Bomb Iran? Ex Secretary of Defense Robert Gates says don't do it. Painting a picture of internal political dysfunction in a dangerous world, former Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned Wednesday night that a U.S. or Israeli attack on Iran would have disastrous consequences. Neither the United States nor Israel is capable of wiping out Iran's nuclear capability, he said, … [Read more...] about Bomb Iran – Don’t Do It
Remembering Steve
On the Apple homepage this morning, a remembrance Steve of Jobs' passing one year ago, on October 5, 2011, from Apple CEO Tim Cook: Steve’s passing one year ago today was a sad and difficult time for all of us. I hope that today everyone will re?ect on his extraordinary life and the many ways he made the world a better place. One of the greatest gifts Steve gave to the … [Read more...] about Remembering Steve
How Romney “Won” the First Debate
I want to clarify something. I was angry the other night. Mitt spent the better part of the debate lying, and you could see in his eyes how hard he was trying, and I even saw signs of rage and desperation, and the president, while pointing out some of those lies and misrepresentations, never really found his stride. And then there was the post-debate commentary, which was … [Read more...] about How Romney “Won” the First Debate
James Bond Plus 50
After a few days of debate politics I thought it would be nice to take a lighter note for a while. Today marks the 50th anniversary of the premiere of Dr. No, the first James Bond movie (well I know some would debate that but most pretty much accept Dr. No as the first). Here are a few Bond videos to enjoy, please chime in with your own personal favorite memories. Also if … [Read more...] about James Bond Plus 50
New Jobs Report: Unemployment Below 8% For First Time in Four Years (UPDATED 2)
The new jobs report is out and its the best in four years: unemployment has now dropped to 7.8 percent: The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 7.8 percent last month, dropping below 8 percent for the first time in nearly four years. The rate fell because more people found work, a trend that could impact the presidential election. The Labor Department says employers added … [Read more...] about New Jobs Report: Unemployment Below 8% For First Time in Four Years (UPDATED 2)
Mitt Romney and Spain: Is Ours a Failing Brand? (El Pais, Spain)
In the presidential debate on Wednesday, it looks like Mitt Romney struck a nerve when he cited Spain as an example that America shouldn't follow. For Spain's El Pais, columnist Antonio Estella wonders aloud about why Romney would cite Spain as a nation in which government takes up too much of the nation's output. Pointing out that there are other countries, like Sweden, … [Read more...] about Mitt Romney and Spain: Is Ours a Failing Brand? (El Pais, Spain)
US Unemployment Rate Falls to 7.8 Percent in September, 114K Jobs Added
US Jobless Rate: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the unemployment rate decreased to 7.8 percent in September, and total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 114,000. Employment increased in health care and in transportation and warehousing but changed little in most other major industries. The unemployment rate in the black community ticks down to 13.4 … [Read more...] about US Unemployment Rate Falls to 7.8 Percent in September, 114K Jobs Added
The Name’s Bond, James Bond: 007 Marks 50 years
The name's Bond, James Bond: 007 marks 50 years (via AFP) James Bond fans on Friday celebrated 50 years of the suave British spy's adventures on the silver screen with a day of 007-themed events around the world. Bond appeared in a film for the first time in the now classic "Dr. No", released on October 5, 1962, introducing himself with the immortal line "… … [Read more...] about The Name’s Bond, James Bond: 007 Marks 50 years
Comeback Path for Obama’s Smarts
I feel like Holly Hunter today. I wonder if Barack Obama does, too. As a know-it-all in “Broadcast News,” Hunter is accused, “It must be nice to always feel you’re the smartest person in the room.” With a stricken look, she answers, “No, it’s awful.” Looking back, pre-debate qualms about the President’s performance make me feel bad, not prescient. Too much is at stake for … [Read more...] about Comeback Path for Obama’s Smarts
I Come From the Hardworking Worthless 47%: “The Million Mile March… Continuing As We Speak”
THE MILLION MILE MARCH... CONTINUING AS WE SPEAK Whenever i read pop opinion about “the baby boomers,” even though i came to earth in the first flash of the largest boom ever known to mankind-- not the fools who say 'oh so many babies born from men home from war' (they never mention the poignant drive to try to make life after having seen/made such … [Read more...] about I Come From the Hardworking Worthless 47%: “The Million Mile March… Continuing As We Speak”
Chutzpah, thy name is Romney
Mitt Romney is repudiating his 47 percent speech. I said something that was just completely wrong. He's not apologizing. Nope. I simply misspoke, Romney told Hannity on Fox News. Well, clearly in a campaign with hundreds if not thousands of speeches and question and answer sessions, now and then, you are going to say something that doesn’t come out … [Read more...] about Chutzpah, thy name is Romney
Feathers Fly After Romney Takes Aim at Big Bird
Feathers fly after Romney takes aim at Big Bird (via AFP) Mitt Romney took it on the beak Thursday after threatening to pull the plug on America's public television service and, by extension, its beloved "Sesame Street" character Big Bird. In a statement, PBS -- which airs such programming as "Downton Abbey" and "Sesame Street" without commercials -- said… … [Read more...] about Feathers Fly After Romney Takes Aim at Big Bird
Obama Plays Catch-up After Lethargic Debate
Obama plays catch-up after lethargic debate (via AFP) President Barack Obama spent Thursday firing off the lines he missed in his debate with Mitt Romney, clawing at his Republican foe in a bid to deprive him of a well-earned polling boost. Obama pounded out attacks at big rallies in Colorado and Wisconsin and was energetic, combative and concise, the… … [Read more...] about Obama Plays Catch-up After Lethargic Debate
Last Night’s Presidential Debate: By the Numbers (Updated)
UPDATE: Over at the Washington Post, Sean Sullivan has published a piece looking at presidential debate numbers -- from a different slant. For example: * 52 (Number of times the word “Medicare” was uttered): Reminders that disagreements over the future of entitlements remain a central focus in this campaign were everywhere Wednesday, as Obama hit Romney over his plan … [Read more...] about Last Night’s Presidential Debate: By the Numbers (Updated)
Go On: NBC’s Matthew Perry Vehicle Consistently Falls Short
With the end of The Office and 30Rock on the horizon, I've been looking for a couple new shows to DVR in their place. With this in mind, I decided to give the inaugural season of Go On a try. This decision probably had less to do with my volition and more to do with NBC promoting the show between every single Michael Phelps Olympic highlight. My Pavlovian brain just couldn't … [Read more...] about Go On: NBC’s Matthew Perry Vehicle Consistently Falls Short
Romney Campaign Allows Small Mom-Pop Shop, Rosa Linda’s, to Flounder After Their Refusing to Host Campaign Stop for MR
Yes, "the great job creator" Romney, has not bent to help a small mom and pop business in Denver that he and his campaign put in harm's way when the small restaurant in Denver did not want him to use their small neighborhood space for a campaign stop. Romney & campaign did not rush to refute nor correct false stories circulating that the small restaurant did not refuse … [Read more...] about Romney Campaign Allows Small Mom-Pop Shop, Rosa Linda’s, to Flounder After Their Refusing to Host Campaign Stop for MR
Mitt Romney’s Debate Win: Tainted by Outright (Ahem) Mistruths?
There now seems to be a new qualifier on Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Rommey's big win over President Barack Obama: pundits are increasingly panning him on substance..and truth. According to Buzzfeed, the Dems are now going to re-calibrate their strategy on Romney: President Barack Obama and his aides rapidly reversed their strategic course Thursday morning, … [Read more...] about Mitt Romney’s Debate Win: Tainted by Outright (Ahem) Mistruths?
Giving Romney an Opening
DENVER -- I would be careful about declaring the presidential contest "a whole new race" following Wednesday's debate. Polls show that most voters have made up their minds, and some, due to early voting, have already cast their ballots. One good night for Mitt Romney does not turn the world upside down. But make no mistake, it was a very good night for Romney -- and … [Read more...] about Giving Romney an Opening
Broken California
Living in California has many benefits: good weather (except the summer), nice surroundings, fun places to visit, a generally laid back lifestyle. But there are some serious negatives, the most notable of which is wondering just how long it will be before the entire system collapses. Rising debt, rising taxes, crumbling infrastructure and utterly inept politicians are just a … [Read more...] about Broken California
David Axelrod Assesses Debate on Conference Call
Time's Mark Halperin has some details of a conference call Obama campaign maven David Axelrod had with reporters this morning. Some key points: On the President’s failure to raise Romney’s 47% remarks: “He made a choice last night to answer the questions that were asked.” On Romney’s performance: ”He may win the Oscar for his performance last night, but he’s not going … [Read more...] about David Axelrod Assesses Debate on Conference Call