Minnesota's long state political nightmare continues -- but it's Nirvana for journalists and talk show hosts. Republican Norm Coleman is going to court to challenge comedian Al Franken's hair-thin victory over Coleman in the bitterly contested Senate race that ended in a controversial recount. Bad news for Minnesota residents, since it'll likely drag on for months. Bad news … [Read more...] about It’ll Be Franken And Coleman (And Others) In Court In Disputed Minnesota Senate Seat Fight
Presidents
With the Inaugural coming up I thought I'd offer this to you for your enjoyment. It's a bit outdated but still fun. … [Read more...] about Presidents
After the Macworld Keynote
The highlight of an underwhelming MacWorld keynote [video] -- after the enhanced iLife, iWork, and an updated 17" MacBook Pro -- was the official death of DRM. Called for by Steve Jobs nearly 2 years ago, the deal that was finally done gives the record labels the variable pricing they've been after ($0.69, $0.99, and $1.29, their call). That and what Erick Schonfeld says is … [Read more...] about After the Macworld Keynote
Blago Le Pew And Roland Burris
RJ Matson, The St. Louis Post Dispatch … [Read more...] about Blago Le Pew And Roland Burris
Gaza and Tehran’s Game of Three-Pocket Billiards: Le Figaro, France
So what or who is really behind the escalation in Gaza? According to French Historian Alexandre Adler, the answer to that question couldn't be more clear: Iran. And to be more specific - Iranian President Ahmahdinejad, who is fighting a rear-guard action against many people in his own government who desire an accommodation with the United States. But what is his game, … [Read more...] about Gaza and Tehran’s Game of Three-Pocket Billiards: Le Figaro, France
In Gaza The Souls Cry Out: The RainMakers, A Lost Story
We received today at National Catholic Reporter where I write a weekly column, the communiqué I've quoted from below. There are many things to say about Hamas and Israel and the Palestinians, but there are also untold stories about many good people in the Gaza region. This is only one such story: There are Catholic churches in Gaza. Gaza is a far more patchwork of peoples … [Read more...] about In Gaza The Souls Cry Out: The RainMakers, A Lost Story
Poll Backs Senate Nixing Burris From Taking Illinois Senate Senate
So much for the Democrats' triumphant first day of Congress, when they'd be sworn in amid a feeling of joy for their increased numbers. The now conventional-wisdom increased numbers are down by two. The ongoing Minnesota-based political soap opera featuring Democrat Al Franken accepting his razor-thin declared victory is unfolding amid signs that Republicans will most … [Read more...] about Poll Backs Senate Nixing Burris From Taking Illinois Senate Senate
Panetta, the Bushes and Spying
If and when he is confirmed, Leon Panetta will be running the CIA from the Headquarters Compound in Langley, Virginia, the George H.W. Bush Center for Central Intelligence. For those who have been fueling an uproar over the proposed new Director's lack of experience in the spook profession, the naming of the CIA's head office may offer some perspective. In 1998, urging … [Read more...] about Panetta, the Bushes and Spying
Obama’s Cabinet Building Phase: Mixed Reviews
So how is President Elect Barack Obama doing in his first major task -- building a White House governing cabinet? The reviews are mixed. While many of Obama's moves and decisions have pleased centrists, reassured some Republicans and perhaps concerned some progressives, the withdrawal of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson due to an FBI investigation was a major toe-stub in … [Read more...] about Obama’s Cabinet Building Phase: Mixed Reviews
On the IAF Gaza School Strike
UPDATE: The Israeli military said it was looking into the reports. The military denied having attacked the school, as Palestinians claimed, and was probing to find out the source of the explosion. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jerusalem Post: IAF targets UN-run school; Palestinians: At least 10 killed I'm going to … [Read more...] about On the IAF Gaza School Strike
A Republican Opportunity (Burris and the U.S. Senate)
Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid apparently read my column of a few days ago that ended by imploring him to stop whining and just seat Roland Burris and Caroline Kennedy. The upside is having two junior members that the leadership can control; the downside is very, very problematic for two constituencies of the Democratic Party who may take the rejection(s) as a personal … [Read more...] about A Republican Opportunity (Burris and the U.S. Senate)
SUV Sales Surge
I guess I'm not all that surprised by a surge in SUV sales now that gas prices have dropped. Supply and demand, that's how it works—or how it's supposed to work—right? Still, I didn't think we'd put a hand back on the stove so soon after getting burned. The details: Trucks and sport utility vehicles will outsell cars for the first time since February, … [Read more...] about SUV Sales Surge
The MacBook Wheel. And More On Those Netflix Broadband HDTVs
Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard Yesterday I mentioned that LG Electronics is to announce a new range of Netflix-ready broadband HDTVs that will have a small Linux-powered, Internet-friendly computer embedded that will be able to get video right off the Internet. Today we learn from Robert X. Cringely how pricey they'll be: The Netflix-capable … [Read more...] about The MacBook Wheel. And More On Those Netflix Broadband HDTVs
Peter King for New York Senator?
Depending on the final decision pending from New York Governor David Paterson regarding Hillary Clinton's Senate seat, this could turn into a very interesting story. National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn met today with Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), and intends on supporting him as the congressman strongly considers a run for the Senate in New … [Read more...] about Peter King for New York Senator?
Africa 2009
Since the only response to my 'what do you want us to do' post involved more coverage of Africa I though I would try to start getting into answering that request. The BBC has offered a good 'what will Africa face in 2009' article which helps gives us some focus. I encourage you to read the article and keep track of the stories they discuss but just for those who don't have … [Read more...] about Africa 2009
2009: A Look Back at the Year that ‘Was’ …: Nachrichten of Switzerland
As we all know by now, George W. Bush is not a popular figure - and that is particularly true in central Europe. In this tongue-in-cheek, month-by-month look 'back' at 2009, Patrik Etschmayer of the Swiss newspaper Nachrichten takes some parting shots at, among other things, President Bush and Vice President Cheney, the Swiss government, Microsoft and a number of Formula One … [Read more...] about 2009: A Look Back at the Year that ‘Was’ …: Nachrichten of Switzerland
Franken Wins, Maybe … Most Voters Less Than Thrilled
In the continuing drama of the Minnesota US Senate race, it looks like Al Franken (DFL) is going to prevail, at least until the courts get involved. A final count has basically reversed the 250ish vote lead that Norm Coleman had into a 250ish vote lead for Franken. Coleman and possibly some voter groups plan to sue on the grounds that the recount was flawed, that votes … [Read more...] about Franken Wins, Maybe … Most Voters Less Than Thrilled
Daughter’s Tribute to Mom Benazir Bhutto
It can be a traumatic experience for any teenager to live without a mother snatched away in a brutal manner. A year after Pakistan's charismatic leader Benazir Bhutto's assassination, her 18-year-old daughter Bakhtawar has expressed her anguish through a moving song that is being broadcast on the State-run television. "Like any child who has lost a parent, it was only … [Read more...] about Daughter’s Tribute to Mom Benazir Bhutto
Some Interesting Drama In Panetta Pick
It has been reported that President-Elect (or can we just get to calling him President) Obama will name former California Congressman Leon Panetta to head the CIA. For the time being I will refrain from any specific speculation as to whether or not he is the right pick, though I do admit I wonder why a 70 year old ex-legislator would be chosen over a more-experienced … [Read more...] about Some Interesting Drama In Panetta Pick
Why Barack Obama Chose Leon Panetta To Head The CIA
The pundits are still buzzing over President Elect Barack Obama's surprise pick of former Clinton White House chief of staff Leon Panetta as his CIA director. And, in the nature of modern vetting, some think it's a good choice, others think it's a poor one. But it was a surprise. So now the question becomes: just why did Obama pick a man who is a quintessential Democratic … [Read more...] about Why Barack Obama Chose Leon Panetta To Head The CIA