From the (Albany) Times-Union: … [Read more...] about Whipping the Vote
Get A Vasectomy For March Madness ?
Seems it's a real big trend.... I suppose it make sense on some level … [Read more...] about Get A Vasectomy For March Madness ?
Goldfinger !
He's the man... the man with the Midas touch.... a spider's touch. … [Read more...] about Goldfinger !
Vote Comes Down To Stupak and Abortion
According to Firedoglake, the vote on health care reform now comes down to the Stupak block. Without them they are very unlikely to get to 216 yes votes. http://news.firedoglake.com/2010/03/19/teague-a-no-pelosi-would-have-to-run-the-table-without-stupak-bloc/ Of course to a degree the vote is more symbolic that anything else Many of the provisions won't take effect … [Read more...] about Vote Comes Down To Stupak and Abortion
For Once, Americans Should Just ‘Shut Up’!: Financial Times Deutschland, Germany
Since the global economic crisis began to ease, the U.S. has renewed its pleas to Beijing to allow the value of its currency, the yuan or remnimbi - to float freely, i.e.: to rise, which would make U.S. exports cheaper for Chinese consumers and reduce America's annual trade deficit with China. But Christiane von Hardenberg of the Financial Times Deutschland warns Americans … [Read more...] about For Once, Americans Should Just ‘Shut Up’!: Financial Times Deutschland, Germany
When ‘Security’ Obfuscates Transparency
Here's what happens when governments are not transparent, even for routine stuff as travel destinations billed taxpayers by members of the California Assembly and Senate. The excuse given by the Legislature's record-keeping officers were for "security" reasons even though the trips were already taken. The Associated Press, which has been on a crusade lately with a … [Read more...] about When ‘Security’ Obfuscates Transparency
This Bill Is About Health Care, Not Colonoscopies
Nancy Pelosi tells Bart Stupak that there will be no more deals on abortion language before the health care vote on Sunday: … [Read more...] about This Bill Is About Health Care, Not Colonoscopies
U.S. General Calls Into Question Dutch Military Effectiveness
The Dutch have a long and proud military history going back to at least the 16th century and even earlier if one considers the “Batavians”---fierce tribes who lived around the Rhine, in today’s the Netherlands---who were described by Tacitus as “the bravest of the tribes of the area, hardened in the Germanic border wars.” Dutch sailors and soldiers---straight and gay, I am … [Read more...] about U.S. General Calls Into Question Dutch Military Effectiveness
The Time Has Come The Survivor Said
This will be the most historically and monumental weekend that will answer the question of whether health care is a right or a personal responsibility since Congress passed similar safety net legislation on Social Security, Medicare, MediCaid and prescription drug subsidies for seniors. I'll defer the prestidigitation of the politics to MSNBC.com First Read whose … [Read more...] about The Time Has Come The Survivor Said
Sarah Palin’s Proposed Reality Show Now Has a Pricetag for A&E
Former Alaska Gov. and GOP political celebrity Sarah Palin apparently has A&E interested in her proposed reality show. She has reportedly put a pricetag on it: $1 million to $1.5 million per episode. (Power to the millionaire populists!) I wonder if the show could be seriously pitched at that price if it featured Eric Massa? (It would probably have to be shown on Showtime … [Read more...] about Sarah Palin’s Proposed Reality Show Now Has a Pricetag for A&E
Texas Should Be Kicked Out of the Union
Homer: And how is "education" supposed to make me feel smarter? Besides, every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain. Remember when I took that home wine-making course and I forgot how to drive? Marge: That's because you were drunk! Homer: And how. ********** WaPo: Historians on Tuesday criticized proposed revisions to the Texas … [Read more...] about Texas Should Be Kicked Out of the Union
Whip Count Update
According to The Hill, the current whip count estimates put the No side just one vote short. Of course these are only estimates, and presumably the House leadership would not set a vote unless they have the votes. The key would seem to be a possible compromise on abortion language However those quiet whispers about possible delays in the vote could start coming out … [Read more...] about Whip Count Update
March Madness Day 1- No Beast in the East
I know this is primarily a political site but occasionally I like to throw into the mix something else that is topical and of interest... Yesterday was the beginning day of the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament, known as "March Madness." There were some very good games on day 1. Some highlights include: The Big East got taken down a few notches with (#3) Georgetown … [Read more...] about March Madness Day 1- No Beast in the East
Thai Protesters Take to the Streets With Blood
The caption to a photo at the The Globe and Mail the other day explained what was going on: "Supporters of deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra hold up cannisters filled with human blood as they gather outside Government House in Bangkok, Thailand. Protesters donated blood with the intention of collecting one million cubic centimeters to be used in demonstrations … [Read more...] about Thai Protesters Take to the Streets With Blood
Of Great Men And Small Potatoes
I've been reading Paul Johnson's excellent biography of Winston Churchill. Yesterday I came upon a quote in the book that blew me away. It did so because it was so revealing about the current state of American politics and the behavior of members of one of our national parties. Some background. Churchill, though enormously admired by his people during the 1939-1945 war years, … [Read more...] about Of Great Men And Small Potatoes
An Affront to Humanity
Those who know me, even just through blogging, know what I think of organized religion, and of Christianity in particular. Well, let me be blunt. If, as Glenn Beck suggested, taking the baton from Rep. Steve King, one of the more extremist Republicans on Capitol Hill, voting for health-care reform on a Sunday, perhaps this Sunday, is "an affront to God," then Beck's "God" … [Read more...] about An Affront to Humanity
Apple A Potent Patent Bully
The Apple patent infringement suit against HTC, the Taiwan-based manufacturer of smartphones including the Eris and Nexus One, is widely seen as an escalation of the gritty battle royale over the future of mobile computing. In that battle, Silicon Alley's Business Insider reports, Apple Is Armed To The Teeth With Patents: Apple is suing HTC for violating some 20 patents -- … [Read more...] about Apple A Potent Patent Bully
Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama: 21st Century Team of Rivals Effectively at Work
The New York Times provides a fascinating update on the relationship between those onetime bitter foes for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination (now President) Barack Obama and (now Secretary of State) Hillary Clinton -- a fascinating portrait of a 21st century "team of rivals" at work. Key passages: Sixteen months after Mr. Obama surprised nearly everyone by … [Read more...] about Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama: 21st Century Team of Rivals Effectively at Work
Jon Stewart’s Extended Parody of Fox News’ Glenn Beck (Video)
Comedy Central's Jon Stewart did an extended parody of Fox News' mega-ratings powerhouse, conservative host Glenn Beck (warning some adult content): … [Read more...] about Jon Stewart’s Extended Parody of Fox News’ Glenn Beck (Video)
The Party of Tradition
RJ Matson, The St. Louis Post Dispatch This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about The Party of Tradition