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
Jim Lehrer: Fresh new wonderful way of debate…. wasnt.
Not meant to be disrespectful, and not said in anger. But/and Mr. Lehrer is in his eighth decade and his memory of the past, especially would be valuable in a book [more books], say. He had a great run striving daily to be before much of the public. He has a lot of laurels. Though he is no longer news anchor at PBS, he said he 'reluctantly agreed' to moderate this debate. That … [Read more...] about Jim Lehrer: Fresh new wonderful way of debate…. wasnt.
KitchenAid USA in Damage Control Mode Over Tweet Mocking Obama’s Dead Grandmother
KitchenAid USA is in damage control mode after a tweet from their official Twitter account mocked President Obama's dead grandmother, Madelyn Lee Payne Dunham, during the presidential debate, saying she's lucky to have died before he ascended the presidency. Um, people are already saying they won't support KitchenAid in the future over this. KitchenAid USA issues … [Read more...] about KitchenAid USA in Damage Control Mode Over Tweet Mocking Obama’s Dead Grandmother
Damage Control for Obama After Lackluster Debate
Damage control for Obama after lackluster debate (via AFP) Mitt Romney tore into Wednesday's first presidential debate with the driving passion of a man who thinks he is losing an election. President Barack Obama appeared every inch the battered incumbent, drained by four painful years, apparently playing it safe because -- until Wednesday at least -- he … [Read more...] about Damage Control for Obama After Lackluster Debate