Continuing my series of interviews concerning "the war on terror" (or whatever it's new name will be) and American detention policy therein, I bring you this interview with George Clarke, an attorney in Washington who represents four Guantanamo-detained clients, three of whom have been expressly "cleared for release," although all continue to languish as prisoners at … [Read more...] about Interview with George Clarke
Economy’s Latest Victim: Shopping Malls Are Closing
Is the economy killing that late 20th century American (and teenage) institution and consumerism Mecca - the shopping mall? The evidence is coming in that it is. The Week reports: Enclosed shopping centers, long the cathedrals of American consumerism, are closing their doors by the hundreds as the recession continues to clobber retail sales. Is America’s love affair … [Read more...] about Economy’s Latest Victim: Shopping Malls Are Closing
Earth Hour 2009: Turn Out the Lights Tonight
8:30 to 9:30 PM tonight, your local time.: This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world's first global election, between Earth and global warming. For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote - Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on … [Read more...] about Earth Hour 2009: Turn Out the Lights Tonight
And if you play it backwards, it spells out Lee Harvey Oswald’s hat size
Five Leadership Lessons from Obama’s Second Month of Administration
I don't know whether Shaun Reins approves or disapproves of President Obama's performance as a leader during the the president's second month in office. That isn't the point of this article from Forbes. In it, he analyzes Obama's second thirty day period as president for lessons, some positive and some negative, that other leaders, particularly in the business world, can … [Read more...] about Five Leadership Lessons from Obama’s Second Month of Administration
Obama’s Enforcer (Guest Voice)
Obama’s Enforcer By Floyd and Mary Beth Brown In Obama’s entire circle of advisers, one man rises above the pack, gaining the reputation as the most ruthless political figure in America today. This man is Rahm Emanuel, Obama’s chief of staff. Instead of being an impassioned ideologue, he instead enjoys utilizing Machiavellian tactics to achieve more traditional political … [Read more...] about Obama’s Enforcer (Guest Voice)
Adolf Hitler’s Gift At Nepal’s Narayanhity Palace
In May 2008 Nepal (world's youngest Republic that shares its borders with India and China) abolished monarchy, and King Gyanendra was given 15 days to leave the palace. A fortnight later the ex-king and his wife left Narayanhity Palace, thus ending 240-year-long Shah dynasty. The palace is now a museum and has so far attracted over 36,000 visitors in the capital city of … [Read more...] about Adolf Hitler’s Gift At Nepal’s Narayanhity Palace
Two Ways Of Looking at Our Economic Recovery
I am the eternal optimist. You have heard about the little boy, on Christmas morning, looking for his pony in a pile of horse manure? Well, "that’s me.” Therefore, it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who knows me, that I take delight in every “up tick” in the stock market, regardless of how small or fleeting. You may call me naive. That's OK. That I look for … [Read more...] about Two Ways Of Looking at Our Economic Recovery
How Does Google Become More Like HP?
From John Battelle's Friday brain-dump, this interesting observation: I spent a good couple of hours at HP this week as well. FM has done business with nearly every division of HP over the past four years, and it's remarkable to spend time simmering in the culture of a company that is, in just about every way possible, Really Grown Up. HP has more than 300K employees, but it … [Read more...] about How Does Google Become More Like HP?
Will Iran Be to Obama What China was to Nixon?: Le Monde of France
Does the phrase, 'It took Nixon to go to China' apply to the case of President Barack Obama and the nation of Iran? In this latest in a series of translations we've been doing on reaction to President Obama's outstretched hand to Iran, the editorial board of France's Le Monde makes the case that like Nixon - Obama might be just the man for the task. The Le Monde editorial … [Read more...] about Will Iran Be to Obama What China was to Nixon?: Le Monde of France
Obama and Sarkozy: Clashing Views That Need Not Be Fatal: Le Figaro, France
As we learned yesterday from Franco Venturini of Italy's Corriere della Sera, a G-20 clash is brewing between the United States, which favors more stimulus and consumption, and Europe, which favors less stimulus and more regulation of the global financial system. But unlike Venturini, who sees real danger in this difference of views and its likely consequences, Pierre … [Read more...] about Obama and Sarkozy: Clashing Views That Need Not Be Fatal: Le Figaro, France
Obama Unveils Road Map for Afghanistan
Joe Gandelman has pretty much covered the waterfront on this one. So here is only one more perspective, from the New York Times. Basically, President Obama outlined plans to further increase the presence of American forces in Afghanistan (4,000 more troops to train Afghan security forces on top of the 17,000 extra combat troops that he already has ordered to … [Read more...] about Obama Unveils Road Map for Afghanistan
Gordon Brown: A Lack Of British Leadership (Guest Voice)
Gordon Brown: A Lack Of British Leadership by Dalitso Njolinjo Rarely does a politician display his disdain for the people his serves quiet like Mr Gordon Brown. If you want to know what is wrong with British politics and why Britain is the country that is worst placed to deal with this financial crisis, look no further then our unelected Prime Minister. The man … [Read more...] about Gordon Brown: A Lack Of British Leadership (Guest Voice)
Obama’s Used-Car Salesmen
I wouldn't buy one from Larry Summers. I might take a chance on Tim Geithner but have a good mechanic check it out first. As the President's top two economic advisers keep offering us financial vehicles for the rocky road ahead, they just don't inspire confidence in survivors still stunned by the crash of those in which the two of them had so much involvement over the past … [Read more...] about Obama’s Used-Car Salesmen
Obama: New Afghanistan Troop Strategy to Stop Taliban And Al Qaeda In Afghanistan And Pakistan
President Barack Obama announced a new Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy that is less a totally new approach than a reaffirmation of the original goals many Americans had in the the days immediately following 911: secure Afghanistan so that it's not controlled by the Taliban and essentially run by Al Qaeda and shut off terrorists' bordering havens -- notably Pakistan. There are … [Read more...] about Obama: New Afghanistan Troop Strategy to Stop Taliban And Al Qaeda In Afghanistan And Pakistan
Book Review: Yes We Can: Barack Obama’s History-Making Presidential Campaign
Barack Obama is now in a new era: it was "Yes We Can" during the campaign, but now he's President and the predominant theme isn't what might be but what he is now -- and whether he can deliver. To Democrats and some other voters, it's still "Yes We Can," while to Republicans it's "No You Won't" -- and to some on Wall Street it's "I Hope We Can -- But Boy Do I Have My … [Read more...] about Book Review: Yes We Can: Barack Obama’s History-Making Presidential Campaign
Mexican Piñata
Libertarian’s Exit Boosts Tedisco’s Chances in NY20
Another last minute twist has once again changed the landscape of this Tuesday's race for the vacant New York 20th district congressional race. Following a series of challenges to ballot signatures, Libertarian Party candidate Eric Sundwall has dropped out of the race. "We are dismayed that the people of the 20th Congressional District will not have the opportunity to vote … [Read more...] about Libertarian’s Exit Boosts Tedisco’s Chances in NY20
Vespasianus: Celebrating Emperor’s Birth Anniversary
Italy celebrates this year the 2,000th birth anniversary of Roman Emperor Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus responsible for many of the Roman buildings, including the Colosseum. He also took drastic measures to restore sanity to the Roman Empire's finances, which had been emptied by Nero's extravagance (One is tempted to make comparisons with the present times!!!). The … [Read more...] about Vespasianus: Celebrating Emperor’s Birth Anniversary
After-Midnight Blogger: High Up People Write Poetically To Strangers Edition
The Electronic Letter Makers they are polite always wealthy but have one tiny trouble, so much money, but the wrong visa or safety deposit box key is missing or the country is under siege and the money sewn into pillows, or a bank account has been abandoned by a dead person... and all that is needed is a stranger-- us-- to wave the magic wand of … [Read more...] about After-Midnight Blogger: High Up People Write Poetically To Strangers Edition