Sera Cahoone - “Couch Song”

Here’s her MySpace and SubPop artist pages.

Lt. Col. Billy Hall, one of the most senior officers to be killed in the Iraq war, was laid to rest yesterday at Arlington National Cemetery. It’s hard to escape the conclusion that the Pentagon doesn’t want you to know that.

The family of 38-year-old Hall, who leaves behind two young daughters and two stepsons, gave their permission for the media to cover his Arlington burial — a decision many grieving families make so that the nation will learn about their loved ones’ sacrifice. But the military had other ideas, and they arranged the Marine’s burial yesterday so that no sound, and few images, would make it into the public domain.

That’s a shame, because Hall’s story is a moving reminder that the war in Iraq, forgotten by much of the nation, remains real and present for some. Among those unlikely to forget the war: 6-year-old Gladys and 3-year-old Tatianna. The rest of the nation, if it remembers Hall at all, will remember him as the 4,011th American service member to die in Iraq, give or take, and the 419th to be buried at Arlington. Gladys and Tatianna will remember him as Dad.

More at the Washington Post

Ya gotta laugh when the presidential candidates run around blaming the “government” for it’s failures when they are indeed part of that government. New Orleans is still a mess. The Gulf coast is still a mess. You’re in the Senate McFriendy….. have you done anything to fix that thus far? I don’t think so……….

Sen. John McCain on Thursday blasted the Bush administration and all levels of government for the failed response to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

“We know we didn’t have the right kind of leadership … where government agencies were getting information from watching cable television rather than have a flow of information,” McCain said during an event at Xavier University in New Orleans.

“It was not only a perfect storm as far as its physical impact … it was a perfect storm as far as the federal, state and local governments’ inability.”

“Never again will there be a mismanaged natural disaster,” he said, later assuring the crowd that “it will never happen again in this country, you have my commitment and my promise.”

More at CNN

Nail his ass to the cross Yoko!

Yoko Ono is suing the producers of a movie that challenges the concept of Darwinian evolution, saying they used the song “Imagine” without her permission and led the blogosphere to accuse her of “selling out.”

“Expelled,” which stars Ben Stein, challenges Darwinian theories.

In a lawsuit filed in federal court in Manhattan, Ono accuses the producers of “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed” of suggesting to viewers that those who guard John Lennon’s legacy somehow authorized or sponsored the film.

More at CNN

There’s no lack of religious nutjobs in the state of Florida.

An “academic freedom” bill that opponents claim will open the door to teaching religious-based theories of creation squeaked through the state Senate on Wednesday.

Billed as a protection for teachers and students who want to discuss theories that run counter to Darwin’s theory of evolution, the measure was approved by a 21-17 vote, with most Broward and Palm Beach County senators opposing it.

More at the Sun Sentinel

I still do not have a clear preference between Obama and Clinton. But if what they say is true, that Hillary really doesn’t have a shot at winning the nomination any longer, then why is this fight still on? And people are saying that the longer this fight continues, the better for McCain’s chances in November.

We need to decide whether it’s best to win the battle at the cost of losing the war, or the other way around.

Clinton’s Pennsylvania victory comes with cash prize

WASHINGTON (AP) — Turns out Hillary Rodham Clinton’s victory Tuesday came with a cash prize.

In the hours after winning Pennsylvania’s Democratic presidential primary, Clinton’s campaign said she raised $3.5 million.

By midday Wednesday, the campaign estimated the total haul at $10 million raised online in the 24 hours since Pennsylvania’s polls closed, and claimed it was her best fundraising day ever.

Clinton, desperate to fight on against a flush Barack Obama, could certainly use the money.

Here we go again. Will these people never let up?

Florida lawmakers debate offering a Christian license plate

MIAMI (AP) — Florida drivers can order more than 100 specialty license plates celebrating everything from manatees to the Miami Heat, but one now under consideration would be the first in the nation to explicitly promote a specific religion.

The Florida Legislature is considering a specialty plate with a design that includes a Christian cross, a stained-glass window and the words “I Believe.”

Rep. Edward Bullard, the plate’s sponsor, said people who “believe in their college or university” or “believe in their football team” already have license plates they can buy. The new design is a chance for others to put a tag on their cars with “something they believe in,” he said.

Some may argue Mr. Bullard makes a good point here. Well, finish reading:

Bullard, the plate’s sponsor, isn’t sure all groups should be able to express their preference. If atheists came up with an “I Don’t Believe” plate, for example, he would probably oppose it.

Shows what he thinks about the Constitution, doesn’t it. How do these nuts keep getting elected? Constitution-loving Americans who reside in Florida should be showing Mr. Bullard the door.

Bush can do whatever the hell he wants. But if Petraeus doesn’t follow a direct order by the next president, then out on his ear he goes!

Petraeus promotion keeps nation on its war course

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Bush is promoting his top Iraq commander, Army Gen. David Petraeus, and replacing him with the general’s recent deputy, keeping the U.S. on its war course and handing the next president a pair of combat-tested commanders who have relentlessly defended Bush’s strategies. [...]

The next president taking office in January would not be compelled to keep either Petraeus or Odierno, but normally the lineup of senior commanders - as well as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff - is not changed with administrations. [...]

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid noted after Gates’ announcement that any war commander must be committed to “implementing major changes in strategy” if directed to do so by a new president.

“The Senate will carefully examine these nominations, and I will be looking for credible assurances of a strong commitment to implementing a more effective national security strategy,” said Reid, D-Nev.