And, by whom? "Your success here is assured. You’ve got youth, energy, humor, looks, and fun. That’s exactly what the English like.” What struck me in these words is how easily someone could have written them to one of the young Beatles. They had all of those attributes bundled in with their talent and so won over their fellow Brits, as their Command Performance before … [Read more...] about Of Whom Were These Words Spoken?
The Hottest Sought-After Talent For Talent Agents: Sarah Palin
Who's the hottest property now being sought by talent agents who can almost taste making a bundle for a book deal....or a high-profile TV show? Is it MSNBC's Rachel Maddow? Is it Fox News' new star Mike Huckabee? John McCain after his smash Letterman and SNL gigs? Joe the Plumber? No, it's Sarah Palin. There may be a debate raging on both sides about whether her future is … [Read more...] about The Hottest Sought-After Talent For Talent Agents: Sarah Palin
Schwarzenegger: Republicans Must Focus On More Than Ideology
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a politician who has often appealed to and gained the votes of many of his state's independent voters, has a two-pronged message for his party: Tuesday's lopsided election of Democratic Sen. Barack Obama shows that its time for the Republican party to begin to regroup, refocus, spend money on programs people want and to start being less … [Read more...] about Schwarzenegger: Republicans Must Focus On More Than Ideology
Please. Please Make It Stop. I Beg You.
I sincerely hope that this purported Topeka-Capital Journal article is a hoax... somebody's very poor idea of a bad joke. Planning under way for Obama holiday Plans are being made to promote a national holiday for Barack Obama, who will become the nation's 44th president when he takes the oath of office Jan. 20. "Yes We Can" planning rallies will be at 7 a.m. and 7 … [Read more...] about Please. Please Make It Stop. I Beg You.
Obama’s Presidency Likely To Mean Return Of More Consensus In Politics
When Democratic Senator Barack Obama defeated Republican Sen. John McCain in Tuesday's presidential election, it didn't just signal an end to a chapter of Republican rule. It most likely put a "fin" -- for now at least -- on the extensive use of political polarization to turn out party partisans to win elections and get just enough support to shove through legislation. If … [Read more...] about Obama’s Presidency Likely To Mean Return Of More Consensus In Politics
Obama: Balancing Heart and Mind
At his press conference Friday, the President-Elect said he was rereading Lincoln for "inspiration," but he may also want to take another look at David Halberstam's "The Best and the Brightest." Like JFK, Barack Obama values brains, but Halberstam's book might inspire him to be wary of the hubris that can blindside academic brilliance without accompanying insight into the … [Read more...] about Obama: Balancing Heart and Mind
More World Cartoonists Views On Barack Obama’s Election
Efecto Obama: Antonio Neri Licón, Milenio, Mexico Savior of the Economy: Patrick Chappatte, Le Temps, Switzerland … [Read more...] about More World Cartoonists Views On Barack Obama’s Election
New Book From Silverstein
A Jewish Colony In 17th Century America? Thirteen English colonies on the East Coast of North America, most settled by groups seeking religious freedom, came together to form the United States. In his new alternative history, The 14th Colony, author Michael Silverstein describes a fictional additional colony, New Israelia, founded by Jews in northern Florida in the 1650s—300 … [Read more...] about New Book From Silverstein
Yes You Can Try (Guest Voice)
President Elect Barack Obama's slogan has been "Yes we can." In this Guest Voice post, Bill Steigerwald Pittsburgh Tribune-Review columnist makes it clear he's not too sure its as simple as that -- and has some suggestions for the new President. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TMV or its writers. Yes You Can Try by Bill Steigerwald Mr. … [Read more...] about Yes You Can Try (Guest Voice)
World Wants a U.S.A. Curtain Call
Michael Kountouris, Greece … [Read more...] about World Wants a U.S.A. Curtain Call
P.J. O’Rourke Schools … Everybody
I haven't read much of his work lately, but this contribution reminded me why P.J. O'Rourke is one of my favorite writers. Agree with him or not, he remains one of the last, simultaneously entertaining and honest voices among American essayists. Warning: The linked article is from The Weekly Standard; it is not moderate and provides equal-opportunity offense for all … [Read more...] about P.J. O’Rourke Schools … Everybody
The Food Bank Poem
The Food Bank Poem A lot of folks have found new banks With cans on shelves instead of tellers These banks don't handle cash or checks Instead they dole out hunger quellers. When making a withdrawal here With other patrons you take care To never look directly 'cause They get embarrassed when you stare. Recession angst has taking hold Economists don't see no … [Read more...] about The Food Bank Poem
Obama to be Fast Out of the Gate on Bush Reversals?
New presidents promise or hint at many things which they can't personally deliver without the support of Congress, the courts, foreign leaders or the American people in general. In fact, outside of starting (or ending) wars, hosting huge parties or granting the odd pardon here and there, the list of things the Oval Office occupant can do in single handed fashion is fairly … [Read more...] about Obama to be Fast Out of the Gate on Bush Reversals?
The Elections Are Over So Take A Breather From Politics
Watch this classic comedy scene with The Three Stooges: … [Read more...] about The Elections Are Over So Take A Breather From Politics
Selected Sunday Morning World Headlines About the United States
Here are a few Sunday morning headlines about the United States - translated and otherwise - from the world's newspapers: Some tough admissions for France, the 'land of human rights': Le Figaro, France Obama's Lesson to the French France's political parties are retooling after Obama's high-tech victory: Le Monde, France French Parties 'All Draw Inspiration' from … [Read more...] about Selected Sunday Morning World Headlines About the United States
Book Review: Seymour’s ‘Thrumpton Hall: A Memoir Of Life’
THE MANOR AND THE MAN The people who populate Thrumpton Hall: A Memoir of Life in My Father's House are eccentric English folk, but not in that lovable way so familiar to Americans from British television sitcoms. In fact, they are for the most part so pathetically dysfunctional that I initially couldn't bring myself to review this offering by the prolific author Miranda … [Read more...] about Book Review: Seymour’s ‘Thrumpton Hall: A Memoir Of Life’
Obama’s Victory: Sixth Global Press Roundup
Here are more articles from the international news translator and aggregator, Watching America. The Obama-related output of the global press remains as high as in the first 24 hours following his victory but it is collectively becoming a menu of hopes, and even requests, from all those nations and groups that will be affected by America's presidential choice - meaning all … [Read more...] about Obama’s Victory: Sixth Global Press Roundup
Dutch Reactions To America’s Historic Decision
Being half-Dutch and having lived in the Netherlands for several years, I naturally have an interest in what the Dutch people have to say about America, about our way of life---and about our politics. I may be somewhat partial (and dated), but in my opinion Dutch values include pragmatism, stoicism, secularism, a strong tradition of open-mindedness, tolerance and … [Read more...] about Dutch Reactions To America’s Historic Decision
And So the Rebuilding Begins…
I was going to blog about this sooner, but it looks like there is already an effort among Republicans to retool and renovate the GOP. Called "Rebuild the Party," it's a group of young conservatives under the age of 40. In many ways, they have learned from the Obama campaign and are using technology to help in finding ways to modernize the party. Here are a few words from … [Read more...] about And So the Rebuilding Begins…
Campaign 2012: And They’re Off! (Guest Voice)
So FINALLY Campaign 2008 has come to an end. Yet -- less than a week after it has been over -- Campaign 2012 has already seemingly begun. Humorist Will Durst looks at the new race and offers some handicapping. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Moderate Voice or its writers. Campaign 2012: And They’re Off! by Will Durst As the curtain … [Read more...] about Campaign 2012: And They’re Off! (Guest Voice)