Updated: 1.12 pm Pacific Many folks on Twitter, Facebook, GooglePlus and various online forums in the English-speaking world are outraged that, as @PiersMorgan (who has a million followers) tweeted, "this inhuman psychotic killer can only be jailed for a maximum of 21 years" [1]. Although it's a great soundbite that is guaranteed to generate teeth gnashing (and retweets, 100+ … [Read more...] about Meme Correction: Norwegians Can Be Incarcerated For More Than 21 Years For Murder
My Favorite Comedian: John Pinette
As someone who dabbles in show biz at an admittedly different level, I have had a lifelong passion for comedy. And I mean comedy dating back to the silents, to the great comedy teams, vaudeville comedy, burlesque, early TV comedy and stand up. But there is one comedian today who I increasingly feel is not fully appreciated for the genius he is and his ability to keep getting … [Read more...] about My Favorite Comedian: John Pinette
Marriages In New York
I cannot imagine anyone not smiling at something as sweet as this … [Read more...] about Marriages In New York
A True Hero
For many of us Sunday is supposed to be a day of humility. Well this story certainly humbles me, for here is a truly great human being. … [Read more...] about A True Hero
Taliban Hung 8 Year Old Boy to Get Back At Father
The world is increasingly brutal, yet when you read something such as this you realize that despite being in the 21st century there are some who have absolutely no compassion -- and that we should not forget who we and others are fighting against. Suspected members of the Taliban on Friday hung the 8-year-old son of a local police commander in southern Afghanistan after … [Read more...] about Taliban Hung 8 Year Old Boy to Get Back At Father
Some more on “My Military Service Made Me Do It”
Many have been offended by Rep. Allen West’s (R-FL) disgusting and unnecessary verbal attack on a fellow, lady Representative---an attack for which he has “steadfastly” refused to apologize. Some were also offended by the Congressman’s sleazy use of these very same insults for fundraising purposes. Others have found quite reprehensible this former military officer’s … [Read more...] about Some more on “My Military Service Made Me Do It”
The Great Market Plunge (A Poem)
Before the opening gong, There'll come to a new trading day, News of a swoon in Hong Kong, Fears sov'reign bonds might not pay; Profits, but draped with stark warnings, Earnings, but sales that fell, ?Inflation, again prices spawning, Fears, talking heads can not quell; The Fed once again to the fore, Will step up and bravely declare, We won’t, this new crisis … [Read more...] about The Great Market Plunge (A Poem)
Sometimes the News Isn’t All Grim
Sometimes it makes us laugh: … [Read more...] about Sometimes the News Isn’t All Grim
Death and Taxes, Then and Now
Try this for perspective on the two great inevitabilities of life: At my birth, life expectancy was 58 years. For a baby today, it’s over 75. When I started earning in the Eisenhower era, the top tax rate was 84 percent rather than the current 35, and hardly anyone complained. The only audible grumbles came from cartoon figures in upper-crust men's clubs and, on one … [Read more...] about Death and Taxes, Then and Now
Amy Winehouse – RIP
I'm an old fart and shouldn't have liked Amy Winehouse but I did. She was troubled but talented.. Yes a really nice take on a classic. Yes she had some stuff that wasn't so classic but much of that was really good too. Vincent Van Gough cut off his ear - Jimmy Hendrix and Amy Winehouse OD. … [Read more...] about Amy Winehouse – RIP
Rep Wu May Finally Be Gone
Looks like the latest accusations (this time of rape) may finally force quasi insane Congressman David Wu (D-OR) to resign. If he does step down it is unlikely the seat would change parties. … [Read more...] about Rep Wu May Finally Be Gone
Norway: the scariest reaction
The scariest reaction to economic despondency and fear of immigrants is starting to happen in Europe. It has struck with ruthless shock and awe in a country that is among the continent's most homogeneous. The killings by an over six-foot blond Norwegian using the automatic weapons and fertilizer bombs favored by self-motivated terrorists have sent a message that rigid … [Read more...] about Norway: the scariest reaction
Time To End The Debt Ceiling Game. Time For Obama To Invoke The 14th Amendment
No local, state or federal law can violate the U.S. Constitution. Neither can a policy of Congress. The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that this country's public debt "shall not be questioned." Obviously, because of disagreements between congress and the president over the federal budget, the country's public debt IS being questioned. So... So this coming … [Read more...] about Time To End The Debt Ceiling Game. Time For Obama To Invoke The 14th Amendment
The Attack in Norway and Jumping the Gun on Blaming Islamists
James Fallows sounds upset that bloggers jumped the gun in speculating that al-Qaeda or Islamic terrorists were responsible for the attack in Oslo yesterday: No, this is a sobering reminder for those who think it's too tedious to reserve judgment about horrifying events rather than instantly turning them into talking points for pre-conceived views. On a per capita basis, … [Read more...] about The Attack in Norway and Jumping the Gun on Blaming Islamists
The Best Photographs of the Week
The best photographics of the week: a gallery via RealClearWorld. … [Read more...] about The Best Photographs of the Week
Book Lover’s Lament: Closing The Wrong Borders (Guest Voice)
Book Lover's Lament: Closing The Wrong Borders Tyrades! By Danny Tyree Sometimes coincidences can really dampen your spirits. This week I was driving around with a CD that features Johnny Cash lamenting "I don't like it, but I guess things happen that way." Then I learned that the Borders bookstore chain will be shutting down completely by the end of September. One of … [Read more...] about Book Lover’s Lament: Closing The Wrong Borders (Guest Voice)
Obama, Boehner, Tea Party
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Obama, Boehner, Tea Party
How Right is the Right?
As the right jams its utopian economic theory down America’s throat, polls indicate many Americans have begun to question the historical economic basis for the right-wing’s claims. As politicians from both sides of the political spectrum seem to be drinking Eric Cantor’s Kool-Aid, out here in Middle America, our natural sensibility toward the middle of political thought is … [Read more...] about How Right is the Right?
More Than 90 Killed In Norwegian Shooting, Bombing
Update: 1.47 am Pacific, 26 July : the number killed has been revised downward to 76 Update, 2.40 am Pacific, 23 July via Twitter: Utøya shooting eyewitnesses describe two gunmen - more @ http://t.co/qG4Hzan (in Norwegian) #news According to Reuters, at least 84 young people were killed Friday at youth camp on Utoeya. In addition, seven victims were killed earlier when a … [Read more...] about More Than 90 Killed In Norwegian Shooting, Bombing
And Now a Bit of Borscht Belt (Classic Comedy)
A comedy classic: quick one liners, corny and all from Henny Youngman (a 1966 TV appearance).Note the joke about Mitt Romney's dad: He kept it up for years: I love this segment where he heckles Milton Berle. Classic vaudeville: … [Read more...] about And Now a Bit of Borscht Belt (Classic Comedy)