Andrew Sullivan comments on Ted Nugent's racist rant and the tepid GOP response on The Daily Dish. But I simply cannot get Ted Nugent’s rant about the president as a “sub-human mongrel” out of my head. And I cannot believe that a major political party in this country would not just refuse to repudiate it, but actively embrace Nugent as an ally in campaigns. This is the … [Read more...] about Sullivan on Nugent’s Rant
Behind The Sherlock Holmes Mania: The Detective’s Creator In Both Fact & Fiction
(With a slew of movies and British and American television series, Sherlock Holmes has never been bigger since he went over Reichenbach Falls to his apparent death in an 1893 story. Here are two book reviews, published in April 2008, about Holmes' creator.) Like many a lad, I drank in the Sherlock Holmes detective stories like so many bottles of soda pop without … [Read more...] about Behind The Sherlock Holmes Mania: The Detective’s Creator In Both Fact & Fiction
Report: CNN Pulls the Plug on “Piers Morgan Live” as Ratings Continue to Plunge
Piers Morgan and CNN have agreed to end his 9 p.m. show "Piers Morgan Live" as ratings continue to plunge, the New York Times reports. Um, it's safe to say, most people saw this train wreck coming a long time ago. It’s been an unhappy collision between a British television personality who refuses to assimilate — the only football he cares about is round and his lectures on … [Read more...] about Report: CNN Pulls the Plug on “Piers Morgan Live” as Ratings Continue to Plunge
Do Svidaniya, Sochi!
The Sochi Winter Olympics are over except for the closing ceremony -- although in Sochi even that is all said and done. I think they went well, despite all the security worries, the initial horror stories about hotel accommodations, and the weather sometimes not cooperating. Perhaps the New York Times says it best: Russia had so much to prove at the Winter Games. … [Read more...] about Do Svidaniya, Sochi!
Nugent in 2007 – Crocodile Tears Over ‘Bad’ Language
This BS was on TV. I kid you not. Once upon a time, July 4th, 2007, to be exact, Ted Nugent wrote an "editorial" for the Wall Street Journal that said the entire Sixties Generation was a failure, they were all on drugs, and were worthless, not like Ted Nugent, who was a good citizen, etc. And I wrote a somewhat angry, but oh-so-restrained response. This caused Joe Farah … [Read more...] about Nugent in 2007 – Crocodile Tears Over ‘Bad’ Language
The Battle For Control Of Congress 2014
While the media is increasingly talking about the 2016 presidential election, we have a major election coming up for control of Congress later this year. At present it appears that it is unlikely for the Democrats to take control of the House, and they are now fighting to retain control of the Senate. Predictions that the Republicans will hold the House and possibly take the … [Read more...] about The Battle For Control Of Congress 2014
‘Disabled Veteran’ Meets Disabled Veteran.
Some of our readers may have watched it. Regardless, it is timeless and priceless. Especially in view of the shameful backlog our injured combat veterans face when applying for or trying to get disability status, benefits or medical treatment. It is about a contractor who hurt his foot playing football in military prep school many, many years ago. Who never served on … [Read more...] about ‘Disabled Veteran’ Meets Disabled Veteran.
UKRAINE President Yanukovych Said to Have Fled Kiev
The whereabouts of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych were unverified early Sunday, a day after he left the capital. His opposition, Yulia Tymoshenko was freed from prison and returned to Kiev, addressing a huge cheering crowd of Ukrainians calling for Yanukovych to resign. The streets still run with blood from the massacres of so many over the last weeks of protests … [Read more...] about UKRAINE President Yanukovych Said to Have Fled Kiev
Don’t Like Food Stamps? Raise the Minimum Wage (Guest Voice)
Don't Like Food Stamps? Raise the Minimum Wage By Tina Dupuy Say you're philosophically opposed to food stamps. Let's say you feel better about yourself by calling those who've hit hard times freeloading parasites. Suppose the very idea someone somewhere may be cheating the system is enough for you to support snatching all subsidized sandwiches out of the hands of your … [Read more...] about Don’t Like Food Stamps? Raise the Minimum Wage (Guest Voice)
Ukraine ushers in new era as president flees
Ukraine ushers in new era as president flees (via AFP) A new era dawned in Ukraine on Sunday as parliament appointed a pro-Western interim leader after ousted president Viktor Yanukovych fled Kiev to escape retribution for a week of deadly carnage. The ex-Soviet state's tumultuous three-month crisis culminated… … [Read more...] about Ukraine ushers in new era as president flees
Political scandal mutes and downsizes Chris Christie
The scandal swirling around New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is already having one discernable, major impact: it has caused him to mute his larger-than-life style, which critics have long characterized as "bullying." The in-your-face confrontations with rude or angry constituents are a thing of the past (for now) and the famous Christie swagger is reportedly gone. While no one … [Read more...] about Political scandal mutes and downsizes Chris Christie
Selective Biblical Literalism, Ctd.
Kirsten Powers and Jonathan Merritt detail how conservative Christians violate the teachings of Jesus with their support of laws enabling denial of service to gays and lesbians in The Daily Beast. Many on the left and right can agree that nobody should be unnecessarily forced to violate their conscience. But in order to violate a Christian’s conscience, the government would … [Read more...] about Selective Biblical Literalism, Ctd.
2014 Political Animal Awards (Guest Voice)
2014 Political Animal Awards Raging Moderate by Will Durst For all those who have spent the last couple of months shoveling out a car, you should know we're at the tail end of awards season. And best be advised to hunker in a bunker wearing a Kevlar overcoat, because gold plated statues are being tossed about like air kisses at a gown fitting. Like clouds of bathroom hair … [Read more...] about 2014 Political Animal Awards (Guest Voice)
SciFi Weekend: Black Widow; Arrow; Continuum; House of Cards; Fantastic Four; Hannibal; Man From UNCLE; The Americans; Two More US Remakes Of British Shows; Karen Gillan; If Ikea Sold A TARDIS
Variety reports that Black Widow will continue to have a major role in upcoming Marvel movies and then Scarlett Johansson will star in her own stand-alone movie: According to Chris Evans, who plays Captain America, Black Widow’s storyline in “The Winter Soldier” revolves around “her coming to terms with her history, that she’s been a spy, and spies aren’t necessarily … [Read more...] about SciFi Weekend: Black Widow; Arrow; Continuum; House of Cards; Fantastic Four; Hannibal; Man From UNCLE; The Americans; Two More US Remakes Of British Shows; Karen Gillan; If Ikea Sold A TARDIS
A BIG Get: Mexico captures drug kingpin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman
Mexico captures drug kingpin 'El Chapo' Guzman (via AFP) The ld's most wanted drug lord, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, was captured Saturday by Mexican marines and publicly hauled away in handcuffs, ending his blood-stained reign after a 13-year manhunt. Stemming from US-Mexican coordination, the arrest deals… … [Read more...] about A BIG Get: Mexico captures drug kingpin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman
Clark And Dilworth Reformed Philly and Reinvigorated The City’s Vibrance
Historic Quote: “I got licked. The reason I got licked was I didn’t get enough votes. I’ve no reaction, no complaints. Just say I’m in good humor." Pennsylvania Senator Joe Duff, the day after losing his re-election bid to Joe Clark. Philadelphia has many political figures who had a broad impact on the city but Joe Clark and Richardson Dilworth may have accomplished the … [Read more...] about Clark And Dilworth Reformed Philly and Reinvigorated The City’s Vibrance
Is Justice Thomas disrespectful?
Is he doing his job or just coasting along? Well, he's not doing his job, that's for sure according to legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin. Toobin points out that today marks the completion of eight years during which Justice Clarence Thomas hasn't opened his mouth during the hearing of a case. No questions, no nothing. ...There is more to the job of Supreme Court Justice … [Read more...] about Is Justice Thomas disrespectful?
Military mom surprises her son (VIDEO)
There are lots of moving videos detailing how soldiers show up and surprise loved ones at games, school or home. But sometimes technology can also do the trick and make someone feel like they're right before their loved one who suddenly appears. Watch what happens when an 8 year old San Diego boy visits a television studio: Arizona's ABC 15's website gives these … [Read more...] about Military mom surprises her son (VIDEO)
TV’s New Golden Era
TV's New Golden Era By Peter Funt The passing of Sid Caesar, a comedic genius if ever such a term could be used without fear of hyperbole, reminds us that television once had what its fans considered a Golden Age. The very name of Caesar's early-fifties landmark, "Your Show of Shows," exemplified a time when the medium flourished and entire genres were being invented. … [Read more...] about TV’s New Golden Era
Breaking News: Despite Accord, Tensions Continue in Ukraine
Others have been covering the crisis in Ukraine -- and done so very well. But this breaking news is important enough to "interrupt our regularly scheduled program" The New York Times reports: Ukraine’s President Flees Palace as Protesters Widen Control An opposition unit took control of the presidential palace outside Kiev on Saturday, as leaders in … [Read more...] about Breaking News: Despite Accord, Tensions Continue in Ukraine