Wonkette

Recently released British security archives have finally revealed the true reason Maggie Thatcher got real tight with the U.S.: we tortured and then blackmailed her into cooperation. In 1977, when she was still the leader of the minority party, Maggie and her husband went to Houston for her to give a speech. While at the hotel, she and her husband Denis found themselves trapped (yes, together) in the hotel bathroom. They were eventually released by “hotel staff.” The CIA used to be so much fun! [The Guardian]

Here’s Rudy Giuliani in London with some crazy old broad and Margaret Thatcher. Wait, Margaret Thatcher’s still alive? [AP/Yahoo]

Now that Reagan’s finally dead, GOP candidates need to the seek the magical blessing of other Sainted conservatives who aren’t related to Bush in any way. So they’re trekking over to Merrie Olde England to shake hands with the walking corpse of Maggie Thatcher. MORE »

* Heard on the Hill: Rahm Emanuel puts Ken Mehlman in a “mini-bear hug,” asks what he’s doing next, says, “Banking, Ken, that’s where the money is” … Surprise entertainment at the exclusive RIAA holiday party? The Barenaked Ladies. Ok, we’re linking to so many pirated mp3s in protest now… “A revised floor schedule for Wednesday was sent out advising, “H.R. 6136 — Margaret Thatcher Congressional Gold Medal Act HAS BEEN PULLED.” Thank christ for Barny Frank. [Roll Call]
* Reliable Source: Because they live in Virginia, Mary Cheney’s partner Heather Poe will have no legal guardianship over their baby and won’t be allowed to adopt it unless they move to Maryland. [WP]
* Yeas and Nays: Official Congressional Gym very crowded these days, Democrats out of shape… Nancy Pelosi was 45 minutes late to a press briefing, more Democrats even later the next day. [Examiner]
* Under the Dome: Nancy Pelosi/Barbara Walters interview in the Capitol forces GOP staffers to wait until they pass before finishing cleaning out their bosses’ office… Santorum’s website slightly more gracious than his last speech… “Phil Olsen, the captain for Team USA in the World Beard and Moustache Championships, says [John] Bolton is welcome to a spot on the team.” [The Hill]
* Page Six: Just pure insanity re. Lindsay Lohan and Al Gore. It’s sad and crazy and makes us uncomfortable. [NYP]

* Reliable Source: Third television pilot for the fall is shot in D.C. . . Bob Woodruff has returned home for outpatient treatment. . . Margaret Thatcher spotted at the Four Seasons. [WP]
* Inside the Beltway: Laura Bush remained “totally calm” while Secret Service warned of threat to Crawford compound, according to Ronald Kessler. . . The White House recently screened a documentary by Jacques Cousteau’s son. [WT]
* Page Six: Is Campbell Brown converting to Judaism for Dan Senor? . . . Bill Clinton “killed two vodkas with lime standing at the bar with the owner” of a New York restaurant while waiting for his takeout. [NYP]