Iraq's provincial elections represent a double whammy victory: for Iraq's experiment in democracy and for Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's party. For Iraq's democracy: putting aside any debate over whether the United States was correct to go into Iraq, the elections showed that the system could work -- despite the many warts that appeared in this election. For Maliki's … [Read more...] about Iraqi Provincial Elections Help Iraq Democracy And Maliki’s Party Amid Some Disappointments
Turkey And Israel
Yaakov Kirschen, The Jerusalem Post, Dry Bones This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to appear on this site. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Turkey And Israel
Michael Phelps & the End of the Marijuana Prohibition
The NYTimes reports today that despite enforcement on both sides of the border, the Mexican marijuana trade is stronger than ever. That's according to law enforcement officials! Anita Bartholomew looks at the price tag of the War on Drugs and concludes America can’t afford marijuana prohibition. And Michael Phelps' apology is still making the news rounds. Radley Balko has … [Read more...] about Michael Phelps & the End of the Marijuana Prohibition
Big Ben and Joe Willy
As a native from the 'burgh, from the small town of Beaver Falls, I was thrilled that my Pittsburgh Steelers won their record setting SIXTH VINCE LOMBARDI TROPHY! My hometown quarterback Joe Willy Namath presented the trophy to the Rooney family on the 40th anniversary of Namath's Super Bowl III win. It was a great game throughout. The Arizona Cardinals showed they truly … [Read more...] about Big Ben and Joe Willy
Before the Storm: Obama’s ‘Masterful’ Gesture Toward Muslims – Financial Times Deutschland
There seems to be no end to the plaudits for Obama from the German press. This editorial from the Financial Times Deutschland says of Obama's interview with Arab broadcaster Al-Arabya, "Obama had a real chance to set a harmonious and cooperative tone for relations with the Arab world. And he made masterful use of that chance. … … [Read more...] about Before the Storm: Obama’s ‘Masterful’ Gesture Toward Muslims – Financial Times Deutschland
Regarding President Obama as a ‘Messiah’ Does Him No Favors: The Jakarta Post, Indonesia
Even in Indonesia, where the level of Obama-mania intensity rivals that of almost any other nation, a word of caution about expectations is creeping into the domestic debate. In this examination from The Jakarta Post, Julia Suryakusuma joins the growing chorus of columnists around the world for people in their nations to get a grip and not expect miracles from President … [Read more...] about Regarding President Obama as a ‘Messiah’ Does Him No Favors: The Jakarta Post, Indonesia
A Favorite Quote from Super Bowl 2009
one of the commentators on NBC said ".... a lot of things in football is when you do them." The commentator's name is not Yogi Berra, or Bear. But, just for a minute there... Sincerely, your humble horribly sports-challenged reporter, dr.e … [Read more...] about A Favorite Quote from Super Bowl 2009
Super Bowl, No Wonder People are Glued to the Screen
49 seconds left and the guys in the Yellow, Steelers, have just taken it to the 10 The crowd is apoplectic. I dont even know how to spell that word I mean watching the crowd they look like they are in slow motion scream on second try Holmes TOUCHDOWN .... both feet on the ground multiple cameras say so 35 seconds to go. Harrison, can't tell whether he's … [Read more...] about Super Bowl, No Wonder People are Glued to the Screen
Super Bowl, Just Wow
I don't even know what I'm talking about. I don't understand sports very well other than watching the profound dance of the athletes who for mere moments seem like gods who can run, jump, leap, dive faster than any mere human I've ever known. Right now at Super Bowl, we're first and 20 from the twelve, 2.20 minutes left in the fourth This guy in dreads had just ran like … [Read more...] about Super Bowl, Just Wow
The Daschle Disappointment
When he left the Senate as Minority Leader in 2005, Tom Daschle was a man of modest means with a good reputation. Four years later, he is the wealthy and beleaguered Obama choice to overhaul America's health care system. The verdict on his nomination is in doubt (the Senate has a tradition of taking care of its own), but the trajectory of his life over the past four years is … [Read more...] about The Daschle Disappointment
Around The Sphere
Our linkfest taking you to sites of varying viewpoints. Links do not necessarily reflect the views of TMV or its writers. "My Name Is Barack Obama and I'm copyrighted!!" How Will The Obama Administration Differ From The Bush Administration: You may answer "Let me count the ways!" But The Glittering Eye's always perceptive Dave Schuler gives you some thoughtful ones. A … [Read more...] about Around The Sphere
Collins (R) and Nelson (D) Work To Create Bipartisan Stimulus Bill For Senate
Just in case you have concluded that Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, conservative talk show host Rush "I want him to fail" Limbaugh, and House "We Want Smaller Government And Less Government Spending (but we'll make an exception when OUR guy is in power) Republicans reflect the only attitudes on the proposed economic stimulus bill, there is some good news today -- … [Read more...] about Collins (R) and Nelson (D) Work To Create Bipartisan Stimulus Bill For Senate
Wall Street Bonuses
Pat Bagley, Salt Lake Tribune This cartoon is copyrighted to appear on this site. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. ALSO OF INTEREST: Watch this MSNBC news report on this issue: Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy … [Read more...] about Wall Street Bonuses
Selected Headlines from the Foreign Press About the United States
With excerpts, these are a few of the global headlines about the United States posted by WORLDMEETS.US within the last 48 hours: Liberation, France: By Sounding So European, Obama Challenges Europe Here, Bernard Guetta, a member of Liberation's board of trustees, warns Europe that just as Bush's failure to lead the free world forced Europe to step up, Obama's promise … [Read more...] about Selected Headlines from the Foreign Press About the United States
More On Pajamas Media Pulling The Plug On Its Blogger Ad Network
Just in case you got the impression that every progressive was opening a bottle of champagne and gloating because Pajamas Media has in essence deep-sixed its bloggers that signed on with them -- think again. The BEST POST YET on Pajamas Media is THIS ONE written by Talk Left's Jeralyn. No gloating. She sets a tone that is admirable and has some specific advice for the … [Read more...] about More On Pajamas Media Pulling The Plug On Its Blogger Ad Network
Live Superbowl Party and Online Chat
If you're going to be home and near your computer today and are interested in the upcoming spectacle of the Superbowl, you may want to drop by the Hot Air Live Football Site, where chatizens of all stripes will be making the usual jokes, cheering for their favorite team and discussing whatever comes to mind. I'll be moderating the chat to keep out the overly abusive and … [Read more...] about Live Superbowl Party and Online Chat
Obama’s Comedy Routine Wows Them At Alfalfa Club Dinner
Comedy Central, here he comes! By all reports, President Barack Obama's comedy routine at the Alfalfa Club Dinner -- an annual event packed with political and media bigwigs that's supposed to be off-the-record but part of it always leaks out -- wowed 'em. USA Today's The Oval blog has this great roundup of the event which includes some of Obama's jokes. Here's are some … [Read more...] about Obama’s Comedy Routine Wows Them At Alfalfa Club Dinner
The Sadly Obligatory “Obama Hates White Rednecks and Wants Them to Die” Post
I suppose we all knew this was coming. Disaster has struck the South in the form of an ice storm which has shut down power and most all infrastructure and services, leaving many residents of Kentucky in dire straits. MARION, Ky. – In some parts of rural Kentucky, they're getting water the old-fashioned way — with pails from a creek. There's not room for one more sleeping … [Read more...] about The Sadly Obligatory “Obama Hates White Rednecks and Wants Them to Die” Post
Palin, Others, Seeking Federal Dole Dollars Again
At least for the moment, it seems that Republicans are presenting a unified front in decrying the proposed Federal stimulus package currently under consideration. In fact, newly minted RNC chairman Michael Steele praised the failure of any House Republicans to vote for the package, saying that the "Goose egg was just beautiful." So it would come as no surprise if many GOP … [Read more...] about Palin, Others, Seeking Federal Dole Dollars Again
Going Deep on the Super Bowl (Guest Voice)
What is the Superbowl? In this Guest Voice post, Tom Purcell says the Superbowl is a celebration of the American spirit -- and that it has special relevance in Febuary 2009. Going Deep on the Super Bowl by Tom Purcell There's a reason the Super Bowl is such a big deal. There is no city in the country in which it is a bigger deal this year than in Pittsburgh. I was … [Read more...] about Going Deep on the Super Bowl (Guest Voice)