For some weird reason I like “word counts” and the new “word clouds” used to illustrate the most frequently used words and phrases politicians and others use in their speeches and in describing what comes to mind when certain issues are brought up. For example, during the 2012 Presidential campaign, the New York Times kept track of the number of times speakers at both … [Read more...] about The Sequester in a ‘Word Cloud’
Selig Cartwright, Goldman Sachs Washroom Attendant, Comforts The Afflicted
(The scene opens in a Goldman Sachs washroom. Mr. B., a top company executive, has entered and rushes into his private Stall #8. A few moments later washroom attendant Selig Cartwright hears pathetic sobbing coming from the stall. He stands outside its door and asks:) Are you O.K, Mr. B? Is the video player in there on the blink again? Did I forget to put the latest issue of … [Read more...] about Selig Cartwright, Goldman Sachs Washroom Attendant, Comforts The Afflicted
Polarization, Church and Country
WASHINGTON -- What do the Roman Catholic Church and the American political system have in common? Both are divided into factions that neither trust nor understand each other, and both confront a crisis of governance. Divisions in the church are usually seen as mimicking those of secular politics. Conservatives or traditionalists are pitted against liberals or … [Read more...] about Polarization, Church and Country
Ashley Judd Could Win
It's unfair to think Judd couldn't win simply on her own merits -- she's bright, she's well-informed, she's energetic, and she's liked by many. But Mitch McConnell's standing in the polls is certainly a consideration. The Hill reported that Judd met with leaders of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) in Washington last month to discuss a possible run … [Read more...] about Ashley Judd Could Win
A Grieving Father’s Plea
WASHINGTON -- Most of our top elected officials probably didn't notice -- they were too busy making fools of themselves over an idiotic budget "crisis" of their own manufacture -- but something worth remembering happened in Washington last week: A grieving parent pleaded softly for a ban on military-style weapons like the one used to kill his son. Members of the Senate … [Read more...] about A Grieving Father’s Plea
Quote of the Day: Mitt Romney Can’t Move On and Reveals His Fatal Political Flaw
I can't even comment on First Read's take on former Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney's Fox News interview since First Read says it all. But I will offer two quickies: (1) Romney is unable to move on. (2) There will be no group of GOPers within the party battling to keep Romney's principles and political spirit alive. How can you keep alive that which is … [Read more...] about Quote of the Day: Mitt Romney Can’t Move On and Reveals His Fatal Political Flaw
Does Mitt Romney Have a Political Life after Losing the Presidency?
Does Mitt Romney have a political life after losing the presidency? (via The Christian Science Monitor) Rebuilding your political life after a failed presidential bid is tough under any circumstances – especially so if you don’t have, say, a seat in the US Senate or the governor’s office to go back to, as John McCain, John Kerry, and Michael Dukakis did. It can take months – … [Read more...] about Does Mitt Romney Have a Political Life after Losing the Presidency?
Ex Pope Putting His Feet Up (Cartoon)
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction without licensing from Cagle Cartoons is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Ex Pope Putting His Feet Up (Cartoon)
Sharks May Go Extinct Within The Next Few Decades, 100 Million Sharks Killed Every Year (Guest Voice)
Sharks May Go Extinct Within The Next Few Decades, 100 Million Sharks Killed Every Year (via Planetsave) Sharks may become extinct within only the next few decades as a result of the significant declines they are experiencing, new research has found. Shark populations have been declining at a rapid rate as a result of the booming trade in their fins, recreational fishing, and … [Read more...] about Sharks May Go Extinct Within The Next Few Decades, 100 Million Sharks Killed Every Year (Guest Voice)
Government By Crisis- The New American Model
Recently, in terms of enacting legislation that deals with budget deficits, government spending, or taxes, the only time Congressional action is taken is when a “manufactured” crisis is in the public eye, as has been shown with the fiscal cliff negotiations and raising the national debt limits. Allowing the sequester to take hold was a “mini-crisis” that did not have the same … [Read more...] about Government By Crisis- The New American Model
Dark Side of the Moon turns 40
I (and many others) consider Pink Floyd's masterpiece Dark Side of the Moon to be one of the great musical achievements of the 20th century--regardless of genre. It turns 40 this week, but is as fresh and powerful as when it came out. NPR has a story on the album and its impact. You can hear the whole of this amazing album right here. … [Read more...] about Dark Side of the Moon turns 40
Edgar Rice Burroughs and Frank Frazetta
When I was in the 7th grade I discovered Edgar Rice Burroughs. My fascination with his stories continued through high school. There was of course Tarzan but there was also Barsoom and Pelucider not to mention Venus. Silly fantasy but it could have been worse - I might have become interested in Ayn Rand. Burroughs was a master of "graphic prose." It is said that a picture … [Read more...] about Edgar Rice Burroughs and Frank Frazetta
Mitt Romney – Still Unprincipled
The Quote of the day comes from Daniel Larison reacting to Romney's comment that the 47% remark was not really what he believed. Of course, it never mattered whether Romney “really” believed what he was saying, because it became clear years ago that he would have said almost anything to win. In that case, it was a good bet that Romney was always more likely to lie to his … [Read more...] about Mitt Romney – Still Unprincipled
Indian Women Use Smartphones to ‘Pin the Creeps’
Indian women use smartphones to 'pin the creeps' (via AFP) With virtual bodyguards, panic buttons and maps to pinpoint harassment blackspots, women in urban India are using their smartphones for protection after a notorious gang-rape in New Delhi. Interest in safety apps and websites has surged since the fatal December attack, in which a 23-year-old student… … [Read more...] about Indian Women Use Smartphones to ‘Pin the Creeps’
Evernote Security Breach Announcement Includes One (Big) Stumble
You've heard by now that Evernote had a major security breach and is forcing its customers to reset passwords... 50 million accounts. What you may not have realized is that Evernote's email announcing the problem - a much more transparent and prompt response to the issue than most of the tech giants who preceded them down this path - included what looked like a spoofed link … [Read more...] about Evernote Security Breach Announcement Includes One (Big) Stumble
(Updates) Homeless Female Veterans: All Too Often, a ‘Double Betrayal of Trust’
UPDATE II: Reacting to the New York Times article discussed below on women who have been sexually assaulted while in the military and who are now the victims of another injustice: homelessness — sometimes as a consequence of the assaults and trauma they endured while in service -- and sometimes also fall into the drug and alcohol abuse trap, Heather Mac Donald at the … [Read more...] about (Updates) Homeless Female Veterans: All Too Often, a ‘Double Betrayal of Trust’
Mitt Romney: Obamacare was Very Attractive to Minority, Low-Income Voters in Helping Obama Win Reelection
Mr. 47 Percent is back and vowing not to go away. He is still clinging to his insensitive position that President Obama's gifts helped him win reelection. Um, Mitt Romney is obviously a hard learner. He told "Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace that the "The president had the power of incumbency, 'Obamacare' was very attractive, particularly to those without insurance, and they … [Read more...] about Mitt Romney: Obamacare was Very Attractive to Minority, Low-Income Voters in Helping Obama Win Reelection
Europe Cleans Up – and Weighs in – at 2013 Oscars (Neue Zuercher Zeitung, Switzerland)
Europe is preening itself over its winnings at the 2013 Academy Awards. And according to columnist Susanne Ostwald of Switzerland's Neue Zuercher Zeitung, Europeans are more enthusiastic about the awards than ever, since thanks to fast global distribution, European moviegoers now get to see all the movies that are nominated before the Oscars are handed out. For … [Read more...] about Europe Cleans Up – and Weighs in – at 2013 Oscars (Neue Zuercher Zeitung, Switzerland)
Dennis Rodman Dismisses North Korean Prison Camps by Saying We Do the Same Things in the U.S.
Former NBA star Dennis Rodman had a testy exchange with ABC's "This Week" with George Stephanopoulous over his controversial trip to North Korea and his comment that Kim Jong-Un is his "friend for life." Rodman downplayed the trip saying he's not a diplomat. George Stephanopoulous challenged Dennis Rodman (a huge waste of time) on North Korea's atrocious human rights record, to … [Read more...] about Dennis Rodman Dismisses North Korean Prison Camps by Saying We Do the Same Things in the U.S.
Readers’ Comments: ‘The Nasty Effect’
I just praised a couple of our readers for the enjoyable, civil thread of comments on an article here at TMV. Ergo, a column this morning at the New York Times does not apply here, but it is nevertheless interesting and something our readers may want to browse. It is about how the internet at last provided “a public sphere with unlimited potential for reasoned debate and … [Read more...] about Readers’ Comments: ‘The Nasty Effect’