Leaders in the West have committed themselves to spreading democracy, whether or not the ground is fertile for the introduction of self-government. Citizens of the Western nations have for the most part supported this diffusion of democracy, having been educated to believe in the superiority of this form of government. However, notwithstanding Churchill’s adage about … [Read more...] about The Downside of Democracy (2)
Pay attention to this (Guest Voice)
Pay Attention to This By Peter Funt HENDERSON, Nev. — I happened to be doing a 20-hour road trip in a rented car when Apple announced CarPlay, a system that will soon allow motorists to text, check email and be entertained via their mobile devices, while roaring down the highway. The same week it was reported that Google has hired lobbyists to fight legislation in … [Read more...] about Pay attention to this (Guest Voice)
Putin signs treaty to make Crimea part of Russia
Putin signs treaty to make Crimea part of Russia (via AFP) President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed a treaty making Crimea part of Russia, in a historic redrawing of Russia's borders after he declared that the Black Sea region has always been "in the hearts" of his countrymen. In a fast-moving sequence of… … [Read more...] about Putin signs treaty to make Crimea part of Russia
Incredible street performance (and a word about sharing)
A friend shared the Thai clip on Facebook. I failed to "like" it, so when I wanted to show it to my husband, I couldn't find it. Thus began the journey that led to my discovering this video. I channeled my inner terrier, but it was "search" that I had my teeth sunk into, not a squirrel or a rat or a bone. "Asian Vitruvian Man" was shot in Taipei and uploaded October … [Read more...] about Incredible street performance (and a word about sharing)
Russia Eyes Crimea’s Oil and Gas Reserves (Guest Voice)
Russia Eyes Crimea’s Oil and Gas Reserves By Nicholas Cunningham of Oilprice.com According to Reuters , Crimea may nationalize oil and gas assets within its borders belonging to Ukraine, and sell them off to Russia. Crimea’s Deputy Prime Minister hinted at the possibility that it would take control of Chornomorneftegaz, a Ukrainian state-owned enterprise, and then … [Read more...] about Russia Eyes Crimea’s Oil and Gas Reserves (Guest Voice)
The politics of hopelessness
WASHINGTON -- Listlessness is bad politics. Defensiveness is poor strategy. And resignation is never inspiring. You can feel elements of all three descending around President Obama as he fends off attack after attack from his conservative foes who vary the subject depending on the day, the circumstance and the opportunity. Obama and his party are in danger of … [Read more...] about The politics of hopelessness
Krugman on Ryan’s Poverty Comments
Paul Krugman calls Rep. Paul Ryan's comments on poverty a "racial dog whistle" in The New York Times. But over the past 40 years good jobs for ordinary workers have disappeared, not just from inner cities but everywhere: adjusted for inflation, wages have fallen for 60 percent of working American men. And as economic opportunity has shriveled for half the population, many … [Read more...] about Krugman on Ryan’s Poverty Comments
How the crisis in Ukraine might be just beginning
How the crisis in Ukraine might be just beginning (via GlobalPost) KYIV, Ukraine — The world’s most predictable referendum has produced the result required by Vladimir Putin. Now Ukraine and an anxious world must wait to see what the Russian president wants next. If Putin is satisfied with the annexation of Ukraine… … [Read more...] about How the crisis in Ukraine might be just beginning
Libertarian Purists: Libertarian on Everything – Except Liberty?
The American Liberty movement is no longer nascent. Its mainstreaming is under way, as evidenced by this article in the New York Times - the paper that (almost) defines the American mainstream - about the impact of liberty-focused activists on the ("mainstream") Republican party, as reflected at CPAC last week. Both culturally and politically, libertarianism is on the rise. … [Read more...] about Libertarian Purists: Libertarian on Everything – Except Liberty?
April A-Z Blogging Challenge
Over the past months various events have prevented me from posting as consistently as I would like. With that in mind I have decided to join in the April A-Z blogging challenge (or at least I plan to). For those who haven't heard about it the idea is that Monday-Saturday for the month of April you write one post a day themed to a different letter from A to Z. I think … [Read more...] about April A-Z Blogging Challenge
Let It Go In 21 Disney Voices
This is pretty darn impressive (and very ear wormish) … [Read more...] about Let It Go In 21 Disney Voices
Now Is The Time 4 All Good Men To Jump 2 Conclusions
Lost in the Golden Triangle -- rather than Bermuda. The Case is Mad for Profiling Pilots Overseas. The View from the Virgin Islands By John McCarthy TMV Columnist It’s surreal enough to be the plot of a major TV series. In fact it already was – “Lost” on ABC – except even scarier than giant polar bears and smoke monsters – are pilots with extreme views bent … [Read more...] about Now Is The Time 4 All Good Men To Jump 2 Conclusions
KTLA Anchors Jump Under Desk As Feel Los Angeles Earthquake (VIDEO)
LA had a moderately sized earthquake (originally said to be 4.7 but under that) today. They were doing the news on KTLA TV live when it happened -- and the anchors quickly decided to take a quick view of the studio from under their desks. WATCH: … [Read more...] about KTLA Anchors Jump Under Desk As Feel Los Angeles Earthquake (VIDEO)
Ginsburg’s Choice
For the most part I agree with this: The 81-year-old Supreme Court justice should retire this summer to ensure Obama can choose a like-minded successor. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg should retire from the Supreme Court after the completion of the current term in June. She turned 81 on Saturday and by all accounts she is healthy and physically and mentally able to continue. But … [Read more...] about Ginsburg’s Choice
Happy St. Patrick’s Day: The Value of Irish Humor
Exclusive Excerpt from: "Comical Sense: A Lone Humorist Takes on a World Gone Nutty!" by Tom Purcell The Value of Irish Humor By Tom Purcell With the world in such a tizzy these days — with so many people ready to shout and argue and poke each other in the eyes — I can't think of a better time to embrace the Irish spirit. ??It's my great good fortune to be a fellow … [Read more...] about Happy St. Patrick’s Day: The Value of Irish Humor
Crimea asks to join Russia as West readies sanctions
Crimea declares independence from Ukraine, applies to join Russia (via AFP) Crimea's regional assembly on Monday declared independence from Ukraine and applied to join Russia, saying all Ukrainian state property on the peninsula would be nationalised. "The republic of Crimea appeals to the United Nations and to all countries… … [Read more...] about Crimea asks to join Russia as West readies sanctions
Legitimizing Rape — Crimea Media Edition
UPDATE 3:00 PM PDT: Analyze this using what I just told you. Crimeans overwhelmingly vote for secession Associated Press NEW! SIMFEROPOL, Ukraine (AP) — Fireworks exploded and Russian flags fluttered above jubilant crowds Sunday after residents in Crimea voted overwhelmingly to secede from Ukraine and join Russia. The United States and Europe condemned the ballot … [Read more...] about Legitimizing Rape — Crimea Media Edition
Flight MH370: The Search and Mystery Continue
The reports, theories, speculation and just plain rumors surrounding the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 continue to proliferate. Reports, theories and rumors -- not necessarily in that order -- that: The transponder of the Boeing 777 was disabled or turned off just prior to the pilot signing off with Malaysia air traffic controllers with an innocuous “All … [Read more...] about Flight MH370: The Search and Mystery Continue
Crimea vote fully legal, Putin tells Obama
Crimea vote fully legal, Putin tells Obama (via AFP) President Vladimir Putin told US President Barack Obama on Sunday the referendum on Crimea joining Russia was fully legal, but the two leaders also agreed to work together to find ways out of the Ukraine crisis, the Kremlin said. The telephone conversation… … [Read more...] about Crimea vote fully legal, Putin tells Obama
SciFi Weekend: Hannibal; The Fall; Crisis; Orphan Black; Continuum; History of Science Fiction; HIMYM; Gotham; Agent Carter; SHIELD; The Americans; Under The Skin; Under The Dome
Hannibal has now become a courtroom drama, with Will Graham on trial for the murders committed by Hannibal. We appear to have another murderer out there, but without Will investigating we never get into the new murderer's head and do not even know their identity. Is Hannibal also committing these murders in an attempt to free Will and regain him as a (manipulated) friend? … [Read more...] about SciFi Weekend: Hannibal; The Fall; Crisis; Orphan Black; Continuum; History of Science Fiction; HIMYM; Gotham; Agent Carter; SHIELD; The Americans; Under The Skin; Under The Dome