There are comedy classic sketches and then there are comedy classic sketches -- and here is a comedy CLASSIC sketch for the 21st century: Jimmy Fallon's spoof of "Breaking Bad," called "Joking Bad." I won't give it away but look for LOTS of surprise appearances. And don't be deceived by the opening minute or two. Watch the whole 13 minute bit. It's clear by this that Fallon … [Read more...] about GREAT Breaking Bad Spoof: “Joking Bad” (Jimmy Fallon)
Colorado’s morality lesson on guns
WASHINGTON -- You have to hand it to the gun manufacturers lobby. Children may be slaughtered, the death toll from firearms may keep mounting, but these guys are unrelenting and know how to play politics. Last week's successful recalls of two state legislators in Colorado because they supported their state's new, carefully drawn gun law gave the National Rifle … [Read more...] about Colorado’s morality lesson on guns
Potholes in disarming Assad’s chemical weapons
The Kerry-Lavrov agreement on Syria’s chemical weapons is being hailed as the big broom that will speedily start clearing up the mess but there are several potholes, which could greatly lengthen the process and keep Bashar al Assad safe from US-led military intervention. The US, France and Britain will meet in Paris tomorrow (Monday) to work on the wording of a resolution … [Read more...] about Potholes in disarming Assad’s chemical weapons
Thank you, Mr. Summers
Larry Summers has withdrawn his name from consideration for the position of Fed Chairman. Without even addressing his qualifications for the job I have to consider this a good thing for precisely the reasons that Summers cited when he withdrew. Any hearings would be contentious and there just isn't that much support for him even among Democrats. Frankly, I hope that the Obama … [Read more...] about Thank you, Mr. Summers
An Appropriate Response to a Republican House Member
And we should hear it more often. When Rep. Justin Amash (R.-MI) said that the House would be doing Obama a favor by delaying the ACA for a year the panel on ABC laughed out loud at him. He deserved it not only for that reason but for his other statement on where negotiations should start. “You can’t start where the Democrats want us to start,” he opined. “You have to … [Read more...] about An Appropriate Response to a Republican House Member
Republican hawks coo like doves (Guest Voice)
Republican hawks coo like doves (via NewsWorks) National Interest Dick [email protected] September 13, 2013 By Dick Polman The flip flops on Syria, the rhetorical U-turns, the hubris and the hesitance...but this time, I'm not referring to Team Obama. This is about the Republicans… … [Read more...] about Republican hawks coo like doves (Guest Voice)
Syria: The ‘Framework’ — Follow-up and Fallout
The “Framework” has been agreed to among a lot of fanfare -- and criticism. Now comes the hard work: Agreeing on those pesky little details and putting some meat on those framework bones. Predictably, even before the framework is totally understood, some are already picking at what they believe is a carcass. More on that later… First some follow-up on the … [Read more...] about Syria: The ‘Framework’ — Follow-up and Fallout
Frog gets caught up in Nasa rocket blastoff
Frog gets caught up in Nasa rocket blastoff (via The Inquirer) AN UNSUSPECTING FROG has found itself suddently thrown into the air, and into the greater consciousness, after hitching a perhaps unfortunate ride on a Nasa rocket exhaust plume. The frog, and we do not know its name, was frozen in time in a Nasa photograph… … [Read more...] about Frog gets caught up in Nasa rocket blastoff
Colorado floods leave hundreds unaccounted for
Colorado floods leave hundreds unaccounted for (via AFP) More than 500 stranded victims of major flooding in Colorado braced for a new round of heavy rain Sunday that is threatening to impede rescue efforts. Officials noted that many of those unaccounted for may simply not be able to telephone loved ones… … [Read more...] about Colorado floods leave hundreds unaccounted for
(Updated) Syria: Foreign Minister Lavrov and Secretary Kerry Discuss the ‘Framework’
Update: The following is President Obama’s Statement on the U.S.- Russian Agreement on the Framework for Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons: I welcome the progress made between the United States and Russia through our talks in Geneva, which represents an important, concrete step toward the goal of moving Syria's chemical weapons under international control so … [Read more...] about (Updated) Syria: Foreign Minister Lavrov and Secretary Kerry Discuss the ‘Framework’
Syria applies to join chemical weapons ban
Syrian President Bashar al Assad's government formally applied today to join the international convention prohibiting the use of chemical weapons. Here is the official statement from the United Nations: "Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Syria’s instrument of accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention The Secretary-General, in his … [Read more...] about Syria applies to join chemical weapons ban
In Germany, clothing is often optional
In Germany, clothing is often optional (via GlobalPost) Enlarge GLOWE, Germany — On a balmy summer day, the Schaabe looks like a slice of paradise. The narrow spit of forest-covered land is fringed by a 6-mile beach of fine white sand lapped by the deep blue Baltic Sea. Kids splash in the gentle surf,… … [Read more...] about In Germany, clothing is often optional
BlobFish Declared ‘World’s Ugliest Animal’ To Aid Conservation Efforts
BlobFish Declared ‘World’s Ugliest Animal’ To Aid Conservation Efforts (via Planetsave) When it comes to conservation of rare and endangered animals, conservation groups and institutions tend to favor the more handsome species as emblems of their causes. This is understandable, we like looking at cute animals (and babies). Arguably, this… … [Read more...] about BlobFish Declared ‘World’s Ugliest Animal’ To Aid Conservation Efforts
Syria: Kerry’s gains in Geneva
Secretary of State John Kerry scored victory in Geneva today by pressuring Russia’s Sergey Lavrov to agree to very clear procedures and a tight timetable for the gathering, storing and destruction of all Syrian President Bashar al Assad’s chemical weapons. Assad will be ordered to comply under threat of potential military action authorized by the United Nations Security … [Read more...] about Syria: Kerry’s gains in Geneva
Bill Maher on US Syria Policy: We Look “More Like George Zimmerman” Than World’s Policeman
Bill Maher slammed the U.S. for its Syria policy saying "we're starting to look not so much like the world's policeman, but more like George Zimmerman, itching to use force and then pretending it's because we had no choice." Dang, that's pretty deep, but so true and President Obama looks a whole lot like his predecessor. During his final New Rule Friday night, with reference … [Read more...] about Bill Maher on US Syria Policy: We Look “More Like George Zimmerman” Than World’s Policeman
BREAKING: U.S., Russia agree to framework on Syria chemical weapons
The United States and Russian have now agreed on a deal to eliminate Syria's chemical weapons. That is indeed a big deal -- and now the tricky part is to ensure that the deal is kept or won't fall by the wayside and discredit deal-making between the longtime historical adversaries: Russia and the United States announced Saturday that they have reached a groundbreaking deal … [Read more...] about BREAKING: U.S., Russia agree to framework on Syria chemical weapons
Is Ron Paul a political liability for his son?
The Week asks the valid question about the far right elephant in the room: is Ron Paul a political liability for the higher political aspirations of his son Rand Paul? GO HERE. … [Read more...] about Is Ron Paul a political liability for his son?
President McCain Aims to Set Putin Straight
You get old, you forget things. It’s been only five years but John McCain is having a senior moment by arranging to answer Vladimir Putin, President to President. Stirred up by the Russian leader’s New York Times OpEd piece, the 2008 loser has prevailed upon Pravda to publish his answer to the Kremlin commentary. Whatever medication they have him on in that old-age home, … [Read more...] about President McCain Aims to Set Putin Straight
American Exceptionalism
I agree with most of what my friend Dorian said about the Putin OP ED in the NYT. I don't think however we should let the messenger preventive us from learning from the message. I have always disliked the idea of "American Exceptionalism." While we have always talked the talk we have not always walked the walk - nothing exceptional about that. Many if not most of our … [Read more...] about American Exceptionalism
Breaking News: U.S. and Russia Agree on ‘Framework for Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons’
The U.S. State Department: Taking into account the decision of the Syrian Arab Republic to accede to the Chemical Weapons Convention and the commitment of the Syrian authorities to provisionally apply the Convention prior to its entry into force, the United States and the Russian Federation express their joint determination to ensure the destruction of the Syrian chemical … [Read more...] about Breaking News: U.S. and Russia Agree on ‘Framework for Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons’