Mark Bossingham

Short honeymoon

BARACK OBAMA had one of the shortest honeymoons since record keeping began after he failed to attract a single GOP vote for his $1 trillion (over 10 years) spending bill. Not only did all the Republicans vote against the absurd non-stimulative porkfest, an additional 11 Democrats jumped ship. Call it a hollow victory for the new president and a big win for the GOP.

AP speechless on terrorist

WHAT'S ILLUMINATING about this AP report on the Gitmo enemy combatant is its lack of the usual anti-Bush editorializing. It's almost as if AP is muttering this story under its breath. The inconvenient revelation that a released prisoner has returned to the killing fields puts Obama's decision to close the facility in the proper perspective: our safety is a distant second protecting the rights to unrepentant killers. The president's only defense is that he didn't let this particular one out. But subsequent deaths, and there will be many, will be on his head. Not an auspicious start to his presidency.

    CAIRO, Egypt – A Saudi man who was released from Guantanamo after spending six years inside the U.S. prison camp has joined al-Qaida's branch in Yemen and is now the terror group's No. 2 in the country, according to a purported Internet statement from al-Qaida. The announcement, made this week on a Web site commonly used by militants, came as President Barack Obama ordered the detention facility closed within a year.

Obama: Join the Marines

IN HIS inaugural speech today, President Obama made a plea that should have made his lefty supporters cringe though I suspect it went in one ear and out the other. Which segment of society should we as Americans emulate? Obama says it's the military.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

Jiji's shrine

JIJI HANGS out in the hall most days. Note the pet Oreo in the dish to the right. Following Japanese custom, Jiji's remains are in a jar behind the photo.

Tokyo construction week 1 (redux)

THESE GUYS are at it again. I am going to follow their progress next door. They moved in the mobile cranes two days ago. Let's see if they actually build something this time or just putter about.

Jiji (March 24, 1994-Jan. 5, 2009)

JIJI DIED this morning at 6:40 a.m. Hungry to the very end, this wonderful little dog passed just a few minutes after eating her usual breakfast. She died in our arms, happy I believe. Rest in peace, little one.

Jiji's final days

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone. It's a nice clear, if cool, Jan. 1 here in Tokyo. Sadly (for me; she seems to be happy and accepting) Jiji has asked for this opportunity to say goodbye. She is still cheerful, but can no longer stand. It is my pleasure and honor to carry her wherever she might like to go. Of course, her agreeable nature only extends so far; I am going to give her a bath in a few minutes and I am sure she will be less than thrilled. There's is much more to say, but I find myself incapable. My heart is too full. Here's the star of the show at 14 years and nine months. These pictures were taken over the last week in reverse order. In the last, she could still stand during an outing to the riverside.