The Mercury News: Google is set to launch a free service for smartphones that will combine GPS navigation, voice-activated search and real-time traffic updates. Other telecommunication companies already offer turn-by-turn navigation systems that talk drivers through a route and run on smart phones, although many are not free, and would not offer the same connectivity to … [Read more...] about Google Offers Free Mobile Navigation System
2009=1933?
In the day or two we''ll likely get an official announcement that the recession has ended. If it comes along as expected, it will be based on readings showing that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose in the recently ended third quarter. Economists, a group where unemployment is currently unknown, will hail the report. So, too, will stock analysts whose expectations are … [Read more...] about 2009=1933?
NY23, NJ Gov. and the future of 3rd party candidates
Exactly how important is it to Americans that their elected officials receive a mathematical majority of votes in any given election in order to carry the vaunted mantle of having a "mandate from the people?" And if we see a continuing trend of voter dissatisfaction with the normal two menu choices and 3rd party candidates carry more and more influence, will this help or hurt … [Read more...] about NY23, NJ Gov. and the future of 3rd party candidates
Animals and Humans
Researchers are finding that animals and humans have a lot more in common than we generally think. … [Read more...] about Animals and Humans
James Arthur Ray, Cult or No? How Cults Operate
It's now nearing three weeks since three people died and 21 were injured and hospitalized in a "sweatlodge" "wealth-making" five-day event at a ranch near Sedona, Arizona. The joint was run by James Ray who teaches people how to become wealthy. It appears that a huge 'lodge' was constructed at the event, many times the capacity of a real sweat lodge. By some reports from those … [Read more...] about James Arthur Ray, Cult or No? How Cults Operate
Obama “Thesis” Controversy a Hoax: Limbaugh Gets “Punked”
Conservative talk show mega-maven Rush Limbaugh ranted and thundered about what was supposedly a old thesis done by President Barack Obama. But in the end, it turned out to be a hoax. Details HERE. Meanwhile, some of Limbaugh's new statements will likely make NFL owners breathe a sigh of relief that he was booted from buying into an NFL team. Read these. His fans and … [Read more...] about Obama “Thesis” Controversy a Hoax: Limbaugh Gets “Punked”
Gov. Perry’s Capital Impropriety
Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés and I have been posting on a Texas criminal justice case that has now become an issue of national interest. It is the now infamous case of Todd Willingham who was executed almost six years ago for the 1991 arson related death of his three children at his home in Corsicana, Texas. The Texas Forensic Science Commission was reviewing the case and … [Read more...] about Gov. Perry’s Capital Impropriety
Under 200 Votes For Public Option?
A leaked memo from the Democratic Whip's office shows that they may have under 200 votes for the public option, so the issue of 60 Senate votes may be moot. See details at the Plumline. … [Read more...] about Under 200 Votes For Public Option?
About Doug Hoffman’s Lead
Two polls have suggested that Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman is in the lead in the race for the 23rd Congressional District in the State of New York. The first poll released yesterday, comes out this way: Hoffman with 31.3%, Democrat Bill Owens with 27.0%, and Republican Dede Scozzafava with 19.7%. Twenty-two percent are undecided. The second poll released … [Read more...] about About Doug Hoffman’s Lead
Suicide Bombers Are Better Than Gay Marriage
From a 3 page statement distributed by the local Catholic Archdiocese on the island of Guam in opposition to Bill 185, which would would allow same-sex couples to enter into legal domestic partnerships: The culture of homosexuality is a culture of self-absorption because it does not value self-sacrifice. It is a glaring example of what John Paul II has called the culture of … [Read more...] about Suicide Bombers Are Better Than Gay Marriage
Drug Busts in U.S. Belie the True Danger: El Heraldo, Honduras
Amid the torrent of news, one might have missed one of the largest drug busts in history just days ago - against La Familia - Mexico's most deadly narco-trafficking mafia group. Confiscated by over 3,000 agents from emergency and security services in 19 states were 1,100 pounds of marijuana, 770 pounds of methamphetamine, 138 pounds of cocaine, $3.4 million, 144 weapons of … [Read more...] about Drug Busts in U.S. Belie the True Danger: El Heraldo, Honduras
Harry Potter Dinner Infringes Copyright
Making the rounds in copyleft circles, a Harry Potter themed dinner at a house in West London has been banned by Warner Brothers, because they say it infringes its copyright: Guests would have been led down 'Diagon Alley' by the side of the house and been met by a portrait of the "Fat Lady" who would have demanded a password before they could be let in. But the plans were … [Read more...] about Harry Potter Dinner Infringes Copyright
Peace and Nationalism in the Middle East
Matthew Yglesias has some interesting thoughts on conflicting values for progressives in the Israel-Palestinian conflict: … [Read more...] about Peace and Nationalism in the Middle East
Sublime Compromise to Achieve a Pyrrhic Victory on Healthcare Reform
I predict that the “public option” in healthcare reform will be a completely useless Rube Goldberg concoction in order to please and displease everyone simultaneously. However no one on the left or right should fear it because it will never come into existence even if it written and passed into law. The public plan that will emerge from the joint conference committee … [Read more...] about Sublime Compromise to Achieve a Pyrrhic Victory on Healthcare Reform
California High School Student, 15 Years Old, Gang-Raped for Over Two Hours While a Crowd Watched
UPDATED: This is the most brutal, savage, inhuman crime I have read about it in a long time. In addition to the individuals who were directly involved, a crowd of witnesses gathered to watch for almost the entire time the girl was being raped, and did nothing. According to this CNN report, some of them participated: … [Read more...] about California High School Student, 15 Years Old, Gang-Raped for Over Two Hours While a Crowd Watched
Fashionable racism?
Yesterday, I was flipping through the Brooks Brothers fall catalogue. The catalog tells a story, in which all the models are part of one multi-generational (super-rich, super-WASPy) family. Except for the two black models. These two -- one man and woman -- seem to be married to each another (see page 112, for example). Perhaps they fell in love because of their shared … [Read more...] about Fashionable racism?
Michael Goldfarb’s war on J Street
Michael Goldfarb is not interested in constructive criticism of J Street. What Mike wants is to expose J Street as a fringe, left-wing activist group that only pretends to be pro-Israel to advance it's relativist agenda. So call Mike partisan, but don't forget that partisan critics often make substantive points, regardless of their intentions. And Mike is both very sharp … [Read more...] about Michael Goldfarb’s war on J Street
Lieberman Intends to Filibuster HCR With Public Option
This is what Democrats in Congress get for allowing Lieberman to keep his prestigi0us committee chair assignment. … [Read more...] about Lieberman Intends to Filibuster HCR With Public Option
Expert Quits Afghan Mission And Rattles The Brass
For those of you who believe our mission in Afghanistan is a war of futility as I do then this article in today's Washington Post reaffirms that notion. As you will learn, Matthew Hoh is no peacenik rabblerouser but a seasoned combat Marine, civil engineer and member of an elite Foreign Service team whose resignation shocked the top civilian foreign policy leaders in the … [Read more...] about Expert Quits Afghan Mission And Rattles The Brass
Halloween Horror Movie Salute
With our spookiest holiday just around the corner, as is traditional we'll be having a celebration of the best (and worst!) horror movies on Movie Addict Headquarters today at 4 pm eastern time. Actress Rosemary Gore (pictured here) and Mad Movie Man A.J. Hakari will be joining Betty Jo Tucker and I to review some of the winners and losers of the horror genre. I can always use … [Read more...] about Halloween Horror Movie Salute