Want to Win? Milk has 9 essential nutrients active bodies need. In other words, it's the greatest.”

The Greatest has avoided talking directly about the war, while promoting tolerance of Islam, "I am a Muslim. I am an American," and devoting much time to rebuilding efforts in Afghanistan:

Later, he made a private trip to a mud-walled boxing club - featuring two vintage, framed photos of a younger Ali in the ring - and handed out gifts of gloves and jump ropes.

He watched several young men spar in a makeshift boxing ring before donning a pair of red gloves and stepping in himself to briefly box with two Afghans. His opponents threw no punches.

Jennifer: “Right, like now, sort of. But this is to tell more women to drink skim milk. It has all the calcium without all the fat. Well, isn’t that what friends are for?”

Aniston made herself an undying target of right-wing wrath with one sentence in a 09/27/01 Rolling Stone Interview: "Bush is a fucking idiot."

Since then, she seems to have learned a thing or two about diplomacy: Asked her opinion of the looming war at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, 03/09/03, Aniston said: "Seems like there's a big fight to not have that happen, which is good."

One of the latest toys from Mattel may be one of the biggest marketing promotions for the milk industry ever. Blond, beautiful, and dressed in overalls with Holstein cow spots, the Got Milk? Barbie has everything you need to enjoy Nestle’ Tollhouse cookies and milk. Milk producers everywhere just may sell more milk as a result of this innovative product. So head on down to your local Toys ‘R Us , pick up a Got Milk? Barbie and enjoy some cookies and milk!”

From the Kansas City Star, 03/20/03:

DOHA, Qatar - On Christmas afternoon, Michelle Elliott headed to war.

With just a few hours to cook bacon and eggs, play in the fresh snow and watch her 3-year-old daughter, Haillie, unwrap a Barbie doll, the image that lingers is when the sergeant had to tell the girl goodbye.

"The last thing I remember was her arms around me, telling me not to go," Elliott said.

Elliott, 32, left the Springfield suburb of Nixa, Mo., for Doha, Qatar, as part of the Kansas City-based 205th Area Support Medical Battalion

From the Hartford Courant, 03/16/03:

The protest lasted approximately two hours and was attended by about 500 people, according to state Capitol police. Protesters carried signs directed at Bush, such as ``Regime Change Begins at Home'' and ``Stop Mad Cowboy Disease.''

Julia Rosenblatt, 28, a member of a local theater group, dressed in a cutoff camouflage tank top and military pants, brandished a neon squirt gun and introduced herself to the crowd as Baghdad Barbie.

``I am the roughest, toughest killing machine,'' she said. ``So, girls, you have a new role model."

From the AP, 03/01/03

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Mattel Inc., maker of Barbie and Hot Wheels, announced Friday it will combine its girls and boys units and cut 10 executive positions, or about 5 percent of its managerial staff.

The world's largest toy maker is consolidating the units into a global division called Mattel Brands in order to eliminate duplication and foster "an environment of best practice sharing," Mattel chairman Robert A. Eckert said in a statement.

Want to grow? Chocolate milk has all the nutrients of regular milk, so drink up.”

From Turkishpress.com (03/2703):

ANKARA - Officials of the Foreign Ministry denied on Thursday the claims that the United States had demanded to use some bases in Turkey within the scope of Iraq war.

Some press organs had published or broadcast news that the United States demanded to use bases in Incirlik, Malatya and Batman.

From GlobalSecurity.org:

During the 1991 Gulf War, the rescue base at Batman consisted of a highly capable Special Operations Joint Task Force. In addition to the Air Force component there was a large Army ground component.

(Pronounced BAHT-men, though.)

Looks like not everyone is a fan of "Got Milk," after all. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has long had a beef with the ads' nutritional claims, saying "The dairy industry continues to whitewash the dangers of cow's milk. The ubiquitous 'milk mustache' campaign makes misleading claims about milk preventing osteoporosis, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing sports performance."

And, apparently, in Nov., 2002, the town of Biggs, CA, had the opportunity to change it's name to Got Milk?, CA. When the town declined, PCRM sent this congratulatory letter:

Being the case, consider this excercise a meditation on (take your pick):

A). The unfortunate penchant people you sell rocket lauchers to have for shooting them at you.

B). Original Sin.

My favorite color? White of course. After all, milk has 9 essential nutrients that do more for me than my best black hat ever could.”

With songwriter Hayden Nicholas, wrote the pro-invasion song "I Raq and Roll," including the lyrics:

If everyone would go for peace
There'd be no need for war
But we can't ignore the Devil
He'll keep coming back for more.

Download it free at clintblack.com.

"I have misgivings about what's being done right now, for a lot of reasons, and I don't think it has a whole lot to do with terrorism.''

"I'm not running around with a sign like would have been fashionable in the '60s.''

"My brother (Dave Cameron) was in the Marines and fought in the Gulf War in Kuwait. There was a time for protest, that protest has been logged and noted, but the troops are there now. They're in and we need to support them. And they need to feel supported." (03/22/03)

Also, for all you Illuminati Wackjobs out there, there's the James Cameron/Iraq War Conspiracy Theory.

We couldn’t have done it without your support.”

Where do you start? At a London concert, circa 03/10/03, Chick Natalie Maines trys winning over Grumpy Brits by saying "Just so you know, we're ashamed the President of the United States is From Texas."

(03/12/03) Maines issues non-apology-apology, "...One of the privileges of being an American is you are free to voice your own point of view."

(03/14/04) Maines issues apology-apology: "I apologize to President Bush because my remark was disrespectful. I feel that whoever holds that office should be treated with the utmost respect."

(3/28/03) According the hugely unscientific web poll at Birmingham, AL's, WZZK.com, 71 percent of listeners still think the Dixie Chicks should be banned from the station. In a silver lining for the band, that's down from 82 percent, reported (3/19/04)

“Turns out roughing up punks aint really necessary.

On account of most guys and gals hurt themselves by not getting enough calcium. So reach out for 3 glasses of milk a day. Your body will thank you. Especially if we don’t have to tell you again.”

Nothing from Smits, here's Franz in a 03/25/03 profile in South Carolina's The State.com

[...] That was never more evident than the first episode of the 2001-02 season. Airing less than two months after the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks on the World Trade Center, the episode featured a poignant scene in which Sipowicz somberly gazes on the spot where the twin towers once stood.

It's a moment Franz vividly remembers, and he said it makes it difficult for him to understand the protests against war with Iraq.

``Have these people (protesters) forgotten what happen on Sept. 11?'' Franz wondered. ``Don't they remember all those people -- the women, the children -- on those planes who were nondeserving of having their lives taken from them?

``Freedom -- the same freedom that allows them to protest -- doesn't come easy. There are times when you have to stand up and prove yourself to the rest of the world, that we will defend our way of life.

``I back our president all the way. Let's face it -- there are just some evil people in the world and they have to be dealt with.''

There you have Andy Sipowicz and Dennis Franz -- both gunning for the bad guys.

Co-hosted the 2003 Miss USA pageant, which she and Billy Bush dedicated to the U.S. forces fighting in Iraq.

During the pageant runner up Nicole O'Brian, a.k.a Miss Texas, was asked for her interview question whether celebrities should speak out against the war.

And she said "I don't think it's good for them to go against the president and the war. Have faith in our country, have faith in our president and have faith in our freedom."

She had a weak funny bone. Lucky for us lactose-intolerant folks, there’s lactose-free milk. It’s available everywhere, and it has all the calcium of regular milk. Good thing. I’m here to crack you up -- not myself.”

During 3/10/03 stint as guest host for NBC's The Late Show, Goldberg interviewed Actor Jessica Lange, who has also been an outspoken war critic. Whoopi was extremely sympathetic:

Goldberg: “I saw you this morning in front of the UN. I was really proud to see you doing this press conference. Now, it’s funny, because whenever you watch things, whenever you watch famous people talking about things that are near and dear to their heart, we always see these polls that come out, you know, they’re so and so, and they poll immediately. And why do you think that whenever famous people get involved in things like anti-war movements or things that mean something in the world, people start to get nervous about it? Because they use us to sell cars and stuff.”

Media Research Center has lots more in a transcript of the relevant portion of the interview

“At 24, I became the second youngest champion in NASCAR history.

Here’s another little-known fact. Of the 42 drivers who chase me at more than 200 mph, most don’t get enough calcium. My advice? Drink three glasses of milk a day. Preferably while standing still.”

In troubled times, to race or not to race? Via the Knoxville News Sentinel, 03/23/03:

Four-time Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon said he doesn't believe the drivers or fans are in danger.

"It's part of our duty, when things like this are going on, that we bring some normality to people and allow them to get their minds off it,'' he said. "As long as we feel safe, and the fans feel safe, I don't think there's any reason we shouldn't race this weekend.''

“Our Cereal-Loving Predecessor Was Kind Enough To Leave Behind Some Milk.

Care To Join Us?”

On the red carpet at the 03/09/03 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Grammer says:

"I'm Pro. That Simple."

“Success everytime.

Jump. Twist. Dive. Dodge. Tumble. Roll -- whatever the maneuver, milk makes it possible.”

03/24/03, the Erie Times News reports:

Will Smith and Angelina Jolie, newly freed of Billy Bob and that disturbing vial of blood, were no-shows, saying that even Oscar would understand that war is more important than Best Cosmetic Surgery. (Although, in Jolie's case, her dress had been stolen, so maybe it was more "No dress!" than "No war!")

“Milk isn’t just for tadpoles.

Did you know 3 out of 4 adults don’t get enough calcium? It takes at least 3 glasses of milk a day. I always keep some at my pad.”

3/22/03, The New Orleans Times-Picayune with a terrific article on talking about the war with kids:

One of the most comprehensive sites is that of PBS Parents, which gives media recommendations, calming strategies and signs of stress for three age groups up to 11 years old.

****

In addition to the Web site, PBS is also airing a series of public service spots featuring characters from "Sesame Street." Some of the spots are geared to kids, while others target parents.

"Let your children know that it's OK to ask questions," says Gordon in one of the spots. "Listen carefully to their questions. Think about what is appropriate for them to know and answer them honestly. Remember to be patient, understanding and reassuring."

“Lick it up.

After rock and rolling all night, we need nourishment. And every drop of chocolate milk has the same vitamins and minerals regular milk has. All the more reason to have a really, really long tongue.”

Anti-war Kiss fans write Gene Simmons and get pummeled in the fan mail section of his web site. Our favorite:

Here's fact: The reason France didn't enter this war is that France has exclusive oil rights (over 50 billion, I'm told) and it would be too expensive if they lost those rights with the Iraqi oil companies. Check with your government to see if what I've said is correct. I disagree with your country's politics in this instance.

Oh yes, and France also voted against going to war with Iraq the last time as well...when Iraq invaded Kuwait.

Oh yes, and France did nothing to help the Bosnian atrocity in Europe.

And one last oh yes: you should be thanking America every day you don't have to speak German if you don't want to.

Clear enough?

So Far, (as usual) Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley have let Gene do the talking. Peter Criss is said to be hanging out with Phillip Michael Thomas somewhere. In any event, he cannot be reached for comment.

You thought milk was just a kid thing. But the plot thickens and you discover your bones are still growing until you’re 35. You’re on a mad quest for calcium. AND... ACTION. You open the fridge, you grab the lowfat milk, you drink it. CUT. Not from the carton. TAKE 2. Let’s use a glass.”

02/13/03 American Stars Slam Bush Over Iraq at Berlin Fest:

Going out of his way to praise the French and German governments for their outspoken resistance to the U.S. government's war moves, Lee said it was an outrage that Bush was ignoring world opinion in his rush to attack Iraq.

"When you think about it, the German and French governments should be commended," Lee said at a news conference after his film "25th Hour," about New York after the Sept. 11 attacks, made its international premiere.

"Too many people are being bowled over by Bush and Tony Blair in Britain. It's ludicrous to expect the whole world to follow what they want. America doesn't have the moral right to tell other people what to do. To say the whole world has to fall into line is you-know-what. I hope more people will rise up."

I do what I can to keep as all fit, happy and sane. A daily dose of milk... yoga... and baby kisses!”

The "Not anti-Bush, not pro-Iraq, pro-Peace" video for her new single American Life contains lots of weird Madonna stuff, including a grand finale where Madonna lobs a grenade, G. W. catches it, and uses it to light a cigar. The Materiél Girl explains:

"And the one who catches it takes something that could be violent and destructive and takes the destruction out of it by turning it into something else. That's my hope for an alternative, not only to this war, but all wars. Also, I hope that I've also gotten across (the idea that) the soldiers that have gone over there are flesh and blood. They're real people, and my heart goes out to them, and I want them to all come back in one piece."

UPDATE (03/31/03) Press Release in the news section of madonna.com announces that she's pulling the video:

"I have decided not to release my new video. It was filmed before the war started and I do not believe it is appropriate to air it at this time. Due to the volatile state of the world and out of sensitivity and respect to the armed forces, who I support and pray for, I do not want to risk offending anyone who might misinterpret the meaning of this video."

You can download a cd-burnable copy of the single for a buck-and-a-half. But as for the song's actual lyrics, this is about as close to war-y as they get:

I'd like to express my extreme point of view
I'm not Christian and I'm not a Jew
I'm just living out the American dream
And I just realized that nothing is what it seems

“Bones. Bones. Bones.

Maybe so, but unlike 75% of women today, there’s one way I’m taking good care of mine. By getting lots of calcium. How? From drinking lots of milk. 1% ice cold. And besides, haven’t you heard that the waif look is out?”

In a live webcast circa 03/05/03, The 29-year-old British model gets asked what she thinks of G.W.:

He's frightening. I can't even look at him."

“Lisa: Listen, bonehead, experts say calcium helps prevent osteoporosis. So have a cow, man.”

A few shock jocks of "The Freedom Fry" persuasion gleefully revive a Bart Simpson chestnut about the French as "Cheese Eating Surrender Monkeys." ...

The phrase finds its way into print in articles in the USA Today (02-20-03 -- costs $2.50 to view) and The Christian Science Monitor (02-21-03 -- costs $1.50). Molly Ivins does a rebuttal piece, also on (02-20-03).

Some guy in Brighton, MA starts the highly inevitable cheeseeatingsurrendermonkeys.com ($25 ea.Get them before they capitualte again!) ...

Meanwhile, Simpsons fans everywhere quietly cringe: Bart never uttered the phrase "Surrender Monkey." That was Groundskeeper Willie in 'Round Springfield, original airdate 04/30/95.

The exact quote is "bonjourrrrr.... ya cheese eatin' surrender monkeys!" Go to Homer's Head Sound Archive to hear for yourself.

The calcium in milk makes bones strong.”

(03-27-03) From the Aspen Times, Restless Kurds ready for war in the north:

CHAMCHAMAL, Iraq, March 26 — It was an almost surreal experience. The Kurdish commander of this front-line town, sitting in his fortified office only 500 yards from Iraqi army positions, draped an American flag over his back and bellowed, “I am superman!”

The commander, whose reputation would suffer if I used his name, was enjoying a particularly heady moment as news reached him that American C-130 transport planes were landing 30 miles away and disgorging dozens of U.S. special forces, along with a retinue of gear, including 4-wheel-drive vehicles, communications equipment and an arsenal of weapons. The American invasion of northern Iraq was at hand.

One in five osteoporosis victims is male. Luckily, fat free milk has the calcium bones need to help beat it. Beating your Harvard Ph.D. opponents? Well, that’s another story.”

(03-24-04), from Annapolis' The Capital, Around Broadneck: Geography bee winner to head to state:

Although many adults might not be able to point out Iraq or Kuwait on a map, chances are sixth-grader Corey Sznaider could.

His knowledge may win him a chance to meet Alex Trebek, too, but not at "Junior Jeopardy!"

He won the Geography Bee at Severn River Middle school. After winning, he took a written test, scoring high enough to advance to the State Bee, which will be held on April 4 at the Germantown campus of Montgomery College.

They say calcium in milk helps keep bones growin’ and rockin’ until you’re about 35 and strong long after. Ya think soda can do that? Dream on.”

(10-25-01) It's old news, but it's weird news. Tyler tells the Detroit Free Press:

"We need to go back to the way it was 30 years ago, when everybody had Grandma and Grandpa, and we were willing to pass moral judgments about right and wrong," said Steven Tyler, 53, the lead singer of the famously hedonistic rock band Aerosmith.

Tyler is aware that his comments will be shocking coming from someone who has partied hard with the best of them. "But (September 11) brought me to my knees," he responds. "It made me change. When that second airplane hit the building, we all changed. We need to get back to some serious thinking."

You can shell out $2.95 at freep.com to read the official version, or find a blogged transcipt of the relevent passage at Thunderstruck.org.

At the 03/11/03 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony (where Tyler inducted AC/DC), Audioslave's Tom Morello shouted, ''Whenever people take to the streets to stop an unjust war, the spirit of the Clash is there." ... Neil Young said "War sucks! I feel like I'm in a huge, gas-guzzling SUV, and the driver is as drunk as a skunk.''

But Tyler stayed out of the politics.

Want strong bones? Your bones grow until about age 35 and the calcium in milk helps. After that, it helps keep them strong. So drink up. Doctor’s orders.”

Signed the 12/02 Win Without War "open letter to Washington", along with 105 other actors, musicians, statesmen and artitists, including: Samuel L. Jackson, Casey Kasem, Anjelica Huston, Matt Damon, Lily Tomlin and Eugene J. Carron, Jr., Rear Adm. U.S. Navy (Ret.).

The letter reads in part:

However, a preemptive military invasion of Iraq will harm American national interests. Such a war will increase human suffering, arouse animosity toward our country, increase the likelihood of terrorist attacks, damage the economy, and undermine our moral standing in the world. It will make us less, not more, secure.