Q: How many bloggers does it take to screw in a lightbulb? A: Who cares? That from Nicholas Carr's take on that Pew study: [B]logging is now the uncoolest thing you can do on the Internet. It's even uncooler than editing Wikipedia articles or having a Second Life avatar. In 2007, 28% of teens were blogging. Now it's down to 14%. Among twentysomethings, the percentage who … [Read more...] about Blogging Gets Old
Fauxrage and Festivals and Plum Lines, Oh My!
I suppose I've just become too jaded and cynical after these many years following politics and the various actors who commit the act of politicking. That's why I was immediately dubious when Sarah Palin began screaming for the head of Rahm Emanuel recently over remarks he made last August which included the use of the phrase "f***ing retarded." I had to fight off a few pangs of … [Read more...] about Fauxrage and Festivals and Plum Lines, Oh My!
SHATTERED LIVES AND SHATTERED NATION
Sir Winston Churchill, statesman and British Prime Minister during the 1940's and 1950's was at his best when insulting others with his famous wit. He was an originator of the political “sound-bite.” He may also have been blind to or in denial of the obvious steep decline of the British Empire from World War One through the Independence of India. At best he tried to … [Read more...] about SHATTERED LIVES AND SHATTERED NATION
Let’s Take Our Democracy Back!
Larry Lessig, the Harvard law professor perhaps best known for his copyright activism, shifted his focus in 2007 to corruption. Lessig has an interesting bio: He was, for example, the youngest member of the Republican delegation at the 1980 convention. He cheered Ronald Reagan on. He went on to clerk for two influential conservative judges: Richard Posner and Justice Antonin … [Read more...] about Let’s Take Our Democracy Back!
The Silencing Of The Dogs
My love for dogs is boundless and so naturally I read with curious interest a story in The New York Times earlier this week about dogs who had their vocal cords snipped, a surgical procedure called debarking. The result is rather than a bark -- ARFF -- or a Beagle's hoot owl howling -- AAARRROOO -- the sound usually is muted, muffled and raspy. Which is pretty funny coming … [Read more...] about The Silencing Of The Dogs
Vengeance or Intelligence?
"As Abdulmutallab keeps talking, Republicans won't take yes for an answer." That was Keith Olbermann tonight [kk: last night by now], talking about the Republican response to the news that Abdulmutallab is continuing to give authorities actionable intelligence using traditional, non-coercive interrogation methods. … [Read more...] about Vengeance or Intelligence?
Brown Sworn In
Senator Scott Brown (R-MA) has taken the oath of office from VP Biden. Not much of a quorum to see him but I am sure members have work to do. VP Biden seemed quite friendly about it, but from what I've read he's a classy guy. Senator Kerry (who by tradition has to escort the new member from his state) looked less than thrilled to say the least. Just to give you … [Read more...] about Brown Sworn In
Is Obama’s Leadership Now Lacking In Health Care Reform Push?
The question of the day now becomes: despite officials statements, is President Barack Obama's actual leadership role in efforts to salvage health care reform lacking? According to a report by The Huffington Post's Sam Stein it is: Despite urging Democratic senators on Wednesday to forge ahead on health care reform, President Obama and his aides have been largely hands-off … [Read more...] about Is Obama’s Leadership Now Lacking In Health Care Reform Push?
Listening Again to Republicans
Whiplash Alert: A few weeks after suggesting I might start voting all-Democrat (then changing my mind) -- and a mere two days after cringing (despite the source) at certain surveyed beliefs of the GOP base -- I discover that I'm again listening to (and agreeing with) certain proposals made by both GOP leadership and Republican friends of mine. My right-leaning readers are … [Read more...] about Listening Again to Republicans
Happy Birthday Facebook
Facebook was launched six years ago today, on February 4, 2004. Originally called “Thefacebook” and located at thefacebook.com, it was founded by Mark Zuckerberg with some Harvard pals as a network for Harvard students. It opened first to other universities and later to everyone. 175 million people now log into Facebook every day. That's more than 200 million unique visitors … [Read more...] about Happy Birthday Facebook
Don’t Lecture Germans About Dependence on the State!: Financial Times Deutschland, Germany
The backlash against decades of American lecturing of Europe about the evils of state intervention into the free market shows no sign of abating. This article by columnist Thomas Fricke of Germany's Financial Times Deutschland provides fresh ammunition for Germans who want their friends in the U.S and Britain to shut up once and for all. For the Financial Times … [Read more...] about Don’t Lecture Germans About Dependence on the State!: Financial Times Deutschland, Germany
The Ethics of ‘Walking Away” From Your Mortgage
It should be clear to all of us by now that the single driving factor in this economic downturn was the meltdown in home values. All the talk about how the big banks screwed us over is relevant only as it relates to the massive devaluation of our largest personal asset; our homes. If home values had stayed relatively stable, or come down at a reasonable rate, the bank crisis … [Read more...] about The Ethics of ‘Walking Away” From Your Mortgage
Jackson Doctor May Plea On Manslaughter Charges
Word is that Michael Jackson's doctor is going to surrender on Friday to authorities as part of a plea bargin on charges of manslaughter. He could face up to 4 years in jail though presumably a plea would be for less time. -------------------- pix/ dr.e/ed. … [Read more...] about Jackson Doctor May Plea On Manslaughter Charges
Mel Gibson on the Offensive about alleged Anti-semitism
Is Mel Gibson beyond a p.r. handler's help? He's a great actor whose work seems to improve the older he gets, but someone whose real life is likely to cut down on some of his box office draw. To wit: , Gibson has issues. Note his comment to reporter Sam Rubin (who happens to be Jewish): Attn. Mel: There are people who "have a dog in this fight" who will refrain from … [Read more...] about Mel Gibson on the Offensive about alleged Anti-semitism
Who Blinks First Iran or Israel?
Tension is building between Iran and Israel. One sign of the tensions is this piece in Ha'aretz in Israel: In the sea of brainwashing, intimidation and cliches surrounding us, it's sometimes worthwhile to listen to a voice from the outside, a voice no less proficient than the Israeli "experts" on security matters and Iran. The voice of reason. Such was the voice of the … [Read more...] about Who Blinks First Iran or Israel?
This Just In!
Jay Leno is taking over this blog starting February 15th. (We're looking into posting on the Fox News site.) --------------- image added/ dr.e/ (I loved this image of Jay, captures his wild soul, I think) … [Read more...] about This Just In!
Toyota: the Car that Drives Itself
Taylor Jones, Politicalcartoons.com This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Toyota: the Car that Drives Itself
No Child Shoved Aside
While it hasn't garnered much national attention, what with all of the other sexy stories out there, the President recently proposed going back to the drawing board on education issues and taking another look at No Child Left Behind. We could get into another long, drawn out debate here about unfunded mandates, propping up an entrenched and frequently failing public school … [Read more...] about No Child Shoved Aside
Mullen Says All That Needs Saying on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
From the New York Times' coverage of hearings related to the repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy related to whether gays and lesbians serve in the U.S. military: On one thing, Mr. Gates, Admiral Mullen and Republicans on the committee agreed: many gay men and lesbians are serving honorably and effectively in the military today, despite a policy that has led to more than … [Read more...] about Mullen Says All That Needs Saying on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
Give us Prime Minister Obama!
In a great follow on to President Obama's engagement with the House GOP, a coalition of writers who span the political spectrum are calling for Question Time with the President to become an American institution. Politico reports: A politically diverse group of bloggers, commentators, techies and politicos on Wednesday will launch an online campaign, Demand Question Time, … [Read more...] about Give us Prime Minister Obama!