“I felt like I knew this man, like he was part of my family, because of the concern he had for my son.”

When Oliver North made his eighth trip to Iraq last year, he was able to meet Sheik Sattar in Ramadi. Sheik Sattar told North that the “sons of Al Anbar” are “friends of the United States” and would continue to fight against Al Qaeda.

That was the case in Ramadi, as well as what I witnessed in Fallujah last November, and it is the key to the successes that you hear about in Anbar from the President and General Petraeus. Without Sheik Sattar and others like him, we have a very daunting challenge to hold the peace regardless of a troop increase or reduction. Let’s hope those after him will have the same courage and determination of Sheik Sattar.

Hamlet Goes to Washington

Petraeus and Crocker have been offering some very significant statements on the situation in Iraq for the last two days now. But what we haven’t been hearing are a lot of probing and pertinent questions.

I think we are hearing that there are solid indications that the security situation in Iraq is improving and the “surge” is serving one of its main purposes – thus we can expect to draw the surge down by next summer. However, more time for the overall mission is needed.

More concerning, I believe we are hearing that that there is minimal progress on the issue of national reconciliation – due largely to the sectarian fighting.

And interestingly, I think I am hearing them say that we are ultimately fighting Al Qaeda on the ground in Iraq – which certainly hits home in light of today’s unforgettable anniversary of the events of 6 years ago.

But I’m having a hard time getting the full picture because of the distracting soliloquies of the very folks who are supposed to be listening and asking useful and purposeful questions.

Honestly, I’m growing long in the tooth listening to the innermost thoughts of our members of Congress on the war in Iraq. You’re there to ask questions, not grandstand for the cameras.

I think we should limit their respective “opening statements” to sixty seconds and require them to ask at least 2 questions in the remaining span of 6 minutes (members are granted 7 minutes total).

Is that too much to ask? Sen. Boxer spoke for her entire time allotted barring Petraeus and Crocker from ever uttering a single word after admonishing them to take off their “rosy glasses.”

I really wish just one time I could watch a witness interrupt one of these self-aggrandizing speeches with:

“Excuse me, Senator. Is there a question?”

A wise man once told me: you’d be amazed how much you can learn if you simply learn to listen.

Maybe our esteemed Hamlets should follow the same – they might learn something.

History in the Making

It’s days like today that I consider it a real privilege to live in Washington and work in the media – for today is truly an historical moment for America.

General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker began testifying before Congress today offering a sober and collective assessment of the situation in Iraq. Despite whether you agree or disagree with the overall assessments that they are making – most notably that more time is needed in Iraq – Petraeus and Crocker are the men in charge.

Perhaps the most overriding aspect of these hearings is the undeniable reality that Main Street America is divided over our mission in Iraq – not just Washington. And the debate that will follow in the coming months will undoubtedly shape the policy and future of the mission as well as our nation's legacy of what we did there.

Looking ahead, I would offer a couple of observations:

1. While the demeanor of today’s hearing in the House (despite repeated outbursts by Code Pink protesters) was calm and respectful, I think Petraeus and Crocker should expect a different treatment from the Senate. Four of the first five senators who get to question them are: Biden, Dodd, Kerry and Hagel. Both Biden and Kerry were assailing the anticipated testimony this past Sunday on the talking head shows – and Hagel is a man with nothing to lose after announcing his retirement in 2008. The real showdown begins tomorrow.

2. The Democrats’ efforts to end the war in Iraq have often been jeopardized by special interest groups who attack them for a lack of progress. But the full page ad in the NYT today by MoveOn.org calling Gen. Petraeus “General Betray Us” crosses the line between tough-love and real damage. Gen Petraeus has an incredibly difficult job and has made it abundantly clear that he is not doing the WH’s bidding on the war. To assail his character is something that I believe greatly undermines the Democrats’ position on Iraq and they should seek to distance themselves from such a campaign.


I believe we will look back for years to come on the testimony of what Gen Petraeus and Amb Crocker have to say – pay attention and draw your own conclusions.

The Shaved Muppet

What did you think of the debate? Did you watch? Did you like our webcast?

If you any ideas, please send them to griffsnotes@foxnews.com for our future endeavors.

Here was my ABSOLUTE favorite comment by one of the blogosphere’s best – Stephen Green over at www.VodkaPundit.com. Green was drunkblogging for Pajamas Media…

6:49pm First martini down. Going to run upstairs to pour a second one before things get started. Seasoned political pros claim that Steve has already watched too many debates.

6:51pm FNC found some kid wearing a tie in the spin room, and handed him a microphone. He’s doing everything but spittakes to seem Daily Show-worthy. Is this what it’s come to already?

6:54pm The kid’s name is, apparently, “Griff.” I’m pretty sure he’s a shaved Muppet.

I later contacted Green and thanked him for the compliment – because for a guy in his late 30s with two kids, you have a heightened appreciation for comments like “kid” and “shaved muppet.”

(Note: Please DO NOT write me in search of the Fountain of Youth. I am not at liberty to reveal its location.)

NH SHOWDOWN

1115 ET - University of New Hampshire

I'm at the site of tonight's GOP Debate and there's an incredible buzz in the air. Romney comes in as a favorite having visited NH more than 20 times so he has the upperhand. Giuliani is the perceived closest challenger so expect sparks to fly tonight between these two. McCain will be a fun one to watch as well because he is in desperate need of injecting some life into his campaign. (Humorously, he called some kid a "jerk" yesterday because he asked McCain if alzheimer's would be an issue if he became President).

And hopefully, we are attempting to walk thru with Huckabee - Can't get enough of Huckabee!

So be sure to go to www.gretawire.com for behind the scenes video AND TUNE IN TONIGHT AT 8:30P ET ON FOXNEWS.COM!!

Greta will be in Washington, I'll be in the SPIN ROOM in NH... And you'll be logged on to the best political coverage in America!

GAME ON

Well, summer's over. I apologize for the long weekend hiatus - there were so many things to do before summer ended (including my daughter's birthday).

But it's GAME ON today - the official start of the 2008 Presidential Race.

I'm at Reagan Nat'l Airport bound for Manchester, NH - the site of tomorrow's GOP debate.

I'll be covering the behind the scenes for Greta's webcast tomorrow beginning at 8:30p ET. She'll be in DC, I'll be in NH - and you'll be logged on from all points beyond!

Let the Campaigns Begin!

Denial is a Bathroom in Idaho

What a shocker – Sen. Larry Craig vehemently denied the allegations surrounding Bathroom-Gate today at a presser in Boise:

“I did nothing wrong at the Minneapolis airport. I regret my decision to plead guilty… Let me be clear: I am not gay and never have been.”

Standing with his wife, Suzanne, by his side, Sen. Craig also said that he felt he was the subject of a “witch hunt” by the local paper, the Idaho Statesman. (The Statesman today published a story with details of allegations by a man who claimed to have had sex with Craig in a bathroom at Washington’s Union Station in 2004.)

So… We’re OFF TO THE RACES, folks!

Craig is up for re-election next year. He maintained that he would continue with plans to announce whether he’ll pursue a fourth term next month. But rumors of same-sex allegations have surrounded Craig for more than 2 decades – the first being a pre-emptive denial in 1980s.

Already today, Senate Republican leaders have called for an ethics committee review into the airport incident. Left-leaning bloggers and interest groups have begun beating the war drums. And Sen. Craig has apparently retained legal counsel – something he said he regretted not doing in the first place when the police sting occurred in June.

Idaho is as Red as a fire engine truck. I don’t see how Sen. Craig survives this politically – even if the mounting allegations fail to be substantiated. And on the heels of the lurid details of the Mark Foley and David Vitter scandals, it comes as no surprise that Gov Mitt Romney is calling the incident “disgusting” to distance him from the Republican broken moral compass.

Expect more to jump on the bandwagon…

America is a nation of great forgiveness… so I guess I too can find it in my patriotic heart to forgive the perpetrators of the THREE MOST RIDICULOUS STATEMENTS of the day…

Numero Uno – Gonzo is Vaya Con Dios. Never mind that the writing was on the wall for months and all but forgotten by friends and foes that begged him to take the hint for the good of the country, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales finally decided to step aside. Here’s the line that caught my attention in his 90-second resignation:

“Even my worst days as Attorney General have been better than my father’s best days.”

Okay… I get it that he is grateful for the opportunity, as a minority, from a humble upbringing… but this is an odd statement. What the heck did his father do for a living? Or do any of us really want to know?

Second, the Beauty Pageant Blonde Moment…

When asked “Why 1/5 of Americans cannot find America on a map?” Miss South Carolina offered this synapse-firingly-challenged answer at Saturday night’s Miss Teen USA Pageant:

“I personally believe that US Americans are unable to do so because, uh, some… people out there in our nation don’t have maps and uh, I believe that our, uh, education like such as in South Africa, and, uh, the Iraq, everywhere like such as…”

(That’s not the full answer – it goes on and it does get even worse… I just had to stop there because, it’s like, uh, such as when they show baby seals being clubbed to death, like, such as, in the Alaska and everywhere and you can’t watch it anymore.)

And lastly, the Dogkiller Mea Culpa from Richmond.

“Dogfighting is a terrible thing and I reject it… I’m upset with myself and through this situation, I found Jesus and asked Him for forgiveness and turned my life over to God. I think that is the right thing to do as of right now.”

Now technically, I am not going to go so far as to challenge Vick’s sincerity. If he has indeed made a spiritual break through during this time of trial and tribulation, then we should support him while still condemning the actions. But lying to the NFL Commissioner and Atlanta Falcons owner pales in comparison to lying to the American people and especially the Man upstairs…

T.G.I.F

A busy day in America?

Dogkiller Michael Vick plead guilty to bankrolling a dogfighting ring and participating in the killing of some of his dogs by hanging or drowning them... Lindsay Lohan got sentenced to ONE whopping day in jail after being charged with a DUI and cocaine possesion... Her gal pal, Nicole Richie, served a total of 82 minutes in jail for her DUI... A Federal Judge has decided to let France extradite Manuel Noriega who has spent the last 18 years as a guest of our Federal Penitentiary System... And Fidel Castro may or may not be dead AGAIN!

I don't know about you, but I think it's time to go do something of real importance in the world... like going home and having an early dinner with my family.

Thank God It's Friday!

In Defense of Meatballs

I’ve heard a lot of good excuses in my life – some of the most creative being drummed up by yours truly in younger days – but none that can compare to this one: the Meatball Defense.

The NYPD fired a veteran counter-terrorism Detective, Anthony Chiofalo, for violating the Department’s drug policy by testing positive for marijuana in 2005. Chiofalo claimed that he had not used any drugs, but rather his wife had spiked the meatballs with marijuana against his knowledge so he would lose his job.

But the department wasn’t buying it, and Commissioner Raymond Kelly upheld the dismissal.

Now, technically, I don’t know what really happened in this case. And perhaps we’ll never know the truth. But this story is just wrong on some many levels.

On the one hand, spiking home-cooked Italian meatballs would be a very cold thing to do to your husband after 22 years. On the other hand, if it was fabricated, then it’s an insult to his wife’s Italian cooking as well as a terribly foolish alibi for a guy who was serving on the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Either way, I feel really bad for the meatballs. They are the centerpiece of classic Italian food – the Lion King of the Pasta World – as far as this non-Italian is concerned and they have no place being dragged into a shameful situation like this one.

Capiche?

Help Is Just A Phone Call Away

A funny thing happened to me on the way to my fantasy football draft on-line last night… my laptop would not connect to my wireless router at home.

Within minutes of this important event’s beginning, I was panic-stricken, as I apparently did not know my “WEP Key” password that I was being asked for in order to connect the laptop to the DSL service. (Have I lost you yet?)

Ideally, I would have simply conducted the two-hour on-line mock NFL bidding war on our desktop computer at home BUT a window-in-window pop-up blocker had been unknowingly installed on that computer – for which I was unable to disable.

So being a loyal customer to the company that provides the wireless service, I thought perhaps a call today might help me resolve this technological glitch in the future?

But after more than 2 hours on calls that spanned FOUR continents, I am no further along in the quest for that golden grail WEP password. I spoke to a nice Canadian, a fine Northern Ireland man, someone in India who dropped the call – and finally a pleasant fellow named “Felix” in Tijuana.

Now, I have set up national radio broadcasts in at least twenty different states. I have set up satellite uplinks from the desolate deserts of Iraq – while being shot at.

But when comes to determining what my missing password is in the 21st century – I find myself in the jaws of defeat.

Companies declare state of the art 24-hour customer assistance and tech support. But I’d say it’s more like guaranteed torture and endless frustration. And they had better hope Crazy Pants Judge Roy Pearson never has to seek computer help from them too.

I think my favorite part of the charade is that prior to each and every call, a voice alerts you that “THIS CALL MAYBE MONITORED FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE PURPOSES.”

What is that? It’s like a personal insult before getting shipped off into the abyss of your technological black hole.

Humorously too, at the end of my last call with Felix in Tijuana, he had the gall to ask me how I would characterize the helpfulness of his assistance on the scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the highest. And I actually gave him a “4” out of sheer pity. (Despite the fact that he called me the wrong name three times before we sorted out the language barrier.)

Therefore, there must be a lesson in all this, right?

I tell you what I think it is – TEACH YOUR KIDS TO BECOME COMPUTER GENIUSES. Because I seriously doubt age and worldly experience is going to assist you with this problem down the road.

Want to know how the draft went? Great – thanks to my ingenuity in sitting along the northeastern front wall of our house which enabled me just enough reception strength to steal the wireless signal from the guy across the street… He apparently doesn’t have WEP Key Password Nightmares… YET!

Surfing for Peace

I read an AP story today about 86-year-old Hawaiian Surfing Legend Dorian Paskowitz.

It’s the story of a Jewish retired doctor who has written books about surfing and health issues, who returned to Israel today to hand out some boards to Palestinian kids who could not surf because they didn’t have any surfboards. He gave 15 boards in all to the kids at the Erez crossing between Israel and Gaza in what he called his “mission” to bring Israelis and Palestinians together.

According to the story, Dr. Paskowitz’s project was part of a larger effort known as “Surfing for Peace” and was rumored to be bringing the world’s greatest surfer 8-time world champ Kelly Slater to Israel in October this year.

Paskowitz is a WWII Navy veteran who had first gone surfing in Israel in 1956 when he had unsuccessfully attempted to join the Israeli Military during the Israel-Egypt war. It was here that he first witnessed the magic of surfing in the war-torn region.

And maybe, just maybe, an entire generation in that troubled land will catch Dr. Paskowitz’s wave and the world will be a better place for it… thanks to surfing.

Dog Bites Man... Hopefully

I am a football fan. But more than that, I am a dog lover. Thus, I have refrained from commenting on this issue until we knew the full extent of NFL QB Michael Vick’s involvement in the dog-fighting case.

But this afternoon we learned that the once-considered best QBs in NFL history, will enter a plea of “Guilty” in the case, accepting “full responsibility” for his actions in charges that included bankrolling a dog-fighting ring on his property as well as the killing of dogs who underperformed.

Good-Bye, Michael Vick. Anyone who would participate in and actively support “barbaric” (Sen. Robert C. Byrd’s word) cruelty to animals does not deserve to play football in the NFL. And I would argue that what will likely be a short prison term isn’t good enough for him, but it appears that’s what is being plea-bargained.

Now the onus falls on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell who will decide Vick’s future in the sport. Ironically too, it could be the actual act of gambling that brings a lifetime ban rather than the inhumane treatment of the dogs.

Either way, I hope Mr. Goodell will do the right thing here. I am saddened that the most dynamic QB in history – with an impressive 7 seasons of almost 4000 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns – would waste that talent on one of the most reprehensible, illegal sports in America.

But actions have consequences in life and the end result should be a biting one for Vick’s career.

When Words Hurt Me

I read with interest the wire stories this afternoon regarding Tony Snow's comments on Hugh Hewitt's radio show that "he won't be staying" until the end of President Bush's term in 2009. As many of you know, in full disclosure, I worked with Tony and consider him one the finest people - and friends - that I have ever known. And while most people in Washington would agree across partisan lines that Tony has done a remarkable job as press secretary and perhaps even revolutionized the job for future presidents, I would also suggest that he has grown into the country's most significant cancer surviving inspirations since Lance Armstrong.

In an interview with CSPAN's Brian Lamb this week, Tony talked about his post-White House ambitions - and continuing to connect with people to make positive differences in their lives was high on the list. So good on Snowman for taking the blessings of success and learning the lesson of giving more back than given.

But as I was cruising blogs this afternoon (since that's part of my job to know these things), I came across some absolutely disgusting and inappropriate comments about Tony that I cannot sit quiet without registering my outrage.

It was a left-leaning website called Think Progress and of several bitter comments, one stood out as the epitome of cynicism and hatred and everything that's wrong with our current state of political discourse in America.

The comment was this:

"Tony deserves every cancerous cells he’s got."

No one deserves to suffer the horrors of a battle with cancer. That is an inexcusable, horrendous statement. When I think of Tony's wife and his great kids, I am sickened that someone can bring him or herself to utter such hurtful, hateful words.

It wasn't my intention to bring everyone down on a mid-August summer Friday afternoon. But seriously, this kind of vitriol should be rejected and condemned on either side of the aisle whenever it occurs. Think Progress should pull the comments immediately.

And when I say a prayer for Tony tonight for his continued and swift recovery, I think I'll say one too for the guy for whose Bush hatred has apparently no bounds.

You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch

Thanks, China. You just turned me into the Grinch at home.

Seriously, as the father of two small girls, I have been getting phone calls all day from my wife as she has been identifying toy after toy that is on the recall lists – toys that now have to be KILLED as far as small children are concerned because of lead content and loose magnets.

What kind of world are we living in where the TOYS threaten the lives of our kids?

It might not seem like that big of deal to those without children, but we have a little Elmo Saxophone that goes into my youngest daughter’s mouth about 100 times a day – and you don’t think she’s gonna figure out that thing’s missing after we toss it in the trash tonight? And I just spent a week at the beach where the most important accessories my eldest daughter brought on vacation were her Polly Pockets and Barbies!

And while I lay a lot of blame at the feet of Mattel, for what can only be described in the best of terms as “lax inspection,” I place even MORE at the hands of the Chinese. From dog food to toothpaste, to the foods we eat to the growing millions of toys that our children cherish, “Made in China” is fast becoming the most dangerous label since the Surgeon General’s warning went on packs of cigarettes.

I’m all for free trade, but this is ridiculous. Maybe it’s time to cease all imports from China until they are inspected properly? I know that seems unrealistic, but the alternative is much worse until we know the full extent of the risk.

Pearson Pressing On

Nevermind the kind gesture - the "olive branch" - that the Chungs offered Judge Roy L. Pearson, Jr. when they dropped their pursuit of recovering legal fees to the tune of $82,000... Pants Nightmare Pearson has officially appealed his DC Superior Court ruling to the DC Court of Appeals.

I was notified this afternoon of the decision by the Superior Court and confirmed it with the Chungs' Defense Attorney Chris Manning, who was outraged, but not the least bit surprised.

Earlier today in anticipation of Pearson's decision to appeal or not appeal(he had until 11:59pm Weds), Manning issued me this quote:

“The Chungs have done everything possible to put this nightmare behind them and return to their normal lives: they have won resoundingly at trial, raised donations from very gracious private donors to pay for their litigation costs, let Mr. Pearson off the hook for personally paying their expenses and extended an olive branch to Mr. Pearson in hopes that he will end this matter and not appeal. Mr. Pearson has a choice today – to acknowledge the Chungs’ amazing generosity and make peace or to continue with this ridiculous case and hopelessly appeal.”

Not surprisingly, Pearson prefers frivolity to civility.

Also hanging in the balance is Pearson's job - the DC Commission on Selection and Tenure has not officially decided whether or not Pearson will keep his job as an Administrative Law Judge, but they did send him a letter indicating that they had "doubts" about granting him a 10-year term appointment.

So it would appear he prefers unemployment to tenure as well.

Of note, the only court that hears appeals from the DC Court of Appeals (should Pearson lose again) is the Supreme Court, but it is unlikely that they would decide to hear the case.

Rove Departure

I'm back to work and the big news of the day was: Karl Rove is leaving the White House.

Here was the guy credited with being the chief strategist behind two successful elections for his boss as well as unprecedented congressional gains in 2002, now choking back tears alongside his President saying "good-bye."

I inquired with some sources and found that the timing of the departure, while not sudden, appears to be legit in that Rove simple felt this was the time to go.

But I have to question the timing of his farewell today after reading a front page article in USA Today, "Major Attacks Decline in Iraq."

The number of truck bombs and other large al Qaeda-style attacks in Iraq have declined nearly 50% since the United States started increasing troop levels in Iraq about six months ago, according to the U.S. Military command in Iraq.

The article also quotes Jack Keane, a retired General and mentor to Gen. Petraeus, as saying, "The enemy had the initiative and momentum in '06... We've got it now."

Clearly, Rove was not giving into the pressures of Democrat inquiries - some of which are still on-going. Rather, I think he simply chose the slow news cycle of August to make a natural exit. But in doing so today - a day in which there was significant news out of Iraq - did he realize that he would trump the story?

Every major evening newscast will lead with Rove tonight - and rightfully so because it IS the big news of the day. But didn't the White House know that would be the result?

I have to wonder: Was this a case of bad timing and a missed opportunity OR was it inneffective communication in knowing that the visit President Bush should have been making today, was perhaps a surprise visit to Baghdad before heading to Crawford.

Vacation Day Five - Last Day Blues

I can't believe the last day is already here... none of us can because it went by so fast. Why does it always seem like the vacation week was about three times shorter than a work week?

So what better way to cure the last day blues... than to start the day with "Birthday Cake" Ice Cream for breakfast. I kid you not - at the Outer Banks Coffee Company where I go for my morning cup of Joe, they also have ice cream and one of the flavors is birthday cake. I realize I may have set a precedent here that I may regret allowing the kids to eat ice cream this early... but what is vacation anyway?

It's surfing at the beach, long walks for Elvis, kids covered in sand and sun tan lotion, Harry Potter for my wife... and birthday cake ice cream for breakfast.

So when the sun sets tonite and we pack our stuff for an early morning departure, we'll always remember the footprints we left in the sand... and look foward to returning for many years to come.

Vacation Day Three

Oh the dog days of summer... Wondering where Day Two went? Well, time flies when you're having fun being a beach bum... and the surf is good!

Today was one of those moments that will be forever remembered. The owners of the house that we are renting have some bikes for our use. And one of those bikes just happens to be a perfect kids bike - without training wheels like the one my daughter has at home.

What better place to learn to ride a bike than at the beach? And while we still have a lot more practicing to do, she seemed thrilled at the feeling of freedom one gets from riding a bike for the first time (although I'll confess to holding onto the seat chasing behind her most of the time).

A colleague emailed me today wondering why in the world would I blog on my vacation?

The answer: remind everyone how important taking time to do the little things in life that matter most - like learning to ride a bike at the beach.

There was another bike thing today too. I was getting coffee and bagels earlier this morning when a determined, yet older, gentleman rode up to the shop, got off his bike, surveyed the line as being to long and quickly departed again on two wheels... It was Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

I wonder when and where he learned to ride a bike?

Oh well, the toddler is waking up soon and it's time to make the afternoon beach trip. I'll drink a cold Corona with my toes dug in the sand for all of you.

Vacation Day One

So I'm on vacation this week... Packed the girls (5 and 2 yrs olds), the wife, surfboards and dog in the car and headed to the beach - the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We actually drove down on Saturday, and for any American family that has driven any length of road with small children knows, that after getting to the rental house, the grocery store run done and the beach supplies secured - the first cocktail is a rewarding affirmation of vacation survival. You've done all the hard word and now there's a slight chance of dividend!

Elvis, our Jack Russell Terrier, seems to be the hit of the beach. Nevermind that I am a hotshot surfer on the beach or that my nearly six-year old daughter wants to learn to surf like "Lilo" of the Lilo and Stitch movie... when we take Elvis to the water's edge, he draws a friendly crowd. Everyone wants to hang out with Elvis. He runs through the sand like a tornado, stopping at the surf with caution, thens runs back in huried circles along the incoming tide. He is most fascinated with chasing the seagulls which almost invariably deceive him with little precision. But every kid on the beach wants to fawn over Elvis, so his failed seagull attempts are soon forgotten.

It was my idea to bring the dog, even paying an extra premium to cover his rental fee. But after spending just a few days down here with him, I'm thinking maybe I should get him a weekend place.

After all, as we walked back to the beach house today, a group of unkown folks sitting on their deck enjoying late-afternoon cocktails, shouted in unision: HEY ELVIS!!

The dog is a superstar. We all should wish to be so... So if you're sitting at work and wishing you were on vacation... take solace in that Elvis is keeping it kool for you!

Paradise Lost

Thanks, Steve. You really know how to ruin a guy’s day. More specifically, you know how to ruin a Surfer’s paradise.

The Washington Post Business section reports today that AOL’s founder Steve Case is opening up an $800-million, 650-acre luxury resort in the middle of the northwest Pacific corner of Costa Rica. Case, who grew up in Hawaii, says he’s committed to ensuring the “environmental preservation” and “cultural authenticity” of the predominantly rainforest and rugged coastline area and won’t allow it to become a tourist disaster like Waikiki.

But one can take little comfort that Steve’s got those of us who have spent years seeking refuge and rejuvenation in this beautiful destination at heart – he’s brought on Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf to do the tennis and fitness center, Tom Doak to build the golf course and Phillipe Cousteau to serve as a special adviser on environmental issues and “develop activities.”


[Note to Phil: Every inch of Costa Rican coastline is considered National Park property which may not go over well if the ultra-rich have to share a beach with the local population who cannot afford one of the resort’s 300 private homes.]

I have been going to Costa Rica for years, every year on my birthday in December, to surf the day and reflect on the things that matter most in my life. And in full disclosure, I have taken my wife and stayed at the Four Season’s resort that currently sits on the Papagayo peninsula where Mr. Case seeks to create a massive building boom. I have not found that the Four Season’s resort detracts from the entire region. So perhaps there is hope that Mr. Case’s intentions are genuine and he too will not ruin one of the greatest places on Earth.

But if he does, I will never forgive him for it.

Spicoli and Sulfur!

According to the Associated Press, Actor/Writer/Anti-War Activist Sean Penn is hanging out with Venezuela’s Socialist Dictator Hugo Chavez this week in Caracas. In fact, Chavez heaped praise on Penn for his opposition to the war in Iraq saying, “He’s one the greatest opponents of the Iraq invasion.”

And considering Hugo’s memorable performance at the United Nations last year when he suggested President Bush had passed gas at the podium before him (“Sulfur!”), Penn also got a compliment on his own acting abilities, saying “He’s made great films.”

Perhaps this is a new Hollywood “Cause Celeb” considering actors Danny Glover and Harry Belafonte have already come to the dictator’s side?

Either way, it’s just sad to see the guy that I loved growing up in movies like “Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Surfer Jeff Spicoli)” doing something so naïve and stupid. Supporting outspoken critics of our nation’s government would be considered somewhat treasonous if it weren’t for the fact that no one takes Hollywood Elites seriously… unless you’re Angelina Jolie.

Maybe there’ll be a remake of Fast Times with the signature Penn line: “All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz… and a Latin American Nutjob named Hugo, and I’m fine!”

Political Peace Mom

Has Cindy Sheehan become as much of a burden on Democrats as she is for George W. Bush?

After all, she has folded up tent, sold her land in Crawford, Texas and announced that she intends to move to San Fran to run against Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her seat in California’s 8th District.

The un-retired Peace Mom-turned-Politician was expected to land in San Fran late today and I am in contact with the growing campaign for the latest horserace details. (Look for more coverage on The Big Story with John Gibson tomorrow)

It occurs to me that at the very least, Sheehan was a constant reminder of the costs of the war in Iraq and likely contributed to the waning polls numbers for President Bush. Now if she is able to actually get her bid underway, she will be a constant reminder to the far left that Pelosi has not delivered on her party’s promise to end the war in Iraq.

What’s Cindy’s campaign theme so far? Impeach Bush and Cheney; Bring the troops home.

Only time will tell if San Franciscans will pay attention.

National Girlfriends Day

Tomorrow is National Girlfriends Day. It’s a day that apparently celebrates “girl friendships” everywhere – not a day for boyfriends to celebrate girlfriends. I suppose it’s like a “Sex In the City Day” or “The View day?” So later today… I am going to interview the co-founder of this day’s commemoration, Allie Savarino.

Now, I really wish I had paid attention to girlie movies like “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” or “The Notebook,” or watched television shows like “Project Runway,” or occasionally even caught an episode of Oprah. But I haven’t and as a result, I may have trouble understanding what these women talk about on the Internet forum www.sisterwoman.com. It’s a website that was created to foster friendships between other women to share photos, stories, parenting lessons, fashion tips and recipes.

Bottom line: Dudes don’t have a cause for this sort of celebration. Heck, we really don’t even “chat” or care about the clothes we are wearing. I find it admirable that there’s a designated day to praise womanhood and bonding. And as best as I can tell, us men folk have no such day… unless you consider the Super Bowl as National Guyfriends Day?

AUI - Astronauts Under the Influence

While Lindsay Lohan’s 2nd DUI this week and Nicole Richie’s sentencing for her 2nd DUI today is all the buzz (no pun intended) on the Internets, it does not surprise me or even really interest me. But the news, that on not ONE but TWO occasions, NASA astronauts may have flown drunk is shocking, alarming and outrageous.

According to an AP article, a NASA panel report said this about booze and spacemen:

“Two specific instances were described where astronauts had been so intoxicated prior to flight that flight surgeons and/or fellow astronauts raised concerns to local on-scene leadership regarding flight safety… However, the individuals were still permitted to fly.”

NASA has a similar “bottle to throttle” policy that the FAA has for pilots where individuals must not drink at least 12 hours prior to flight. However, the NASA report indicated that the astronauts have access to alcohol in their quarantined quarters in the three-day waiting period before a launch.

And speaking of launches – you can barely open your mouth about this serious topic without others chiming in with the bad and obvious puns which will certainly find their way into late night television talk shows. One colleague today said, “How about that… What a BLAST!” Another said, “I wondered where Buzz Aldrin got his nickname!”

I think it’s sad that NASA has apparently turned into an elite Rocket Flying Frat House – from bizarre love triangles with scorned lovers driving cross country in adult diapers to a new classification in “under the influence” citations: AUI – Astronauts Under the Influence.

Get the breathalyzers ready for the Kennedy Space Center, please!