This picture was recently bought by the Library of Congress. Here is the description: The Emir of Bukhara, Alim Khan (1880-1944), poses solemnly for his portrait, taken in 1911 shortly after his accession. As ruler of an autonomous city-state in Islamic Central Asia, the Emir presided over the internal affairs of his emirate as absolute monarch, although since the mid-1800s … [Read more...] about Some Amazing Photography Pushing Technological Limits, Past To Present
A.I.G.’s Best & Brightest=A.I.G.’s Dumb and Dumbest
A lot of people are fuming today about news that the 400 A.I.G. employees in the company's London office—the folks who sold trillions of dollars worth of "swaps" that brought the company to ruin and could end up destroying the world economy—are in line to get $450 million in bonus payments. The legal justification for this idiocy can't be ignored. These employees have a … [Read more...] about A.I.G.’s Best & Brightest=A.I.G.’s Dumb and Dumbest
At War With Yourself
Surely we can take some time out on a Sunday afternoon to get away from criticizing various politicians and just have a little fun. With that thought in mind, take one minute and treat yourself to what is very possibly the funniest pet dog video clip ever produced. Yes, I feel a little bit sorry for the dog, but he seems to be comfortable and healthy other than being a tad … [Read more...] about At War With Yourself
Dick Cheney Shrugs Off Bush Administration Role In Economic Ills
Former Vice President Dick Cheney gave his take on the country's economic meltdown on CNN today -- and gave further evidence of why Democrats, independents, and thoughtful Republicans should be thankful he is the former Vice President. You can boil Cheney's response down in two key points: 1. Don't blame us. It was global forces and if you blame us it's "interesting … [Read more...] about Dick Cheney Shrugs Off Bush Administration Role In Economic Ills
A Conversation About Augmentation & Shakespeare’s Shylock
Out Of Tune Quartet (Guest Voice)
Out Of Tune Quartet by Marc Pascal The Governors of South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas have decided to reject some of the federal stimulus funds, particularly those geared towards increasing unemployment compensation and the numbers of people who are eligible. In Arizona, the Republican Governor and the Republican-controlled legislature have maintained … [Read more...] about Out Of Tune Quartet (Guest Voice)
The Very Best (and Very Worst) of Oscar
Now that we've had time to digest this year's sweeping victory by Slum Dog Millionaire (and the egregious insult of virtually ignoring Hancock and Iron Man) it's an opportune moment to see how the current crop of cinematic efforts stack up against Best Film winners from days past. Later this week, on Thursday afternoon at 3 pm eastern time, Betty Jo Tucker of Movie Addict … [Read more...] about The Very Best (and Very Worst) of Oscar
So Much News, So Little Truth
The hot topic this week has been inside information--in the Stewart-Cramer dustup, the Madoff mess, the Seymour Hersh blurtout about a Bush-Cheney "executive assassination ring." In a 24/7 flood of facts, factoids and fake news, who finds the truth and who tells it? Barack Obama won the White House with promises of transparency to voters starved for some sense of reality in … [Read more...] about So Much News, So Little Truth
Senator Feingold Has Constitutional Opportunity (Guest Voice)
This Guest Voice is by Joel S. Hirschhorn who is highly critical of both political parties. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily represent the opinion of TMV or its writers. Senator Feingold Has Constitutional Opportunity by Joel S. Hirschhorn Like others promoting constitutional amendments, Senator Russ Feingold, Democrat, Wisconsin, apparently is unaware of the … [Read more...] about Senator Feingold Has Constitutional Opportunity (Guest Voice)
Science Is Making A Comeback
Bob Englehart, The Hartford Courant This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to appear on TMV. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited … [Read more...] about Science Is Making A Comeback
RNC Chair Michael Steele Doesn’t Have To Prepare His Resume Yet
Forget the hype. Forget the cable and talk radio show segments and even blog posts (except the ones on this site, of course): RNC Chair Michael Steele won't have to prepare his resume anytime soon even though he threw some GOPers' and a powerhouse talk show host's noses out of joint. The Baltimore Sun's Paul West reports that despite the brou-ha-ha that has generated a lot … [Read more...] about RNC Chair Michael Steele Doesn’t Have To Prepare His Resume Yet
From General to President?
Personally I think this story is far from being ripe enough for the picking, at least absent some sort of public statement from the subject, but a certain high profile general seems to be planning a trip to Iowa in 2010. (Edit: Original version said Idaho.) THE WEEKLY STANDARD has learned that General [David] Petraeus is planning on delivering the commencement address at the … [Read more...] about From General to President?
This Just In!
Here more evidence that Bernie Madoff has devastated the rich and famous. Just watch this sensational footage. WARNING: Some adult language: … [Read more...] about This Just In!
Thorns and All, Obama’s Dialogue with Europe Has Begun: Le Figaro, France
As the big G-20 summit tipped to be the launching pad for a new global economic order approaches, the countries of the G-20, particularly Europe and the United States, are taking the measure of one another. So how is the dialogue going so far? According to Pierre Rousselin of France's Le Figaro, even with President Obama, U.S.-Europe relations are no bed of roses, but at … [Read more...] about Thorns and All, Obama’s Dialogue with Europe Has Begun: Le Figaro, France
Israel, India & South Asia: Some Green Thoughts
India (or, for that matter South Asia) has been described as a rich place but inhabited by poor (especially in the rural areas). In their race to catch up with the developed world, the rulers in the Indian subcontinent simply forgot that a SYSTEM (and a proper INFRASTRUCTURE) has to be in place in the teeming villages/towns to prevent an ensuing chaos. At this juncture, … [Read more...] about Israel, India & South Asia: Some Green Thoughts
Clinton Administration and Republican Congress, Unindicted Co-Conspirators
EDITOR'S NOTE: This was run earlier but didn't have the byline or author's bio. We are redating it and putting it on top of TMV. Newer posts are underneath it so after reading it, please keep scrolling. strong>Clinton Administration and Republican Congress, Unindicted Co-Conspirators by Douglas Wolf 9 years ago the New York Times reported the changing of the rules … [Read more...] about Clinton Administration and Republican Congress, Unindicted Co-Conspirators
Sabato’s Crystal Ball – STATEHOUSE ROCK: 36 Governorships on the Chopping Block in 2010
Part One of Three of Larry J. Sabato on STATEHOUSE ROCK: 36 Governorships on the Chopping Block in 2010 Every midterm year, the lion's share of the attention seems to go to the U.S. Senate and House contests at the national level, even though the governorships are arguably more important. Despite the unusual all-Senate match-up of Barack Obama and John McCain in 2008, the … [Read more...] about Sabato’s Crystal Ball – STATEHOUSE ROCK: 36 Governorships on the Chopping Block in 2010
Obama’s Meeting With Brazil’s Lula da Silva Is Over–What Now for Sean Goldman?
In “Bring Sean Home, Now a Matter of State,” I wrote on how the desperate fight by an American father, David Goldman, to bring his son home---an 8-year old boy who is being held in Brazil in violation of all international norms, and human decency---had reached the State Department level, with the involvement of Hillary Clinton. I also mentioned that, "If it doesn’t get … [Read more...] about Obama’s Meeting With Brazil’s Lula da Silva Is Over–What Now for Sean Goldman?
Does Sexism Still Reign In TV Advertising ?
For many years television advertising was plagued by what we today consider to be ridiculous stereotyping with a woman portrayed as pretty much a subservient extension of her husband whose only role was to make him happy Today those kinds of ads are no longer broadcast and I'm glad to see the change. But there is one area where sexism in advertising seems to be ok, when … [Read more...] about Does Sexism Still Reign In TV Advertising ?
Weapon Systems Procurement by Public Opinion Polls?
I could be wrong, but I don't remember detailed public opinion polls being taken here at home to coincide with planned major defense weapon systems acquisitions. On the other hand, public opinion expressed through editorials, opinion pieces, and through the use of lobbyists, corporate, political, and advocacy groups advertisements and public relations campaigns have often … [Read more...] about Weapon Systems Procurement by Public Opinion Polls?