Republicans and their friends in the GOP/Media Complex depend on Americans to have zero historical memory or cognitive skills. (That’s likely a key reason why they want to destroy public schools.) If we have no memory and no way to put it to good use, we can’t see the irony of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tim Pawlenty, two governors who claim to be fiscally responsible, being in fact unbelievably bad with our money.

That’s it, the party’s over, turn out the lights. There is enough in this, the official White House photo of soon-to-be President Barack Obama, to tell you that all the hope you were hoping for is hopeless. . . .

First off, note the center-right framing!

“Mark my words. He will leave office the most unpopular president in history.”

Condi and Livni have reached an agreement “to stop arms smuggling” which includes using US troops – and Amnesty International details those big shipments of US weapons to Israel and finds White Phosphorus. And another UN school has been hit by Israeli bombs.

One of the big complaints a lot of us have is that we’d really like to cook more often, but feel that we simply don’t have the time. This is especially true for newbies in the kitchen — it all seems too complicated to master. I’m here to give you hope.

Inspiration comes from any number of sources. For me, often what I write about or turn to when I’m frustrated or angry hinges on what I think is best for my child’s future, and how to best get us going in a better direction.

Wrapping up what’s been a bitter cold week for so many of us, I thought a couple of warm notes were in order tonight. Starting off with a brand new song and video from Alela Diane, who will be touring the next few months with Blitzen Trapper. Followed by part of an acoustic session Toubab Krewe recorded for the funky folks at MoBoogie.

President John F. Kennedy called Inauguration Day “a celebration of freedom – symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning – signifying renewal, as well as change.” This year, that is dramatically true. President-elect Barack Obama will place his hand on the same Bible President Abraham Lincoln used to take the oath of office. When he does so, at noon on Tuesday, Americans of every party will celebrate both renewal and a long-needed change.

A flurry of motions (h/t The UpTake) is scheduled for the coming weeks. Firstly, Norm Coleman, as the Contestant, must issue an answer to Contestee Franken’s counterclaims, and a response to Franken’s discovery requests, by 4:30 pm on January 19. Next, there is the deadline for the disclosure of the identity of the expert witnesses on both sides; that’s January 20 at 4:30 pm.

Reports that Governor Paterson is determined to appoint Caroline Kennedy to Senator Clinton’s seat may be a bit exaggerated.