Some are calling it the worlds first billion dollar home, though the bulk of that price is land value so I think it a tad deceptive. However as noted in this 2008 article it is pretty over the top, even for the mega rich. The home features a 160 car garage, a 50 seat movie theater, *three* helipads (with ATC center of course), and will have a 600 member staff. The … [Read more...] about Indian Billionaire Builds 27 Story Home
‘I Witnessed the U.S. Syphilis Experiments’: Prensa Libre of Guatemala
Posting articles like these is no pleasure. But part of the practice of journalism is to alert the public to things they might not want to see or hear, and which, in our judgment as journalists, they ought to see or hear. Global reaction to how the United States government intentionally infected unknowing Guatemalans and perhaps even American troops - is one such … [Read more...] about ‘I Witnessed the U.S. Syphilis Experiments’: Prensa Libre of Guatemala
Wall Street Tells Homeowners To Shut Up and Pay Or Get Out
Today’s lead story on NBC: Wall Street tells homeowners to pay their damn mortgages and stop whining about foreclosures even though the bank’s system of processing them is messed up. Me to Wall Street: Screw you. Deals can be struck. Meet Darrell. He is now working as a medical transportation driver before he lost his job. Three years ago, Darrell bought a new home in … [Read more...] about Wall Street Tells Homeowners To Shut Up and Pay Or Get Out
Is Manchin Experiencing The Weld Syndrome ?
One of the possible surprises of the 2010 campaign is the US Senate race in West Virginia. When Robert Byrd died and the special election was set most expected Governor Manchin to win the race with ease over perennial candidate John Raese. But polls have shown the race quite close, with Manchin trailing in some polls. Although there are obviously a lot of factors at play, … [Read more...] about Is Manchin Experiencing The Weld Syndrome ?
Bill O’Reilly Makes Joy Behar and Whoopie Goldberg So Angry They Walk Off the Set
Bill O'Reilly got Joy Bihar and Whoopie Goldberg so angry they walked off the set. He later apologized and they came back. The subject: the Mosque at Ground Zero: … [Read more...] about Bill O’Reilly Makes Joy Behar and Whoopie Goldberg So Angry They Walk Off the Set
NPR No, No on “John” Stewart
Long-time admirers of National Public Radio (including moi) may be taken aback by a recent memo from Ellen Weiss, Senior Vice President for News: "NPR journalists may not participate in marches and rallies involving causes or issues that NPR covers, nor should they sign petitions or otherwise lend their name to such causes, or contribute money to them. This restriction … [Read more...] about NPR No, No on “John” Stewart
The Roof is On Fire: Thoughts on Foreclosure Fraud
Tuesday, the President said we don't need a moratorium on foreclosures. Indeed, the statement said the administration was concerned about unintended consequences. Wednesday, the states rendered his opinion irrelevant. Forty states -- no, 49! -- no, all 50!* -- state Attorneys General have opened investigations into mortgage fraud. It should surprise nobody if one of the first … [Read more...] about The Roof is On Fire: Thoughts on Foreclosure Fraud
Rising Independent Voter Registration, Open Primaries, and a new Freedom Party
Pollsters and election statisticians have turned an eye to registration numbers in an effort to keep their heads above water in the sea change that is taking place in American politics. More people are becoming independent, choosing candidates not parties. There's chatter about a third party... And as Jackie Salit pointed out in her recent Report from the President at … [Read more...] about Rising Independent Voter Registration, Open Primaries, and a new Freedom Party
Chilean Miners Replaced by World’s Worst Television Show
In a surprising but heavily lauded move, Chilean officials are lowering the cast of Jersey Shore into the now vacant mine. If all goes well, the cast of Dancing with the Stars is soon to follow. … [Read more...] about Chilean Miners Replaced by World’s Worst Television Show
Paladino Now Loses Gay and Anti-Gay Vote
New York Tea Party movement favorite and GOP candidate for Governor Carl Paladino now seems to be someone who's bringing him to together: it sounds now as if he could lose the gay and the anti-gay vote: Carl P. Paladino and an Orthodox rabbi from Brooklyn has fallen apart, with the rabbi denouncing Mr. Paladino on Wednesday for his apology over remarks he had made about … [Read more...] about Paladino Now Loses Gay and Anti-Gay Vote
More on Originalist Cherry-Picking
Columbia University historian Eric Foner was a guest this week on Fresh Air. He discussed his new book, The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery. Towards the end of the interview Terry Gross asked his opinion of the originalist interpretation of the Constitution: The originalists try to go back to the original Constitution, but they have little to say about the … [Read more...] about More on Originalist Cherry-Picking
For Dick Cheney Shooting Someone in the Face Means Never Having to Say You’re Sorry
The Washington Post has this fascinating piece about what has happened to Harry Whittington, the man then Vice Dick Cheney shot in the face in a hunting accident in 2006 -- leaving Whittington with scars, a somewhat changed voice, and a huge relief that he no longer has to listen to late night comedians using Cheney shooting him as a punch line. What's most glaring about the … [Read more...] about For Dick Cheney Shooting Someone in the Face Means Never Having to Say You’re Sorry
Crazy Carl and the Limits of Anger
NEW YORK -- Having long been one of the proud tough guys of New York politics, Andrew Cuomo, the state's attorney general, finds himself with a Republican opponent in this year's governor's race who makes him look like St. Francis of Assisi. To call Carl Paladino brash and a loudmouth understates the case. The New York Daily News has taken to referring to the … [Read more...] about Crazy Carl and the Limits of Anger
CNN Wins One Ratings Race
CNN was the most watched network for the Chile mine disaster rescue coverage during the first hour when some miners were brought to the surface.. CNN became big with its breaking news coverage. Could this be a harbinger of things to come under its new leadership? … [Read more...] about CNN Wins One Ratings Race
Some People Are Dumb
....and seemingly heartless. … [Read more...] about Some People Are Dumb
Washington and Change: Cash You Can Believe In (Guest Voice)
Washington and Change: Cash You Can Believe In by Michael Winship "Somebody once said the Washington was a city of Northern charm and Southern efficiency." So John F. Kennedy famously remarked in 1961 and so the town seemed to remain when I first moved there in 1969 to go to school. Clerks in dusty stores moved with the majestic inertia of tall ships becalmed. You … [Read more...] about Washington and Change: Cash You Can Believe In (Guest Voice)
Chile Mine Rescue
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Chile Mine Rescue
Supreme Court Question Stumps Christine O’Donnell (UPDATED)
In answering a question at her Delaware Senate debate tonight with Democrat Chris Coons Tea Party movement favorite Christine O'Donnell stumbled badly: This won't help her in her race with Coons -- who is some 19 points ahead of her. She had some other problems in the debate, too: O'Donnell said her controversial past statements, including that she had "dabbled in … [Read more...] about Supreme Court Question Stumps Christine O’Donnell (UPDATED)
Huffington Post Calls For 60-70 Loss In House
Not exactly a pro GOP rag, they are calling for a 60-70 seat gain by the GOP in November. Of course one could argue they are highballing things to make it look better if the GOP gains 40-50 seats. I still remain in the camp thinking this sweep may not be as big as some think. Polls are often self perpetuating and people decide differently in the voting booth (or living … [Read more...] about Huffington Post Calls For 60-70 Loss In House
He Loves Paying His Taxes
Rich Benjamin, a senior fellow at Demos, writing in USA Today: Every spring I pay a visit to Howard Carlin, my tax accountant, to settle my dues. Howard's upbeat personality, peppered with quirky quips, lightens the proceedings. Click, click, click, go his rapid-motion fingers. The numbers whir on screen like a digital slot machine. Up pops a figure. "See?" Howard chimes. … [Read more...] about He Loves Paying His Taxes