2/25/03
'New Europe': Who loves ya, baby?
As further proof that long-time Bush pal and Commerce Secretary Don Evans is fast becoming the administration's go-to man, Whispers learns that he has been tasked with warming up U.S. relations with three Eastern European nations at a time when 'Old Europe' nations like France and Germany are pushing 'New European' nations around. After helping host a jobs-and-growth forum with the Export Council at the White House on Wednesday, Evans is scheduled to travel to Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia. The official reason is to boost U.S. commercial relationships with the emerging Eastern European economies. But diplomatic observers say the trip is also aimed at telling those nations not to be cowed by loud-mouthed foes like Germany and France when it comes to voicing support for Western intervention in Iraq.

The administration is being careful not to portray Evans's trip as a slap at France and Germany for trying to block the U.S.-British-Spanish United Nations resolution that could lead to war in Iraq. Diplomats suggest it's more a way for the administration to "hug" its supporters in East Europe and back that up with trade talks as France and Germany are telling them to be quiet like good little children. "It's the 'We Love You' tour," said one diplomat.

Evans, in a statement to be released Wednesday, says, "I'm pleased to travel to Central and Eastern Europe at the request of the president to demonstrate our support and appreciation of these countries. I look forward to further developing our economic relationship with our longstanding friends and trading partners."

Why Evans? It's simple: He's more than just a cabinet secretary. As the president's closest friend and longtime adviser, he has a much higher status than an ambassador and can assure the three nations that the president is with them. In fact, it's just the latest new assignment the White House has given Evans. At home, he has become a leading salesman for the president's jobs-and-growth program in the nation. One insider calls his role "pushing jobs at home and diplomacy abroad."

2/13/03
Take a deep breath, say homeland officials
Earlier indications that the feds were considering a jump from Code Orange to Code Red due to heightened terrorist concerns in Washington have dissipated and Homeland Security Department officials assure that orange is the highest it's going this weekend. "There are no plans to go to Code Red," said a Homeland spokesman. Nonetheless, there are signs that this alert is serious. Whispers learns that lawmakers are being encouraged to send their families back to their home states. And equipment that can detect chemical and biological weapons has been deployed in Washington. And some government workers have been warned that if terrorism strikes, agencies might not be able to provide enough water, food or clothing. Thus, they've been told to come to work with the following:

• Change of clothes; soap; bath towel.
• List of emergency contacts and family members.
• Several bottles of water.
• Several snacks (those that do not need to be microwaved or refrigerated).
• Small blanket and pillow.
• Flashlight.

How to Prepare for any Disaster - Your Easy Step-by-Step Preparedness Guide
http://www.areyouprepared.com

Effective Emergency Response Plans - Anticipate the Worst, Prepare for the Best Results
http://www.nsc.org/issues/emerg/00esc.htm

Talking About Disaster - Providing Safety Information to the Public
http://www.fema.gov/rrr/talkdiz

Biological Chemical Information
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/Agent/agentlist.asp

Terrorism - Preparing for the Unexpected
http://www.redcross.org

Bill Clinton, muted
Former President Clinton hits the state in Little Rock next month when he sits in with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. But the sometimes sax player who blew his horn famously on the old Arsenio Hall show plans to leave the brass behind. Insiders say that the ex-prez instead will narrate portions of the program titled "Let Freedom Ring." The payoff: Both the symphony and the Clinton Presidential Center will divvy up the proceeds from the event.

2/12/03
It's a wife's life
CincHouse.com, begun as a hobby by working military wives, is fast becoming the go-to Internet site for spouses freaked out by the troop deployments to the Middle East. "Military wives and women," says Meredith Leyva, founder of the site, "just want to vent a little to other women who understand." She says the name of the site is a play on the military's jargon: commander in chief of the house. It was started to help spouses figure out military life and has developed into a full-service site, including tips to help the guys cook a special Valentine's Day dinner and "Happy Paks" of treats to send to the troops overseas.

Check it out here.

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