You knew the entire transition period couldn't go smoothly for President-elect Obama, but over the past couple of days, the transition has gone from a placid lake to riding high seas on the North Atlantic. First, Bill Richardson turned down his appointment to be Commerce Secretary because of possible ethics violations concerning campaign funds given to him while he was … [Read more...] about A Bad Staff Week for Obama (so far)
Dr. Sanjay Gupta… for Surgeon General?
The WaPo's Howard Kurtz is reporting that Obama has asked celebrity tele-Dr. Sanjay Gupta, he of CNN and CBS fame, to be the new surgeon general. Now, I'm in no position to question Gupta's abilities as a neurosurgeon or otherwise his medical qualifications. He may very well be an excellent doctor, as he seems to be (he performed brain surgery during the Iraq invasion in … [Read more...] about Dr. Sanjay Gupta… for Surgeon General?
Nigerian Motorcyclists Wear Pumpkin Helmets To Evade New Law
If someone in Nigeria calls someone else a "pumpkin head" they might be correct: Motorcyclists in Nigeria have been wearing dried pumpkin shells on their heads to dodge a new law forcing them to wear helmets, authorities say. Officials in the northern city of Kano said they had stopped several riders with "improvised helmets", following this month's introduction of the … [Read more...] about Nigerian Motorcyclists Wear Pumpkin Helmets To Evade New Law
RIAA’s Favorite Lawyer Nominated For A Top Justice Post
Larry Lessig is pleased that president-elect Obama has chosen Elena Kagan, his dean at Harvard Law School, for solicitor general. Kagan is credited with attracting major legal scholars to Harvard, especially Cass R. Sunstein from the University of Chicago and, more recently, Lessig himself from the Stanford University Law School. But Lessig may be less pleased with some of … [Read more...] about RIAA’s Favorite Lawyer Nominated For A Top Justice Post
The World Of The Very Rich
Word that German billionaire Adolf Merckle had committed suicide brought a couple of reactions from me. The first was, of course, sympathy for his family over the loss of a loved one but the second was a degree of either bemusement or cynicism over his feeling that his life was so ruined. I am not one to speak ill of the dead, and again I do feel the deepest sympathies for … [Read more...] about The World Of The Very Rich
It’ll Be Franken And Coleman (And Others) In Court In Disputed Minnesota Senate Seat Fight
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