The Shadow Again Appeals for Jill Carroll's Release

As many readers of this blog knows, The Shadow has been focusing on the capture of American journalist Jill Carroll of the Christian Science Monitor. Her captors have asked for the release of all female Iraqi prisoners in exchange for Ms. Carroll's release.

Last week the United States release five female prisoners. At that time, The Shadow appealed again for the release of Jill Carroll as a goodwill measure. The Shadow has now learned that Ms. Carroll has appeared in a video footage asking for the release of the final prisoners.

Jill Carroll as she appeared on Al-Jazerra television
(photo courtesy CNN.com)

The Shadow again is strongly requesting and appealing that Ms. Carroll's captors release her IMMEDIATELY without any further conditions. Jill Carroll should not be made a bargaining chip in this matter. The United States made a goodwill effort in releasing some of the female prisoners. Now it is the captors' turn to release Ms. Carroll. The Shadow will not relent on this request.

The Shadow will post more information as received.

Update on Jill Carroll Situation

The Shadow has just learned that the United States, within the past few hours, has released five female Iraqi prisoners from custody. The release of female prisoners was one of the conditions for the release of American Journalist Jill Carroll.

Jill Carroll
(Photo courtesy CNN.com)

Now that these female prisoners have been released, the captors of Jill Carroll should show good faith and release Jill Carroll unharmed. And it should be done within hours -- not days or weeks. The Shadow again calls for the unconditional release of Jill Carroll.

The Shadow will be watching!

The Shadow Appeals for the Life of an Innocent Journalist

The Shadow wishes to make an urgent plea for the release of American journalist Jill Carroll, who was kidnapped in Iraq on January 7, 2006.

Jill Carroll of the Christian Science Monitor
(Photo courtesy CNN.com)

Her captors have demanded that all female Iraqi prisoners being held by the United States be freed. According to official reports, this would amount to 8 women being freed.

The Shadow understands the frustration that the Iraqis have with women being held prisoner. But this is not the way to do it. Ms. Carroll is an innocent victim and should not be used as a bargaining chip in these negotiations. The captors argument is with the government of the United States, not the Christian Science Monitor nor any of its reporters.

The Shadow implores the captors to do the right thing and release Ms. Carroll immediately with no conditions attached.

The Shadow Views Wallflowers

After taking the holidays off, ARTworkSF is back! They have a new exhibit showing through March 31 entitled "Wallflower".

Palace Pond by Rhonel Roberts

The artists featured in this show are:

• Michael V. Childs
• Stephanie Choo
• Stephanie Cunningham
• Johnny Davis
• AnneKarin Glass
• Aisjah Hopkins
• Suzun Hopkins
• Jeung Hee Kang
• Pat Koenigsbert
• Lisette Lugo
• Jennifer Mack
• Pete Petrochko
• Rhonel Roberts
• Pauline Crowther Scott
• Scott Tracy
• Pat Wipf

This was a beautiful and well-done exhibit. It is well worth taking the time to see.

Tuscany by Lisette Lugo

The exhibit is showing at the Small Business Administration in San Francisco. Exhibit hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

More photos from the reception are available here.

As with all of the shows, the artwork on display is available for rental (for 3 months) or purchase. For more information go to ARTworkSF's website for more details.

Lisette Lugo, one of the artists featured in the show and in the painting above, is also showing at Caffe Bianco, 39 Sutter Street (at Market) in San Francisco, through March 2006. Exhibit hours for her work is 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Shadow would also like to say hello to his new friend Marketa Kroupova, a professional photographer that The Shadow met this evening. Her website is here and is really worth a look.

Next Wednesday, January 25, 2005, you can meet The Shadow and see more local artists at ARTworkSF's next gallery reception at the Hotel Triton, 342 Grant Avenue, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Featured artists in this exhibit will be:

• AnneKarin Glass
• Barbara Elliott
• Carmen Wolf
• Jeff Codori
• Jeung Kang
• Jo Farrell
• Katalina McGinley
• Lisa Feather Knee
• Lynn R. Friedman
• Michael V. Childs
• Thomas Hyman
• William Ulrich

The exhibit is entitled "Feature Attraction". See you there!

1 Stolen Wallet = $412,000 in Debt

In what has got to be one of the most amazing and horrifying stories of identity theft to date, read the story of a Chicago woman who is now $412,000 in debt because of identity theft.

Read the story here.

You cannot help but to feel for this woman. Credit experts advise all Americans to check their credit report once a year.

In order to help you with this, the three major credit reporting bureaus now have a web site that enables you to get a report from each of them once a year for no charge. It is well worth the time and troubl to avoid ruining your good name and your good credit.

Follow this link to obtain your free reports. The web site is a portal to the three credit reporting agencies and is totally safe.

Good luck!

Abramoff Scandal Claims Its First Victim

The ongoing Jack Abramoff political scandal has now claimed its first victim: House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

For those readers of this blog from outside the United States, Jack Abramoff is a Republican lobbyist who recently agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy, mail fraud, and tax evasion. But he has also agreed to tell prosecutors and the FBI about alleged bribes to members of Congress and their aids on issues ranging from Internet gambling to wireless phone service in the House of Representatives.

As you can imagine, many members of Congress are now nervous of what Abramoff might say. To top that off -- many politicians, including President George W. Bush, are either returning contributions from Abramoff or donating them to charity.

House Majority Leader Tom DeLay has been closely linked with Abramoff. But DeLay has his own problems -- he is currently under indictment in Texas. He temporarily stepped down as Majority Leader to fight the charges, planning on coming back to power in a short while. However, today his office released the following letter to Republican members of the House:

Dear Colleague:

Today, I have asked Speaker Hastert to convene our conference for the purpose of electing a new majority leader, the position I have been honored to fill these past three years through the trust and confidence of our colleagues.

During my time in Congress, I have always acted in an ethical manner within the rules of our body and the laws of our land. I am fully confident time will bear this out.

However, we live in serious times and the United States House of Representatives must be focused on the job of protecting our nation and meeting the daily challenges facing the American people. History has proven that when House Republicans are united and focused, success follows.

While we wage these important battles, I cannot allow our adversaries to divide and distract our attention. I will continue to stand up for the issues I care so deeply about and work with you all on these priorities. I am constantly thankful for the support of my constituents in recent days as well as over the years they have allowed me to serve them. I will continue to work every day to fulfill their trust, and yours.

Regards,

Tom DeLay

Now this is a step in the right direction. However, this scandal is just scratching the surface. There is definitely more to come....stay tuned!!

No Sitter for the Boys but a Sitter for the Puppies???

The Shadow knows the evil that lurks in the hearts of men. And it is the job of The Shadow to expose that evil and rid the world of it.

But there is one evil that The Shadow find more unforgivable than any other.

Last week, police in San Ramon found 2 boy, 10 and 5, who were home alone. Where were their parents? In Las Vegas celebrating New Years Eve!!

The boys maternal grandmother, asked police to check on the house, fearing that the boys may be alone. Earlier, the parents had asked the grandmother to take care of the boys during their trip, but the grandmother refused, citing the fact that she had to work and did not want to leave the boys alone. San Ramon police found the boys at home asleep. They had eaten ceral for breakfast and TV Dinners for lunch and dinner. Everything else appeared to be in order.

The ironic twist to this. The parents were able to find a sitter for their new puppies, but decided to leave the boys alone for what would have been 5 days. When the maternal grandmother asked why not take the boys with them, the wife, who is the boys' stepmother (the boys' natural mother died 2 years ago), stated that they wanted the time alone because they were newlyweds (they were married last April).

Here is where the case now stands:

-- The boys are now in the temporary custody of the maternal grandmother. She is now going through the process of obtaining permanent custody of the boys.

-- Yesterday, a judge refused to reduce the bail for the couple (they are currently being held on $200,000 bond each).

The Shadow applauds the grandmother for stepping in and doing the right thing. The Shadow has no sympathy for the parents.

We will continue to update this story as more develops.

You'll Never Find Another Like Lou Rawls

In the first notable death of 2006, The Shadow is sorry to report the passing of soul singer Lou Rawls yesterday at the age of 72.

Lou Rawls (1933-2006)
Photo Courtesy LouRawls.com

Lou died yesterday morning in Los Angeles with his wife, Nina, at his side. Rawls is also survived by three adult children and an infant son.

Rawls got into the business through his childhood friend Sam Cooke. After singing background for Cooke for a few years he got his first solo hit for "Love is a Hurtin' Thing" in 1966.

His biggest hit was in 1972 for "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine". Other hits that you may recognize include "A Natural Man" and "Lady Love".

Rawls is the recipient of three Grammys and has sold more than 40 milion records.

The Shadow will miss Lou Rawls and his baritone voice. He was one of the good ones!

Reflections on the New Year

Well loyal readers of this blog, we have survived. 2006 is now here and everyone is alive and well. The Shadow wishes all a happy and prosperous new year.

The year 2005 was an interesting one. Many things came and went. The United States is still at war in Iraq. George W. Bush is still president of the United States. There is now word that the president has even authorized spying on American citizens without following procedures required by U.S. law.

Regular readers of this blog have know the rantings of The Shadow the past few months. And there will be more. The Shadow will keep a more watchful eye on the president. It is The Shadow's goal to expose more evil in 2006.

The Shadow would like to thank those who take the time to review this blog. We will give you the same type of service in 2006.

Happy New Year.