She was never boring. In movies, novels and essays, Nora Ephron, who died yesterday at 71, had a gift for breathing life and wit into everything she touched. We met cute. On the day Lynda Bird Johnson came to work for me at McCalls in 1966, I found Ephron, a reporter for the New York Post, wandering the office corridors and threw her out of the building. A few years … [Read more...] about Mourning Nora Ephron
Israelis and Russians Bound Again by Battle Against Nazis (Kommersant, Russia)
Israel President Shimon Peres may be the most effective Western weapon for getting Russia to more-strongly support keeping nukes from Iran. On President Valdimir Putin's surprisingly warm visit to Israel on Monday, Israelis in the person of Peres gave the world an impressive lesson on the exercise of soft power. According to this news account from Russia's Kommersant, by … [Read more...] about Israelis and Russians Bound Again by Battle Against Nazis (Kommersant, Russia)
Impossible to Predict the Supreme Court Health Care Ruling
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Is Obama a Remorseless Campaigner, a Real Pol?
No remorse? A deft politician? A Chicago pol? He'd better be! The last thing we need is George Washington, says historian Gil Troy. “I find it appalling that a lot of well-established people don’t understand how important political skills are to governing,” James Carville, Clinton’s chief strategist, complained. If you don’t win, “you are never going to get anything … [Read more...] about Is Obama a Remorseless Campaigner, a Real Pol?
Disorder in the Court
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How Much Does Immigration Really Matter to Hispanic Voters?
How much does immigration really matter to Hispanic voters? A roundup is HERE. … [Read more...] about How Much Does Immigration Really Matter to Hispanic Voters?
Clear Choice
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Serious Immigration Reform on Back Burner (Again)
The Supreme Court's landmark ruling on Arizona's controversial immigration law caused initial media disagreement over its meaning. Actually, there's confusion over an even bigger issue. Some stories called the ruling a victory for the Obama administration since the court scuttled three quarters of the law. Others insisted Arizona triumphed because the court didn't strike … [Read more...] about Serious Immigration Reform on Back Burner (Again)
The News That Is Not Fact; The Fact That Is Not News
"OMEN, n. A sign that something will happen if nothing happens." ~ Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary Tea Partiers protesting CNN's news, as it followed the astroturf "Tea Party Express" phony grass-roots circus act in 2010. We begin with the news about the news [emphasis added]: CNN's Primetime Ratings Sink to 20-Year Low 10:56 AM PDT 6/26/2012 by Michael O'Connell … [Read more...] about The News That Is Not Fact; The Fact That Is Not News
Hatch And Rangel Win
Two long time incumbents facing potential defeat in primary contests tonight have won renomination (and in effect re-election). In New York long time Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel easily defeated several contenders. In Utah GOP Senator Hatch beat back a challenge from a tea party candidate. Both will easily win in November. … [Read more...] about Hatch And Rangel Win
Chick Flicks For Everyone
I used to dread Saturday nights when my wife would drag me to a "chick flick." The exception was Nora Ephron films. When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle made me both laugh and cry and Julie and Julia was a real treat. Well RIP Nora Ephron: Nora Ephron, an essayist and humorist in the Dorothy Parker mold (only smarter and funnier, some said) who became one of her … [Read more...] about Chick Flicks For Everyone
Stockton California To File Bankruptcy (UPDATED)
UPDATE: After 5 plus hours of meeting the City Council has votes 6-1 to authorize the filing of a Chapter 9 bankruptcy petition. Said petition to be filed this week, most likely tomorrow. *********************************************************************************** The city council is still meeting to make it official but the city of Stockton will tonight authorize … [Read more...] about Stockton California To File Bankruptcy (UPDATED)
Watch the First Episode of HBO’s “The Newsroom”
WASHINGTON - THE FIRST EPISODE is brilliant, Aaron Sorkin at his finest. HBO has uploaded the entire episode on YouTube, though it's non-embeddable, so watch it while it lasts. Jeff Daniels reminds me of the image of Keith Olbermann when he last left Current TV, in the wake of MSNBC. The Daniel's character, Will McAvoy, this lumbering, over-sized ego and talent trying to … [Read more...] about Watch the First Episode of HBO’s “The Newsroom”
Romney Bus Circles and Honks At Obama Once Again
Talk about lowering the bar on the behavior of a major candidate. Here we go again: For the second time in as many weeks, Mitt Romney's campaign taunted President Barack Obama outside a speech. Romney's campaign bus circled Obama's fundraiser at Boston Symphony Hall Monday night several times, according to Romney deputy press secretary Ryan Williams and verified by … [Read more...] about Romney Bus Circles and Honks At Obama Once Again
Quote of the Day: After Initial Fumble On SCOTUS Arizona Immigration Law Ruling Romney Begins Moving Towards Center On Immigration Reform
Our political Quote of the Day comes from First Read which notes that after an initial fumble, presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney has begun to shift on immigration reform in light of the Supreme Court's slap-down of Arizona's immigration law, which Romney heartily endorsed during the primaries. *** Mitt be (not so) nimble, Mitt be (not so) quick: If there is a … [Read more...] about Quote of the Day: After Initial Fumble On SCOTUS Arizona Immigration Law Ruling Romney Begins Moving Towards Center On Immigration Reform
Terrorism Against American Bloggers Continues?
Aaron Walker says he was SWATted again last night. Attorney Patrick Frey corroborates. If history is any guide, Walker will produce full documentation as soon as it's available. I have become increasingly alarmed at the hostile environment bloggers are finding themselves working under today. I recently purchased pre-paid legal services in part to be ready to defend myself … [Read more...] about Terrorism Against American Bloggers Continues?
The Mystery Unfolds of Poland’s ‘Extraterritorial’ CIA Prison (Gazeta Wyborcza, Poland)
It has been going on for years: Poland prosecutors have been looking into the issue of whether a secret CIA-run prison, in which 'renditioned' prisoners were subjected to 'enhanced interrogation techniques,' had the legal approval of Polish officials. According to this article from Poland's Gazeta Wyborcza, details of the long-sought agreement that made the prison possible have … [Read more...] about The Mystery Unfolds of Poland’s ‘Extraterritorial’ CIA Prison (Gazeta Wyborcza, Poland)
Challenging Preconceptions
...with an oft-unspoken reality. (Discussion, if desired, here.) … [Read more...] about Challenging Preconceptions
Defense Update: Tensions over Syrian Downing of Turkish Fighter Jet (UPDATED)
UPDATE: The Washington Post: NATO on Tuesday condemned the downing of a Turkish jet by Syria as “completely unacceptable,” and Turkey put Syria on notice that it would retaliate for any future violations along its border. The act was “another example of the Syrian government’s disregard for international norms of peace, security and human life,” NATO said in Brussels … [Read more...] about Defense Update: Tensions over Syrian Downing of Turkish Fighter Jet (UPDATED)
Arizona and US Immigration Policy
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