Free Republic

WASHINGTON – For several grueling hours each day, Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan sits at a witness table, facing a phalanx of questioners grilling her about constitutional law, her views of legal issues and what qualifies her to be a justice. They are not polite. It's all a rehearsal for Kagan's big performance next week during her confirmation hearings at the Senate Judiciary Committee. The "murder boards" are elaborately planned sessions where Kagan hashes out answers to every conceivable question and practices staying calm and poised during hours of pressure and hot television lights. About 20 members of President Barack...

'Ive already watched her all morning on TV,' said Gael Sandoval, a Royal Oak events planner, who said she admired the way Dr. Rice was holding up under the scrutiny of the September 11th Comission hearing.For women around the area, the surprising tug of Rice's testimony went largely unspoken and unreported -but you could watch it, see it, feel it.Women especially wanted to see how a woman-and in particular this very powerful one-would hold up to a barrage of carefully honed questions and international scrutiny. You could argue that you were watching the most powerful woman in the world. Whether...

Since our lovely First Lady is traveling in Europe, and many photos are being taken of her, I thought I'd take up rintense's suggestion and post a thread with a sampling of some of them.She's been to Paris and Moscow, and has been kissed by an ugly frog while her handsome prince was left at home. Quite an adventure for a lady from Midland, Texas......Feel free to add to these, if you wish!

JUSTINE PASEK MISS UNIVERSE® 2002 Justine Pasek, a crowd favorite during the 2002 MISS UNIVERSE competition, is a 22-year-old native of Panama City, Panama. She has been recognized all over the world for her supermodel looks and humble personality. Her natural beauty is indicative of the beauty in the new millennium. As Justine moves to New York City to take on the title of Miss Universe, she is ready to work hard as an ambassador for women around the world by representing the Miss Universe Organization. Before putting on the crown, Justine worked in production for television specials, charity...