For me, there are two quintessential American novels. Huck Finn is about the American heart. Moby Dick is about the American soul. It is perhaps no accident, then, that Chris Hedges -- whose subject is the tortured American soul -- wrote this week that,"We are all aboard the Pequod." For Hedges, if the American ship of state continues on its present course, the result will be … [Read more...] about On Board The Pequod
Price Tag for Taking Back the Country
Bill Clinton’s “arithmetic” lesson at their 2012 convention should be on the front burner again as Democrats parse the price of wresting Congress—-and the nation—-from Tea Party control. A new report by the Campaign Finance Institute shows that winning a House seat last year cost the victor twice as much as it did a quarter of a century ago: $1.6 million, compared with … [Read more...] about Price Tag for Taking Back the Country
How safe is your airline?
When it comes to aviation safety, all airlines are not created equal. You can’t fly the plane, but you can arm yourself with information to help you decide who to fly with. Little by little, the pieces already are falling into place on the events that led up to last weekend’s crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 214 in San Francisco. From Asiana, we learn that the guy at the … [Read more...] about How safe is your airline?
Sex Scandal Consequences Ain’t What They Used to Be
New York City's politics has now gotten more titillating. First came news that Anthony Weiner, the Democrat whose crotch-shot sexting to a woman he never met led to his resignation from Congress, was running for mayor. Now comes the news that former New York Gov. Elliot Spitzer, who resigned due to his involvement in a prostitution scandal, is running for city … [Read more...] about Sex Scandal Consequences Ain’t What They Used to Be
10 amazing McDonald’s commercials that explain the world
10 amazing McDonald's commercials that explain the world (via GlobalPost) The golden arches may fulfill a similar longing across the globe, but the way they do it is decidedly different from country to country. Emily Lodish Have you ever pictured Ronald McDonald in a dress? No? How about with long, flowing red hair? Japan… … [Read more...] about 10 amazing McDonald’s commercials that explain the world
“Dapper” DiSalle First Big State Governor To Back Kennedy
Historic Quote: "The only way I could get the President out here was to promise he could meet (basketball great) Jerry Lucas, and it's going to be arranged, too -- just as soon as Jerry finds time to fit him into his schedule." Ohio Governor Mike DiSalle on John F. Kennedy's visit to Ohio. DiSalle at JFK's birthday party (Wiki photo) The Dapper DiSalle. Mike DiSalle, … [Read more...] about “Dapper” DiSalle First Big State Governor To Back Kennedy
Egypt’s Dark Future
WASHINGTON -- What's happening in Egypt is not a second revolution or a "correction" to the first. It is a coup d'etat that puts the military as firmly in command as it was during the autocratic reign of Hosni Mubarak. So much for the Arab Spring in the region's most populous country. And, judging by the reaction in Washington and other capitals, so much for Winston … [Read more...] about Egypt’s Dark Future
Snowden agrees to asylum in Venezuela: top lawmaker
Snowden agrees to asylum in Venezuela: top lawmaker (via AFP) Fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden, who has been holed up in a Moscow airport for more than two weeks, has agreed to an offer of asylum from Venezuela, a top Russian lawmaker said on Twitter on Tuesday before removing the post. "As was expected… … [Read more...] about Snowden agrees to asylum in Venezuela: top lawmaker
(Video Animation) Elliot Spitzer Versus Kristin “Madam” Davis in NYC Comptroller’s Race
Another great ripped-from-the-headlines animated satire from Taiwaan animators -- this time on former N.Y. Gov. Elliot spritzer running against former madam Kristin Davis in NYC: … [Read more...] about (Video Animation) Elliot Spitzer Versus Kristin “Madam” Davis in NYC Comptroller’s Race
End the Death Penalty
The United States needs to abolish the death penalty. It’s archaic, costly, ineffective, and most importantly, unjust. The first place to start with the death penalty may be philosophical. The purpose of our criminal justice system is to deter crime, rehabilitate convicts, and incapacitate hardened criminals. Philosophically speaking, life in prison serves these functions … [Read more...] about End the Death Penalty
Here We Go Again- Restricting Voters’ Rights
The recent Supreme Court decision that invalidated a portion of the Voting Rights Act was a major blow to the democratic ideal of equal access to the ballot box for every American citizen. The Court claimed that the Act which passed in 1965, employed forty year old data that did not take into account the racial progress that had occurred and the way American society had … [Read more...] about Here We Go Again- Restricting Voters’ Rights
What The Texas GOP Hopes No One Will Say Out Loud: Proposed Bills Weaken Inspections; Requirements Currently Kick In At 16-weeks
[UPDATED] Austin has become center stage for the religious conservative effort to reverse Roe v Wade. Many Texans, like Rep. Greg Bonnen (R), insist that they support these legislative proposals to insure access to safe medical procedures. What they don't acknowledge is the state of the current law. Since January 1, 2004, Texas "law requires that all abortions at 16 weeks … [Read more...] about What The Texas GOP Hopes No One Will Say Out Loud: Proposed Bills Weaken Inspections; Requirements Currently Kick In At 16-weeks
Snowden’s Cause Gives Rise to ‘Strange Bedfellows’
Whatever one may think of hero, whistle-blower, traitor, spy or villain Edward Snowden, he sure has been able to arouse some very strange "bedfellowships." Nations, governments, politicians, pundits and individuals have crossed all kinds of political, philosophical and ideological lines and aligned themselves pro- or anti-Snowden and, by extension pro- or anti-NSA … [Read more...] about Snowden’s Cause Gives Rise to ‘Strange Bedfellows’
“Soapy” Williams, Michigan’s Most “Winningest” Governor, Brought New Progressivism To State
Historic Quote: "Humanity has made astounding progress in every other field of human endeavor except politics." G. Mennen Williams At the 1960 Democratic Convention, when delegates were asked to ratify John F. Kennedy's choice of LBJ as his running-mate, a single "no" echoed the chamber like a shot heard round the world. Williams was concerned that Johnson wouldn't be strong … [Read more...] about “Soapy” Williams, Michigan’s Most “Winningest” Governor, Brought New Progressivism To State
Egypt sinks. Obama blamed.
Egypt took its first step today into a quagmire of violent internal conflicts after the army killed at least 51 Islamic activists and wounded over 430 others in just 30 minutes. The victims were protesting and praying outside a military facility, where they thought their ousted leader Mohamed Morsi was confined. The killings, which Morsi’s aides called a massacre of … [Read more...] about Egypt sinks. Obama blamed.
The App Store 5-Year Anniversary Sale (Hint, Sale=Free)
The Apple App Store turns five this week, and to celebrate Apple is giving away five "landmark games" and five "groundbreaking apps." Groundbreaking apps Barefoot World Atlas [iOS Universal; Category: Reference; Now free, down from $4.99] Day One (Journal/Diary) [iOS Universal; Category: Lifestyle; Now free, down from $4.99] How To Cook Everything [iOS … [Read more...] about The App Store 5-Year Anniversary Sale (Hint, Sale=Free)
What Was the Most Important Thing People Learned in the 20th Century?
What was the principal take-away from the 20th century? Atomic energy? DNA? Penicillin? Or, something from the world of art or philosophy or psychology? The title question leaves plenty of room for debate. My answer is that the most important learning of the century was disabusing ourselves of the notion that some people are inferior. Put the other way round, the most … [Read more...] about What Was the Most Important Thing People Learned in the 20th Century?
The Real World Strikes Agin! (sic)
You know, it's one thing to postulate any kind of crackpot theory -- imaginable or un- -- if you can get enough non-skeptical true believers to sign on. American history is testament and proof of this. It's another thing to hoodwink those who make their living by studying reality and then adjusting the odds: Schools Seeking to Arm Employees Hit Hurdle on … [Read more...] about The Real World Strikes Agin! (sic)
Rick Perry Won’t Run for Re-Election For Texas Governor in 2014 (But for President in 2016?)
Amid great (political junkie) fanfare, Texas Gov. Rick Perry made his long anticipated announcement that some felt might include a declaration that he'll run for the Republican Presidential nomination in 2016. In the end, Perry announced he won't run for a fourth term as Texas Governor -- but certain left the door wide open to run for President so wide that you could catch … [Read more...] about Rick Perry Won’t Run for Re-Election For Texas Governor in 2014 (But for President in 2016?)
How Mexico got so fat
How Mexico got so fat (via GlobalPost) A UN report says Mexicans are the heaviest of the world's larger nations, even as they battle hunger and malnutrition. How did it come to this? Dudley Althaus MEXICO CITY, Mexico â?? Modern Mexicans' urban lifestyle, rising incomes and myriad consumption… … [Read more...] about How Mexico got so fat