Iraq - 60% of the nation voted - $8.8 billion reported lost

Good news and not so good news from Iraq.

The elections in Iraq, by all accounts, were a stunning success (video clip). Despite threats and isolated incidents of violence, approximately 60% of the Iraqis - men and women - voted.

Those who spoke to the press expressed pride in their country and the fact that elections were being held. In Baghdad, Jabbar al-Rubayie, a builder whose relatives were jailed and executed under Hussein made his way to the polling place draped in an Iraqi flag. "This is considered a celebration for us," he said. "This is like telling a small baby inside his mother that he will come out and be able to eat and breathe freely."

The good news about the elections was mixed with some bad news. An audit by Stuart Bowen Jr., special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction says the disbanded CPA (Coalition Provisional Authority) failed to establish control systems to verify how the money was spent, which opened it to corruption.

Nearly $9 billion dollars is unaccounted for. Some of it went to pay guards in public ministries. One ministry had 8 206 guards on the payroll, but only 602 could be verified. The report said that at another ministry 1,417 guards were being paid, but only 642 could be accounted for.

L Paul Bremer III, who headed the CPA, explained that ordinary payroll oversight was not possible. The decision was made to pay guards without checking the accuracy of the payroll to avoid inciting violence. It is difficult to institute traditional record keeping in the middle of a war. The auditors dismissed the argument and said, "We believe the CPA management of Iraq's national budget process and oversight of Iraqi funds was burdened by severe inefficiencies and poor management."

In a related story, the White House has asked for an additional $75 billion earmarked for Iraq and Afghanistan.

It's the end of January and Americans have received their W-2 and 1099 forms and are preparing to file their 2004 taxes. How many tax payers does it take to collect $9 billion dollars? Let's hope the next $75 billion is better spent.

Iraqi Election News

Sunday may be the beginning of a long journey towards democracy and freedom for all Iraqis. Or the start of a quick descent into chaos and civil war that may rage for years.

One thing is certain. It will be an historic election that will be extensively covered by the media around the world and on the Web. Keep up-to-date with the latest developments at sites providing opinion, fact, figures, and otherwise breaking news coverage on the elections in Iraq...

BBC News Conflict with Iraq - The ongoing report at the Beeb online, with expert reporting on the politics, history and cost in human suffering leading up to the elections - including breaking news, audio and video reports, Iraqi election at-a-glance, photo essays.

Yahoo! News Full Coverage - Iraq - The latest AP bulletins plus feature stories, editorial and opinion from major news outlets from around the Web, slide shows, audio and video reports, related links and resources.

Christian Science Monitor - Iraq in Transition - One-stop browsing for the online newspaper's recent coverage and opinion including tips on the main Iraqi coalitions to watch, a profile of Iraqi politicking, an ongoing series on an Iraqi family, and an 'Iraq Election for Dummies' entitled How Iraq's elections will work.

International Herald Tribune - Get the European view plus complete New York Times stories and a recent editorial on Facing the facts about Iraq's elections.

Iraq Occupation Watch - The site that asks: "Is This Really 'A Grand Moment in Iraqi History'?"

Friends of Democracy - Promising a live Webcast of Iraqi election results beginning January 30th 2-4PM EST.

Baghdad Burning - The personal "girl blog" with compelling reports from the heart of the city on war, politics and occupation.

The Razzies

In the American spirit of equality for all, the Razzies named the year's worst movies almost simultaneouly with the 2005 Oscar nominations yesterday.

As expected, Catwoman led the way with 7 Razzies following a quick opening-and-closing at movie theaters last summer - preceded by some the worst reviews in recent memory for both it, and its star, Oscar winner Halle Berry. She looked great, but at the Washington Post they raved, "it goes down (and comes back up) like a hairball."

Meanwhile, if you've tried to forget Alexander, Oliver Stone's entry into the latest the sword and sandals epic, the Razzies are here to remind you - with a total of 6 nominations awarded the film starring Colin Farrell (as worst actor) and Angelina Jolie as (worst actress).

However, if there is any justice, the Wayans Brothers should win hands down for their worst nominated performances of the past year in White Chicks, or what the Razzies call a "creepy, cross-dressing reverse-blackface farce" strongly suggesting a new category this year for Worst Actor/Actress.

Also on this year's list: Ben Affleck, with performances in both Jersey Girl and Surviving Christmas; Van Diesel in Chronicles of Riddick, and George W. Bush in Fahrenheit 911 with special mention to his wooden acting in the My Pet Goat scene...

The Blizzard of '05

This blizzard news report is brought to you from the offices of Chiff.com, in the heart of midtown New York. Granted, there is other pressing news going on in the world.

But with current NY blizzard reports predicting 20 inches of snow for the metropolitan area (accompanied by 50 mile an hour winds) we can't think of any.

Hunkered down, waiting for the New York Post to call it The Killer Storm of the Century, we wait.

Meanwhile, we're not alone. The Midwest braces first for the storm to hit - from the Dakotas and Minnesota to Lower Michigan, Wisconsin and the whole of the northern Ohio Valley (More Snow, Oh No!).

Of course, Minnesota has gotten their usual big parcel of snow for 2005, but surprisingly cold and windy Minneapolis (Finally, Snow for the Twin Cities!) joins the Big Apple in their first significant snow of the season, as does Chicago, which has issued blizzard warnings from noon Friday into Sunday.

Endnote: Spring arrives on March 20, 2005 at 7:34 AM EST. Until then, check out our feature on Top Ten Blizzard Tips: How to Prepare & What to Do.

The 2005 U.S. Inauguration Report

Depending on your point of view, it's either a great celebration of American democracy, or a lavish show of plenty in a time of U.S. joblessness.

Despite the great inauguration debate, the Web is buzzing with news, party and fashion reports, planned demonstrations, counter-demonstrations, prognostications, gossip and rumors. Below, check out our Web guide to the best sites for keeping up on Inauguration 2005:

FULL COVERAGE:

Google Inauguration News - News from far-flung corners, including major outlets in the U.S. and internationally.

Yahoo! News Full Inauguraton Coverage - The lastest reports from AP, Reuters, USA Today, and various other sources around the Net with breaking headlines and editorials.

DIRECT FROM WASHINGTON:

The White House - Latest News - The official site, with text, video clips and audio reports on the hoopla already under way, including speeches given at the Let Freedom Ring event, the Celebration of Freedom Concert, the America's Future Rocks concert, and more.

Inaugural05.com - Buy a ticket to one of the events, and check out the memoribilia in the online store, plus a bit of inaugural history ,and a long list of major corporate donors and contribution amounts.

LUNCHEON MENU & RECIPES

The Inauguration Luncheon Menu - A Feast Fit for a...President - We've got it all covered here at Chiff.com, including a feature article on the history of the inaugural luncheon plus links to the official 2005 menu and complete recipes. Reports are still out on the Quail with Huckleberry Glaze, but we're betting it tastes just like, um, chicken...

DEMONSTRATIONS:

Turn Your Back on Bush - Just what it says, with a plan to line up along the parade route and silently show non-support.

A.N.S.W.E.R. - The counter-inaugural demonstration planned Act Now to End War and Racism, on the morning of the January 20th, north of the parade route. With downloadable flyer, logistical info and a five-minute video of the group's mission.

CodePink - The women's movement with more on their planned demonstration, an action plan and online sign-up form.

INAUGURATION FASHION:

The politics of inauguration fashion - CNN report with an interactive slideshow and sneak peek at the Oscar de la Renta number for Laura, and the revealing Badgley Mischka creations for the girls.

The First Lady walks a fine line - From the London Times, and we quote, "If Laura Bush`s gown for tonight`s inauguration ball is too glitzy, people will complain. And if it isn`t glitzy enough . . . well, they`ll complain then, too..."

Texans know how to stand out in inauguration crowds - A Houston Chronicle report on what home grown supporters will be wearing as they fly into into cold, cold Washington. Think wooly socks and long underwear (underneath the formal wear.)

SECURITY:

2005 Inauguration Security - The full transcript of a press conference outlining the extraordinary measures taken by Tom Ridge and The Office of Homeland Security with details on the 6,000 security personnel on duty, the expansion of the no-fly zone over D.C., and lots, lots more.

Super Bowl Party Planning

If the number of people looking for snacks and party ideas for the XXXIX Super Bowl Game this year is any indication -- forget about passing and defense. The kick-off (6:25 pm EST Sunday February 6, 2005) is going to be a signal to start munching and partying.

The American Culinary ChefsBest™ recently taste-tested the most popular snack food categories, just in time for Super Bowl kick-off. A group of professional chefs rated the best tasting potato chips, taco chips and a selection of other snacks. Check out the list of the best tasting snack foods according to people who should know.

Looking for unusual drinks to serve at your Super Bowl party? Skip the mouthwash...a women in Michigan was arrested for drunk driving after admitting to drinking three glasses of Listerine. Apparently the bottle really packs a punch. According to Pfizer, the manufacturer, original formula Listerine has 26.9 percent alcohol and the fruitier flavors have just a bit less at 21.6 percent. No one thought to ask her if she likes it straight or on the rocks.

More traditional drink suggestions are beer and enough soda and juices to keep the minors and the designated drivers happy. One wine company, Luna di Luna, has come out with wine bottles to match your team's colors as a happy alternative for Super Bowl Sunday. With the big game three weeks away, if you haven't started planning your Super Bowl party there's still plenty of time and good ideas to help you out... Enjoy!

105 Marketing Stories

Many of you are involved with online and offline businesses.

Marketing is a real issue that you deal with every day and you may be looking for some fresh ideas as 2005 begins to heat up.

If you want to see want others are doing, online and in more traditional media, get your PDF reader ready and download the free Marketing Wisdom for 2005 from the folks at MarketingSherpa.com.

You'll find 105 real-life marketing lessons from readers of their newsletters. Some of the comments come from big players like Timberland, Pacific Shaving, and ING Direct, but there are plenty of good examples for small and midsized businesses and even not-for-profit readers share a few good lessons.

The stories include e-mail tests that worked; search marketing tactics that improved conversions or reduced costs; site design to raise conversions and one good example of form redesign that worked even without redesigning the whole site; direct mail, radio, & telemarketing stories and tips on improving newsletter clicks and conversions. One story that was a favorite at Chiff.com is number 31 on page 19 which starts with "In 2004 I was reminded once again that customers rule and yes, it's true, pop-ups must die."

The site is a good reference for marketing information at any time, but when their annual guide comes out it's a must visit if you are involved with marketing. If you've never heard of it, while you're there you can download their 2003 and 2004 guides.

Thank You American TV Censors

Have you heard the news that a Super Bowl commercial has been cut to protect the viewing public from inappropriate content?

Despite the onslaught of sex and steamy scenes that defines daytime TV, plunging necklines and rising hemlines revealing all but the most intimate details on award shows and watching people eat live insects on reality TV, we will be saved from blatant sexuality at the Super Bowl.

It seems that 84 year old Mickey Rooney was scheduled to appear in a commercial for the cold remedy, Airborne. When the ad was reviewed by the Standard folks at Fox, the board responsible for keeping the airwaves clean decided that the sight of Mickey's posterior would prove too titillating for the sensitivities of America's viewing public.

The ad shows Mickey in a sauna draped in a towel. When someone behind him coughs he gets startled, jumps up, screams and heads for the door. In the ensuing confusion he drops the towel (shades of Nicollette Sheridan?) baring his buns for about two seconds.

"I would never do anything that's in bad taste. ... I've been a family entertainer all my life," Rooney told The Associated Press. "We're not selling sex, we're selling a health product."

That's so true, Mickey. Just ask anyone involved in health care for the elderly exactly how sexy a peek at the buttocks of an 84 year old is and most would be in full agreement.

Rider McDowell, co-owner of Airborne, defended the commercial in USA Today..."There's nothing sexual about the ad,' McDowell says. 'It's tantamount to showing a baby's bottom..."

At SportsBlog the reaction was supportive of the banning of the butt..."[Rooney said]...'It's a fun spot, and the public deserves to see it.' No, it doesn't."

Another, Outside the Beltway says, " Nicollette Sheridan's back before Monday Night Football: yes, though even that pregame spot sparked apologies galore. Mickey Rooney's backside in a Super Bowl ad: no. Especially not after Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" at last year's Super Bowl."

This should be a boost for all of the baby boomers watching gravity at work on their own curves. If Mickey's 84 year old derriere is so exciting that it is banned from the airwaves, there's hope for the over 50 crowd! Thank you, Fox!

Pop-ups Aren't The Only Unpopular Ads

It's always interesting when someone does a survey to discover what everyone already knows...

The latest is a poll by the media agency OMD Digital. They asked 2500 people and found out that overlay ads scored as highly as pop-ups in unpopularity. If you don't know what overlays are - lucky you!

OneLook Dictionary gives a few definitions of overlay...
verb: put something on top of something else
verb: kill by lying on (Example: "The sow overlay her piglets")

Overlay ads are those wonders that swim onto your browser screen and prevent you from seeing what it is you went to see. Does it really surprise anyone that these ads are annoying? Isn't that the whole idea?

What is surprising is that ad agencies still seem to be able to convince businesses that annoying prospective customers is the most effective way to get their product noticed. Let's hope that some of them will hear about this survey and think twice before pouring more money into ad campaigns that turn people off. Let's hope...

The Other Side of Giving...Tsunami Scams

The entire world watches in disbelief as the numbers of victims from the Tsunami climbs ever higher. The stories of the distaster, those lost and the survivors, have brought a wave of generosity that will, hopefully, result in rebuilding the shattered buildings and the lives left in chaos by the tidal wave. But where there are people willing to give generously, there will always be people who see an opportunity to take. Even the horror of the Tsunami is not enough to stop the greedy. The open call for relief has brought warnings of scammers.

"You need to watch out for appeals that bring tears to people's eyes, that are long on emotion and short on facts," said Bennett Weiner, chief operating officer for the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.

Internet scams and hoaxes are not news, but people still get taken by them. The best way to make sure that you don't give your money to a crook instead of to a real charity is to stick to the well known names. Chiff.com has posted a page that gives information on Tsunami Relief and so have many other reputable sites. Before you give out credit card information or write a check...take a look to make sure you don't get taken. If you have any doubt that an appeal is genuine...don't think twice, just say no. Give through recognized charities and your money will be put to good use.