Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Craig, get well soon.

Yes, Craig -- walk soft on that ankle for awhile!

Morning peeps,
Really shocking news about Bhutto. Not sure it will have the effect you describe Craig, my gut says it will make Americans feel that we need even less involvement in the region.

Craig have you picked a day for surgery?

You may be right, Brian. I rather hope you are. But this is exactly the reason I want the Republicans to have their best nominee up for the vote next November, as well as the Democrats best nominee. Shocking, shocking news to wake up to this morning....

Craig,

Try not to stay anesthetized too long. You never know what might happen next. Good luck.

Off to surgery now, under the knife at 4pm. Thanks for the good wishes. -- Craig

Good luck, Craig! Didn't realize the decision had been made (just woke up...). Will be thinking of you....

All the best Craig.

People should be careful about jumping to assumptions about Bhutto and who killed her. It wouldn't surprise me if we found out that this was a govt done job.

yeah they're gonna slap a plate and screws in there at 4p, so now i'll be able to predict rain with my ankle or my shoulder. can cancel my weather channel subscription. out the door now. hello anesthesia!

fyi - KO has a compilation of his special comments. Haven't watched the show in months & months, but might have to buy the book; he's a great writer. I imagine it will be used in many, many classrooms.

Craig - This is no way to get material for the Imus show, but speedy recovery.

Craig you going to staying in the hospital or they cutting you lose tonight?

Good luck with the surgery, Craig!

When coming out from anesthesia, the OR nurse will probably be trying to figure out why Craig keeps saying: "Just one more cow."

dnd, you are certainly free to disagree - my only real point was that the media isn't as concerned with the more sparsely populated areas of the Gulf Coast that no one outside the area has heard of. And I can assure you that there were plenty of rednecks dislaced from the MS and LA Gulf coast outside the NOLA area. NOLA got lots of aid as well, but a great bulk of it went toward infrastructure improvements, which benefit the city but not the displaced citizens, which last I heard was about half of the residents of the Gulf Coast's arguably most popular, and perhaps even most important city. And I wonder (because I don't know) whether those more well-heeled residents of the MS gulf coast who worked for NASA had the aid that was targeted for them as a result of Lott's efforts as snafued as did the poor residents of NOLA? Just wonderin'.

dang, Craig, good luck (and I so hoped the surgery wouldn't be screws and plates. Oh, well, follow the doc's orders and work really hard at rehab.

pogo,
Ok, point well taken. BTW, if you go to the NASA cafeteria at Stennis, you'll see Lott's face prominently displayed on the wall. He's brought a ton of pork to LA.

Doh! Correction. Lott brought port to MS, not LA.

Interesting divisions in the Bhutto primary

so far on the side of Musharaff resignation
Biden, Richardson and Nawaz Sharif

(I knew what state you meant, dnd...:)

By the way, does it irritate anyone else that so many in the press, including Jack Jacobs today, keep referring to"the bad guys"? God 'amighty, can they try to dumb down the discourse any more?

dnd, got it - I knew you meant MS. All those congressfolk are just pig ranchers. And given my heritage (my mom's family is from that thriving sister city of Auburn AL, Opelika), and my first cousins live in Slapout (yep, that's right, Slapuot), AL, I do know rednecks.

Patsi, Limpballs' lapdog Mark Melling is reporting that Al Qaeda ia claiming credit for Bhutto's assassination. I haven't seen that in any reputable press reports yet, but I suppose that's what (as KC referers to him) fatuous militarist Jack Jacobs was alluding to in hopes that they would do so.

Slapout, Alabama?????

That's fabulous!

Some of my music pals say touring the bars in Alabama is as crazy as it gets.....they say you ain't seen a Redneck until you've been in some of those joints...

pogo,
Rednecks are misunderstood.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Q7I1wtPUOtM

Let's see how the idiot in chief spins this economic news in the State of the Union address in a month or so.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20071227/wall-street/

The sand on which the Bush economy is built appears to be shifting a bit. btw, the latest economic indicators, through Nov., don't look good.

I'd be interested in light of today's events to hear the repugs justify our close involvement with Pakistan.

Patsi, Slapout is indeed a real place, albeit a very small one, that consists largely of vegetable farms, a post office and a fruit stand, a VFD (shared with Moatsville) and of course, churches. It's kind of out of the way between Wetumpka and Montgomery, near Lake Jordan (pronounced jurdan).

drat, dnd, I can't open you tube at work.

pogo,
It's Randy Newman's "Rednecks."

Patsi, my bad - Slapout is between Maplesville (home of the Alabama International 6 days Enduro 2 day qualifier and Maplesville hare scramble - both of which I competed in many moons ago) and Montgomery. My memory of its location is dulled by time and the boredome that sets in when you drive through that part of AL. X marks the spot), and you might notice that while the large metro areas of Deatsville, Elmore and Booth have names that appear on the map, Slapout doesn't - even at the highest magnification.

http://www.randmcnally.com/rmc/directions/dirGetMap.jsp?cmty=0

dnd, I know the song - LOVE IT.

The candidates official statements on Bhutto

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/12/27/candidates.reaction/index.html

This will be a good day for Hillary. She handled her statement well.

Craig....
I agree with you..... I do think this will make some voters think about foreign experience and their chosen candidate..... that's why I'm supporting Richardson.... I think the primary thing for our next prez is to restore our reputation on the world stage.....

and I was going to write a post this morning about the fact that Hillary has the most experience of the top 3 Dems..... and not only because she's on the Armed Services Committee..... but because she had to travel so much as the first lady.... and the world loved her and Bill....
but considering all the "in fighting" going on on this blog about Hillary, I didn't write it..... so what.... I have now..... :)@@@ (that's my tongue stickin' out.... it doesn't look like it you say..... oh well..... )

Craig,
Good CQ post even in the face of Surgey.. Even the dramatic statement at the end!!
If this is correct to bad it takes a dramatic event to wake people up... Do Americans have that short of a memory that you think they stopped thinking about Foriegn affairs?

Do you check your CQ email?

Kinda of late in the day for surgery, so maybe a stay over night.... At our age they are a little more cautious.

Ortho Surgery is very interesting, These are good Carpenters, Great with power tools, power drivers, power saw, power hammers !!

Right about now....

Ping, you are right about ortho surgery - and believe me, it ain't pretty. On me they used a cordless drill, reamers, hammer and chisel, oh, and a pry bar. Of course they also used the traditional surgical tools.

Apparently Limbaugh's lapdog Melling is relying on the threat of "a local Taliban leader" reported in AP and Musharraf's opinion that terrorists killed Bhutto "This is the work of those terrorists with whom we are engaged in war," he said in a nationally televised speech. "I have been saying that the nation faces the greatest threats from these terrorists. ... We will not rest until we eliminate these terrorists and root them out." Ponts out the problem of using the word terrorist to describe militants in the middle east - it applies to whoever you declare your enemy.

Renee,
Of course Hillary has more foreign policy experience than either Edwards or Obama. Ok, she flubbed today when she said Bhutto's dad has been assassinated (he was executed), but no big deal. Playing up the personal aspect was brilliant.

But I think she'd be well advised not to compare her foreign policy experience with Biden, Todd or Richardson.

Ping & pogo,
Sounds like you guys have experienced the thrill of orthopedic surgery. I can relate. I recall being wheeled into the OR and seeing one of those Sears Craftsman red tool cabinets...

dnd, indeed I have - and when I watched the video of the surgery I was going to have, I was more fascinated by the big tools they were going to use than by the surgery itself. My most recent was a hip - yours?

Well, time to go retrieve the kid from one of his little buddy's houses. Both got new guitars for Christmas, and I think they were kind of feeling out the beginnings of a band if they could find a song they both know.

pogo,
Last was hip. Somebody shoulda told me skiing wasn't a contact sport.

Song for the budding band: "Louie Louie." Three chords. Easy lyrics.

Ok, I broke my no Tweety pledge, since Biden was the first guest. He was brilliant.

BTW, here's what Richardson sent to his supporters this afternoon:

"Today we were shocked and saddened by the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Ms. Bhutto's death is a heartbreaking blow, and she will be mourned by freedom-loving people the world over.

Pakistan has lost a visionary leader, but the torch of democracy lit by Ms. Bhutto still shines as bright as ever. The Pakistani people will carry on that torch in her memory.

I know you share my sincere hope that the United States will take the lead in helping Pakistan forge a true path to democracy. Our next President must diligently pursue efforts to ensure that the dream that Benazir Bhutto gave her life for is realized.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who died today."

Just got back from the Edwards Rally. Drew a very good crowd for the time of day and no students in town. Talked some about the Pakistan situation. Must continue to support the democratic movement in that country.

Gave his anti-corp. speech, speaks to me. Will see Bill Clinton tomorrow.

John did stop for a picture with my 2 year old grandson. He was born with no arms or legs. Will try to get one for him with Pres. Clinton tomorrow.

Thanks for the report on the rally Rick, cool on the pic.

Looks like it might be a good day for Edwards too, not so good for Obama.

Iowarick

If you would care to share, I would truly like to hear your grandson's story. Good luck with getting the picture with Clinton.

I am not shocked at all about Madame Bhutto. I am amazed she lasted this long.
So much dissention, so many hating her...Pervez is in charge and I am sure he didn't order-up increased security.
It looks like the shooter had easy-access to her, ala Artie Bremer/ Wallace and Hinckley/ Reagan.

Ed Schultz was right today, Bhutto's murder is a major failure for Bushco.

Yep, the spotlight's back on the international scene.

Rick, thanks for the good news about Edwards.

Sorry to hear about your grand-son. That's so very rare.

The over all situation in Pakistan is so very familiar, i.e. what the US is doing vis-a-vis that regime.

tt

I think Schuster has a serious man-crush on Ron Paul, and his hostility reflects his inability to deal with it.

i guess it was kinda like "high noon" with ms bhutto, she decided she had to go back.......she had to know they would get to her........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwivJ7-I4uM

Musharraf had NO intentions of ever protecting Bhutto regardless or irregardless of what Bush wanted. That was clear when Musharraf imprisoned her when she returned from exile in Dubai, all those attorneys and dissenters.

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1683694_1485358,00.html

tt

sorry......I was cleaning my anomaly and it went off......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWFRHYSafP4

Sturgeone,

Your anomaly upset my juke box

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pU9hWiYjVTY

Bhutto's widower, Asif Zardari, is quite a jerk. can't help but wonder.......

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4032997.stm

tt

I imagine Asif rolls with the punches..........

KO back early with an assassination special program

"KO back early with an assassination special program"

Kinda makes one wonder about what will happen in the oddball or worst person segment.

Judy Woodruff is doing the anchor duties on the News Hour.

On December 27, sixty years ago today, on a newly created show called "Puppet's Playhouse", a star was born.

Yes, Howdy Doody is 60 today.

Interesting piece on the Democrats so-called takeover of Congress...the third factor is by far the most important, IMO....

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1218/p02s01-uspo.htm

The secret behind the GOP's success? A show of unity between the minority party on the Hill and the White House.

"There's an interesting cultural argument to be made that Republicans as a party are simply more disciplined than Democrats," says Ross Baker, a political scientist at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. "There is also a very strong perception on the part of Republicans that the president is popular with the party base, and for that reason they don't want to desert him. The third factor is that you have a president with nothing to lose – and someone who has nothing to lose in this kind of showdown is going to win."

Any word yet on how Craig came thru his surgery? My MIL went to the church and lit a candle for him this afternoon.

After reading about Craig's surgery, I have had this earworm all day!!!!

Music To Operate By
--Christine Lavin
--Shing my Flashlight on the Moon

recent medical studies prove that during operations
music in the background creates a calm sensation
doctors' blood pressures drop
while spirits tend to rise
keeping all hands steady
keeping a sharpness to the eyes

I worked in a hospital, before I worked in music
I've got the experience, now here's my chance to use it
next time I find myself going under the knife
I've got a song to sing which might prolong my life...

good morning, doctor
I trust you are sober
I have been dreading this encounter for a long time
my best friend is a lawyer
no, not in malpractice
but he's got friends of friends who are
so please keep that in mind
oh, let's get in a happy space
all filled with happy thoughts
don't think about the Mazda Miata that your ex-wife just bought
clear your mind of that divorce
the kids' fancy tuition
that "hoped for" horse
and coming to this job with all this pressure on your head
just remember, if you screw this up
I'll come back and haunt you, when I'm dead

good morning scrub nurse
I hope you like your verse
it's about how you are over-worked and under-appreciated
the doctors get the glory
while you do all the gory stuff
and today you get to assist the geeky doctor that you once dated
oh, let's get in a happy space all filled with happy thoughts
don't think about the ugly break-up
and how you and he fought
don't think about the rude remarks
the busted ego
the broken heart
that seeing him again has the world crashing down on you
just remember, if you screw this up
I'll come back and haunt you too

oh can't you feel the love in the air
can't you feel the love in the air
oh it must be great
to get to operate
on sensitive patients like me
who care about you and all your stupid little petty problems
that you should have left outside the door
because all you should be thinking about right now is
me, me, me, me, me!!!

and last, but not least
good morning anesthesiologist
remember drugs are dangerous
and can do us harm
I don't like the look on your face
you're not in a happy space
I don't like that needle
why is it sticking in my arm
(100....99......98......)
no, I don't feel any different
why are you three laughing now
and dancing 'round my bed
why does it feel like I have puffballs in my head
(71....42...no, no different......)
just be careful with me
it's my right.....
no, it's my left knee
or maybe it's my kidney or my spine
(47..............)
I just hope this little song
has put you in a very happy state of...
(blue cross?...why do you ask?)....mind

Best Wishes for a speedy recovery, Craig!! :)

hey all, i'm up and hobbling from today's ankle surgery. first time on the blog because desktop is upstairs and just now felt able to crawl up the steps (nothing like re-learning to crawl stairs like a baby). anyway, the doc said the ankle was a little more messed up than he had hoped -- but he jammed enough screws, plates, pins and needles in there to put me on the mend (the insides of my foot must look like those baskets of cheap goodies by the cash register at the hardware store). best thing is they numbed the whole leg for 24 hours, so havent had to dig in to the pain pills yet. allowing me to retain full brain capacity (such as it is). off to sleep now, thanks much for the good wishes. you guys have been a big help, and the family says hello.

The word "hobbling" always makes me think of the book/movie, "Misery"...ouch!!

Glad things went well Craig, speedy recovery!

Welcome back to the land of the conscious, Craig! Hope you heal quickly!

I listened to a couple of tv shows & read a few online articles about Pakistan because I remember this country from it's founding days, surprisingly. I remember when it was West Pakistan, & Bangladesh was poverty stricken East Pakistan. so unlike most parts of the world, I remember the history.

I conclude, even thought I'm neither a diplomat nor a military tactician nor a cleric, that Musharraf's between a rock & a hard place. He's playing both sides against the middle, the US and the Taliban, et.al., like so many other heads of state. But what else can he do? Bush is 'propping' him up like the US has done with so many 'dictators' friendly to the US in the past. And they usually turn on the US, & we wind up fighting them. And there's the rub. It's not clear why Bush wouldn't push for Bhutto to be president. Under Musharraf, Pakistan doesn't seem to be a democracy, that which Bush likes to tout, even though he wasn't elected either. Seems that under Bhutto, Pakistan would have had a better chance at being more of a democracy and all would have had a better shot, excuse the word, at Bin Laden and/or calming down the Muslim fundamentalists.

And then there's India, and Israel and oil.

It's feeling like a game of Risk with the Muslim fundamentalists taking most of countries at this time.

Makes mah meninges hurt.

tt

Craig, glad to hear you're on the mend. How about moving the desk top downstairs??

BE CAREFUL!

tt

Or Wi-Fi a lap top for the time being?

tt

Here's an ad I came across, "Why NOT to vote for Ron Paul"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jrt1KhDmHzs&feature=bz301

He must be making some serious waves somewhere.........

and a nize beatles song, to boot......

Craig, No WiFi at the rents? call me and i will bring a extra by for the sake of humanity and the vision of you crawling up stairs.....