Death Cars Of The Stars: The Austin Mini 1275 GT & UK Pop Superstar Marc Bolan

Marc Bolan, the British superstar founder of the great UK pop and rock act, T.Rex, was killed on the early morning of September 16, 1977 when his girlfriend, backup singer Gloria Jones lost control of the purple Austin Mini 1275 GT at about 4am in the morning and hit a tree. Jones was unconscious but survived the accident, but Bolan suffered multiple serious injuries and was killed instantly in the crash.

Interestingly, the little Austin Mini 1275 GT cars were not equipped with seatbelts in most cases, and the front seats often had no locks on them, only allowing a passenger to go head first into the windshield during a crash in these little cars. Coupled with the small size, the little Austin Mini 1275 Gt cars were a perfect deathtrap in the event of a serious accident, probably only exceeded by motorcycles for risk potential.

Reportedly, Bolan likely slammed head first into the windshield and then was knocked clear into the back of the car by the crash, suffering substantial crash injuries to the front and back of the head both, neck and body.

If anything, the serious safety issues with the 1960's vintage Austin Mini cars prove the real value of basic modern safety devices such as seatbelts, locking seats, airbags and protective bumpers and crash zones. The accident might well have survivable if these basic safety devices had been installed in British cars of that era.

Progressive Insurance's Wacky "Flo"

The actress that plays the wacky "Flo" in those popular Progressive Insurance ads is actually 39 year old stand-up comic and lead Groundlings comedy troupe actress Stephanie Courtney. Courtney might just be the best comic actress that is not part of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE at this time. Amazingly, her "Flo" character is so popular that all of her ads are posted over at YouTube and so many comments prove her strong cult following among a sizable number of fans.

Part of the "Flo" persona is the cartoonish, larger than life, overly enthusiastic personality and the wildly overdone rockabilly makeup and unique hairstyle that Courtney claims takes up to two hours of makeup work to do. Courtney's skills as an actress really carry the role as a unique personality that some even liken to a post-modern version of "Josephine The Plumber".

Strangely, while a half-cracked personality like a real "Flo" might not be good for business at a real insurance agency where buyers want complete seriousness, the wacky "Flo" advertising character has struck real gold for Progressive and meant strong sales and new buyers. "Flo" has proven to be one of the greatest game changers ever for Progressive really setting itself aside from other insurance companies, and spurring real interest in the brand.

However, with all the popularity, some goofy rumors will flourish including some claims by some that "Flo" is pregnant, or of all crazy things, a sex tape even exists. With the huge popularity of "Flo", some fans of the actress sometimes invent some silly rumors.

Courtney has also had quite a number of TV show and movie appearances as well. She might just be one of the most talented performers ever is not a household name. But a great stand-up comedy routine of Courtney can be found circulating on YouTube and elsewhere called the "99 Cent Store".

Many years ago, MAD magazine had a parody of TV GUIDE where commercials became more popular than TV shows, with the Dash detergent man on the front cover. Well, "Flo" is nearly that popular, and perhaps better loved than a few TV shows right now.

Sorry fellows. While more than a few of you might just think that "Flo" is a real babe. But Courtney is happily married to a fellow worker at the Groundlings theatre so you're plum out of luck.

Cars Of The Stars: The Great Studebaker Avanti

Even though only 4,643 Studebaker Avanti sports cars were ever produced by the financially struggling Studebaker Corporation back between June 1962 and December 1963, the cars have continued to be a popular car of the stars. Originally designed by industrial designer Raymond Loewy, who was also responsible for a Coke bottle design as well as some of the dresses for First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Lowey had a real following among many trendsetters in Hollywood. To own a car designed by someone who designed dresses for the popular first lady was considered real prestige among Hollywood's powerful.

While the original Studebaker produced cars had only a very short model run before Studebaker could not afford to continue to build them, they were still considered to be one of the most perfect automobile designs ever produced. The nearly timeless styling loaned itself to the cult following of the car where several attempts to revive the car by small independent car makers have been undertaken.

Some of the many Hollywood greats and other celebrities attracted to the Avanti were:

Popular UK singer, Shirley Bassey, who performed the GOLDFINGER theme song among other UK chart hits, owned a 1963 Avanti.

Late night TV legend, Johnny Carson, owned a 1964 Avanti.

Richard Carpenter, of the pop singing duo, The Carpenters, was the proud owner of 1963 Avanti.

Alice Cooper, the popular 1970's era shock rocker who something like the White man's Screaming Jay Hawkins, owned a 1963 Avanti.

Jimmy Dean, the popular folksy country styled performer who later became known for breakfast sausage, was proud to own a 1963 Avanti.

Dick Van Dyke, another great talented performer on TV and screen, owned a 1963 model Avanti. Today, you can find it on display at the Peterson Automobile Museum.

Although Fremont F. Ellis, isn't a household name to all persons, this impressionist painter owned both a 1963 model Avanti and even reportedly traded someone one of his paintings in exchange for one of the 1967 Avanti II models produced by another company who revived the cars.

NBA basketball legend, Dr. J., Julius Irving, the Philadelphia 76ers great, reported owned a Studebaker Avanti, however the exact year is not known.

Al Jardine, a member of the legendary 1960's pop surf music group, The Beach Boys, owned a 1989 model Avanti, which was a reproduction produced by a modern company of the original designs.

Deforest Kelly, "Dr. Bones" to all you STAR TREK fans out there was so proud of his 1973 Avanti II, that he managed to slip in into the STAR TREK film, THE VOYAGE HOME.

Ian Fleming, the author of the JAMES BOND series of books as well as the children's classic CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, was a huge car lover, and was proud to add a black 1963 Avanti to his collection of fine British automobiles.

Andy Granatelli was not only a racing legend, but he also was main pitchman for STP which was another Studebaker product for many years. When Studebaker ceased building cars in the mid60's, STP became all that was left of the company. Granatelli was proud to own a 1963 Avanti as his own car.

Sandy Koufax, who was the L.A. Dodgers great pitcher, and also one of the greatest Jewish American professional athletes of all time, owned an unspecified year 1960's vintage Avanti.

Michael Landon, who was one of the most popular TV actors of all time, despite starting his early career with real 50's shlock like I'm A TEENAGE WEREWOLF, owned a 1988 Avanti.

Barry Morrow, best known for his Oscar winning RAINMAN screenplay was proud to own a 1986 vintage Avanti.

Ricky Nelson, the teen idol offspring of OZZY AND HARRIET fame, who once had many hit singles by recording restrained energy rock and roll singles, owned a 1963 model Avanti that is now on permanent display at Colorado's Classical Gas auto museum.

Rod Sterling, was far more than just the creator of the legendary TWILIGHT ZONE TV series. Sterling was also a huge automobile fan, and just loved his 1964 model Avanti which was proudly passed on to two other owners since.

Herb Shriner, was a popular 1950's television performer. However, Shriner suffered the terrible fate of being killed in a serious accident involving his 1963 Avanti.

Frank Sinatra, the great music and film legend, owned a 1963 Avanti. Perhaps Sinatra was the biggest stars of all time to own of these great legendary automobiles.

Gene Siskell, the late great film critic not only knew great films, but he knew great cars. Siskell owned a 1963 Avanti.

Barabra Walters, the interview legend over at ABC, and on the cast of THE VIEW, owned an Avanti of an unknown year.

Roger Ward, not only won the Indy 500 race one year, but he managed to win the race to become the first ever Avanti owner of a brand new 1963 model.

Dwight Yokam, who self-describes his own music as "White trash music" rather than country music, and repulsed audiences as the very mean and nasty brother in SLINGBLADE, owns an unspecfied vintage Avanti.

Even though less than 5,000 original Avanti cars ever rolled off the Studebaker production line, it is simply amazing that so many of the cars were sold to celebrities. French born design genius Raymond Lowey had many design milestones in his career including the design for Lucky Strike red and white package, 1940's Harley Davidson parts, Greyhound double deck buses as well as the Zippo lighter. The Studebaker Avanti probably stands as one of his greatest achievements, with so much star power acclaim for the design. For someone who started his career as a fashion designer, neatly everone in the Western world has either owned or used a product designed by Lowey, including drinking a cold Coke from one of those classic glass bottles.

Jackson Family Sought To Hide Needle Marks In Michael Jackson's Arms From The Public

Some news agencies such as CNN have now confirmed that the Jackson family might have taken efforts to conceal an extensive network of needle marks in Michael Jackson's arms. His veins were collapsed from extensive intravenous drug use according to one source who viewed the body. Jackson's body was buried in long sleeves and there was no public viewing of the body, unlike many other celebrities, to help to conceal the evidence of this extensive use of intravenous drugs normally used only in hospital setting. One drug, Diproven, for example is normally only used in hospital setting to induce medical coma for serious burn or accident victims. Yet, is was highly unlikely that Michael Jackson suffered from any sort of chronic pain condition comparable to such serious victims of accidents.

As earlier reported, Michael Jackson might have used up to $48,000 a month in prescription drugs. One pharmacy had problems for a time collecting a $102,000 prescription bill from Jackson due to his serious financial problems. Jackson really need to go back on tour and earn some money just to support his extensive use of prescription drugs if anything.

Further, the details of the actual burial of the body still remain elusive according the UK's GUARDIAN newspaper. Reportedly assistant chief coroner Ed Winter in Los Angeles confirmed that the coroner still holds Michael Jackson's brain for further tests. Likely, the Jackson family may stall the actual burial of Jackson's body until the brain is returned.

Official Chinese News Media Covers Muslim Riots

Unlike Iran, which sought to largely ignore much of the coverage of the unrest over the disputed election, Chinese media is giving coverage to the riots and unrest by Muslim protesters in Western China. However, like Iran, China is limiting Facebook and Twitter activity. claiming that such media is being used by the rioters to orchestrate their violence. And although the Muslim protesters claim that the Chinese police are responsible for the violence and bloodshed, it is clearly the Muslim protesters seen in new footage shown throughout the world setting fires and overturning cars.

All of this proves that the Chinese media and government are at least far more open than the Iranian government and media. Maybe that's not saying a great deal for a country with serious human rights issues. But it does prove some slow progress towards openness for this society.

Breaking News: Michael Jackson's Body Will Be Protected By SWAT Team

Surprisingly, the body of Michael Jackson will be protected by the LAPD SWAT team on it's journey from Forest Lawn to the Staples Center. And a police helicopter will fly overhead as well for added security. The protection the body will probably be as great or greater than that of a presidential appearance. A planned private memorial for around 100 persons, mostly relatives of Michael Jackson will be held before the body is transported to Staples Center for the huge public memorial event. Many television networks will present coverage of this memorial which will likely rival the memorial for Princess Diana.

You have to admit that's it's one heck of a country where some poor African American boy can be born and can make lots of money doing a Zombie dance video, and buy enough plastic surgery to die looking like a rich White woman, and get a funeral suitable for a head of state.

Wrestling Promoters Sentenced To Prison On Obscenity Charge

Former XPW( Xtreme Pro Wrestling) promoters Rob Zicari and his wife Janet Romano have been sentenced to one year and one day in prison by Federal Judge Gary Lancaster for an obscenity charge that the judge had earlier ruled was unconstitutional. It was a bittersweet decision for the judge, which believed that the couple acted within their constitutional rights to produce their own line of kooky adult entertainment films. By sentencing the couple to one year and one day, they can qualify for good time. Further, the judge refused to levy any fines against the couple which faced up to $5 million in fines and potentially 50 years in prison.

Wrestling promoter Rob Zicari had at one point decided to combine the outrageous theatrics of his professional wrestling business with adult filmmaking, creating a goofy gonzo adult film company called Extreme Associates. Zicari and his wife decided to push the limits of good taste, and the careful legal and artistic customs of most other commercial California adult films, and offered a clear challenge to Christian right oriented Attorney General John Ashcroft back in 2002 on an episode of PBS FRONTLINE to bring obscenity charges against them as a test case to affirm free speech rights in the United States. But like any braggart prowrestler who issues silly threats, Zicari only bought himself far more problems than he ever expected where another Christian right federal official, Federal Prosecutor Mary Beth Buchanan in Western Pennsylvania helped to orchestrate a federal postal sting operation and case against the couple to bring serious federal obscenity charges against Extreme Associates for three films and some film clips posted on their California company website. It became the first federal obscenity case in 10 years, and drained huge amounts of tax money on one hand, and also drove both Zicari and his wife into financial ruin as well, losing both their wrestling and film businesses with endless legal bills for a silly case tied up in the courts for years.

After spending years in court battles, and broke, the couple finally agreed to guilty plea to a single federal charge of conspiracy to distribute obscene material to stop their endless legal bills. It was highly debatable whether the films produced by Zicari were much worse than any other California adult film producer. If anything, from the very beginning the case seemed like it was entirely a political payoff by the Bush Administration to the religious right to find someone to prosecute for obscenity charges simply to prove something to supporters like James Dobson or others.

The case against Zacari and his wife was probably one of the biggest wastes of money as a political boondoggle to satisfy a few political supporters. And Buchanan's case against the couple seemed to be far more about her promoting religious views through law than anything else. Buchanan even used morality terms such as "filthy" to refer their films, which really begs the question whether religion has any legitimate role in policing culture such as film in American society. In most parts of the Western world, government has long ago gotten out of the censorship business and acting as some film policing arm for the churches.

At one point during the trial of the couple, Federal Judge Gary Lancaster had ruled that federal obscenity laws are unconstitutional and struck them down citing the right of privacy allows adults to distribute films to other adults as they see fit. But the Bush Administration appealed that ruling to a friendly appeals court loaded with friendly judges that reinstated the obscenity charges. When the couple ran out of money to continue to defend themselves, then they eventually were forced to plead guilty to the single obscenity charge deal offered by the government who wouldn't drop the case, but appeared unable to win the case as long as the couple continued legal efforts.

The three films probably had a retail value around just $60 total. Yet the federal government and Zicari probably both wasted several million dollars to take a grand total of three absurd and trashy DVDs off the market because they offended the religious tastes of a few federal officials. If anything, the case is significant in that it proves the huge ongoing problem of religious control over the American media in the United States. Few adult films could be found legally obscene in most parts of the country, so elaborate legal schemes to put a film on trial in some conservative community to bring down some filmmaker must be put together by prosecutors, and even that's no guarantee of success at trial. Prosecutor's need to find a few strange quirks in an adult film in most cases to bring such material to trial. Other court cases have pretty well established that sexual penetration in films, adult or arthouse, are not obscene, but constitutionally protected materials.

The case against the prowrestler didn't do anything positive for American society other than burning up millions of dollars to remove just three low budget films that few would ever care to see. These three films weren't very popular. Few retailers cared to stock them in video rental stores of any type. They never set any sales records by any means. They were strictly oddball goofy stuff. If anything, it proves the fanaticism of some in the religious community who are willing to spend millions of American tax dollars to remove just three films from distribution that offend their religious or moral tastes.

Strangely, even though Los Angeles has as many as 100,000 active gang members and huge problems with drug distribution and violent crime, the Los Angeles Police Department maintain a pornography squad. That's a real handy thing to have around when you have only one obscenity case once every ten years to pursue, but drive-by shootings and robberies related to drugs or gangs every single day.

It seems like prowrestling promoter Rob Zicari wanted a real fight. He got it from some in the federal government, hell bent on using law to promote their religious views. This was one wrestling match he clearly lost.

TV Media & Politics: David Letterman Full On With Plenty Of Sarah Palin Jokes On Monday

On Monday night's program, David Letterman just couldn't help but rub a little salt in the wounds of Sarah Palin, and was ready with many pointed jokes and barbs about the resigning Alaska governor. And CBS is hardly shying away either, featuring Letterman telling fresh Sarah Palin jokes in all the promo ads for Letterman's program on both Monday and again Tuesday. If Sarah Palin had hoped to send a chilling effect over Letterman with the recent dust-up over his joke about her daughter, then it certainly didn't work. If anything, Letterman seems to be taking some real enjoyment and revenge, sensing that he clearly won the first round battle with Palin.

Letterman might have lost a few advertisers over his recent battle with Sarah Palin, however it also gave Letterman an important ratings boost just at the time that Conan O'Brien was taking over the helm at the TONIGHT SHOW. It was a worthwhile trade-off for Letterman, that gave him a critical ratings leapfrog boost just as Conan O'Brien struggles to add as much of Jay Leno's audience to his own core of die-hard late night viewers.

Undoubtably, Letterman is only hoping to reignite a new slap fight with Sarah Palin. It's good for ratings because the controversy draws the viewers to Letterman to see what's coming next and puts Conan O'Brien's ratings on the skids. So far, over at the Conan O'Brien's TONIGHT SHOW, no one has come up with any new ideas how to match any of this. There has been no attempt to create some controversy, and the guest quality is only about as good as the old late night show that O'Brien once hosted, giving Letterman a rare clear opportunity to cement a fresh ratings lead over the TONIGHT SHOW.

Letterman's performance on Monday looked far more like provocation that anything. Letterman appears to be deliberately looking to get under the thin skin of Palin once again, and reignite a fresh round of attacks and counterattacks. Outrageous. Yes, indeed. But the ratings bump that Letterman scored in round one apparently has CBS encouraging Letterman to do more of the same, as last night's program and promo ads all seem to clearly indicate. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that fact coming all the way up Broadway.

Stephen Baldwin Hits The Hard Times

Stephen Baldwin has become a favorite advice giver in the religious broadcasting community in the last few years with his own Christian conservative Baldwin/McCullough Xtreme Radio" program and his Breakthrough Ministry project. The only problem is that Baldwin has failed to pay a paltry sum of just $824, 488.36 on the mortgage that Baldwin and his wife Kennya owed to one bank for a mortgage, plus an unspecified additional amount for a second mortgage to another bank, plus unpaid state and federal taxes on the properties. Apparently, Baldwin never read that portion of his Bible that advised while giving God his due, Caesar deserves his due as well.

On Baldwin's official website, the link to go to his Christian ministry website to donate money now goes to a server's main site with a message that the site is "under construction". Apparently, Baldwin hasn't taken the effort to get this site up and running for some days now. And when Baldwin was a recent contestant guest on "I'M A CELEBRITY.... GET ME OUT OF HERE", the appearance was abruptly cut short with a serious bug infection causing a lengthy hospital stay.

Not very long ago, Baldwin was very quick to give advice to others on how to run their lives, and campaigned for the McCain-Palin ticket in 2008 as well as campaigning against the opening of an adult bookstore in Nyack, New York. Baldwin was like a flowing reservoir of advice to others. Now it seems like it's Stephen Baldwin who could use a little advice on how to run his own life and how to effectively manage his money or his ministry work.

At one point in his life, Baldwin turned to religion when he felt that his life needed something more. But even with that faith, it sure seems like it's the same old troubled Stephen Baldwin all over again. Nothing much has really changed. That's some Witness.

Jackson Family Circus Does Jehovah's Witness Faith No Real Favors

The continued absurd circus of outrageous news surrounding the family of Michael Jackson really does little good for the public image of the Jehovah's Witness faith. However, much of the tabloid quality problems of the Jackson family are totally atypical for the honesty and basic decency of most Jehovah's Witness members. And this church makes every effort to encourage wayward church members to improve their behavior or else they are asked to leave the faith. In fact, Michael Jackson voluntarily left the faith after Church members approached him with continued concerns about some of his outrageous conduct. Shunning by other church members can become the most serious punishment for former members who are asked to leave due to bad conduct.

The fact of the matter is that there are many other famous members of this faith who exhibited far better behavior than the Jacksons, including former President and General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Venus and Serena Williams, Lou Whitaker and Chet Lemon, both from the Detroit Tigers baseball team, the late Selena, Patti Smith, Prince, George Benson, Jill Scott, Roy Harper and David Thomas( who is the singer/song writer for Pere Ubu).

Unfortunately, this fine smaller American faith will suffer some bad publicity due to the ongoing Jackson family tabloid news. And more many Americans only think of this church as sometimes unwanted home visits to share their faith with others. However, the above list of celebrities associated with this faith as members represent some very decent persons who behave themselves in a respectful manner, who make good efforts to never bring any disgrace to this faith, and have often enriched culture with constructive entertainment.

TV Media & Politics: Folksy TV Program Gives Mike Huckabee Unique Political Advantage

The popular, but genuinely folksy, FOX TV Sunday program hosted by former 2008 presidential candidate by Mike Huckabee gives him a unique advantage among other possible 2012 GOP contenders. Huckabee long ago honed his media skills working as a former staffer for televangelist James Robison before becoming a very popular Arkansas governor. Further, with his role as an ordained Southern Baptist sect minister, Huckabee has fostered a smooth and genial style that plays very well for a television audience, where his FOX TV show manages to seamlessly blend Huckabee's take on politics as well country music guest greats. Even some country music rebels such as Willie Nelson have been musical guests on Huckabee's program.

Quietly, Mike Huckabee might be building a reasonably large political base for a 2012 presidential run with this program. And it gives him a unique weekly platform to be critical of President Obama on one hand, but also to outflank his other potential GOP contenders such as Mitt Romney or Sarah Palin on the other hand.

The problem for Sarah Palin with giving up her governorship post, is that while it frees her up to earn money writing books or setting up speaking engagements, is that her governorship post was her best possible platform. And Mitt Romney must rely on making enough news to get invited on Sunday talk shows, while Mike Huckabee has a steady audience because of his weekly TV show.

This TV show advantage might just make a critical difference in favor of Mike Huckabee in 2012 if he decides to attempt another run for president. The role of the skillful use of media for a politician to be elected these days just cannot be understated. Mike Huckabee's weekly show might even look a little like some parts of HEE HAW to some causual viewers. But that's part of the charm and magic of this show that works so well for Huckabee. That simple and laid back style gives Huckabee a chance to be persuasive in his gentlemanly way. And right now, no other potential 2012 GOP contender has this same media advantage.

The Last Days In The Trench?

Here's great Packard rarity that was called "Black Bess" as the last concept car that the company ever built. This concept car appeared around 1957, but sadly this Edsel-like concept car was cutup by a welder's torch in the final days of Packard as the final year of Packard autos in 1958 were simply dressed up Studebaker models.

In many ways, this last days in the trench for Packard is much like the current situation going on for us at Wizbang Blue. The owner of the website network would like to shut down all of the Wizbang websites except for just Wizbang and Wizbang Pop. However, I believe that Wizbang Blue deserves to live on, at at least be included in a larger site with the Wizbang Pop celebrity content. I understand the recent server crash has a lot to do with this possible decision, rather than any issues related to content.

Wizbang Blue is much more than just progressive politics. It's progressive culture as well, such as Cd and DVD reviews, motorbike and auto news and features, business news, law, Internet news, etc. It's a little like ROLLING STIONE Magazine meets EASYRIDERS, MOTOR TREND and BUSINESS WEEK.

It was sad time over at Packard in what was called "the last days in the trenches". I don't want this to be the last days in the trenches for Wizbang Blue either because I'd like to continue. What do the readers out there think? Should Wizbang Blue continue? I think we fill a real market for information and commentary, myself.---------Paul Hooson

Vice President Biden Spends 4th Of July With American Troops In Iraq

Vice President Biden spent the 4th Of July holiday with American troops in Iraq, mocking Saddam Hussein's influence in the land, and attending a citizenship ceremony for immigrant soldiers who serve in the American military. 237 immigrant soldiers were sworn in as American citizens in a ceremony held in one of Saddam Hussein's palaces. The ceremony was the largest one ever held in Iraq to swear in new American citizens who were military members. And Biden was quick to praise the contributions of immigrants who volunteer for dangerous service such as combat duty in Iraq. It was a wonderful celebration of the contribution of so many immigrants to the rich history of the United States.

Yesterday, Vice president Biden was able to meet with his son, Army Captain Joeseph R. "Beau" Biden III, who serves in Iraq. Biden also received updates about the military and diplomatic issues involved in Iraq from the top military commander, General Ray Odeimo and U.S. Ambassador Christopher Hill.

Biden noted that he is "optimistic" about Iraq resolving important issues such as the friction between rival Sunni and Shiite sects. In previous years, Biden once advocated dividing Iraq up into separate Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish states as a possible solution to the sectarian problems in Iraq.

Submitted For Your Viewing Pleasure....An All American Fourth Of July Fat Boy Chopper

North Korea Celebrates American 4th Of July With Missile Launches

As expected, North Korea attempted to steal a little attention for their impoverished nation by firing seven ballistic missiles. However, even the news coverage from China wasn't very supportive of this action at all. The Chinese News agency Xinhua noted that these missile launches only raised "international concerns over regional security". Even a South Korean military official noted that these missile tests seemed to intended to send a message to the United States on their Independence Day celebration. So far, on the official North Korean government news service, KOREAN NEWS, there was no news about the launches and simply the usual nonsense claiming that the Communist founder of North Korea, Kim Il Sung somehow brought "prosperity" to the impoverished and famine ridden nation, and other outright political propaganda nonsense.

KOREAN NEWS is actually a pretty sad national news website. It makes outrageous charges and claims, yet does not post any photos to prove any of the claims. It is propaganda journalism of the very worst variety.

North Korea's best hope is to use these latest total of 11 missile tests, which only included short range Scud class type missiles of about a 400-500km range or about 310 miles, to hope to wring some new concessions from the United States such as fuel oil or food. However, the Obama Administration has decided to part from the previous Bush administration's policy of rewarding North Korean missile launches with more fuel or food aid, by instead is digging in it's heels and denouncing North Korea. The ongoing trial of two American journalists continue to be a sore point for the United States and North Korea as well, where it is likely that this trial is being used as another blackmail bargaining chip by the Communist state .

The corrupt government of Kim Jong Il hopes to stay in power and to avoid calls for reforms by using missile threats to get concessions from the United States and other regional nations such as South Korea, Japan, China and Russia. However, this time around, this group of nations all seem to be heeding the call from the Obama Administration to not reward North Korea's arrogance and missile launch blackmail schemes. Likely Secretary Of State Hillary Clinton might have much to do with this new tough line against North Korea compared to the Bush Administration. Mr. Bush might have been concerned about famine in the nation, leading to the softer stand on the missile tests.

There had been fears that North Korea may launch a longer range missile such as an intercontinental type missile that might be able to fly as far as Hawaii. However, so far today such a launch has not taken place. And further, North Korea longer range missiles have proven themselves to be unsuccessful, unreliable and largely near complete technology failures. However, these missile tests tend to be attractive to nations like Iran who hope to purchase North Korean missiles and work to extend their range or improve their reliability and guidance systems. Missile exports to rogue nations such as Iran present one of the biggest dangers of the North Korean missile program. It is feared that Iran could improve such missiles and develop a functional nuclear warhead at some point. However, both Iran and North Korea seem to be having some difficulties and slow progress towards developing weapons, with North Korean having particular problems developing a nuclear warhead small enough to fit on missile, as well as missile reliability. Iran, on the other hand, seems to be better at developing longer range missiles that are reliable, which makes their nuclear program a great concern for regional security issues.

North Korea's claimed past underground nuclear tests have sent messages to international observers suggesting that their nuclear devices are large in size, but function poorly. One test, even suggested at first that it might have been faked by using a conventional TNT blast. However, international observers tend to believe that North Korea actually has nuclear weapons technology, however it is way too primitive and large to fit compactly on a missile as of yet.

Yet it is these small steps towards both North Korea and Iran that create fear in the international community. Certainly it would not be good for either North Korea or Iran to be able to have real functioning nuclear weapons. Both nations lack the political judgment to own such dangerous weapons.

Veteran Republican Political Strategists Split On Sarah Palin's High Risk Gamble

Two veteran political strategists, Ed Rollins and Mary Matalin are split on their assessment of the high risk political gamble of Sarah Palin to quit her office of governor before even completing a single full term. Ed Rollins' view was expressed on the CBS EARLY SHOW, in which he seems to think that Palin never really established herself as a genuine national figure on her own, but it was John McCain placing her on his ill-fated ticket that gave her national exposure. In Rollins' view, a more genuine political leader needs to really establish themselves on their own with their own platform, policies and issues.

Rollins also believes that Palin will now get tagged with the label of a "quitter" which will sink her in states such as Texas in which Rollins referred to many still having a fighting "Alamo" never give up, never quit spirit.

On the other hand, Mary Matalin takes the opposite view, that Palin's move was somehow "brilliant". Matalin believes that since Mitt Romney is no longer the governor of Massachusetts, he has the luxury to spend all of his time building an organization for a very serious 2012 run. Palin can now compete. Yet, Matalin didn't address how Palin can possiby avoid being labeled a "quitter" which may hurt her among many voters.

However, neither Rollins or Matalin offered opinions on some questions that a number of ongoing ethics issues, her continued publicity antics, family problems, and her major book deal were all creating enough friction in her own home state, forcing Palin to quit her office before an issue could possiby blow up. The fact of the matter is that Palin might have been on the political decline in Alaska ever since losing her bid to become vice president. Much the same thing happened to the once popular South Dakota Senator George McGovern or even New York Congressman woman Geraldine Ferraro. Both of their of their political lives only began to spiral downward after their election losses. The presidential campaigns of both failed candidates only opened up too many personal shortcoming for their voters in both states.

Palin is also very prone to gross exaggerations when she speaks. During the 2008 campaign, Palin started the absurd claim that presidential candidate Barack Obama "pals around with terrorists" which was a far cry from the truth that Obama merely served on a school board with a number of persons, including a former 1960's political radical , William Ayers, who mellowed out and now works within the system as an educator. Palin also recently exaggerated that late night comic David Letterman somehow told a "rape" joke about their 14 daughter, when a writer for the program simply mistook the younger daughter for the older one when the Palins attended a NY Yankees baseball game. The fact of the matter is that both Palin girls, the 18 and the 14 year old both have long dark hair, look a little similar, and the younger one wore dark sunglasses that day, only adding to the identity confusion. However, because Palin is a constant publicity seeker, she exaggerated the botched joke into a major incident and a political stunt, and likely part of the reason that Palin quit her job, and not Letterman, was partially because of some problems at home in Alaska only stirred up by this and other silly Sarah Palin antics.

Maybe with so many swirling ethics questions and public fatigue with Palin only growing at home, Palin decided to quit her Alaska job before she might be formally challenged with some ethics charge, or even face possible political defeat at home in 2010. Either way, Sarah Palin is likely a rapidly declining force in GOP politics. I think veteran Republican strategist Ed Rollins best states that view as well. Probably, Sarah Palin fatigue is starting to set in with too many voters for her to ever have a decent chance at any office, nationally or in Alaska. Palin is likely a declining political entity.