Quotable

Sometimes it seems that the only way to make sense of the Bush administration is to imagine that it’s a vast experiment concocted by mad political scientists who want to see what happens if a nation systematically ignores everything we’ve learned over the past few centuries about how to make a modern government work.

~ Paul Krugman, Hired Gun Fetish

Quotable - Darth Cheney

"Vice President Cheney came up to see the Republicans yesterday. You can always tell when the Republicans are getting restless, because the Vice President's motorcade pulls into the Capitol, and Darth Vader emerges."

~ Sen. Hillary Clinton, quoted by The Politico, at a fundraiser last night.

The Super Tuber

Ah, the irony.

Here's the recipe Idaho Senator Larry Craig submitted to be included in a cookbook titled "Congress Cooks!":

Super Tuber is a great snack that uses one of my favorite vegetables: The Idaho Potato. Of course, I suppose any type of potato could be used, but I cannot guarantee that a Super Tuber made with anything but a true Idaho potato would taste as good. Sincerely, Larry E. Craig, United States Senator

Ingredients

1 hot dog, cook's choice

1 Idaho baking potato, 7 to 10 ounces

Mustard for dipping, any style

Other condiments as desired such as cheese sauce, sour cream, chili, chives, bacon pieces or black olives.

Wash and dry potato. Rub with shortening or butter. With an apple corer or small knife, core out the potato center (end to end). Push hot dog through the center. Bake until potato is cooked through.

If I smile tell me some bad news...

An amazing performance of an incredible song -- Pete Townshend.

Maybe we should feed the ducks...

Sacramento band, Jackpot.

Quotable

"Um, no."

~ Donald Rumsfeld, quoted by GQ, on whether he misses George Bush.

birthday cake for panda

Yum, birthday cake!

Pavarotti

Luciano Pavarotti is reported to be near death. I appreciate the beauty and passion Pavarotti gave to the world through his amazing voice. He was also a humanitarian:

In 2001, Pavarotti received the Nansen Medal from the UN High Commission for Refugees for his efforts raising money on behalf of refugees worldwide. Through benefit concerts and volunteer work, he has raised more than US $1.5 million, more than any other individual. [wikipedia]

Here is Luciano Pavarotti, performing "Vesti la giubba" from Pagliacci.

Can Mr.-Ms. Smith get to Washington anymore?

A well-made documentary that entertains while demonstrating the importance of clean money elections and the intense conflict that can occur between candidates of the same party in primary battles.