At over 30 pages in print (26 on the web) and 23,000+ words, Lawrence Wright's massive investigation of The Church of Scientology, The Apostate: Paul Haggis vs. the Church of Scientology, is a long read. And a devastating expose. Haggis, an academy award-winning screenwriter and director who was a member of the Church he now calls a "cult" for 34 years, rose through … [Read more...] about Scientology: One Scary Religion
Mubarack Runs
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Mubarack Runs
Independent Voters in Major Conference in New York City: A Growing (But Dissed or Taken for Granted) Movement
New York, NY -- It's a low key gathering of concerned citizens young and old, former members of the two political parties who were in office and quickly became disillusioned about the priority placed on partisanship over real reform and solid policy, longtime organizers who've been trying (fruitlessly) for years to establish a strong third party or strong independent party, … [Read more...] about Independent Voters in Major Conference in New York City: A Growing (But Dissed or Taken for Granted) Movement
Is Political Freedom Contagious?
Just as Tunisia ignited Egypt, how far will their example go in the wider Arab world, where many join in celebration of Mubarak's overthrow? Could Iran be next? A parallel comes to mind from half a century ago. Just as social media played a big role in this month's events, TV in its infancy enabled the civil rights movement in the U.S. The young protesters in Cairo, with … [Read more...] about Is Political Freedom Contagious?
Lady Gaga: Born This Way
Nitsuh Abebe got up at five-thirty yesterday morning for the release of the new Lady Gaga anthem, Born This Way. Gaga's first new song in over a year, it shot straight to Number 1 in 21 countries. Bound to have Pride crowds dancing from coast to coast and around the globe come summer, the single does not disappoint: [W]e’d already seen the lyrics to “Born This Way,” and I … [Read more...] about Lady Gaga: Born This Way
It’s Mostly About Food
Unless you are Glenn Beck you probably see the demonstrations in Egypt as a revolt against tyranny. I suggested here a few days ago that it might be more about unemployment and the skyrocketing price of food. I'm not alone in thinking that. The western media may be obsessing with social media but believe me this isn't the thing you are focusing on if you don't have enough … [Read more...] about It’s Mostly About Food
Algeria Next?
Nick Kristof retweets this cellphone video of police pushing back protesters today in Algeria: Thousands of police flooded the Algerian capital of Algiers Saturday. The BBC's Chloe Arnold, "It feels as though every policeman in the country has been drafted in and given riot gear." Reports from AP, CNN, NPR and The Guardian. … [Read more...] about Algeria Next?
Live Streaming National Conference of Independents “Can Independents Reform America?”
Join Joe Gandelman and Nancy Hanks for live coverage of the national conference of independents coming to you from the Skirball Performing Arts Center at NYU in New York City. Watch live streaming video from hankster at livestream.com Hosted by the Committee for a Unified Independent Party (independentvoting.org) For more information, call 212-962-1699. … [Read more...] about Live Streaming National Conference of Independents “Can Independents Reform America?”
Egypt and Neoconservative Hypocrisy
If there's anyone who has no business lecturing anyone about peaceful regime change, it's Max Boot. Here he is, oozing condescension as he tells Egyptians that "the tweet is mightier than the sword" (emphasis is mine): … [Read more...] about Egypt and Neoconservative Hypocrisy
I’m Not A Conservative But…
Overheard at last night's Big Party at CPAC, co-sponsored by Andrew Breitbart and GOProud, Sophie B. Hawkins to Michael Steele: "I'm not a conservative," said Hawkins, "but I'd like to [expletive] Sarah Palin." Steele reacted quickly. "Well, she's very attractive," he said. For your Friday night listening pleasure, one of Sophie B.'s biggest hits, from 1992, Damn I Wish I … [Read more...] about I’m Not A Conservative But…
Egyptian History : A Short Timeline
There is celebration in the streets of Cairo today in response to the news that President Hosni Mubarak has resigned, handing the country over to the military. But what do you know of the events that led up to this historic day? Here's a brief timeline of Egyptian history, in classic reverse-chronological order. The timeline shows that we've been down this road (civil … [Read more...] about Egyptian History : A Short Timeline
Gibbs’ Departure Not The Biggest One Today (Video)
Today was White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs' last day on the job. “Obviously,’’ the president joked, “Gibbs’s departure is not the biggest one today.’’ A parting gift: When President Obama delivered the keynote address to the Democratic National Convention in 2004, he borrowed a pale blue tie from his press secretary Robert Gibbs, who has since gained a reputation for … [Read more...] about Gibbs’ Departure Not The Biggest One Today (Video)
High School Team Pays Tribute To Lost Brothers
It's just one of those stories that really make you feel good about people. … [Read more...] about High School Team Pays Tribute To Lost Brothers
Obama, Leaders Around the World React to Mubarak’s Resignation
President Obama has just given his reaction to the momentous and fast-moving events in Egypt. Some of his comments: There are very few moments in our lives where we have the privilege to witness history…The people of Egypt have spoken. Their voices have been heard... Egypt will never be the same...This is not the end of Egypt's transition. It is the … [Read more...] about Obama, Leaders Around the World React to Mubarak’s Resignation
Mubarak Out Egypt’s New Future In (News Blog Roundup)
And so what seemed last night to be the beginning of a national nightmare for Egypt-- poised to being with what was expected to be powderkeg demonstrations beginning today -- is over: embattled President Hosni Mubarak has left the Presidential building. Or, by some accounts swirling around on cable and radio, been kicked out of the building by the military which reportedly was … [Read more...] about Mubarak Out Egypt’s New Future In (News Blog Roundup)
Beyond the Roar of the Crowds
Matt Bai has a great article up today about the Republicans and the upcoming 2012 election. The temptation is to get a candidate that will fire up the base and wow the crowds. In doing so, Bai tells the GOP to remember what happened to the Democrats in 2004 with Howard Dean: Now flash forward to 2003, when another little-known governor from a small state, Howard Dean of … [Read more...] about Beyond the Roar of the Crowds
Food Shock!
I've been shopping at the same food market for years. It's not one of those fancy ones, with produce carefully and individually examined by certified food policemen. Nor is it one of those markets that feature an enormous selection of fine imported items and the choicest meats from around the world. It's just the kind of place where most Americans get their basic grits on a … [Read more...] about Food Shock!
Mubarak’s Resignation Date In History
Haroon Siddique liveblogging Mubarak's resignation: Mubarak picked an auspicious date to resign. On this day 32 years ago the Iranian revolution took place when the Shah's forces were overwhelmed. And 21 years ago today Nelson Mandela was freed by the apartheid regime in South Africa. Via. … [Read more...] about Mubarak’s Resignation Date In History
Strong Majorities Believe Marijuana Should Be Legalized, Taxed and Regulated
An Economist poll finds: A huge majority of Americans, more than two to one once don’t knows have been excluded, support the legalisation and taxation of marijuana. Even without excluding the don’t knows, a clear majority favours treating the drug equivalently to tobacco and alcohol. The data (see chart) reveal some interesting patterns. In every age group, more people … [Read more...] about Strong Majorities Believe Marijuana Should Be Legalized, Taxed and Regulated
Obama’s Tightrope Walk
"Rip van Winkle meets Facebook," the New York Times' Thomas Friedman nails the drama unfolding in Egypt as the White House struggles with the dilemma of how hard to shake Mubarak awake after his soporific speech "from the father to his sons and daughters." “The administration has to put everything on the line now,” says an official of Human Rights Watch, who has been … [Read more...] about Obama’s Tightrope Walk